I Don't Care If You Flame Me - Your Fucking Cats Are A Nuisance

[matcom]

#1 - I love cats. Have 2 of my own
#2 - Worked as a Vet Tech years ago and have SEEN what happens to outdoor cats.
#3 - Cats are DOMESTIC animals and are MUCH better indoors.
#4 - We have MULTIPLE bird feeders and I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR CATS IN MY YARD. So do some of your neighbors.

Story - Look folks. your cats don't need to be roaming around outside. I have 2 cats and they are both LEASH trained. It isn't difficult. it is the way it is. my cats don't roam the neighborhood. sadly, too many do and many a night, we will be woken up to a cat fight in the yard (or a good howling because irresponsible cat owners don't bother to fix their little pussies)

My neighbor decided to get a cat. why i don't know since the thing is outside 24/7. fucking rediculous if you ask me. if the little tabby doesn't get hit by a car, there is feline lukemia, feline aides, wildlife, etc... SOMETHING will get it.

anyhoo, above tabby was one day stalking Mrs Matcom's bird feeders. caught a baby bird, killed it and left it in my yard for all to see. i knocked on neighbors door and told him if he didn't AT LEAST put a bell and collar on, i would take his precious kitty to the pound for adoption (or worse). he did and kitty CAN'T KILL ANY BIRDS BECAUSE THEY NOW HEAR IT COMING THANKS TO THE BELL!

<insert> PSA: if you INSIST on letting your cat roam "free" I STRONGLY advise you out of courtesy to do the same </insert>

cats do NOT have to be let out to be happy. they are HAPPY on your lap, in your bed, etc... IF you want your cats outside train them on a leash. again it isn't difficult.

i frankly have NO sympathy if you come crying to the lounge that little fluffy got attacked, hit, sick, diseased IF that cat is an "outdoor" cat (if it got out by mistake then I am truly sorry) You deserve no sympathy and frankly, Fluffy had it coming.

keep them inside. love them, enjoy them, buy a litter box for them, or DON'T OWN THEM. outdoor cats are a nuisance, and (according to the personal feelings of the Vet I worked for) it is ABUSE to let them roam "wild". in this case, if you love them, DON'T set them free. if they come near our bird feeders, i'm turning them in.


:rant:

[TrueAmerican]

1. Cats Suck

Dogs are better and smarter.

[truebrit71]

73. Yup.

I hate cats.

[Locut0s]

81. 2nd that.

[callous taoboy]

84. Dogs are smarter, which is why my dog

eats my cat's turds every chance she gets.

:eyes:

[unsavedtrash]

183. my cat is mean as hell

and she keeps my 4 dogs in line. She is even a guard kitty. When someone knocks on the door, she puts her ears back, grawls a little, and follows me to the door. If she doesn't know the person visiting, she will sit on the floor between the us and the visitor openly glaring at them.

[yvr girl]

2. Good Morning, Matcom

I see your day is getting off to a roaring start.

I'm innocent of all kitty misdeeds. Hell, I don't even have plants. Pets would be totally out of the question.

[Goldeneye]

3. You just said pretty much everything I've been

thinking since this whole cat shooting issue came up. I just don't understand why people can't keep "house" cats inside, especially since they know they are killing things.

Would someone else recommend this? I want everyone to see...

[radwriter0555]

4. Amen to ALL that... and keep in mind a good blast with the hose a few

times is a GREAT way to keep them out of your yard, when spotted, of course. They learn really fast.

I use the hose on pigeons and crows that start lurking as well, and they get the message real fast, for a very long time.

I got a little nozzle for the hose that is high-pressured and far, reaching for the crows WAY up in the top of the tree. Works like a charm!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

5. My vet rants against letting cats outside

it cuts their life expectancy in half. It is spring and the yowling and mating will be beginning soon. It is CRUEL to continue the cycle of unwanted kittens. For Christ's sake, neuter and spay your kitties!

And yes, I leashed trained Lulu (RIP-2000) and it allowed her to enjoy the great outdoors without the danger to herself and the birds. I am going to leash train one of my boys this spring.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

10. I'm with you. I have a small water feature in my backyard

that includes small koi, fountain and plants. As soon as I start up the fountain after the winter I have to put a wire mesh grid over the top (lovely to look at - not!) to keep the neighbor's cat from coming over and acting like it is the seafood buffet at Denny's. I have worked hard to make it a pretty, pleasing attraction for me to enjoy while sitting outside and yet it ends up looking like a death row security at Attica. Geesh. Just keep your pets home. That is all I ask.

And your golf balls home, too. I do not live anywhere near a golf course but the neighbor and his kids like to practice in their swing in their backyard. My yard, house and windows were constantly getting pelted with errant golf balls with no regard who or what might be damaged in the process. Since I didn't have a golf club handy I just got out my handy, dandy Louisville Slugger and returned the golf balls to them by the home run express. (I had a mean swing in my day - you got any idea how well a golf ball will travel with just a little effort and a good solid connection with ash?) It only took three returned balls hitting their window and pool for them to move the tee to the golf course. Mean, guess so, but I have grandkids who like to play outside and those darn balls can do a lot of damage.

Your kids are welcome to play on the back acres, there is plenty of room for a baseball field (hell, I'll keep it mowed for you and find bases, you may use the front hill for sledding, have fun with the driveway basketball goal (knock on the door for the basketball) for a quick pickup game, cut through the yard for a shortcut home but, please, in the name of all that is kind and polite - keep your animals, golf balls, and any other activity that invades others' privacy in your own dang yard. I'm a good neighbor, you be one, too.

