House cats - killers?

[JMohegan]

Have you tried a spray bottle with water? Or even a hose with a spray attachment if the distance is far. I think that would be more effective than stones.

More effective in what way?

The problem I see with water delivery is exactly that - effectiveness. Range, timing, and accuracy all inferior.

Both are illegal if they are aimed at animals owned by another person. Actual ferals can be treated somewhat differently, but pelting a housecat with stones could get you popped for cruelty to animals, and actually poisoning Fifi could get even more heat.

Actually, no. Neither putting out poison nor chasing animals off are illegal, in your own yard.

Catching and torturing animals would be, yes. But I don't see the point in that, and I've never done it.

As I said earlier on the thread, I catch any unowned cats that I see, and take them to the shelter.

Where did this deep seated hatred of cats come from? Moonshine is in my yard a lot. Doesn't bother me. You need a big dose of Walmart.

Why do some people hate moles, grasshoppers, birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and spiders so much that they put their cats outside - knowing that the cat will kill and torture those native animals?

I don't see cats who roam outside as adorable, cuddly fluffballs; I see them as the ruthless killers that they actually are.

What does Walmart have to do with this?

 

[Recidiva]

Can I please throw a brick at the rotties when the neighbor lets them shit in my yard?
Or is that kind of fucking psycho?

My husband brought home a rottie once for us to rehabilitate after his previous owner ended up in the hospital. As much as I grew to love that dog, he was untrainable and a bit broke in the head, though we threw lots of money and attention at those issues. This is not a reflection on all rottweilers, but I'l be damned if they aren't more prone to being disliked than say...black labs.

He loved us and adored us and would never hurt us (well, unless we touched his stuff or got near his food bowl, ever) and eventually had to be put asleep despite all our attempts to keep his thoughtlessly vicious ass alive. He ripped a kitten that stumbled into our yard to shreds. I couldn't look at him for a week.

I think there's something to wanting to throw a brick.

And rottweiller poop is not a small issue. He tore up my yard so I stopped gardening and decorated it in such a way that I stopped walking.

 

[Netzach]

As an animal owner, I think it's only fair for you to explain that if it DOES happen again it means you have taken the liberty of throwing stones at my animal and poisoning it if you could only, because of your environmental beliefs and love of animals. Well any animals but feline.

I'd give you a puma hunting pamphlet and tell you to PLEASE call me if you ever see my otherwise indoor cat anywhere outside again and my number and thank you for letting me know it was out.

I would not assume that "please don't let that happen again" means that when talking to an otherwise pleasant and rational person. That's a kind of odd bait and switch of normal interaction for insane.

 

[Netzach]

I dunno, they throw back!

Poison then. C'mere want some candy?

 

[Netzach]

These rotties are superb friendly well trained dogs, enviable dogs.

I find that they're maybe 5-10 percent of the breed. I'd put my head in their mouths. You sometimes get winners, but it's such an odds game and you mostly get psycho.

Since they're great dogs, I'd like to know why my yard has poop in it.

I know

owner - brick.

 

[Recidiva]

These rotties are superb friendly well trained dogs, enviable dogs.

I find that they're maybe 5-10 percent of the breed. I'd put my head in their mouths. You sometimes get winners, but it's such an odds game and you mostly get psycho.

Since they're great dogs, I'd like to know why my yard has poop in it.

I know

owner - brick.

Well, you didn't clarify if you were gonna hit the thing or not. Throwing and hitting, no. I agree. Wanting to throw, sure. Understandable, but I can't back up doing it as a course of action.

My dad had a compromise. Slingshot and grapes. Rocks bad. Bricks, yes, worse. Even grapes should be aimed at hindquarters. Fact is though, make a very big dog mad and it's not the same as a small dog. Little dogs will run away. Large dogs will run AT. I learned that in our Rottie training. Lots of stuff that works with smaller breeds as far as intimidation and control (Cesar Milan included) will only piss off a large breed.

I think the main difference between dogs and cats can be SCALE. Kitty poo is kinda cute in comparison.

My little kitty taking a swipe at me as I go by with his declawed paw because I didn't pay him the attention he wants is nowhere near the threat as a lunging playful 100-pound "puppy" who uses jaws compared to claws, who is trying to express the same sentiment but it has different results.

