Is our cat the thug?
Discussion
We've recently had neighbours from about 100m plus down the road come knocking about their cats getting a hiding from a black cat. Now we have two black cats, one which is scared of his own shadow and then there's Colin - he likes killing things...a lot. Colin is skinny and doesn't really look too much like a thug. He spends most nights out and the mornings at home asleep. He doesn't appear to have any regular injuries.
The 'thug' is actually going into the neighbours houses to beat up their cats and one cat had its tail severed too apparently. I'd hate to think this is the work of Colin, but if it is, what am I supposed to do about it? A cat's a cat. They do this. He has been neutered already, so I can't see what else there is apart from keeping him house bound and I won't be doing that! One neighbour, who is new to the road, came knocking this afternoon. I'm thinking 'You move in, your cat gets a hiding, and now I'm supposed to do something about mine who's been here 5 years'. There's no evidence it's Colin causing the problem, so I'm inclined to just ignore it all.
Any views or ideas?
The 'thug' is actually going into the neighbours houses to beat up their cats and one cat had its tail severed too apparently. I'd hate to think this is the work of Colin, but if it is, what am I supposed to do about it? A cat's a cat. They do this. He has been neutered already, so I can't see what else there is apart from keeping him house bound and I won't be doing that! One neighbour, who is new to the road, came knocking this afternoon. I'm thinking 'You move in, your cat gets a hiding, and now I'm supposed to do something about mine who's been here 5 years'. There's no evidence it's Colin causing the problem, so I'm inclined to just ignore it all.
Any views or ideas?
We have a similar problem but from the other end where another cat is coming in our window and attacking our cat, it has really made our cat a timid thing when he used to be so friendly. The Mrs says if She catches it then She will take the cat in the car several miles away and "lose it".
Suggest you look at ways to sort out your cat, people don't like their pet getting bullied and will protect theirs if they have to.
Suggest you look at ways to sort out your cat, people don't like their pet getting bullied and will protect theirs if they have to.
I think the bright collar is a good idea. He's had many, but loses them within a week! But maybe that would at least help identify whether he's the guilty party. He has been 'done' so not much more to do there.
I also understand how people must feel about their pet being bullied, as we would feel the same in our house. However I wouldn't go knocking to find out whose cat is doing it, as I know nobody has control over their cat. I'd start by trying to put things in place that might scare away other cats.
I also understand how people must feel about their pet being bullied, as we would feel the same in our house. However I wouldn't go knocking to find out whose cat is doing it, as I know nobody has control over their cat. I'd start by trying to put things in place that might scare away other cats.
Jasandjules said:
Keep him in for a week. If the thug is still taking lunch money, Colin is either innocent or has an accomplice...
This is the ultimate answer, but easier said than done around here. Two other cats and two dogs makes keeping Colin in difficult, not helped by an Aga that super heats the kitchen unless there's an open door or window at this time of year.The question now though, is what do we do if he IS the thug?
When we have windows open upstairs, we use a metal grill held in place by bungee cords. Keeping the doors open downstairs hallway makes for a better draught through the house hence puss has access. The grill is a thin section metal rod criss cross garden climbing frame for plants or something but around the right size to block the open window. Bought from the usual diy shed.
Bit of narrow pipe insulation around the edge to protect paintwork, walls, arms etc. and crimp the bungee cord to the frame to prevent the inevitable release of bungee at high speed into the garden or your face. Grill being larger than the opening, bungee clips to the window frame and window hinge.
Small effort but puss can still get to his favourite window and we are not worried he will fall.
Caveat. Our puss is not much of an escape artist. Might not work for the determined though some effort need to shift when bungee cords attached.
Bit of narrow pipe insulation around the edge to protect paintwork, walls, arms etc. and crimp the bungee cord to the frame to prevent the inevitable release of bungee at high speed into the garden or your face. Grill being larger than the opening, bungee clips to the window frame and window hinge.
Small effort but puss can still get to his favourite window and we are not worried he will fall.
Caveat. Our puss is not much of an escape artist. Might not work for the determined though some effort need to shift when bungee cords attached.
I had a similar problem with beloved Syd travelling a couple of miles to terrorize other cats but he wasn't done. Once neutered he lost interest and died about 18 months later possibly from an HIV like infection fighting toms pick up.
Two points.
We simply couldn't keep that cat in. He broke a window in the conservatory to get out by tackling a wooden upright. To be fair the wood was a bit rotten but I was amazed. So keeping a determined cat in is pretty impossible.
If these people can see the cat why don't they chuck water on it, get them a super soaker toy to use.
Additionally if their house isn't secure I'd say that's not really your problem. I was sympathetic to the complainers' moans as Syd was camping out 4 nights at a go going inside to pinch their food but really what did they think I could do?
Anyway I had Slasher Syd done and that worked but it broke his spirit.
A great cat and very loving in his own home. The village cats still look nervous in our garden.
Mike
Two points.
We simply couldn't keep that cat in. He broke a window in the conservatory to get out by tackling a wooden upright. To be fair the wood was a bit rotten but I was amazed. So keeping a determined cat in is pretty impossible.
If these people can see the cat why don't they chuck water on it, get them a super soaker toy to use.
Additionally if their house isn't secure I'd say that's not really your problem. I was sympathetic to the complainers' moans as Syd was camping out 4 nights at a go going inside to pinch their food but really what did they think I could do?
Anyway I had Slasher Syd done and that worked but it broke his spirit.
A great cat and very loving in his own home. The village cats still look nervous in our garden.
Mike
I recently took in one of my daughter's cats (she had two at her mum's house but they got on less well as they got older).
A local cat realised that there was a new cat in town and started coming in, stealing food, scaring our cat etc. We thought it might be a real problem and would need to try fancy catflaps etc.
However a few months on everything seems to have settled down. Our cat seems to have established our house and yard as his turf and we don't see the other cat about.
I suppose what I'm saying is a new cat in the area might shake things up for a bit but there's a chance it will settle down again once pecking orders have been established.
A local cat realised that there was a new cat in town and started coming in, stealing food, scaring our cat etc. We thought it might be a real problem and would need to try fancy catflaps etc.
However a few months on everything seems to have settled down. Our cat seems to have established our house and yard as his turf and we don't see the other cat about.
I suppose what I'm saying is a new cat in the area might shake things up for a bit but there's a chance it will settle down again once pecking orders have been established.
Some good points, thank you.
I guess it's true that time could establish pecking order and all will settle. Let's hope so, because neighbourly disputes are the last thing I want.
Though we'd all be upset if our cat was being bullied, I do think owners need to understand what they actually have as a pet. And if it's a cat, then they pretty much have a wild animal doing what comes naturally to them, but exploiting the owners comforts and affection...when it suits them.
I guess it's true that time could establish pecking order and all will settle. Let's hope so, because neighbourly disputes are the last thing I want.
Though we'd all be upset if our cat was being bullied, I do think owners need to understand what they actually have as a pet. And if it's a cat, then they pretty much have a wild animal doing what comes naturally to them, but exploiting the owners comforts and affection...when it suits them.
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