[Heidi]

12. We have kois, too.

Big ones. The largest is almost nearly two feet long. Cats are scared sh!tless of them. But on two occasions this past winter, large dogs which were being walked off-leash bounded through the hedge around our rural property and went for a swim in the koi pond.

You sound pretty tolerant to me.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

13. Well so far the koi are small because the cats get to them

before they can get any size to them. The largest I have gotten was about 6-8 inches long (that is about as large as they will be able to thrive in my pond) and that was practically posting guard 24/7.

[Heidi]

15. Do you name your kois?

We have seven: Jumpy, Pfloch, Madonna, Trotsky, Bob Dylan, Shamu and Winky.

[TyeDye75]

17. I thought I was the only person who named my Koi

Ionly name them when they get to a certain size. The three largest that I have are called Plato, Montgomerie and Takeshi.

[Heidi]

19. Wonderful!

One of my happiest summer morning times is feeding them bread from my hand. Madonna will suck my fingers off in search of bread.

[petronius]

22. "Madonna will suck my fingers off in search of bread"

I think Dennis Rodman said something like that once...

[Heidi]

23. Yikes!

Our koi, Madonna, is named after both Madonna the pop star and the Holy Mother (we live in a Catholic state, though we're not in the least Catholic). She's the hungriest koi we've ever seen.

[radwriter0555]

75. The japanese say it's bad luck to name the koi, and they should be

referred to by color or description.

And to keep cats (and other varmints) from getting them, you have to have a 2.5 foot deep area they can retreat to, in the middle of the pond.

[Heidi]

182. Their names refer to our impressions of them . . .

and the pond is more than 6 feet deep in the middle.

[Dastard Stepchild]

18. My vet does this as well...

She has posters and signs all over her office about how cats should remain indoors. Not that we needed to be reminded of that.
Incidentally, my dog's name is LuLu. Great name! :)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

31. My girl kitty Lulu (RIP 2000) was such a girly girl

and just the sweetest kitty. I adopted two older male cats in 2003 that are just as sweet. I think I've been lucky.

[underpants]

6. I've never done that!

you don't have pictures do you?

[matcom]

7. yes but

your too young to see them

[Dogmudgeon]

8. Too many people worship "kitties"

The problem is that cats aren't the godlike beings the catloons think they are. They are domestic animals that need human care and supervision. Leaving a cat run free because cats are "independent" and need their "dignity" is anthropomorphism that can lead to a mutilated or dead cat.

Dogs do a little better when left to run free, but not by much -- mainly because of their size. Still, any owner who lets their dog have the run of town is just as guilty of animal abuse and cruelty.

--p!

[LiberalFighter]

11. I let my dogs run free.... only within boundaries and my supervision

I can let them out for a few minutes in the back yard. I can leave them alone for a few minutes but then I go check on them to see if they are done. If they take too long I hurry them up.

I can let them out in the front yard with my supervision because the youngest knows the boundaries and the oldest sticks with her. Even though the road is low traffic I still keep an eye out for any vehicles.

The youngest knows what to do when I tell her and the oldest sort of knows but also tags along with the youngest.

I finally got leashes that are light enough for my toy poodles and use them when taking them for a walk or take them places in public.

Both of my dogs tend to stay within sight of me if not within a few feet.

[Dogmudgeon]

29. That's not exactly "running free"

You're a responsible dog owner -- you probably love, but don't fetishize, your animals. Cats are probably even more dependent on their owners keeping them safe, but the perceived "independence" of cats leads the uninformed to put them at risk. Which also makes those cats a nuisance.

Eighty million stray and feral cats and dogs can create a lot of nuisance. And many of those animals live miserable lives.

--p!

[LiberalFighter]

33. I know.. but at least my girls probably think they are running free

[hyphenate]

9. I think, however, that much of the blame

should be taken out on the owners, not the cats! Sort of the same situation when kids nowadays get so out of hand because the parents suck at their jobs of parenting. Regardless of form the "kids" take, it's not out of line to suggest that those who adopt pets need to have at least a rudimentary lesson in animal husbandry. Perhaps when enough potential pet owners see the horrific things that happen to their outdoor pets, the situation might change a little more.

Mine have always been indoor cats. In the "old days" when I had them, I would bring them downstairs into the back yard and supervise them for about an hour to give them fresh air. When I moved to L.A. that was simply not possible. So they stayed in. If someone lives in an apartment complex, it's logistically impossible to let their pets be indoor/outdoor pets, because many of the neighbors will complain and/or the pets might catch some illness from a feral.

There are an enormous number of cats put to death each and every year because people ARE ignorant about their needs, their reproductive cycles and their habits. And there doesn't seem to be enough people who help to keep the population levels down by doing sterilization and release projects, or who can afford to do it at all! Cats are considered by many as being "trash animals" by those who will never like them, and who will disrespect them throughout their lives. It sucks, but it's reality. :(

[nuxvomica]

14. Domestic cats are among the 100 most invasive species

in the world: http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=24&fr=1&sts=sss I love cats and I have one who has spent his entire life indoors. When he's bored, I sometimes think that maybe he would've been happier had he been allowed to run free outdoors but if I'm honest with myself, I realize he's bored because he craves attention from me.

[BikeWriter]

16. *Loud applause!*

I agree with all your points!

