Cat dragged in this bird

arccosh · 09-07-2019 3:51pm #1

Have no idea what it is, closest thing I could find was some water birds, but we're not too near any water.

Bigger than a robin, smaller than a blackbird, any ideas?

That plume at the top of it's legs was a wine type colour.

Boardnashea · 09-07-2019 4:18pm

I don't know what the bird is, but I love the cat's paw still in the picture. Not a happy pussy I'd say!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 09-07-2019 4:22pm

Anybody nearby keep poultry?

Dubl07 · 09-07-2019 4:24pm

Feet look webbed, perhaps a tern? Global warming is really messing with migratory patterns and overfishing is forcing birds to move inland. Sick society.

arccosh · 09-07-2019 4:32pm

Dubl07 wrote: »

Feet look webbed, perhaps a tern? Global warming is really messing with migratory patterns and overfishing is forcing birds to move inland. Sick society.

Feet weren't webbed

Brenden Mushy Gap wrote: »

Anybody nearby keep poultry?

Not that I know of, I'm in a housing estate with lots of cats, so I'd imagine they might be more careful if there is..

Boardnashea wrote: »

I don't know what the bird is, but I love the cat's paw still in the picture. Not a happy pussy I'd say!

I've never heard my cat growl before until I tried to hoosh her out the door :-D

Odyssey 2005 · 09-07-2019 4:34pm

I found a half eaten blackbird under the car this morning. Proxy cats.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 09-07-2019 4:36pm

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

I found a half eaten blackbird under the car this morning. Proxy cats.

They are the bane of our lives around here at the moment. Prowling our garden for birds.

dodderangler · 09-07-2019 5:49pm

Kinda looks like a quail.

Mickeroo · 09-07-2019 6:23pm

dodderangler wrote: »

Kinda looks like a quail.

That's what I was thinking too.

Tiercel Dave · 09-07-2019 6:36pm

Try Tuxedo Quail and see what you think.....

https://kcquailfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/QUAIL-TUXEDO-Tibetan-600x600.jpg

Stigura · 09-07-2019 7:08pm

It's In My Nature

arccosh · 09-07-2019 7:35pm

dodderangler wrote: »

Kinda looks like a quail.

Mickeroo wrote: »

That's what I was thinking too.

Tiercel Dave wrote: »

Try Tuxedo Quail and see what you think.....

https://kcquailfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/QUAIL-TUXEDO-Tibetan-600x600.jpg

I think we have a winner, juvenile male tuxedo quail... (Adult in the pic, markings in the same place)

Now the next question, where did the cat get it from :-D

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 09-07-2019 7:41pm

Somebody locally breeding them isn't too happy now. I'd keep that cat at home for a while.

arccosh · 09-07-2019 9:44pm

Brenden Mushy Gap wrote: »

Somebody locally breeding them isn't too happy now. I'd keep that cat at home for a while.

They usually are, was home at lunch so let them out for a float around... were literally out 10mins and I saw this ... but will keep an eye on them.

magicbastarder · 09-07-2019 11:49pm

i've never found out what the law says on cats entering your property; if a neighbour's dog entered your property, i suspect you'd have some comeback in informing the council about loose dogs, but i can't imagine a warm welcome if you reported a cat on your property, even if it was killing birds (be they wild or domesticated). if you're allowed use deadly force on a dog using livestock, what does the law say on cats killing domesticated birds?

and i say this as someone who has recently taken in two rescue kittens. i am in no way endorsing violence against animals, but by the same token, our two are going to be house cats.

dodderangler · 10-07-2019 8:03am

Brenden Mushy Gap wrote: »

Somebody locally breeding them isn't too happy now. I'd keep that cat at home for a while.