I agree that animals as a breed may have a generic character of their makeup and temperament, but with individuals, all bets are off. There is such a thing as a crazy, aggressive animal, any breed, any make or model.

But a crazy, aggressive hamster (i.e. Bolt) is adorable whereas a crazy, aggressive large breed dog, not so cute.

 

[JMohegan]

I'm unsure if it's cats or plain yard psychosis.

I have a feeling if the Weimariner down the street got out and loped into the yard JMo would laugh it off the second time and bring it in for treaties while the neighbors were on the way to pick it up. But it's possible the rocks would come out too. I assume small children get the "get off my damn YARD you KIDS!"

I'd like to throw rocks at children, but I manage to resist the urge. Impulse control does a body good.

To my knowledge, a dog has never killed anything in any of the yards in which I've ever lived.

Dogs don't roam free where I live. They are walked, either on leash or off - but the the owner is always with them. Most owners pick up after their dogs when they poop. If I saw one who didn't, I'd take it up with the owner.

As for children, they are welcome in my yard any time. I have a basketball hoop in my driveway that gets a lot of use, and a couple of trees in the back that are great for climbing. They love to play with my dog.

I play catch with neighborhood kids often. They love to watch me practice archery and swing my whip.

 

[intothewoods]

More effective in what way?

The problem I see with water delivery is exactly that - effectiveness. Range, timing, and accuracy all inferior.

Actually, no. Neither putting out poison nor chasing animals off are illegal, in your own yard.

Catching and torturing animals would be, yes. But I don't see the point in that, and I've never done it.

As I said earlier on the thread, I catch any unowned cats that I see, and take them to the shelter.

Why do some people hate moles, grasshoppers, birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and spiders so much that they put their cats outside - knowing that the cat will kill and torture those native animals?

I don't see cats who roam outside as adorable, cuddly fluffballs; I see them as the ruthless killers that they actually are.

What does Walmart have to do with this?

Hmm, I just feel like my cats would be like, wow, what just hit me? And from where? And be a bit curious about it. Unless you're seriously pelting the shit out of them. I would personally prefer a more humane method, like the water. Cats hate water. Turn a hose on them and they are outta there.

I have had many cats as pets who went outdoors around a variety of animals. Only one was a hunter and only of mice. We had a rabbit once and the rabbit just tried to fuck the cat. My cats are giant, well, pussies. I'm not disputing what you're saying, but I don't think all cats are that active.

As an animal owner, I think it's only fair for you to explain that if it DOES happen again it means you have taken the liberty of throwing stones at my animal and poisoning it if you could only, because of your environmental beliefs and love of animals. Well any animals but feline.

I'd give you a puma hunting pamphlet and tell you to PLEASE call me if you ever see my otherwise indoor cat anywhere outside again and my number and thank you for letting me know it was out.

I would not assume that "please don't let that happen again" means that when talking to an otherwise pleasant and rational person. That's a kind of odd bait and switch of normal interaction for insane.

I think this is a fair point. Or at least, I will take steps to make sure the cat does not come back into my yard. Let him run free at your own risk, etc.

 

[Netzach]

You're preaching to the choir here.

I'm not about to lob stones at a dog in such fashion as to hurt it or hurt me, the likely outcomes.

But I rent. Honestly, as long as I'm not stepping in giant horse piles of poo, I'm easily sated.

JMo - "I can throw rocks at it in my yard" is only as good as the small claims court judge you talk to that day. Cats are more popular pets and judges are perfectly happy to rule animal cruelty on ferals and wildlife and even dumbass owners who didn't listen dammit, may win the case.

"How often did you have that conversation with the plaintiff?" "Once."

Do you really want to be the throws stones at cats guy in your local rag?

I wouldn't.

Turning a hose on it will be more effective in that no one will fault you for it, it's much more *terrifying* to the cat than the small missile it wasn't sure of the source of. It's like, holy shit, Rain God lives there, fuck. It could be that your dislike of cats prevents you from thinking like one, but I do think itw is right, it's more effective in a lot of ways. Can you pinpoint where they're coming from and water in that direction if you do the sprinkler thing, also?