[Ernesto]

20. I have no problem shooting

my own cat in his ass with my trusty Red Rider bee bee gun whenever I catch him messing up in my vegetable garden. Only this AM, I drilled him as he was up-rooting a newly planted tomato seedling. As long as he doesn't see where the shot comes from, all he knows is the garden is a dangerous place to be caught in.
Also I have trapped more than one stray cat that I later dropped off @ the animal shelter>>>>>>> no problembo!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

21. Can I add something (about dogs)?

Twice last week in the middle of the f*cking night, we've been woken up by two dogs (don't know who they belong to) who decided to use our yard as their playpen. They managed to dig up the black plastic drainage piping we have in our yard and play "tug of war" with it. It's all over our yard. They sounded like they were rabid! Furthermore, I walked around the house, and they had bent up the drain pipe that comes down from the roof on one side of my house. Pissed me off so bad.

I called animal control that morning (twice), and the jerks never came out! Grr.....

Any ideas how to keep strays out of my yard? We don't have a fence and it's sort of an open yard (woodsy. We were thinking of spraying something that tastes nasty on the pipes to keep them away.

[marzipanni]

156. Ask your local garden supply store

Something like this worked for my neighbor to keep animals from pooping on her lawn.
http://www.outsidepride.com/store/catalog/Liquid-Fence-CD-p-16246.html

[Heidi]

24. You shoot your cat with a BB gun?

How would you feel if he saw where the shot came from?

[smbolisnch]

25. Why don't you just keep him in the house, rather than shoot at it?

:eyes:

[Ernesto]

37. I live out in the country, always have

I've had dozens of cats, some good some bad. Generally, they sleep in the house but are required to help out as mousers, golfer getters, etc. As a holder of a degree in psychology I think I posses the ability to judiciously introduce a small amount of aversive stimulation into my normal animal husbandry duties. Trust me, this vegetable ruining young kittie has a great life.

[smbolisnch]

39. Trust you? Trust me, if you are shooting at it, it does not.

Like another poster suggested, perhaps finding it a loving home is a better alternative.

[THUNDER HANDS]

56. you have cats that chase golfers?

like Phil Mickelson, what'd he ever do to you?

[Orsino]

74. I advise against firing a weapon...

...in the direction of an animal, when there is a chance of hitting it in the eye. I can't speak to the deadliness of a BB gun when applied to a kitty backside, but I know that it can take out an eye.

[Name removed]

89. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pithlet]

26. If you're serious

Please do your poor cat a favor and give him to a loving home where his care takers won't shoot him. You have no business having a cat if you shoot at it with a BB gun. I'm sorry, but that is cruel and unnecessary and idiotic.

[Ernesto]

69. So now I'm idiotic?

Wow when did this joint get taken over by politically correct citified sissys anyhow? Ever been shot by a bee bee gun? It ain't exactly a life threatening event.

[donheld]

140. Yes i have been shot with a bee bee gun

It is just plain inhumane. Let me have your bee bee gun and a good aim at your ass. :grr:

[Pithlet]

179. I said the action was idiotic

If being against shooting one's own pet with any kind of a gun makes me a politically corect citified sissy, then I wear that label with pride.

And, yes, I've been shot at with a BB gun and it hurst like hell. It is abusive to do that to any animal, and to inflict your own pet is just as cruel.

[Redstone]

53. Ernesto, I bet that works great! Reminds me of "dusting" as a

farm-country dog training method...every time you see the pooch walking toward the chicken coop, you fire off a 20-gauge shotgun into the ground about six feet in front of him.

After a couple times, he says whoah! That chicken coop has some kinda damn volcano or something around it, and I think I'll stay away from it!

Redstone

[zanne]

88. How cruel, Ernesto.

Do you do that to your kids, too?

[Ernesto]

159. welcome aboard

now, where's your star?

[smbolisnch]

180. You have to have a star to have an opinion at DU?

Hmmmm, I wasn't aware of that. You seem bothered that everyone isn't jumping on your "Let's shoot cats" bandwagon. :eyes:

[KittyWampus]

27. You A City Slicker? I Need My Cats Outside Mousing/Voling/Moling

rodents eat vegetables and devastate my veggie garden FROM WHICH I EAT.

Sorry, although my 2 kitties love following me around when I'm outside, love being in the garden hunting and USUALLY stick around the house... they WILL occassionally go a few houses up or down the block.

And by the way, we have bird feeders here too.

Kitties rarely get birds and the ones they do are almost always sparrows and no great loss.

Edit- I forgot the chipmunks and rabbits kitties get.

[Goldeneye]

38. there are many kinds of sparrows....some more threatened than others.

[BikeWriter]

50. In my yard cats eat birds.

It may be your cats. That's okay by me; when they're in my yard they're my cats. I'll accept the responsibility for them. ;)

[Redstone]

55. You forgot to add "heh, heh" at the end of your post.

I agree with your statement.

Redstone

[BikeWriter]

57. Thank you. :-)

[Pithlet]

28. I keep my cat indoors

I think that is best. A lot of people seem to think that is cruel, but I think that is stupid. I don't want my cat hit by a car, or poisoned or shot at by an idiot with a BB gun or worse. My cat is happy and healthy and will likely live a longer life.

[JVS]

30. Preach it, brother Matcom!

[RPM]

181. die, kitties, die

the kitty-cats the

:-)

[RPM]

32. yeah - how can i keep my neighbor's cats out of my yard

sick of those predatory little shits.

