Rich:
Have a feral cat that's been hanging around my house crying for the past month. Think he wants a shot at my (spayed) indoor/outdoor female cat. But he won't let me near him (nor will my cat let him near her!). Last week he managed to figure out the cat door which leads to my screened-in porch. He must have been watching my cat use it. Well, he got in, but couldn't figure out how to get out. I watched him (through glass doors) bouncing off the walls for several minutes, frantic, since I was a few feet away. It was quite amusing until he went straight through the screen to get out. One foot over from the cat door. Now I have to repair the screen, Plus he still cries, sometimes at 0400. Any recommendations on a good poison?
(little did Rich know the trouble this post would start - flame wars and ugliness, followed by a complete overhaul of the forums software. If you see him, make sure to say thank you!)
Ken:
It wouldn't be smart to place a poison where your cat can get to it. You might end up killing the wrong critter. If I was you I would contact Animal Control and get one of their live-traps and just catch the cat.
(Fairly benign, I thought)
Dave:
BB gun with a pellet. Just enough to scare him away.
Dee Jay:
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT poison the cat! He has already figured out how to get into your house and he may crawl in there to die, smelling up the place and causing untold stress for you and your pets. Do like Ken said and call Animal Control - they'll live trap him and get rid of his raggedy butt. And whatever you do, stay away from the cat and keep your pets indoors - he may be rabid or have any number of crazy ailments. I had a cat die of AIDS (yes, you read that right) because of fighting with a stray.
Rich:
Ken- I would certainly keep my cat inside for the day or two I left the poison exposed. I’m thinking of crushing up rat poison in cat food. But I do not wish to cause pain to the cat: just kill it. If the feral cat didn’t take the bait, I would clean it up. And I never see other domesticated animals in my yard, so my concern of collateral damage is low. In warmer weather, I do get the occasional fox, opossum, or raccoon, but (except for the fox den behind my house last year) they are usually few and far between. The wild foxes never bothered me so I left them alone. THIS cat has annoyed me….It must go.
I do not believe in involving any enforcement officers. My experience with any local authority is that they are generally inept unless they are collecting revenue. And naturally, the cat would not be around when they were. Then I would have an annoying cat and an annoying animal control officer.
Dave – Have tried the BB pistol (pellets are single shot, so I use BBs). You would be surprised how hard it is to hit a scrawny cat at 20 yds. He won’t let me get closer. Then he disappears for a day or too, but returns.
Dee Jay – He can’t get into my house, just the screened porch. The craw space, likewise, is sealed off. If he chose to die on the porch, I could easily remove him. Also, he doesn’t seem rabid, but who knows what else he has; AIDS, feline leukemia, etc. So low risk to me, but what about my cat? And I can’t keep my cat indoors. It would violate our agreement (between me and my cat) about her being allowed to do what she wants to do (come and go freely), and in return, she doesn’t mess up the house or destroy stuff. I call it the “be free - be good” agreement.
Ken:
If you are still inclined to find a poison, try some of the old antifreeze, not the new animal friendly stuff. The sweet smell draws them to it and the ethylglycol does the rest.
(Now the trouble begins)
Sylvester:
Above, and to the left.A mini-mag lite to see, a high powered pellet gun, or a BB gun, will certainly persuade him to scram.
Elaine:
The most humane way to handle this situation is to acquire a live trap, and then have the animal put down. Most likely, the cat is already suffering due to illness and malnutrition, and that's just a drop in the bucket. If you poison the animal, it will suffer more until it dies.
As for your cat, I think it's great that you have an agreement, but I think it's wrong. People always think that there animals will be safe outside, but they still turn up flat, on the side of the road somewhere. Or, it starts spending time at a favored neighbors house, the neigbor thinks it's feral, and feeds it anti-freeze. Just my humble opinion.
My cat was an outdoor cat for a year or so...until I got smart. He adjusted.
Voter:
Tackle box sells sub-sonic 22 bullets that will blast his skull and not be as loud as a cap gun. Get a local kid with a paint ball gun to blast him 8 times/sec and he'll get the message without killing him.
(Notice nobody takes Voter and the others to task over wanting to shoot the cat? Just Ken for recommending a poison.)
Nobody:
Yeah, give him ethelyne glycol so his intestines can slowly be eaten away. While you're at it, why don't you drink some sulfuric acid and share the experience with him? That may be the meanest thing I have ever seen posted on any of these boards.