Someone certainly won’t be happy. I know I wouldn’t be happy at all. Cats in my back garden have scared off my hedgehogs that were once plentiful under my shed have no disappeared. I know they won’t do anything to an adult hedgy but they’d certainly pester them enough to drive them off. I have a worm garden for the hedgehogs and I’ve plenty of words because the hedgehogs aren’t around.

dodderangler · 10-07-2019 8:05am

arccosh wrote: »

I think we have a winner, juvenile male tuxedo quail... (Adult in the pic, markings in the same place)

Now the next question, where did the cat get it from :-D

Quails are getting more popular now for bird owners. They’ll be at the bottom of a aviary while finches etc sleep on the top of it. Neighbour of mine used to have them under his parrots. But they weren’t tuxedos. They were Chinese painted quail. Used to get the odd egg off him for breakfast.

fryup · 10-07-2019 12:14pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

and i say this as someone who has recently taken in two rescue kittens. i am in no way endorsing violence against animals, but by the same token, our two are going to be house cats.

house cats? as in never go outside? thats cruel surely

magicbastarder · 10-07-2019 2:21pm

our previous cat was as happy as a clam. we've a decent size house the cats have the run of.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 10-07-2019 2:29pm

fryup wrote: »

house cats? as in never go outside? thats cruel surely

You can have cats that are predominately indoors and under a level of control while outside. It's the irresponsible owners who let cats roam at will and, worse again, leave them out at night that are the real problem.

Effects · 11-07-2019 10:53am

Brenden Mushy Gap wrote: »

It's the irresponsible owners who let cats roam at will.

I thought that was what most cats were designed to do!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 11-07-2019 11:21am

Effects wrote: »

I thought that was what most cats were designed to do!

Many species are designed to roam much more that cats, dogs included, but they are not allowed to do so to the detriment of others.

magicbastarder · 11-07-2019 11:29am

fryup wrote: »

house cats? as in never go outside? thats cruel surely

is it more cruel to a cat to keep it inside, than it is cruel to other animals to let the cat roam and possibly kill them?

i guess the choice has three options:
don't get a cat.
get a cat, and let it roam free and accept it will probably kill other animals.
get a cat, keep it as a house cat and try your best to give it a good life.

Eddie B · 12-07-2019 10:57am

Why can't cats be treated same as dogs. If you want to let it outside, and it tends to wander, ( as cats do) then get an enclosure for it. Loads for sale on the net. If you don't have a garden, bring it for walks on a leash, just like people with dogs do.

I can feel the eye's rolling, but why does this sound such an alien concept? If you care for wildlife, then do what ever it takes to protect said wildlife from your pets.

P.s I'm sick of neighbours cats *issing and *hitting in my turf shed. Rant over!

corks finest · 13-07-2019 7:51pm

fryup wrote: »

magicbastarder wrote: »

and i say this as someone who has recently taken in two rescue kittens. i am in no way endorsing violence against animals, but by the same token, our two are going to be house cats.

house cats? as in never go outside? thats cruel surely

FFS house cats my a*se no such thing- every bloody cat near me are all "house cats" - majority of cat owners are irresponsible - they leave them wander to crap in garden's- kill birds and generally do what they want- killed countless birds in mine and neighbours gardens,each time I spot one in mine the hurley appears,noise is enough to scare them but the disgusting creatures are back again pretty soon

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 13-07-2019 7:59pm

corks finest wrote: »

FFS house cats my a*se no such thing- every bloody cat near me are all "house cats" - majority of cat owners are irresponsible - they leave them wander to crap in garden's- kill birds and generally do what they want- killed countless birds in mine and neighbours gardens,each time I spot one in mine the hurley appears,noise is enough to scare them but the disgusting creatures are back again pretty soon

Here, here.

And the absurdity of rural dwellers thinking they are better placed to let cats roam, because they have no immediate neighbour. The cats still kill huge numbers of birds and small mammals and will find a distant neighbour's garden to use as a toilet - as I know all too well. They then have the nerve to say they are doing us all a favour by keeping the rat population in check.

IrishZeus · 13-07-2019 8:08pm

What could you legally do if you could actually catch a neighbours cat in your garden? Have 3 of them targeting bird feeders in my garden and taking birds. I live in an urban area and have worked bloody hard to get the birds I have, so it is sickening.