[BikeWriter]

44. Well, uh...

You could buy a Havahart trap and take them to the local pound or SPCA. Most of them will be gassed to death and buried in a landfill. You could get a bad dog or two, like I had which will rip the cats into small pieces. I won't get into the unethical means of ridding yourself of cats, but you can use your own imagination.

[RPM]

164. geez - those unethical ways must be really nasty

what you described doesnt sound too nice at all.

[BikeWriter]

168. Neither is finding bird heads and wings on my porch. ;-(

[RPM]

169. oh - i feel you

i find all kinds of strange stuff - i always blame the neighbors cat...

[BikeWriter]

178. I've seen them stalk him repeatedly...

over the last seven or eight years. Do you suspect an escaped tiger did it?

[radwriter0555]

77. Hit them with a high pressure water hose. They HATE it. Works real

well on pigeons and crows too.

They all learn their lessons real fast, takes a couple of times.

[redqueen]

158. Not the cats around my house.

They just come back when we're not outside.

I've trapped some and turned them over to rescue orgs, but there's always more... I think somone around our neighborhood is feeding strays. :grr:

[zanne]

78. RPM--You can't

There are no "leash laws" for cats. There are, however, laws to PROTECT cats; so don't get it into your head to hurt any.

[BikeWriter]

129. In some locales they're treated as pests.

[amazona]

34. a tip of the hat to you

Have a beer on me. :toast:

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[muffin_man]

35. Have two spade cats

and they are outdoor. Only reason we have them is for pest control. We live on 23 acres. Oddly enough they have never brought us any birds(maybe they eat those),just rats, mice, lizards and occasionally snakes. They come inside if they want,have food and regular checkups. Flea control and heartworm. I guess we could turn them to be killed or could have never adopted em. Yeah, they have no quality of life now right? Better off dead. Wow I feel down right evil now! We have "working class" cats!

[solinvictus]

36. Feral Cat "Colonies"

When we lived in Chattanooga, the hill in front of our apartment was full of ferals. People fed them out of compassion, but damn, I got tired of seeing sick and wounded cats evacuating themselves damn near to death. It was sad.

[BikeWriter]

40. It's sad responsible pet owners...

did not humanely prevent those others from continuing the cycle of suffering.

[zanne]

59. To all you cat-haters: What do you suggest?

I have three cats, all of whom I adopted because their owners decided to ABANDON them. They hung around the neighborhood, begging people for scraps, living out in the extreme cold (one of my cats lost both ears to frostbite). They have all been neutered, they have their shots and they're disease-free. I can't keep these cats inside all the time because they spent a great deal of their lives outside. To tell the truth, I think it would be cruel to keep them indoors all the time, bored to death with nothing to do but eat and get really fat (like alot of indoor-only cats get). Do you want me to keep my cats indoors because you're worried about a little cat poop on your lawn? Sorry. Don't want them to kill birds? Mine all wear bells and I've never seen them kill anything. Are you worried about them being hit by cars? Mine are 15, 11 and 10, and they've never even come close to being hit by a car (in a busy neighborhood). Now, what other reason would you like me to keep my cats inside?

[BikeWriter]

62. Please respect my property rights...

by keeping your pets on your own premises. I don't want them here. If they do come on my property, I will responsibly remove them from it as I see fit.

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BikeWriter]

66. I'm an asshole?

I am a responsible property owner. I take personal responsibility for all animals found on my land. ;)

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Radical Activist]

42. Just because you like to torture your cats

by keeping them prisoners away from any natural environment doesn't mean everyone else should.

[BikeWriter]

46. Hee hee hee! Free your cats in...

the natural environment of my yard! ;-)

[zanne]

63. I'm with you, Radical Activist.

Only control freaks try to tell people to keep their cats indoors.

[BikeWriter]

68. What do you call people...

who allow their pets on other's property against their wishes?

[LynneSin]

70. WRONG!!!!

Subjecting my cats to the outdoors is absolutely WRONG WRONG WRONG. I"ve spent good time & money taking care of my 2 cats, the last thing I want to do is to subject them to the outdoors.

First and foremost there are other critters out there including feral cats. I would prefer my cat not catch something or get into a cat fight with these permamently outdoor critters.

Second, there are cars out there and as fast as my 2 critters are, I would prefer them to NOT be hit by a car. Believe me, I see enough dead cats in the middle of the road and I would prefer none of them be my Abbott or Evita.

Third - people are fucking NUTS!!!! Not only are their people in this world who would think of nothing but to do cruel things to tame animals, but there are other folks who would think nothing of stealing someone's pet and keeping it for themselves.

Both of my cats were saved from the outdoors and neither of them have any desire to go back out there again. I could toss both of my cats out the front door and before I'd slammed that door shut those 2 cats would be back inside on their usual perches wondering why I would do something so cruel.

However, Abbott does get some outdoor times and like Matcom - I have him trained on a leash (and when he's outdoors I'm out there with him).

Unless someone lives on a giant farm with plenty of land, I say that cats should be kept indoors or at least leash trained. It's too cruel of a world out there to put your pets out there trying to fight it off.

[politicat]

43. Amen, brother Matcom!

We have two who think the outdoors is TV. One is leash trained, the other is a Houdini who can get out of any harness known to man, so he does not go outside except in his carrier.

I've TNRed more ferals that I can count; 12 last year, and given out I don't know how many pamphlets on where to get a cat spayed or neutered.

It drives me nuts how urban people treat their cats. I grew up with farm cats; there is a difference on a farm. But in a city, it's different.

