how to deal with overly aggressive stray cat [Archive]

tekonus

10-27-2009, 11:13 AM

So, my family and I have had our new puppy long enough that she has gotten all her puppy shots and we have started taking her outside for walks and outside time on a dog-run.

Problem is we have a lot of stray cats in my area. The mother of the owner of the house next door lives with him, has mental problems (dimentia or something, not sure honestly) and she feeds the stray cats as a hobby of sorts. They crap in our flower beds and all over our lawn, its quite disgusting. For the most part its not been an issue aside from being disgusting and probably unhealthy. Now, however with the new puppy we have concerns about it.

The largest problem is that it appears one of the cats is very very aggressive. My father and I were out on the front lawn and one cat came on the lawn and looked like she was stalking the puppy. I brought the puppy in the house and my father proceeded to try and scare the cat away and it didn't budge, in fact my father was concerned the cat might even attack him! I think this overly aggressive behavior may mean the cat has rabies. I'm not sure what we should do. Has anyone ever dealt with something similar?

Also, here is a picture of our puppy! Her name is Missy and she is a Yorkie-Poodle mix. No, I won't call her a Yorkie-Poo, darnit!

Dangerdoll

10-27-2009, 11:22 AM

tekonus

10-27-2009, 11:29 AM

The only thing you could possibly do is trap the cats and bring them to the shelter. As far as that cat is concerned, you would need to bring him to the vet to be tested cfor rabies. Unfortunately, the only way they can positively test for rabies is from testing a piece of their brain.... which means the cat would have to be put down.

It sounds to me like the cats are possibly feral/tame. By trying to scare the cat away, what exactly was your father doing? How did he conclude that the cat was going to attack him? The cat could have looked as if it were sstalking the pup because it may have seen it as a play thing, no idea... have you called animal control?

the pup is very very cute :hearts:

Dad was being aggressive, waving arms and yelling and such. Typical things that would scare away any other stray (in our experience). No, we did not try and hurt it if thats what you were wondering. As I said, this lady thinks these things are her pets. She'd probably call the cops on us if we threw a stick in one of the cats' general direction. The cat was definetly stalking the puppy. There is not doubt about it. The cats back was raised and was hissing at us very aggressively when it realized we saw it. As far as trapping and taking them to the shelter is concerned... the shelter doesn't want them. We trapped one already and tried. They are "too full of strays to take anymore in". So we just let it loose in another neiborhood to make it not our problem anymore. (which of course didn't help anything, but it won't be crapping on our lawn anymore.)

coach_z

10-27-2009, 12:06 PM

your list of things to do:
1- dont take action yourself, you can get hurt
2- call your local animal control - they will trap the stray cats and take care of the person feeding the cats and take all appropriate courses of action. (please note that depending on the town, animal control group, etc their might be a fee associated with this service)

In most areas feeding 'stray' cats is considered illegal, animal control will take care of the problem with your neighbor feeding the cats the best they can. Most animal control officers have the ability to summons, fine, arrest an offender the same way a police officer can.

how to contact your local animal control: phone book. most towns have an animal warden or animal control groups that they use to contact them, call your local police using their non-emergency number.

how i know all of this: 3 years of animal control work.

Dangerdoll

10-27-2009, 12:21 PM

I hadn't even considered your father was trying to hurt the cat, I was just wondering if your father was simply yelling, and waving his arms around or if he might have taken a broom to sort of push the cat off the lawn (which is what I would have tried to do.

Thinking more about it, I am with coach, you should call animal control even if you slightly suspect a rabid animal in the area. Whether the shelter wants the cats or not, they are obligated by law to come and assess the situation when there is the least bit of suspicion involved.

Woodward

10-27-2009, 12:37 PM

this is what i would do....

1.) locate the owner of the neighbors (not the mental one preferabley) and explain the situation...tell him that the strays are harrassing your puppy and messing with your garden.

2.) if she continues to feed the cats....shoot on sight.

i know if some crazy cats were around my house and messing with my pets....i would kill em..

(although i have a 17 year old cat that RUNS this neighborhood, a pitbull that would have fun rippin a cat to shreds, and a little cocker spaniel thats faster then insert cuss word here)

#2 might not be a great idea....but i would consider it.

