Cats and birds

Dublingirl80

Hi,
My cat keeps climbing a tree where there is a nest. The last time she did it there was a load of cawing and birds swooping above and coming close by. I think they're magpies and crows, not too sure but they were making a lot of noise. She came down but it's very close by and a neighbour said they might attack her for going too close to the nest. Can crows and magpies do real harm to a cat? All I can do is keep her in but she only goes out once or twice a day and loves the adventures of it. Any idea of the risk of her getting hurt?

njs030

Your cat is trying to attack a nest of course they are going to defend it and hurt her if they have to, she will kill their young!!

Keep her in if she won't stop.

Dublingirl80

notjustsweet wrote: »

Your cat is trying to attack a nest of course they are going to defend it and hurt her if they have to, she will kill their young!!

Keep her in if she won't stop.

I'm aware she's climbing near it and probably would attack it if she gets in. My question is can birds hurt a cat. Nobody likes to think of cats killing birds but unless you've never eaten chicken in your life I don't think a cat has to be kept inside just because they try to catch birds as is their born nature. If it's nesting season and a bad time for a nest nearby though and they can legitimately hurt her then I'll keep her in for a while. Obviously I'm not questioning if birds have be right to protect their nest either I'm just asking for advice on whether or not my pet cat could get hurt.

pjohnson

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

I'm aware she's climbing near it and probably would attack it if she gets in. My question is can birds hurt a cat. Nobody likes to think of cats killing birds but unless you've never eaten chicken in your life I don't think a cat has to be kept inside just because they try to catch birds as is their born nature. If it's nesting season and a bad time for a nest nearby though and they can legitimately hurt her then I'll keep her in for a while. Obviously I'm not questioning if birds have be right to protect their nest either I'm just asking for advice on whether or not my pet cat could get hurt.

Magpies would hurt it. They are quite aggressive when they come here to feed so I'd imagine that will increase if they are protecting the young.

Lady Haywire

My two always have birds going after them. Mostly it's just swooping and chattering in order to scare the cat away, rarely would they do anything bar graze the cat as they fly over. Magpies and crows swoop & create a raucous regardless of there being a nest in the tree or not as they enjoy harassing prey animals.
If there is a nest of crows/mags in the tree it's going to be quite high up as they nest in the very upper branches (you should be able to see it now if you look up as there's no leaves) and she could get stuck.

njs030

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

I'm aware she's climbing near it and probably would attack it if she gets in. My question is can birds hurt a cat. Nobody likes to think of cats killing birds but unless you've never eaten chicken in your life I don't think a cat has to be kept inside just because they try to catch birds as is their born nature. If it's nesting season and a bad time for a nest nearby though and they can legitimately hurt her then I'll keep her in for a while. Obviously I'm not questioning if birds have be right to protect their nest either I'm just asking for advice on whether or not my pet cat could get hurt.

Yes she will get hurt.
Birds claws are very sharp and they can easily rip skin with their beaks.

Do remember that it's illegal to interfere with a nest so while it's a bad place you can't just let her do what she likes now you know she's at them. She's your responsibility.

Dublingirl80

I know she's climbing the tree and that's about it, I amnt interfering with the nest and actually she didn't go where the nest is, she climbed the tree. I'd rather she doesn't interfere with a nest but it's not in my garden and I will not refuse to let my cat out ever again in case she interfere with a nest as it's just ridiculous. Cats are cats and birds are birds. If she's in danger I'll do what I can to keep an eye and call her back when she does, but let's be realistic here, I'm a responsible pet owner but you're getting a bit carried away this legal aspect, I've yet to se someone taken to court for a cat interfering with a nest, given there's criminals with Multiple convictions getting off Scott free on suspended sentences I think I'll take the risk in that area. There's other cats around the area anywya. Thanks for the advice about whether the birds can hurt her, that's what I'm concerned about, a lot of the information was very helpful from everyone. On a last note, nature is nature and animals are animals, I just don't want my cat getttng hurt if I can prevent it. Thanks everyone!

quote="notjustsweet;105976384"]Yes she will get hurt.
Birds claws are very sharp and they can easily rip skin with their beaks.

Do remember that it's illegal to interfere with a nest so while it's a bad place you can't just let her do what she likes now you know she's at them. She's your responsibility.[/quote]

njs030

Would you feel the same if a dog owner saw their dog chasing your cat and said its their nature I'm not interfering?

Bet you wouldn't.

