Dealing with feral cats

[Court Jester]

I don't see any of those methods as particularly humane. A family of raccoons moved into my attic once. Field mice moved into the crawlspace underneath my house once. Other than that, I haven't had much trouble with pests. We caught both the raccoons as well as the mice in live traps and relocated them. I

Here is what the current law here says about trapping and relocating troublesome raccoons. They must be trapped by licenced animal/pest control contractor, and then released no more than 1/2 mile from where they were trapped. So, tell me how that solves anything for a homeowner dealing with raccoons, which BTW can cause extensive damage inside an attic.

The cost for raccoon abatement starts at $1000 per service call, and will go up from there as raccoons know how to come back to where they were trapped from.

t's not their fault that we (or at least I) moved into their habitat and provided warmth, shelter, and food and water sources for them.

Doesn't matter who's fault it is, it is my home, my property, and my responsibility to protect from damage, or danger. Raccoons are not an endangered species, and when they are troublesome, I don't see them any different than rodents and roaches. They are also particularly mean creatures, and there is some very toxic bacteria in their feces. Look up 'racoon latrine' and discover what happens when a family of racoons decides to turn your roof, your attic, your basement crawlspace, or you patio furniture into their toilet.

I have less compassion for poisonous animals. The panic and fear during drowning, however, sounds terrible to me.

No killing is pleasant, but it may be necessary. When you spay ants with ant killer, do you know what the chemicals do to their tiny insect bodies? Just because you can't hear their discomfort, does not mean insects don't have it. How are any other fur bearing pest then different I wonder?

 

[Court Jester]

How do you tell the diff btx a feral and a neighbor's pet cat?

If people really love their pets then they should keep them inside their own homes, their own yard, or on leashes--- including cats.
At least once every couple of years I run over a cat that darts under the wheels of my pick up truck. Probably somebody's pet. A pet they clearly didn't care to protect.

Nobody wants to hit a dog or a cat...not even a squirrel. These are living creatures, and why owners ought to be more responsible for them.

 

[Gaius46]

There's a feral that lives in my yard that we have spayed/neutered - whatever it is you do to female cats.
There are lots of field mice around here and she's employed in keeping the rodent population in check. Girl is a stone killer. She even brings me offerings of mangled mouse corpses a couple times a week.

 

[Gaius46]

Here is what the current law here says about trapping and relocating troublesome raccoons. They must be trapped by licenced animal/pest control contractor, and then released no more than 1/2 mile from where they were trapped. So, tell me how that solves anything for a homeowner dealing with raccoons, which BTW can cause extensive damage inside an attic.

The cost for raccoon abatement starts at $1000 per service call, and will go up from there as raccoons know how to come back to where they were trapped from.



Doesn't matter who's fault it is, it is my home, my property, and my responsibility to protect from damage, or danger. Raccoons are not an endangered species, and when they are troublesome, I don't see them any different than rodents and roaches. They are also particularly mean creatures, and there is some very toxic bacteria in their feces. Look up 'racoon latrine' and discover what happens when a family of racoons decides to turn your roof, your attic, your basement crawlspace, or you patio furniture into their toilet.





No killing is pleasant, but it may be necessary. When you spay ants with ant killer, do you know what the chemicals do to their tiny insect bodies? Just because you can't hear their discomfort, does not mean insects don't have it. How are any other fur bearing pest then different I wonder?

Raccoons are nasty ****ers.

 

[Gnosis]

It's not the most humane route for the victim but it can be the easiest for the one doing the killing.I m

They were encouraged to go toward the light.

Disposal is just a black trash bag and then into the regular trash bin, same as we do with feral dogs too.

You send dead dogs and cats to a dump that you pay for service?

 

[Gnosis]

Thanks!

My take on cats, dogs, and even wild horses and mules, is that these are all invasive species despite many people who have illogical affection for them. Nothing good happens when we allow for unlimited or unchecked reproduction of any species; other animals end up suffering the consequences.

I guess the lady with all the cats had already twice before had dozens of cats removed from her property, but would then go and collect more. Clearly some mental illness going on there.

Last night I dealt with two more cat. But I wish animal control would deal with them. Sometimes I wonder of the people at animal control really want to erradicate these problems. Relocating some of these animals does not fix the problem.

Interesting perspective. And who should control the population of the invasive human species? I mean, there wouldn't be any house cats in North America if it wasn't for humans. There would, however, still be raccoons and rats, so who invaded whose territory and who caused the problems that are the subject of this thread?