Woodward

10-27-2009, 12:40 PM

Message Deleted.

chefjamesscott

10-27-2009, 12:43 PM

ok please have a sense of humour when you read this

stir fry anyone :Angel:

Riiz

10-27-2009, 12:49 PM

Time to get some traps or get animal control out there to remove the feral cats. Or if it comes down to it, goto walmart and pick up a cheap air-rifle.

jamesskeezy

10-27-2009, 1:26 PM

Or you could build a moat around your yard.

jm1212

10-27-2009, 6:58 PM

call health services...or at least the ASPCA. maybe you can be on Animal Planet.

Riiz

10-27-2009, 7:39 PM

Or you could build a moat around your yard.

moat/pond, very good idea

sumthin fishy

10-27-2009, 8:13 PM

Most animal controll offices will deal with it within a day. If not, a good air rifle with a ballistic tip pellet to the head will be just as good as having it put to sleep.

SubRosa

10-27-2009, 8:22 PM

A .22 with a 2 liter soda bottle taped onto the muzzle is as quiet as an air rifle and much more effective/humane. Just don't get caught with it, it's legally the same as a maufactured suppressor.

The Zigman

10-27-2009, 8:31 PM

just call animal control and let the professionals handle it.

cam191919

10-27-2009, 8:47 PM

your positive all of them are strays, and not crazy womans house pets..?

SubRosa

10-27-2009, 8:52 PM

your positive all of them are strays, and not crazy womans house pets..?
That matters? People should control their animals. I have 3 cats in my menagerie and they all stay indoors. I lost the best cat in the world to a car a few years ago and that's what it took to teach me to keep cats inside. If this woman is demented she very well may need more indepth instruction to learn the lesson.

bichir_boy

10-27-2009, 8:56 PM

id say get a hose and spray them down when they get on ur proptery they should learn fast and if they dont ull have to call the shelter and if they dont do anything call the cops and they will shot the animal instead of u getting the cops called on u if it was really a house pet....... if found out that water works great did it to cats that where trying to get at some fish i had............ i ended up just leaveing my pit out side and found a couple dead cats in the back yard but they eventualy got that if they went past a certain spot the dog could get them so they all would sit on one side of the fence stareing into the pond.......... i dont condone useing dogs as cat control but something had to be done as i was finding my fish with bite marks and scratches all over......... after awhile the dog started to like to swim and couldnt get it out of the pond..........

Slappy*McFish

10-27-2009, 10:01 PM

Super Soaker!!!!

PuppyFluffer

10-28-2009, 12:20 AM

Good cat advice posted so I won't bother with that.

That is one CUTE dog! Can you post more pics in better lighting so I can see what color it is? Adorable!!

BreezeRuehls

10-28-2009, 12:24 AM

You have a Korean market near by?

tekonus

10-28-2009, 2:31 AM

Good cat advice posted so I won't bother with that.

That is one CUTE dog! Can you post more pics in better lighting so I can see what color it is? Adorable!!

Why thank you!

Great advice all, I appretiate the input whether it be serious or in jest.
As for pictures with better lighting? I take most of them with my phone, so the lighting is crap. I do have 2 more saved on my computer right now, though.
The one outside was right before we took her for her first hair cut. The other was taken the day we brought her home.

wetwillyjoe69

10-28-2009, 5:02 AM

20 guage and a box of birdshot. if noise is a problem, you can learn how to hunt with a bow. my wife would kill me if she see this post. partially because iv attempted this

esparonisproud

10-28-2009, 6:48 AM

honestly its ure decision u gunna hav to choose between your cute lil puppy or the mad neighbours ugly cat, animal control and set up traps for them or u can put poison in food and throw it nexdt door, snail poison usually works best

Somervell

10-28-2009, 7:05 AM

I think that some of these suggestions sound downright cruel and as dangerous to some of the humans around (in the hands of a bad shot) as the feral cats. Since you are that close to the neighbor that the cats are an immediate threat to the puppy, I would be concerned about firing a firearm in that dense an area. That's a pretty serious offense in the suburbs where I am from. The hose idea sounds pretty safe (and effective).