It's not hard to make sure your animal isn't allowed to harm other animals, you expect other people to do it but you won't take responsibility for it yourself.

Lady Haywire

If it's magpies or crows they do just as much damage as cats to young birds and eggs.

Dublingirl80

Thank you, actually it's strange as they seem to be a mixture of types so not too sure if any of them even own the nest. Online it doesn't seem to be nesting season too but I'm not too sure. Thanks for that.

Lady Haywire wrote: »

If it's magpies or crows they do just as much damage as cats to young birds and eggs.

njs030

Lady Haywire wrote: »

If it's magpies or crows they do just as much damage as cats to young birds and eggs.

For food yeah. Big fish eat smaller fish. Mad isn't it.

njs030

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

Thank you, actually it's strange as they seem to be a mixture of types so not too sure if any of them even own the nest. Online it doesn't seem to be nesting season too but I'm not too sure. Thanks for that.

It is, it was a little early this year as we had a mild winter but they have started laying eggs.

Dublingirl80

I'll put it this way. I take the risk of allowing a cat to roam around the gardens as it is their nature. If a dog is in it's own garden I hope my cat has the sense to not enter the garden or jump up the fence or wall of they come across one. If a dog is roaming the streets, it's illegal. If it'd a breed that must wear a muzzle, it's illegal. If this nest of birds was within my control then I could put something around the base of the tree to try stop her getting up, but it's not. I find your tone and comments similar from the start, looking for an argument. I see people like this on boards all the time which puts me off asking questions. I'd say a dog also catches the odd mouse etc but I've never heard of too much outrage over it. Maybe you should set up an enclosed bird sanctuary if you're so concerned.
Also I have heard an awful statistic which would put me off eating eggs. They actually kill all the male chicks as they can't produce eggs. I don't know the details but I'd imagine you're vegan given your concern.

notjustsweet wrote: »

Would you feel the same if a dog owner saw their dog chasing your cat and said its their nature I'm not interfering?

Bet you wouldn't.

It's not hard to make sure your animal isn't allowed to harm other animals, you expect other people to do it but you won't take responsibility for it yourself.

Dublingirl80

Similar to how cats eat birds, birds eat worms..... hope you're also protectin those worms from those birds as if they're in your garden they're you're responsibility really.

notjustsweet wrote: »

For food yeah. Big fish eat smaller fish. Mad isn't it.

njs030

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

I'll put it this way. I take the risk of allowing a cat to roam around the gardens as it is their nature. If a dog is in it's own garden I hope my cat has the sense to not enter the garden or jump up the fence or wall of they come across one. If a dog is roaming the streets, it's illegal. If it'd a breed that must wear a muzzle, it's illegal. If this nest of birds was within my control then I could put something around the base of the tree to try stop her getting up, but it's not. I find your tone and comments similar from the start, looking for an argument. I see people like this on boards all the time which puts me off asking questions. I'd say a dog also catches the odd mouse etc but I've never heard of too much outrage over it. Maybe you should set up an enclosed bird sanctuary if you're so concerned.
Also I have heard an awful statistic which would put me off eating eggs. They actually kill all the male chicks as they can't produce eggs. I don't know the details but I'd imagine you're vegan given your concern.

I'm not looking for an argument at all but I'm quite saddened that it's within your control to protect their young and you're choosing not to. That really makes me sad! I do work with rescue actually and I would never deliberately put any animals lives at risks keep the smart comment and personal attack to yourself.


It's not hard to help another species, you've been told your cat is going to get attacked and you're still ignoring everyone.

The statistics you're referring to is in factory farming, organic farmers don't do that.

If you're going to be childish there's no point talking to you!
Worms ffs.

Lady Haywire

notjustsweet wrote: »

I'm not looking for an argument at all but I'm quote saddened that it's within your control to protect their young and you're choosing not to. That really makes me sad! I do work with rescue actually and I would never deliberately put any animals lives at risks keep the smart comment and personal attack to yourself.


It's not hard to help another species, you've been told your cat is going to get attacked and you're still ignoring everyone.

Stop scaremongering, the cat isn't going to get anything other than a fright if they dive at her. I've yet to hear of any cat injured by mags, they won't go too close for fear of the cat leaping to get them as they fly away. Magpies will even tease cats by pulling their tails, they're nothing but messers.

It's also highly unlikely the cat will reach the nest if it's mags or crows as they nest in branches that won't support the weight of a cat.