 

[Gnosis]

True enough. There remains the argument as to just how much cats really are and are not domesticated.

That's a good point. I've known more cats in my life than not who seemed to tolerate humans and accept their benefits without actually being a proper pet. I've also known cats who loved their humans, followed them around the house, showed them affection, etc., but I think a majority of house cats would be just fine going outside and returning to a primal life.

Most pet dogs, on the other hand, I think will seek out another human if they end up outside and lost. They seem to me to enjoy the relationship with the human as much as the human enjoys the relationship with the dog. Cats -- not so much.

 

[Gnosis]

Why aren't I getting a share of the hate? I admit to killing rats, in the most humane way that is practical for me, however it still leaves a bit to be desired. Is it pure Western sentimentality which makes you value cats qualitatively above rats? Or is it just about guns to you guys?

I don't hate cats or rats. I also don't want either of them in or on my property. I've never had a problem with either, but I did have a problem with field mice, which may as well be rats in my estimation, in my crawlspace once. I caught all of them alive over the course of a couple weeks, drove each one 5+ miles away from my house so they'd be lost, and released them in areas far away from any structure. It's not their fault I bought a house in the middle of a field, but I don't want them in it either. I think we came to a great understanding and nothing was poisoned, shot, or drowned.

 

[The Stars Tremble]

I don't hate cats or rats. I also don't want either of them in or on my property. I've never had a problem with either, but I did have a problem with field mice, which may as well be rats in my estimation, in my crawlspace once. I caught all of them alive over the course of a couple weeks, drove each one 5+ miles away from my house so they'd be lost, and released them in areas far away from any structure. It's not their fault I bought a house in the middle of a field, but I don't want them in it either. I think we came to a great understanding and nothing was poisoned, shot, or drowned.

That's fine. "Barn mice" aren't strictly domesticated OR feral, since they live on human surplus (a pest rather than pet) but don't affect native species much. They may even BE native species, but you have to be harsh: nearby woods are probably overpopulated with mice bred-up by the fields. They might starve but that's nature.

 

[bluesmoke]

It's in my yard?

I've seen plenty of neighborhood cats come into my yard, my family's yard, and my neighbor's yard. By your definition, they are feral cats. So, does that give you the right to kill them?

 

[bluesmoke]

That's a good point. I've known more cats in my life than not who seemed to tolerate humans and accept their benefits without actually being a proper pet. I've also known cats who loved their humans, followed them around the house, showed them affection, etc., but I think a majority of house cats would be just fine going outside and returning to a primal life.

Most pet dogs, on the other hand, I think will seek out another human if they end up outside and lost. They seem to me to enjoy the relationship with the human as much as the human enjoys the relationship with the dog. Cats -- not so much.

Cats will leave or somehow become separated from the owner and come back, less often than dogs come back. So many stories of long-lost dogs finding their master after a long separation. Even after the master has moved miles away.

 

[bluesmoke]

W



Cats if left uncheched are pests. I dont let mine breed. I get mine from a shelter as kittens that are spayed or neuted. They are transitioned to barn cat duty by learning from the older cats.

If left unleashed? Really? So, any loose cat is a pest? Do you believe that any loose cat/pest can be killed? Or any loose animal or pet? Please clarify.

 

[RF667799]

If left unleashed? Really? So, any loose cat is a pest? Do you believe that any loose cat/pest can be killed? Or any loose animal or pet? Please clarify.

Might depend on where one lives. Out by my daughter's, people are pretty careful about their dogs if they care about them. A dog that wanders a mile down the road and chases someone's chickens, might not be coming back. I don't think cats left outside there, would have much of a chance of getting to the point of being shot. Coyotes, owls, hawks, and bobcats would probably keep any feral cat colonies from establishing themselves.

 

[PirateMk1]

If left unleashed? Really? So, any loose cat is a pest? Do you believe that any loose cat/pest can be killed? Or any loose animal or pet? Please clarify.

Feral cats are pests period. Any pests that are not controlled should be this means culled. Cats are fast breeding and destructive if unchecked. That said properly taken care of they make for fantastic pest control for agricultural areas, especially in combination with dogs. I dont keep dogs for pets I keep them for work. Cats for pest control especially mice and smaller rodents. I do have a big serval hybrid that is very good at hunting rabbits. He is almost a dog. Dogs for area wildlife predator defence coyotes, bears, cougars, and pest control of larger rodents and mammals (deer, elk, boar) with destructive tendencies.