Also, shouting when soaking would help. Do you shout?

Honestly if you're not, your target is thinking "ow, what's that? Oh well...rabbit!"

And that's about it.

A lot of the things we think of as deterrent with cats are not interpreted the way we think they'd be. There's also cat deterrent products at PetSmart for like 12.99 - things that a lot of them strongly dislike the scent of. A small scent barrier could solve the problem. Black pepper works very well. If something's only working semi effectively it's likely not the right solution.

So if your lawn and your property are really the issue, try some of those things.

 

[Recidiva]

Turning a hose on it will be more effective in that no one will fault you for it, it's much more *terrifying* to the cat than the small missile it wasn't sure of the source of. It's like, holy shit, Rain God lives there, fuck.

Truth. Water's about the only deterrent I know for the cats.

Chasing, yelling, lecturing, "staring at meaningfully and giving 'the look'", whacking on the butt are all useless.

If you want cats to learn an aversion to something instead of just be annoyed and also curious this is the way to go.

JMohegan, if you have archery equipment and such, a super soaker water gun would be a good investment. Kids would love that extra more.

 

[JMohegan]

Hmm, I just feel like my cats would be like, wow, what just hit me? And from where? And be a bit curious about it. Unless you're seriously pelting the shit out of them. I would personally prefer a more humane method, like the water. Cats hate water. Turn a hose on them and they are outta there.

I have had many cats as pets who went outdoors around a variety of animals. Only one was a hunter and only of mice. We had a rabbit once and the rabbit just tried to fuck the cat. My cats are giant, well, pussies. I'm not disputing what you're saying, but I don't think all cats are that active.



I think this is a fair point. Or at least, I will take steps to make sure the cat does not come back into my yard. Let him run free at your own risk, etc.

First off - as I've already said, I do give fair warning.

And outdoor cats are a lot smarter than you seem to be giving them credit for. It's not pelting; it's zapping them when they cross a boundary. The problem with the hose idea is that by the time you get to the hose, turn it on, and drag it to the necessary position, the cat has moved from the original entry point.

 

[ownedsubgal]

dang JMohegan really really hates cats.

 

[Netzach]

First off - as I've already said, I do give fair warning.

And outdoor cats are a lot smarter than you seem to be giving them credit for. It's not pelting; it's zapping them when they cross a boundary. The problem with the hose idea is that by the time you get to the hose, turn it on, and drag it to the necessary position, the cat has moved from the original entry point.

If you can lament not being up at night, you can do this. I swear.

Leave the hose uncoiled, you'll get back and forth in time. Maybe not maybe you have mungo sprawla lawn in which case, a hearty environmentalist HA, but whatever...

hose the cat. I believe in your prowess and stealth. Just one time.

The humor will split your sides. I honest to God think you'll see less cat around.

 

[JMohegan]

dang JMohegan really really hates cats.

And cat owners hate the animals that their treasured pets torture and kill.

It's a cruel, cruel world osg, but I didn't make it that way.

If you can lament not being up at night, you can do this. I swear.

Leave the hose uncoiled, you'll get back and forth in time. Maybe not maybe you have mungo sprawla lawn in which case, a hearty environmentalist HA, but whatever...

hose the cat. I believe in your prowess and stealth. Just one time.

The humor will split your sides. I honest to God think you'll see less cat around.

I don't have a problem with a cat at the moment. (My deterrent worked on the only cat in the neighborhood that had been a problem, a few years ago.)

But I promise I'll try the hose thing, if a new cat moves into the neighborhood. For you and ITW, I'll try this.

 

[Netzach]

I don't have a problem with a cat at the moment. (My deterrent worked on the only cat in the neighborhood that had been a problem, a few years ago.)

But I promise I'll try the hose thing, if a new cat moves into the neighborhood. For you and ITW, I'll try this.

Now for bonus points, get it on video.

 

[Netzach]

And cat owners hate the animals that their treasured pets torture and kill.

It's a cruel, cruel world osg, but I didn't make it that way.

The problem is that we took away all the cat-niche predators, so you have more rabbits than a few square miles of urban residential will support.