Dublingirl80

You might want to post a memo to all cat owners to keep their cats inside then. I'd keep my cat in for a week or two if necessary no problem, but not forever, she deserves to be allowed to be outside just like the birds. It's great you work in a rescue, but I highly doubt each animal you've rescued has never eaten another creature of any kind. As the lion king says, it's the circle of life. I've a vested interest in keeping my cat safe so I asked the question about the actual damage that can he done to her by these particular birds.

notjustsweet wrote: »

I'm not looking for an argument at all but I'm quite saddened that it's within your control to protect their young and you're choosing not to. That really makes me sad! I do work with rescue actually and I would never deliberately put any animals lives at risks keep the smart comment and personal attack to yourself.


It's not hard to help another species, you've been told your cat is going to get attacked and you're still ignoring everyone.

njs030

Lady Haywire wrote: »

Stop scaremongering, the cat isn't going to get anything other than a fright if they dive at her. I've yet to hear of any cat injured by mags, they won't go too close for fear of the cat leaping to get them as they fly away. Magpies will even tease cats by pulling their tails, they're nothing but messers.

It's also highly unlikely the cat will reach the nest if it's mags or crows as they nest in branches that won't support the weight of a cat.

Oh would you stop, of course they will attack a cat who threatens their chicks if it doesn't back off.

It's a crappy attitude of "I don't care as long as my cat is OK" it really isn't nice especially in this forum.

Dublingirl80

Thank you! Yeah the branches are very thin so she probably couldn't get too near it as it's very high. That was very helpful and answered my question!

Lady Haywire wrote: »

Stop scaremongering, the cat isn't going to get anything other than a fright if they dive at her. I've yet to hear of any cat injured by mags, they won't go too close for fear of the cat leaping to get them as they fly away. Magpies will even tease cats by pulling their tails, they're nothing but messers.

It's also highly unlikely the cat will reach the nest if it's mags or crows as they nest in branches that won't support the weight of a cat.

Lady Haywire

notjustsweet wrote: »

Oh would you stop, of course they will attack a cat who threatens their chicks if it doesn't back off.

It's a crappy attitude of "I don't care as long as my cat is OK" it really isn't nice especially in this forum.

Well then the cat will back off before it gets injured when it sees that it's not able to get the birds, so no harm done. Problem solved.

njs030

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

You might want to post a memo to all cat owners to keep their cats inside then. I'd keep my cat in for a week or two if necessary no problem, but not forever, she deserves to be allowed to be outside just like the birds. It's great you work in a rescue, but I highly doubt each animal you've rescued has never eaten another creature of any kind. As the lion king says, it's the circle of life. I've a vested interest in keeping my cat safe so I asked the question about the actual damage that can he done to her by these particular birds.

Stop twisting my words I didn't say any of that.

There's no reason why cats can't go out and obviously animals will kill smaller ones occasionally but knowing she's stalking a nest is a different story.

Anyway one thing I would suggest is putting a bell on her to warn them she's coming. That way they have time to protect themselves and she's less like to be attacked at a height.

Doctors room ghost

That’s the nature of the cat.cant help it.theres an old saying down these parts and it is “breeding comes out in the eye of the cat”.
As in that behavior is in their breeding and is instinctive to them.
Magpies are classed as vermin.
Anyway natural selection I’d say. The bird should build its nest somewhere less accessible to predators

njs030

Lady Haywire wrote: »

Well then the cat will back off before it gets injured when it sees that it's not able to get the birds, so no harm done. Problem solved.

Well not if she scares off nesting mothers it's not!

riffmongous

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

I'm aware she's climbing near it and probably would attack it if she gets in. My question is can birds hurt a cat. Nobody likes to think of cats killing birds but unless you've never eaten chicken in your life I don't think a cat has to be kept inside just because they try to catch birds as is their born nature. If it's nesting season and a bad time for a nest nearby though and they can legitimately hurt her then I'll keep her in for a while. Obviously I'm not questioning if birds have be right to protect their nest either I'm just asking for advice on whether or not my pet cat could get hurt.

Not the same thing at all, people don't go around killing chickens for fun or out of instinct

Doctors room ghost wrote: »

That’s the nature of the cat.cant help it.theres an old saying down these parts and it is “breeding comes out in the eye of the cat”.
As in that behavior is in their breeding and is instinctive to them.
Magpies are classed as vermin.
Anyway natural selection I’d say. The bird should build its nest somewhere less accessible to predators

Cats are far beyond natural selection at this point. It's in their nature sure, but their owners can still control their actions to a large extent.