Call animal control if you really suspect the animal is rabid-- it's their job. That pretty much keeps you out of direct confrontation with the neighbors, as well.

snoopy65

10-28-2009, 7:09 AM

Hubby says, trap it in a box trap and take it, with gun in hand, on a one way trip to the woods. We live in the country and that is how "wild" cats are dealt with here. Animal control is your best bet where you are though. If you contact them and let them know you think there is a rabid cat in the area, they should be rather quick to come and take care of it.

wetwillyjoe69

10-28-2009, 7:33 AM

but bow hunting can connect you with your roots

coach_z

10-28-2009, 8:03 AM

i would love to see what you all would do if someone shot one of your animals that strayed from your yard....crazy.:nono:

SubRosa

10-28-2009, 8:51 AM

While I would be very upset at the loss of a loved pet I'd be most upset at myself for allowing the animal to be in the position to get shot.

tekonus

10-28-2009, 5:42 PM

i would love to see what you all would do if someone shot one of your animals that strayed from your yard....crazy.:nono:

They are not her pets, per say. She just feeds them... so they keep coming around. It's not like she sits outside and pets them. She just leaves out food every morning and probably watches them through the windows.

To others suggesting shooting the thing. Honestly, I hate cats and would love to. Not gonna happen, though. We've had the trap out for 2 days with some leftover tuna in it and haven't had any hits yet. It's been rainy out, though. So, that might be effecting our success. If we catch the possible rabid cat I plan on trying to bring it somewhere to be "tested". Any other cats are going to take a ride to the next town over and be re-released because the shelter doesn't want them.

rainbowcharmer

10-28-2009, 7:14 PM

I have to say, I am not a cat fan, but I'm also an animal lover and all the "shoot it" posts sound pretty extreme to me.

There are a variety of things you can do to help deter stray cats without having to resort to violence.

the super soaker idea is a great one. And to keep the cats out of your yard when you're not around with the super soaker, they make these great motion-detecting sprayers for around your house. An encounter or two with those is usually enough to do the trick. Something like this: http://www.deteracat.co.uk/

And here's some home-made 'remedies' to help keep cats away: http://www.cat-repellant.info/html/diy-cat-deterrents.htm

Anyhow - I think animal control is probably your best bet.

And the cat does not sound rabid. It sounds feral. http://tagalivestock.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-recognize-rabid-animal.html

Jspigs

10-28-2009, 7:35 PM

I vote for calling animal control.

Pearl

10-28-2009, 9:21 PM

We've had the trap out for 2 days with some leftover tuna in it and haven't had any hits yet. It's been rainy out, though. So, that might be effecting our success. If we catch the possible rabid cat I plan on trying to bring it somewhere to be "tested". Any other cats are going to take a ride to the next town over and be re-released because the shelter doesn't want them.

Please don't dump the cats in the next town or anywhere else. Then they only become someone else's problem.

Look, your county government has a department for animal control. It's their job to deal with these cats and the woman who feeds them. If they refuse to deal with it, then find out when your county government holds public meetings and be sure to attend the next one. Contacting some of the local papers wouldn't hurt either. And don't forget the public health department.

Good luck.

rinmouse

10-28-2009, 9:47 PM

I know you said the "Shelter" doesn't want them. It seems like you've contacted a humane society or something to that effect. Most places like that won't take strays(as you've noticed) You really should look into animal control though. Most cities have an animal control - there is sometimes a shelter/adoption center associated with this service. I know the one here won't go out and trap stray cats, though they will lend you a live trap and come pick it up if you catch one. If the cat is suitable for adoption and they have space, it will be put up for adoption. If not, it will be humanely euthanized. In my opinion humane euthanasia is kinder than setting it 'free' somewhere else where it will have to find food in a new unfamiliar territory (starvation is not nice). Cats running 'at large' have a high risk of injury and disease but can be quite prolific before meeting their end, thus increasing the problem. As well, as you have noted, large populations of semi feral cats can be a health risk, both to humans and to other pets. If you have large numbers of cats in your area, please make sure you are routinely getting your puppy dewormed.

PuppyFluffer

10-28-2009, 10:08 PM

I agree, it is an animal control issue but you might find that animal control only deals with animals that they have existing laws about. For instance, most places have leash laws and barking ordinances regarding dogs. Many places have no specified laws regarding cats in terms of where they can roam. If you have no laws regarding cats, it's possible that animal control will tell you there is nothing they can do. If that happens, call the health department. Feral cats can be a public health hazard because they can be rabies vectors. The health department can lean on the right people to have it addressed (possibly).

Woodward

10-28-2009, 11:18 PM

Please don't dump the cats in the next town or anywhere else. Then they only become someone else's problem.

Look, your county government has a department for animal control. It's their job to deal with these cats and the woman who feeds them. If they refuse to deal with it, then find out when your county government holds public meetings and be sure to attend the next one. Contacting some of the local papers wouldn't hurt either. And don't forget the public health department.