 

[fortune]

If people really love their pets then they should keep them inside their own homes, their own yard, or on leashes--- including cats.
At least once every couple of years I run over a cat that darts under the wheels of my pick up truck. Probably somebody's pet. A pet they clearly didn't care to protect.

Nobody wants to hit a dog or a cat...not even a squirrel. These are living creatures, and why owners ought to be more responsible for them.

that is absurd
why don't you put all of us on the same street as you?
some people keep barn cats for a good reason
some people have indoor cats at the same time the have outdoor cats

they are not mistreating them, you are mis representing them and that does far more harm than good sometimes

got to Walter Santi youtube channel and see

you have good intentions I know

 

[Antiwar]

I’ve lived in areas where the local animal control has done a catch and neuter program - and then relocated them.

Feral cats (that are neutered so they can’t make many many more feral cats) are often welcomed by farmers, etc as barn cats, to keep rodents away.

You should contact animal control and/or local rescue agencies around you and see if they run any programs like that.

He should, but he obviously likes coming here and talking about how he's killing cats to get reactions from people.

 

[fortune]

He should, but he obviously likes coming here and talking about how he's killing cats to get reactions from people.

but that is the root of it all... it is like there is some fairy nanny-government that is going to do this 'cause they want to do what is right and not make us cry!
Shit! just stop it.
YOU have to go out on the Long Beach harbor break-water boulders and gently connect with the kittens there to such a degree as your animal-fairy connects with them by feeding them and talking softly to them so that you can reach out and snatch them by the scruff of their neck and put then in your car and take them to a place( i know of) where you can decided to kill them or snip them and then you can decide whether to foster them and hope for a good home for them or you can return them to the wild to live a life they would not re-produce.

Just agree... some of us cannot kill them and look for more humane options.

one more time

Homepage

With Best Friends, you're working to save the lives of cats and dogs all across America, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

bestfriends.org

 

[Antiwar]

but that is the root of it all... it is like there is some fairy nanny-government that is going to do this 'cause they want to do what is right and not make us cry!
Shit! just stop it.
YOU have to go out on the Long Beach harbor break-water boulders and gently connect with the kittens there to such a degree as your animal-fairy connects with them by feeding them and talking softly to them so that you can reach out and snatch them by the scruff of their neck and put then in your car and take them to a place( i know of) where you can decided to kill them or snip them and then you can decide whether to foster them and hope for a good home for them or you can return them to the wild to live a life they would not re-produce.

Just agree... some of us cannot kill them and look for more humane options.

one more time

Homepage

With Best Friends, you're working to save the lives of cats and dogs all across America, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

bestfriends.org

I think you're coming on a little strong with your reply.

 

[The Stars Tremble]

He should, but he obviously likes coming here and talking about how he's killing cats to get reactions from people.

Or maybe challenge pet-lovers' conception that feral cats are just like pet cats. They're really not. They're vicious and greedy, and I have no sympathy when some brutal human treats them just the way they treat their prey. It's natural justice.

Sure there's an argument for taking extra effort and sterilizing instead of killing. But the sterilized cat will continue to kill, so this isn't a solution unless it's done to ALL feral cats, and all ferals abondoned by humans in the future.

Finally let me say that the worst hypocrites are those who abandon pet cats/kittens in the wild. If they don't have the heart to downgrade their housing to a place which allows pet cats, or they are too obsessed with their own luxuries to have the cats/kittens sterilized by a vet, then they should embrace their own callous nature and kill the felines themselves. Abandonment in the wild is what started, and what drives, the feral problem.

 

[it's just me]

Suddenly there has been a huge number of feral cats in the neighborhood. They have been multiplying like rabbits around here and have been hunting and killing a lot of the birds, and even gotten into my neighbor's fish pond and eaten most of his fish. At first he thought it was raccoons, but video cameras confirmed it was these pesky cats. So, my neighbor asked me if I knew any way to stop the cats and I said, yeah I know how to stop them. So, he said to please go ahead and work "my magic" which I figured to be a "contract" so to speak to address the feral cat problem.

First night was pretty easy, I was able to dispatch two cats in the first hour, and another one which came back later out of curiosity, and you know how that works with cats. Next night was a different approach and a certain kind of device was used baited with canned tuna, which surprisingly got three more--- much to their wailing and complaints.