Lady Haywire

notjustsweet wrote: »

Well not if she scares off nesting mothers it's not!

The mother won't nest there in the first place if she sees a cat around and on the tree.

OP just make sure her collar is loose or has a breakaway clasp so if she gets caught on a branch it will slip off.

The Pheasant2

Does your cat wear a bell?

Pisses me off hearing about our wildlife being threatened because of the indifference of some ignorant pet owners.

Doctors room ghost

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Does your cat wear a bell?

Pisses me off hearing about our wildlife being threatened because of the indifference of some ignorant pet owners.

The humble magpie is no angel when it comes to wildlife being threatened.vermin

The Pheasant2

Doctors room ghost wrote: »

That’s the nature of the cat.cant help it.theres an old saying down these parts and it is “breeding comes out in the eye of the cat”.
As in that behavior is in their breeding and is instinctive to them.
Magpies are classed as vermin.
Anyway natural selection I’d say. The bird should build its nest somewhere less accessible to predators

Natural selection? Due to the presence of an introduced predator...if I introduce a lion to your living room is that natural selection?

pjohnson

Very suprised. OP asked advice and then became confrontational/sarcastic over it.

Dublingirl80

Yes she wears a bell. Yes I'm an awful person out to destroy all wildlife you're dead right.

Pheasant2;105977080"]Does your cat wear a bell?

Pisses me off hearing about our wildlife being threatened because of the indifference of some ignorant pet owners.[/quote]

Dublingirl80

She's had a bell since the moment she's went outside for the exact reason to warn off birds.

Oh but wait I'm a dangerous pet owner who reckless I forgot.


quote="notjustsweet;105977044"]Stop twisting my words I didn't say any of that.

There's no reason why cats can't go out and obviously animals will kill smaller ones occasionally but knowing she's stalking a nest is a different story.

Anyway one thing I would suggest is putting a bell on her to warn them she's coming. That way they have time to protect themselves and she's less like to be attacked at a height.[/quote]

Dublingirl80

The advice was confrontational and sarcastic.

pjohnson wrote: »

Very suprised. OP asked advice and then became confrontational/sarcastic over it.

Dublingirl80

You and notjustsweet obviously have the same opinion so we'll leave it at that. Out in the wild a cat would be catching birds daily so don't really think I'm responsible for the worlds wildlife. These two started off feral and were neutered and are fed and let out once a day. If they were still roaming around people's gardens they could have had a litter of kittens each by now and would be feeding off your precious wildlife daily as wild cats do. So let's agree to disagree but when I ask a question about if my cat can get hurt I don't expect a lecture. Save the rants for the people who actually destroy rainforests and forests and natural habitats of wildlife, you actually might be surprised if you saw the origins of lots of things you own and eat have caused the destruction of many different habitats of various wildlife. That's not a lecture but just an observation that things aren't quite as black and white as you may think.

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Natural selection? Due to the presence of an introduced predator...if I introduce a lion to your living room is that natural selection?

pjohnson

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

The advice was confrontational and sarcastic.

Not particularly. You just took great offence to it.

Dublingirl80

Perhaps. The same person mentioned that it was illegal for my cat to interfere with a nest and I'm responsible though so I think I interpreted it right but sure we can agree to disagree. Everyone sees things differently on boards. I'm grateful to the people who answered my question. We're probably both wasting our time speaking to each other as you've not answered my question.

pjohnson wrote: »

Not particularly. You just took great offence to it.

Dublingirl80

Great offence is probably a slight exaggeration too. I'd save that for real life conversations.

Dublingirl80 wrote: »

Perhaps. The same person mentioned that it was illegal for my cat to interfere with a nest and I'm responsible though so I think I interpreted it right but sure we can agree to disagree. Everyone sees things differently on boards. I'm grateful to the people who answered my question. We're probably both wasting our time speaking to each other as you've not answered my question.

DBB

Someday, hopefully in my lifetime, I'll get to read a thread about domesticated cats killing wild birds, without having to read such immature, bitchy posts as I've seen here.
I'll remind a LOT of the posters here who clearly can't rein their nastiness in, that there is a requirement in this forum that whilst people can debate away, they MUST do so in a respectful way.
Sadly, mutual respect is sadly lacking in this thread.
I really can't think of a single good reason to leave this thread open. It's another feckin train wreck.
Thanks,
DBB