[Logansquare]

45. Because indoor cats occasionally get out--PLEASE don't shoot

I realize that some people feel under siege by feral cats, but shooting is not a humane or sensible solution. We got a Have-a-Heart humane trap, and it works great. That way, you can take the cat to a shelter and if it has an owner, there is still a chance that they can locate it. We adopted one feral that we caught (she stays inside now), and helped a friend catch another that had somehow made it into her attic, but was too wild to handle.

[BikeWriter]

47. Why should we tolerate...

destructive animals on our property, if their owners don't value them enough to keep them secure?

[zanne]

60. Why should you "tolerate"?

Why should I "tolerate" destructive kids in my yard? Because I live in a NEIGHBORHOOD. If you don't want anybody bothering you, go live in the woods. And stop being so precious.

[BikeWriter]

65. I'll live where I want, thank you.

I'll also take the responsibility for any animals found on my property. ;)

[Democrat 4 Ever]

71. Whatever your opinion about your cats you still do not have

the right to tell me that I have to endure your animals. Keep them in your house, your yard, your car or anywhere you dang well please. Just keep them out of my yard and we would get along fine. I don't care how much the cats love the outdoors (that is your and the cats problem, not mine), I love my fish, my plants, and my cat poop free yard. I won't send my fish or plants over to bother you and I expect the same courtesy from you. And if you don't feel the need to police your animals I will do what I think is necessary to handle the situation. That said, if you really care and love your animals so much keep them home. You and your cats rights end where my yard begins.

You have the same rights concerning the neighborhood kids but that isn't my problem. Do what you think is appropriate if you don't want them in your yard, just give your neighbors the same rights. And I wish you would be a little more precious of something besides some pets.

[zanne]

103. You DO have to endure my animals.

Sorry, pal. Chalk up one for the kitties!

[BikeWriter]

131. That's not very considerate of you.. :-(

[redqueen]

160. Do you care if they're hit by a car?

Caught by sick kids and tortured / killed?

Maimed by stronger feral cats?


I just don't understand why people would want to let their cats wander unsupervised and off a leash...

[Democrat 4 Ever]

167. No, I don't and you are just kidding yourself if you think I do.

I don't know about your town but my town has a strict leash law for all animals. And you are responsible for any damage done by your pet. Sounds like to me your cat needs to put you on a leash or keep you in the house. Your statements are silly, inane and wrong. The only chalk I would need is to draw a little outline around any animal that doesn't belong on my property and I decide to handle the problem. I don't hate animals I just really dislike slow learning, pompous, uninformed pet owners who think they and their furry "friends" own the world.

[Scout]

171. great post, thanks

:toast: :headbang: :applause:

[Scout]

48. We've borrowed a live trap (like have-a-heart)

it doesn't hurt the animal. We live in a trailer, and have recently trapped, moved and released (far away) a large raccoon. We'd been hearing loud chewing sounds from under the house, and the trailer skirting kept getting loosened/disturbed. (We were afraid it would turn out to be a skunk.)

Unfortunately, I think it had babies (I hope not!) somewhere under the house, up inside the insulation. We still hear occasional chittery noises and there is an awful uriney scent creeping into the house in the rooms right above where we suspect the nest. We're going to go under the house in a day or two and try to find the nest and get rid of it (I hope there aren't babies in it...) and set the live trap again several more times until we're sure we've got everybody out.

Once the underneath of the trailer is rodent free, then I'm setting the trap for the cats, and they're going to the pound. There are three in particular that seem to hang out a lot. They aren't occasional escapees from home, I see them too often. They are either feral, or their owners are rude.

I don't want to shoot/hurt cats, but I might just take a shot at one of the owners (just to wing 'em) if I thought I could get away with it.

[BikeWriter]

49. I'm sorry to say...

you probably wouldn't get away with wounding an irresponsible pet owner, but I understand and empathize with your motivation. In the meantime we will have to continue (legally) doing what we can to alleviate our problem. ;-)

[Logansquare]

132. Now, taking a shot at the owners might work n/t

[BikeWriter]

145. It is tempting, isn't it?

[ScreamingMeemie]

51. Another sad story is that many communities put out skunk traps only

to catch cats. My Merlin is frightened by the great outdoors...but I do agree with letting cats out in one's yard if they are properly watched. :hi:

[Redstone]

52. You actually got someone to bell their cat? Bravo!

The usual response is "They're just doing what cats do."

Redstone

[DS1]

54. wow. they deleted my heartfelt reply to you

:eyes: :D

[ScreamingMeemie]

58. Bah. It was just you being "high maintenance" again.

Now, go kick a puppy. :hi:

[DS1]

61. Okay. *punt*

[ScreamingMeemie]

67. Did he land intact...with the flower?

:hi: Have a good day DS1

[redqueen]

72. Well said.

Seems like I see a poor dead kitty lying in the road at least once a month around here.

[ProfessorGAC]

76. I'm In Complete Agreement

Our pets are indoor pets. I don't even leave my dog out on the leash if he starts barking. If he starts barking because he's alone, in he comes. Cats never go out! Never! (Well, except for a car ride to get their shots, once a year.)

I concur. Keep the kitties inside. They live longer and stay healthier.
The Professor

[zanne]

79. I called Animal Control about protection for my cats.

One of my neighbors complained that one of my cats pooped on his precious lawn. He said that he would call Animal Control, so I called first to ask about the laws around here. You can't do a damn thing to cats who are being taken care of. In my city, if Animal Control has to get involved, they pick up the cats (if they have time), neuter or spay them, then release them. There are no leash laws for cats, and NO LAWS saying they can't wander onto your property. By the way, it's also a crime to harm a pet.