Impossible to catch the b*stards but if I did, it would be getting a sound dunking in the pond in the hopes of scaring it into not coming back. (Small chance of that working anyways, I know!)

Stigura · 13-07-2019 8:11pm

IrishZeus wrote: »

Impossible to catch the b*stards .....

Expect a PM

FAILSAFE 00 · 13-07-2019 8:56pm

magicbastarder · 13-07-2019 9:55pm

corks finest wrote: »

FFS house cats my a*se no such thing- every bloody cat near me are all "house cats"

not sure how to respond to this; given that my post formed part of the chain which you responded to. there are plenty of people who are conscientious cat owners, but most people don't know they exist precisely because their cats don't cause problems or appear in your garden.
so yes, "house cats" are a problem but house cats are not.

Storm 10 · 26-11-2019 3:43pm

Wife was at the window this morning and saw a cat get a starling, she ran after it but it would not drop it, this cat actually has a collar and bell I am feeding Goldfinches, Sparrows, Blue Tits and Starlings what is the best way to try to protect them, I have the feeders under a plastic cover on the shed but I still see cats hiding, I move all the pots etc so they can not hide was thinking of getting plastic fence and attaching it to the shed both ends so they would not be able to surprise the birds, any other ideas. In Galway City.

Eddie B · 26-11-2019 4:31pm

Storm 10 wrote: »

Wife was at the window this morning and saw a cat get a starling, she ran after it but it would not drop it, this cat actually has a collar and bell I am feeding Goldfinches, Sparrows, Blue Tits and Starlings what is the best way to try to protect them, I have the feeders under a plastic cover on the shed but I still see cats hiding, I move all the pots etc so they can not hide was thinking of getting plastic fence and attaching it to the shed both ends so they would not be able to surprise the birds, any other ideas. In Galway City.

How is the cat getting up onto the shed roof? I had a similar problem. Cats were getting onto my shed roof by walking along my back wall, and then popping up onto the roof. I just attached some wire to the end of the garden wall, and that stopped them travelling to the shed.

Storm 10 · 26-11-2019 5:02pm

Eddie B wrote: »

How is the cat getting up onto the shed roof? I had a similar problem. Cats were getting onto my shed roof by walking along my back wall, and then popping up onto the roof. I just attached some wire to the end of the garden wall, and that stopped them travelling to the shed.

No problem for them just a short jump this one took the starling while eating spilt seed on the grass, I will put some kind of fence up to stop it.

Eddie B · 26-11-2019 7:14pm

Storm 10 wrote: »

No problem for them just a short jump this one took the starling while eating spilt seed on the grass, I will put some kind of fence up to stop it.

Our terrier keeps them out of the garden lol. Cats don't even need cover to get the birds. They are an exceptional predator.

Scotty # · 29-11-2019 10:42am

Eddie B wrote: »

They are an exceptional predator.

About 30 years ago in school I went back to a mates house for lunch one time. He lived in a mature housing estate with plenty of well grown shrubs and bushes in the back gardens. While having lunch, we watched his cat catch three birds in about 30 minutes! It was pretty much all the cat did all day. It had a bell and a lump of balsa wood tied to it's collar and was still a prolific hunter. It'd sit on top of the garden wall within the bush and pounce as soon as a bird would be in range. My mate told me it was not unusual for him to arrive home to 10-15 dead starlings or house sparrows outside the back door.

It's amazing that cats still have the instinct and ability after 1000's of years of domestication. They're still wild at heart.

New Home · 29-11-2019 12:25pm

Scotty # wrote: »

About 30 years ago in school I went back to a mates house for lunch one time. He lived in a mature housing estate with plenty of well grown shrubs and bushes in the back gardens. While having lunch, we watched his cat catch three birds in about 30 minutes! It was pretty much all the cat did all day. It had a bell and a lump of balsa wood tied to it's collar and was still a prolific hunter. It'd sit on top of the garden wall within the bush and pounce as soon as a bird would be in range. My mate told me it was not unusual for him to arrive home to 10-15 dead starlings or house sparrows outside the back door.