Good luck.

he wasnt talkin about putting it into another town...

he was sayin to trap it, take it to the woods, and kill it.

but in all seriousness, my old neighbors used to feed the coons outside our houses......one found its way into our garage... it got a shotty right to the dome.

tekonus

10-28-2009, 11:54 PM

he was sayin to trap it, take it to the woods, and kill it.

No, I didn't mean this at all. Please don't put words in my mouth. The situation is under control, thank you all for your help.
My puppy is safe now. :dance2:
The reason we resisted calling animal control was because we did not want to cause a problem with our neighbors. The logic was if the town shows up and end up harassing this old lady about her feeding cats... thats gonna cause drama on the block that is not necessary. If the cats "magically dissapeared" by being relocated after trapping 'em in my backyard... no one would be the wiser. Yes, maybe not the most sound logic... but we don't want trouble. Again, thank you all for your help. Its over now, though. :grinyes:

Pearl

10-29-2009, 12:59 AM

So may I ask what you did with those cats? Because if you just drove them out to the country and dumped them in front of a barn, well, you just pissed off the people who own that barn.

sumthin fishy

10-29-2009, 1:43 AM

Good to know you found a solution that workd for you. Lots of differing opinions, all of them having merit.

Since we are on the topic, a good shot to the head will put down an animal far more "humanely" than capturing, caging and giving a shot. Euthinasia does not make us see blood, so we feel it is "nicer". The drug that paralizes the animal hides how scared it really is. That being said, a poor shot can result in a slow painful death, or worse.

DarrylR

10-29-2009, 2:00 AM

Start kicking in long strides in front of you.....

gt1009

10-29-2009, 2:36 AM

12 gauge should do the trick, probably even a .22

wetwillyjoe69

10-29-2009, 3:04 AM

a weekend at the range with 1000 rounds for you beginners, then when a angry stray wanders onto your property, take it out. how does anyone on this forum deal with pests, like snails, rodents, or even bugs in your house? you kill it. im sure snails feel pain. i love animals too, but dont get confused. if i cant tie my dog out without worrying about a larger animal attacking him( dog, large cat, bear, possum, coon), im going wait outside and shoot it. if your animal gets loose, its your responsibility. what if your dog attacked a child while on his getaway? you will still be responsible. i was attacked by a rotti when i was 11. still have the scars, but i dont hate dogs. check your local laws. it might be unlawful to discharge a firearm in a residential area. bows and silencers are much quieter. and silencers are illegal

every animal control that iv talked to about picking up strays wont give you the time of day unless you have it contained somehow. even for a small puppy. when im on a roadtrip and see a stray on the side of a highway, i try to call it in, but theres no way im going to pull over and delay my trip to catch some strange animal and wait, i have more important things to do.

D. Hedington

10-29-2009, 4:25 AM

their cats mate, where I'm from, if a stray cat is a pest, or is overly agressive towarsds you, tuffin up and put on your steel caps, but dont use a **** air rifle, that'll only wouned them and be a long term death from infection.
you could report it to the humane society or whatever, and report a horder.
simple solution if you cant get help... make the cats fear you, your land.
just turn the tables.

D. Hedington

10-29-2009, 4:29 AM

just dont be cruel,, in such an extreme case to think of resorting to bows an stuff,
its plain stupid, unless your a top shot, dont try it

wetwillyjoe69

10-29-2009, 6:58 AM

just dont be cruel,, in such an extreme case to think of resorting to bows an stuff,
its plain stupid, unless your a top shot, dont try it

perfect practice prevents **** poor performance.

ranges are businesses where you can perfect your craft; in this case, archery or marksmanship. just shoot the **** cats

D. Hedington

10-30-2009, 3:24 AM

I never said dont shoot them, just use somthing that'll get them first shot.
but shooting in a suburban area would just atract attention you dont want.

7itanium

10-30-2009, 4:43 AM

I know its sad

but I would shoot it if it was threatening my family... not joking it would have a 22 shell in its head

sumthin fishy

10-30-2009, 9:57 PM

I wouldn't discount a good air rifle. Given, a daisy or red rider wouldn't even injure a snail at 10 paces. But some of the more powerful ones are deadly. The .22 calibre ones are legal for hunting certain game in California, and the .177 1,200 fps ones will rip through the scull of a small animal leaving a relativly good sized exit wound. (tried it on fresh roadkilled possum)