[barb162]

85. Totally different in my area. Fines for unleashed cats and dogs not

on their owner's property ( and the animal better have a license tag on and the owner better be able to produce a rabies cert. or more fines ensue)

[BikeWriter]

86. The laws of nature apply to all stray cats.

They live much shorter lives than those kept indoors. :(

[zanne]

87. Do you help them along with that, BikeWriter?

You're just mean.

[Scout]

91. do you let your cat run loose and bother other people zanne?

You're just rude.

[BikeWriter]

92. Earlier you called me another name...

Now I'm just "mean?" I paid for my property with hard work. I have the right to privacy on it. I also have the right to watch birds nesting here. Your cats have no rights on my property. Keep them at home and we will get along fine. ;)

[bertha katzenengel]

80. Great thread. n/t

[Missy Vixen]

82. Preach it, Brother Matcom

>Cats are DOMESTIC animals and are MUCH better indoors.<

My SIL (the most painfully politically correct person I have ever met,) REFUSES to keep her cats indoors. As a result, she's had four that died as a result of a close encounter with the local coyotes. It makes me sick to my stomach when I think of what those kitties went through in their last few minutes.

Also, if one has an indoor cat, one can dispense with the non-necessary injections that cause fibrosarcoma at injection sites.

Our cats are horribly spoiled, the darlings of our hearts, and INDOOR ONLY. We're toying with the idea of leash training them. Imagine how the neighbors will freak to see our two 20-pound Maine Coon boys strolling the neighborhood with us.

Julie

[Patiod]

83. The Little is belled, spayed, and sticks around the house

We live in a big "compound" (an old horse farm where the outbuildings have been turned into apartments). She is only allowed out when we're home, and only for a few hours at a time.

She is a happy indoor cat during bad weather, but once Spring comes she lays in front of the door and yells. She also stays right around our place (the carriage house) and comes in when she's called, which is surprising.

No koi ponds in the vicinity, and she ventures nowhere near the street. We do love to sit on the deck and see her stalk groundhogs and squirrels - she's mastered stalking w/o sounding the bell, but it's still a give-away right before the big pounce, so the critters always get away.

I'd prefer to keep her inside, but would rather put her out occasionally with her collar & bells on then deal with the constant (collarless) escapes that happened before we started putting her outside for an hour or so each evening during the summer.

[zanne]

90. I can't believe I'm reading this inhumane "rationalizing" on DU!

You have no idea how cruel you sound to people who love these little animals. Someone's pet is worth more that a hundred lawns. And those of you who are "responsible" property owners who'd shoot a cat for being on your precious soil? You sound like you come from another famous political website. I had no idea there were people like this on DU. Very disappointed.

[Scout]

93. if they love the little animals so much....

they should keep them inside and/or controlled on their own property, to protect them from all those mean, nasty, crazy cat-haters then, hmmmm?

I love my dogs dearly, and I would NEVER let them run loose on purpose, unattended, on someone else's property without their permission. I protect them and take care of them, and do my best to keep them safe and happy.

If they get loose by accident, I am out there looking for them, posting notices and calling the pound. They also wear collars with tags.

[Scout]

94. sorry you find us so disappointing....

don't let the door hit you on the ass as you leave....

[zanne]

96. Sorry to disappoint YOU, Scout

I'll stick around to remind anybody who would be cruel to animals that there are plenty of US around, watching!

[Scout]

97. and we'll just be a-shakin' with fear!!! n/t

[BikeWriter]

100. I'm a-shakin, too. :-(

[BikeWriter]

98. It's not cruel to allow cats to kill birds?

You're damned selective in your definition of cruelty to animals! ;(

[BikeWriter]

95. Some of us love birds...

as much as you adore cats! Are you saying we have no right to protect them on our own property?

[zanne]

99. If you don't like cats, try to change the laws.

But for now, as I've said before, it's illegal to harm a pet. It's also immoral, and, I think that deep down, you know that. As I have also mentioned before, my cats don't go after birds. Not all cats do. Hey, it's almost time to go kick old ladies! Hop to it!

[Scout]

101. were you born an asshole?

or do you work at it?

hey BikeWriter, let's go hurt some old ladies! :eyes:

[zanne]

102. I fight for the humane treatment of animals,

you twit.

[BikeWriter]

106. Allowing cats to eat birds is inhumane, isn't it?

The birds, what about the dead birds? ;(

[Scout]

109. great comeback!

then you better start fighting for cat owners to HUMANELY protect their cats from danger outside, and "twits" like me who are responsible with our own pets, and expect others to do the same.

It's really humane to let your cat run loose and get hit by a car, attacked by other cats, eat anti-freeze, or get shot by some crazy cat-hater!

[BikeWriter]

112. Well said! With cat hating crazies like us out here...

everyone should keep their poor kitties at home! ;(

[zanne]

115. "Get shot by some crazy cat-hater"?

Like you? I have every right to let my cats go outside. They're animals, for chrissake! What do you do about the squirrels, anyway? Poison the nuts?

[BikeWriter]

119. Send your cats on over...

I'll watch them for you! :)

[Scout]

124. I don't have a problem with squirrels, rabbits, oppossums, raccoons

(until the raccoons nested under my house and started destroying it, and causing a urine stench in the house above the nest) and I've never advocated SHOOTING the cats ... I want YOU to keep YOUR cat off MY property. Why do you have such a hard time understanding that?