It's amazing that cats still have the instinct and ability after 1000's of years of domestication. They're still wild at heart.

I love cats, but I also love birds, and I do think your friend should have at least tried to stop his cat.

Scotty # · 29-11-2019 4:06pm

New Home wrote: »

I do think your friend should have at least tried to stop his cat.

He did...

Scotty # wrote: »

It had a bell and a lump of balsa wood tied to it's collar...

I don't know what became of the cat. This was around 30 years ago. I'll ask him next time I see him (My mate, not the cat!:)).

kildare lad · 29-11-2019 9:47pm

A cat killed a collar dove at my feeder the other day. Looked out the window and he had it in his mouth going through the bushes, they killed all the baby wild rabbits we had out the back as well. I hate them . Cats that are wandering around could be caught and euthanized. There's no point having a pet if he he's never at home.

My uncle's has had very few birds to his feeders or bird box's the last two years , cos some auld one beside him has started feeding all the strays in the area . He had a row with her over it but she's in denial about cats killing wildlife. He'd said he'd shoot them if he had a gun..lol

kildare lad · 29-11-2019 9:53pm

They should start doing this here to. All the cat lovers up in arms saying it's cruel, but what about the millions of animals they kill every year.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australia-cat-cull-sausages-wildlife-outback-a8888071.html

ltdslipdiff · 29-11-2019 10:00pm

We are the neighbours cats toilet of choice and regularly have to bin shoes when the kids trape cat shyte in to the house. We chose not to get a pet cat or dog because with work and kids commitments we wouldn't be able to give it the time or care deserved. All our lovely garden birds have been killed by the neighbourhood cats and they're simply fearless. They roam at night and as I said our manicured garden is their toilet of choice. Tried everything, the scented liquids and powders, ultrasonic repellents, sensor water hoses, but just can't keep them out. The owners simply let them roam all day and night. I wish there was a law to limit the trespass.
Any help or advice greatly appreciated!!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 29-11-2019 10:07pm

Irresponsible cat ownership is the issue. I can't abide the fact that cats take birds in my garden (and use it as a toilet) but it's the owners that need to be taken to task. One neighbour has cats and they stay indoors at night and are confined to her garden when out during the day, with bells ln their collars. But others let their cats roam at will and do so at night too. Some feed feral cats with no attempt to keep them in check. Some even have a twisted logic that it's a big open countryside so the cats won't do as much harm as in an urban garden environment. When you ask them to control their cats you get the old "they kept vermin at bay"; yes along with killing countless numbers of birds and other small mammals. Then you get told it's only the natural behaviour of a cat. It's the natural behaviour of a dog to hunt too but we prevent it.
So, dropping poison indiscriminately is not the answer - imagine the impact on native meat or carrion eaters (not such an issue in Australia). We need control rules around cats, just as we have with dogs.

29-11-2019 10:15pm

ltdslipdiff wrote: »

We are the neighbours cats toilet of choice and regularly have to bin shoes when the kids trape cat shyte in to the house. We chose not to get a pet cat or dog because with work and kids commitments we wouldn't be able to give it the time or care deserved. All our lovely garden birds have been killed by the neighbourhood cats and they're simply fearless. They roam at night and as I said our manicured garden is their toilet of choice. Tried everything, the scented liquids and powders, ultrasonic repellents, sensor water hoses, but just can't keep them out. The owners simply let them roam all day and night. I wish there was a law to limit the trespass.
Any help or advice greatly appreciated!!

I'm a cat owner and I hate this. Cats dont even need to be trained to use a toilet indoors, just fill a tray with cat litter and they will happily use it. In fact having to go outside in the cats highly strung and anxious head is very stressful, in the cats mind it is risking its life to go and relieve itself.

Cats are always on alert, highly anxious and on the look out for danger. They are prolific predators but also survivors and with that comes avoiding danger. Your garden sounds like a safe haven. Somewhere they can do their business in peace and comfort and above all away from danger.

I think what you need to do is catch them in the act and scare the life out of them. I'd recommend a super soaker (obviously not too powerful to hurt them). Soak them and roar at them. Let them know your garden is not a safe place for them to do their business.