And then they wind up pureed on the road.

The songbird thing sucks. Most of what cats ingest though, are still those nasty fuckers who will give you hanta virus. Meese.

Honestly, your neighbors probably take out more voles moles bunnies and whatever because they're eating hostas or something.

My wildlife hatred only exists when it gets into the inside. But I'd still be the person trying to put the bat in a container and get it outside without having to get a rabies series, hopefully.

 

[graceanne]

I, once, had a vocal cat, but very briefly. My upstairs neighbor and her husband robbed a store. She called me from jail and asked me to take care of her pets. We were living in an apartment where we weren't allowed pets, so I made her an appointment at the no kill shelter. I had her for two months before they had room for her.

She didn't really like kids. She never scratched mine, but she would hide from them (which I consider a sign of intelligence). But at night, after they were asleep, she'd climb out from under my bed, climb on my lap and talk to me. Just tell me about her day. lol

The shelter is really careful about pet placement, and they promised me they'd put her with someone with no kids, that needed a companion pet. Honestly, she'd have been GREAT for a grandma who doesn't get out much. She was just an awesome companion.

 

[ownedsubgal]

And cat owners hate the animals that their treasured pets torture and kill.

It's a cruel, cruel world osg, but I didn't make it that way.

i don't "hate" the animals targeted by cats. i see cats as serving a very valuable purpose, in helping to keep the rodent and insect population down in residential areas. i value that, just as people value the fact that spiders kill a heck of a lot of flies.

as far as the suburbs go however, there are just wayyyyyy too many of us humans all congested into these tiny specks of landmass. humans were not meant to live so close together, imo, nor were we meant to use up so many natural resources. unfortunately tho it is what it is, and here we are. because we are so very close together, and because so many humans particularly in america have this strong sense of "mine mine mine!!" when it comes to property, i can see how someone could view cats as suburban menaces. however cats are only doing what they are intended to do, it is us who have the problem.

 

[intothewoods]

Now for bonus points, get it on video.

Ha!

 

[jockdom]

Over on this side of the pond the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds atributes the decline of several speices to the house cat.

 

[satindesire]

That's funny, I've love to have a bunny, or some white mice, or a snake. Cats eat all of those things.

I don't hate them in the least, I'm a big fan of all kinds of animals.

 

[JMohegan]

Now for bonus points, get it on video.

This, from a woman who has yet to provide still footage of her tits!

The problem is that we took away all the cat-niche predators, so you have more rabbits than a few square miles of urban residential will support.

And then they wind up pureed on the road.

The songbird thing sucks. Most of what cats ingest though, are still those nasty fuckers who will give you hanta virus. Meese.

Honestly, your neighbors probably take out more voles moles bunnies and whatever because they're eating hostas or something.

My wildlife hatred only exists when it gets into the inside. But I'd still be the person trying to put the bat in a container and get it outside without having to get a rabies series, hopefully.

I've got a bat box on the north side of my house. I like that they hunt mosquitos. Never had one get inside, so not sure what I'd do if it did. Possibly get a big net, on a long pole. The kind they clean pools with or something.

Some people in my neighborhood get *seriously* bent out of shape about their hosta being eaten, or a few tunnels or holes dug in their yard. I don't understand that at all, and consider it to be really bizarre justification for killing.

My view on plants in my yard is: if they can't survive without pesticides or herbicides or the killing of native animals, then they don't belong here in the first place. But I'm definitely in the minority on that point, yes.

The most common yard destroyers here are currently deer. It takes a very tall fence, or the urine of a male dog marking the perimeter, to keep them out of your yard.

 

[JMohegan]

That's funny, I've love to have a bunny, or some white mice, or a snake. Cats eat all of those things.

I don't hate them in the least, I'm a big fan of all kinds of animals.

Keeping a rabbit, mouse, or snake as a pet is cruel.

You might love having them as pets, but you would not be showing love for the animal by locking it up.

 

[JMohegan]

Over on this side of the pond the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds atributes the decline of several speices to the house cat.

This doesn't surprise me at all.

 

[satindesire]

Right, because poisoning a cat to death that comes into your yard isn't cruel.

Okay.