If you let your cat run loose consistently into my yard, shitting in my flower beds and tormenting my dogs, then I will live trap it and remove it from the area.

Do you ever just discuss something without hyperbole and jumping to illogical conclusions?

[zanne]

150. You sound like the neighbor from hell.

Thankfully, I've managed to live in a busy neighborhood all my life with some really decent people.

[Scout]

152. so, they are responsible for their pets? unlike you?

Like I am responsible for my dogs?

You sound like a selfish, immature, inconsiderate jerk.

I'm very glad you don't live in my neighborhood. And FYI, my next door neighbor has a very nice siamese cat that I greet almost daily as he sits in her window catching the morning sun ... he's a great watch cat too, and let's her know when people are at the door, as she is hard of hearing. She loves her cat, and wouldn't dream of letting it roam free harrassing her neighbors.

[BikeWriter]

108. Some old ladies with cats?

:eyes:

[Scout]

110. yeah, and unruly children in restaurants too...

that's the ticket! old ladies with cats AND bratty grandkids in restaurants ... let's shoot them all!!!

ooooh, oooh, better yet, let's live trap the old ladies and turn them loose out in the wild, far from home...

[BikeWriter]

111. ...after neutering them, of course! :-)

[Scout]

114. how could I forget that!

of course, if they're old enough, we don't need to neuter them.

[zanne]

116. Coming from you,

it doesn't sound like a joke.

[zanne]

121. Moderators?

If I can't use the "A" word, neither can he.

[Scout]

127. I'm a she...

and I didn't call you a name, I asked if you were...

yeah, and calling someone a twit is so much more civil than asking them if they were born an asshole or if they work at it.

And there is a procedure for notifying mods of suspected inappropriate posts, check the rules.

[zanne]

130. You didn't call me a "name"?

When you call somebody a *, at least admit it.

[BikeWriter]

134. You said I was one. She asked if you were.

[zanne]

139. Oh. Thanks for clearing that up.

Are you a twit? Just asking.

[BikeWriter]

149. No, are you an irresponsible pet owner...

Without any consideration for your neighbors?
Just asking.

[Scout]

148. nope

here's my post:
were you born an asshole?
or do you work at it?

see those curvy thingys at the end of the sentence fragments? they are called "question marks" and indicate that a question is being asked, not a statement being made. There is a difference.



edit to fix html

[BikeWriter]

104. You can't guarantee your cats don't kill birds.

I'll refer you to another thread where the person's cat just did that. They were shocked, but the bird is still dead. I don't want to see harm come to any animal. Please keep yours safely at home.

[zanne]

105. Like I really believe you care about birds.

n/t

[BikeWriter]

107. I obviously protect them better than you protect your cats! :-)

[zanne]

113. You unclogged my sinuses!

Thank you! It must have been that rise in blood pressure. I feel better now, thanks! I'll leave you to the birds.

[BikeWriter]

117. Go let your cat out. I'll protect it for you. :-)

[zanne]

118. Was that a threat?

Seriously. Was it?

[BikeWriter]

122. Of course not. It was an invitation. :-)

[Mallifica]

138. I agree

but somehow this subject NEVER dies . . .

it's really become a wedge issue.

[Melynn]

120. I'm starting to like cats more than dogs

At least cats don't bark at all times of the day and night.

For disclosure purposes before I get flamed: I like both cats and dogs and other animals too. I just people would care for them properly. I think that is the point that matcom is trying to make.

[BikeWriter]

125. Yes, it was.

He made some great points, too.

[matcom]

126. bingo.

only took 122 posts :D

:popcorn:

[Ladyhawk]

123. I agree with you, Matcom. *ducks*

There are cats running wild all over my apartment complex. Several cats were living in front of my door because the little orange tabby my neighbors own was in heat (I think). The orange tabby was running around loose. If there are kittens up for adoption in about three months, I'll know I was right.

Meanwhile, the walkway stinks like cat spray. It's so bad I have to hold my breath. Yuck! It always reeks, whether or not the little orange tabby is in heat.

I rather like cats, but I don't like it when owners let them run loose, making more unwanted pets, killing birds and stinking up the neighborhood.

[zanne]

128. That cat has probably been abandoned.

So many of them are, it's unbelievable. The three cats I have were abandoned. Do you have a "Neuter and Release" program in your area? It's worth checking into. Last month, with the help of a group called Animal Allies, I trapped six cats who were neutered, vaccinated and released. The local Animal Shelter gives me food so I can feed them. Sometimes you don't know what help is out there until you search for it. It can be very frustrating, but if you really want to help animals, there are usually people out there you will give you a hand.

[BikeWriter]

135. That's six more cats that are out killing wildlife...

and trespassing on people's property. ;(

[zanne]

136. Sorry you didn't get to kill them, Bikewriter.

Don't worry. There are plenty of other small animals out there for you to kill.

[BikeWriter]

144. You aren't worried you're exposing those cats...

to danger? They will probably die of disease, starvation, or injury. ;)

[zanne]

147. Or you?N/T

[BikeWriter]

151. That is a possibility, isn't it?

I could be lying when I say I take stray animals I trap to the humane society to be placed in a home or euthanized. :(
One more reason you should keep them at home.

[Ladyhawk]

137. I tried to ask about a "neuter and release" program when I...

...first moved in, but the apartment manager says the humane society won't even come in and livetrap the extra cats. A lot of the cats disappeared awhile back, but there are still quite a few. I have little doubt that many of these cats have been abandoned. Most of them are quite beautiful, so I really don't understand why someone would just leave them. It's sad.