Good luck!

Edit: just realised the cats are probably being let out at night (another thing I hate to see and hear as a cat owner), so catching them in the act is probably not very realistic.

ltdslipdiff · 29-11-2019 10:16pm

We know the cats owners, one is a man of the courts, he has a few roaming,and the other cat is owned by a lady to complete the 2.5 children and white picket fence urban dream. I was tempted to trap and release some distance away but will try anything first because unfortunately these people are unapproachable... I could send my kids round to s*** in their garden maybe?

29-11-2019 10:18pm

ltdslipdiff wrote: »

We know the cats owners, one is a man of the courts, he has a few roaming,and the other cat is owned by a lady to complete the 2.5 children and white picket fence urban dream. I was tempted to trap and release some distance away but will try anything first because unfortunately these people are unapproachable... I could send my kids round to s*** in their garden maybe?

Scoop the ****e up and deliver it back to them? Stick it in an envelope with a message "I believe this is yours"

ltdslipdiff · 29-11-2019 10:27pm

I resent the thought of actually having to pick up someone else's cat shyte!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 29-11-2019 10:30pm

I've soaked them, roared at them, chased them....all to no avail.

A distant neighbour did trap some a few years ago and left them at the pound but it had little long term affect.

ltdslipdiff · 29-11-2019 10:42pm

It's a pity because I have the facility to apply deadly force but that is not my desire.... But I am running out of options!

New Home · 29-11-2019 10:52pm

Mod: Irrespective of your feelings towards cats, I would like to remind everyone that cruelty to animals (any animal) is NOT acceptable.

Eddie B · 29-11-2019 11:11pm

I must admit I am not a lover of cats. In my opinion, they should be kept on their owners property, end of story. For those that do like them, by all means have them as pets, but keep them on your property like any other pet.

Here's a thing. I often see cat enclosures for sale on various sites, but have yet to actually see one in someone's garden. Ok I know not everyone has the space for one, but if even 50% of cats were kept in an enclosure, or indoors, instead of being let roam, it would make a big difference.

The only real solution for this, is to change the law reguarding cats. If enough people shout loud enough then maybe something will change. The problem is, the cat lovers will do there best to shout even louder.

29-11-2019 11:21pm

Eddie B wrote: »

I must admit I am not a lover of cats. In my opinion, they should be kept on their owners property, end of story. For those that do like them, by all means have them as pets, but keep them on your property like any other pet.

Here's a thing. I often see cat enclosures for sale on various sites, but have yet to actually see one in someone's garden. Ok I know not everyone has the space for one, but if even 50% of cats were kept in an enclosure, or indoors, instead of being let roam, it would make a big difference.

The only real solution for this, is to change the law reguarding cats. If enough people shout loud enough then maybe something will change. The problem is, the cat lovers will do there best to shout even louder.

You have it backwards, people do not have pet cats. Cats have pet humans. They're not dumb, they're not going to stuck with someone who locks them in an enclosure.

The alternative to the current situation is to let cats run feral.

Dont get me wrong I have sympathy, even as a cat owner i dont like cats ****ting in my garden. Owners need to be responsible and get cat litters for the cats and keep them in doors at night and when the owner is out of the house for long periods (work etc). But they also need to be let outdoors to maintain their territory. That is the essence of what a cat is. What you are asking is for owners to somehow stop a cat from bring a cat and be more like a dog. Its nonsense.

endacl · 29-11-2019 11:26pm

Storm 10 wrote: »

Wife was at the window this morning and saw a cat get a starling, she ran after it but it would not drop it, this cat actually has a collar and bell I am feeding Goldfinches, Sparrows, Blue Tits and Starlings what is the best way to try to protect them, I have the feeders under a plastic cover on the shed but I still see cats hiding, I move all the pots etc so they can not hide was thinking of getting plastic fence and attaching it to the shed both ends so they would not be able to surprise the birds, any other ideas. In Galway City.

Cat dragged in this bird

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