Tonight I am taking some time off from the project to see if more come back tomorrow. Not sure why suddenly the population has exploded, but I heard that an elderly woman on the next block passed away, and I suspect these were feral cats which she had been feeding now forced to fend for themselves. In any event the devastation these invasive species cause to the bird population is appalling. so I'm intent on getting this under control.

Does anyone else ever deal with feral cats? And what seems to work best for you?

Yes. Call the animal warden.

 

[Antiwar]

Or maybe challenge pet-lovers' conception that feral cats are just like pet cats. They're really not. They're vicious and greedy, and I have no sympathy when some brutal human treats them just the way they treat their prey. It's natural justice.

Sure there's an argument for taking extra effort and sterilizing instead of killing. But the sterilized cat will continue to kill, so this isn't a solution unless it's done to ALL feral cats, and all ferals abondoned by humans in the future.

Finally let me say that the worst hypocrites are those who abandon pet cats/kittens in the wild. If they don't have the heart to downgrade their housing to a place which allows pet cats, or they are too obsessed with their own luxuries to have the cats/kittens sterilized by a vet, then they should embrace their own callous nature and kill the felines themselves. Abandonment in the wild is what started, and what drives, the feral problem.

The guy posting about killing cats to illicit responses isn't performing "natural justice." If there's anything such as natural justice, it's what human beings are going to experience more and more as Nature 'shows humans' that humans don't make the 'laws of Nature.' Humans should work within the 'laws of Nature,' not continue to degrade, destroy, and dominate Nature.

 

[bluesmoke]

Might depend on where one lives. Out by my daughter's, people are pretty careful about their dogs if they care about them. A dog that wanders a mile down the road and chases someone's chickens, might not be coming back. I don't think cats left outside there, would have much of a chance of getting to the point of being shot. Coyotes, owls, hawks, and bobcats would probably keep any feral cat colonies from establishing themselves.

A dog going astray at night might not survive the 'yotes, either. Even owls have taken small dogs.

 

[Court Jester]

The guy posting about killing cats to illicit responses isn't performing "natural justice." If there's anything such as natural justice, it's what human beings are going to experience more and more as Nature 'shows humans' that humans don't make the 'laws of Nature.' Humans should work within the 'laws of Nature,' not continue to degrade, destroy, and dominate Nature.

Hey great point!

House cats, dogs (canis familiaris), horses, donkeys, exotic tropical pet bird and reptiles--- are ALL invasive unnatural species which are adversely affecting NATURE. So, by your standard ALL pet dogs and cats should all be spayed, neutered, or culled. Problem is it is YOUR type of humans who FEELS a need to vainly collect these invasive species in your homes, backyards, and then they affect other animals....natural species.

 

[Court Jester]

that is absurd
why don't you put all of us on the same street as you?

Not sure what your point is with this comment, maybe you could elaborate?

some people keep barn cats for a good reason

Sure, there may be a benefit from this by having these predators (barn cats) keeping rodents under control, but they are not pets, and when these barn cats reproduce, then their offspring are not always limited to the barn, they become feral animals, and then those barn cats are an invasive species killing birds and other animals.
If you going to keep barn cats, you have to make sure they are all spayed/neutered. If not, then you end up doing what my grandfather had to do with too many barn cats, and that was putting them in a weighted sack and tossing them in the creek.

some people have indoor cats at the same time the have outdoor cats

Yes, and outdoor cats get hit by cars all the time. Like I said, nobody wants to hit a small animal, but in happens. Cats run out quickly and there is not much you can do. The majority of the cats I have run over were hit by my back wheels, especially when I am pulling one of my trailers.

they are not mistreating them, you are mis representing them and that does far more harm than good sometimes

Would you consider allowing pet dogs to roam free a mistreatment of dogs... especially in urban areas, and where there are lots of cars? It's illegal anyway, but it is a mistreatment to put dogs that are pets at risk like that, so why are cats (outdoor pets) different? I'm fine if people want to let their cats roam, but don't be upset when they are hit by cars, attacked by dogs (dogs in people's own yards), poised by vermin bait, eaten by coyotes, of sometimes shot by farmers and ranchers assuming them to be feral.

got to Walter Santi youtube channel and see

you have good intentions I know

thanks!

 

[Antiwar]

Hey great point!

...

You missed the point.