Money-wise, I can't even afford to take care of my own animals, so I'm having to give many of them up. If, after my surgery, there is still a problem, I may look into a way of helping the cats. I merely asked before, but I've learned that asking doesn't get anything done. You have to find a way around the answers you don't want to hear. :)

[curse10]

133. Which is why my lovelies stay indoors

Seamus has gotten out twice, that crazy escape artist. He has, luckily, returned safely. But I worried sick. I live in a very big city with very big nasty cars. I let them outside, with me, on our enclosed porch. They get their morning constitutional, smell my potted plants, then happily trot inside. Oberon won't even go outside if I'm not out there. He's a scaredy cat. :-)

[sparky_in_ma]

141. No flame, but.

I do feel sympathy for the cat when they are left out and something bad happens to them. Fluffy didn't have it coming, irresponsible owners caused it to happen. An indoor cat is healthy and happy, mine sure haven't complained. A rural farm, away from busy roads and neighbors, can use cats effectively to rid the area of vermin. There outdoor cats serve a practical function.

Some posters above seem to feel it's fun to shoot them or harm them in other ways because the cat doesn't recognize the property boundaries. Neither do dogs or any other wildlife, including birds, which dump all over my car. In my drive-way. Or the bear who likes my feeder. Those posters who think it's fun to have sport with a domestic cat are probably just afraid to confront the owner, which is where the real blame lies. If they grew a couple they might be able to do what you did, confront the owner. :thumbsup:

[zanne]

143. But, what about feral cats?

I get it by now; there are lots of people here who are very protective of their yards. But even if I kept my three cats indoors at all times, there would still be plenty of cats who were abandoned and became feral to survive. What's better; killing them or neutering them?

[sparky_in_ma]

146. neuter

I'm a firm believer in neutering.

I'm a cat owner and have been for a long time. Mine stay inside, too many fox and coyotes around, plus a busy road.

I've captured feral cats, had them neutered and found homes for them many times.

[BikeWriter]

153. I've confronted my neighbor who feeds strays...

He refuses to come out of his yard to talk to me. :(

[sparky_in_ma]

154. If some of your posts are not being sarcastic

I think I understand his hesitancy to discuss the issue with you.:) If we were neighbors, this would not be an issue. My cats are indoors or on a leash, period. I respect your posts because of your sig line, however some of your suggestions bother me. If cats are such an issue, use the water hose, they'll stay away. My neighbor's dog craps in my lawn all the time, it ain't no big thing.

[BikeWriter]

157. Thank you for keeping your pets...

safely confined. I do have convictions on this topic. I recently lost a bird in my front yard I'd been protecting. He'd been nesting here for years and he and his nest mate were constantly harassed by the neighbor's cats. They killed a blue Jay in my back yard and no telling how many others I haven't found.

[sparky_in_ma]

161. I had a similar problem

last summer. A cute 8 month old kitty was living behind my shed. There must have been 8 bird carcasses there. I put up fliers with the cats picture and the owner came and got it. 2 weeks later it happened again. Kitty got a ride back to the owners. A week later, same thing. Kitty then got a ride to the vets, was neutered, and I found a home for it where it would receive proper care. In this area kitty wouldn't have lived long outside on it's own.

[BikeWriter]

162. My neighbor feeds cats free choice...

in his open garage. I've seen large numbers of them lounging in his yard. They all prowl over here to hunt, piss, and crap. I've asked him to keep them off my property. I've told him to keep them off my property, and I've warned him to keep them off my property.
Now I'm committed to making my yard cat free as efficiently as is possible.

[sparky_in_ma]

163. Try to consider

giving my method a chance. A lot of shelters will neuter for free.

Peace.

[zanne]

165. I hope you never need help from your neighbor

By simply leaving each other alone (Live and let live, y'know), you could be good neighbors to each other. Now you've initiated a feud that will probably last for as long as you both still live there. And if you do something to his cats, you're just asking for it.

[Scout]

166. are you 15 years old or something?

BikeWriter ASKED his neighbor to keep control of the cats, and then TOLD him to keep control of the cats, and the neighbor refused.

How is that "live and let live"?

BikeWriter didn't initiate a feud. His "neighbor" has refused to be neighborly and has no consideration for his neighbors rights or happiness.

Seems like you might not have much real world experience yet; your naivete is not quite charming.

[zanne]

170. You have seriously broken my heart with your accusation

Now I have no reason to live! AAAGGGHHHHH!

[Scout]

172. hey whatever floats your boat

if you do decide to off yourself, there will be one less obnoxious person wasting oxygen.

[zanne]

173. Scout; Thank you for entertaining me today

And I thought it'd be boring! I HAVE TO GO FEED THE FERALS NOW. Good night!

[BikeWriter]

176. I saw two in my yard earlier today.

They may have been yours. :(

[BikeWriter]

174. His cats have been doing something to me!

They're shitting and pissing all over my property and killing birds! I asked him to stop it. What part of I've had enough don't you understand?

[Mallifica]

177. I don't think that I would either

[donheld]

142. >

:nopity:

[Bake]

155. Yep. My cats annoy the hell outta me!

But I love the little furry bastids! And I keep them indoors, just so they can annoy me all the more.

Bake

[Fridays Child]

175. And, outdoor cat owners, bell your cats by means of break-away collars...

...or harnesses, please, so that they can't hang themselves from the trees.