(Obviously a newbie - much meaner things had been posted)
Ken:
Nobody,
Is that your name or is it the number of people dumber than you. Get off your high horse. I recommended that they have the animal live trapped. The original poster was looking for a poison. I only abvised them of a known poison, if that person chose to use it. Why haven't you been upset by those looking for poisons? Whether their guts get ate up by it or it causes some other biological functions to stop isn't relevent only that they were looking for poison and I offerd an alternative.
(The insults begin)
Newbie:
Try www.feralcat.com. They have a link there for instructions on humanely trapping a feral cat and what to do from there.
(Sensible advice)
Renee':
"Until we stop harming all living beings, we are still savages." -Thomas Edison
Are you certain that the cat in question is unowned? This may be a neighbor's cat, or a lost pet. Therefore live trapping would be the most humane way of ascertaining if the feline is feral or has a home. At no time have I seen any mention that you have posted an ad online looking for the owner. I welcome you to post an ad on my site by contacting me. I would be delighted to include a photo if available. Is the feline male? I question this, since a full male would not seek out a spayed female. Only cats that haven't been neutered or spayed will exhibit the need to mate by calling and marking the territory.
Renee
(Part 2)
I am outraged that any responses have included "advise" on poisons and have treated this idea so casually. Additionally, only a truly sadistic person would enjoy watching an animal "bounce off the walls" trying to escape. Promoting and encouraging children to use guns to kill or maim is also outrageous. After having raised and shown Persians and Household pet cats for over twenty years, and having thirteen happy cats of my own, I would be willing to assist you with any questions. There are also many sites online to help. Please email me at (deleted) . I will also refer the messages on this board to my professional contacts at CFA and TICA.
(Renee the cat lady chimes in)
Colleen:
If you have 13 cats, then you are a nut. I can imagine what your house smells like. Rich said he THINKS that the cat wants a shot at his spayed female, not that he knows this for sure. Maybe PETA people can't read, that would explain a lot. Your Persians are in a bit different category than a feral stray, don't you think? If Rich doesn't want a fleabag stray cat hanging around his house posing problems for his family and pets, he has the right to get rid of it. Ken's first suggestion was that Rich live trap the animal, it was only after Rich replied that Ken suggested a poison method. So read the posts in full and quit making up outrages so you can attack people. Maybe you're kind to animals but you are meaner than dirt to people. Good thing your cats like you.
(Another nutball wanting to start a fight)
Jason Thomas:
Having an open container of radiator fluid poses three hazards:
1. To the animals, who might ingest it
2. To your local environment
3. To your personal freedom
17 USC explains that intentionally poisoning a domesticated animal is an act of animal cruelty, and may also be prosecuted under Article 27, Annotated Code of MD as a criminal act.
If this is truly a feral cat, the local Animal Control Office will trap and rescue the animal, and identify its owner, if any. At that point, the animal's disposition will be decided upon the law, not a mob mentality to "KILL DA WABBIT!".
Of course, you did one thing right...you used your name, and this office will keep an eye on this thread, and in fact this entire message board from now on. As the person who is a part of this board, you share some responsibility to the community at large to not encourage illegal acts by citizens, which might also fall under prosecution at the Federal or State level.
(Now this person wants to sic the cops on us)
Colleen:
Then what are you going to do? Arrest us? And the charge would be what, talking about poisoning a feral cat? I wasn't aware that you PETA people were now the thought police.
Ken King:
What part of the Copyright laws in 17 USC deal with cats, you idiot?
(Oops - more name-calling)
Have a feral cat that's been hanging around my house crying for the past month. Think he wants a shot at my (spayed) indoor/outdoor female cat. But he won't let me near him (nor will my cat let him near her!). Last week he managed to figure out the cat door which leads to my screened-in porch. He must have been watching my cat use it. Well, he got in, but couldn't figure out how to get out. I watched him (through glass doors) bouncing off the walls for several minutes, frantic, since I was a few feet away. It was quite amusing until he went straight through the screen to get out. One foot over from the cat door. Now I have to repair the screen, Plus he still cries, sometimes at 0400. Any recommendations on a good poison?
(little did Rich know the trouble this post would start - flame wars and ugliness, followed by a complete overhaul of the forums software. If you see him, make sure to say thank you!)
Ken:
It wouldn't be smart to place a poison where your cat can get to it. You might end up killing the wrong critter. If I was you I would contact Animal Control and get one of their live-traps and just catch the cat.
(Fairly benign, I thought)
Dave:
BB gun with a pellet. Just enough to scare him away.
Dee Jay:
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT poison the cat! He has already figured out how to get into your house and he may crawl in there to die, smelling up the place and causing untold stress for you and your pets. Do like Ken said and call Animal Control - they'll live trap him and get rid of his raggedy butt. And whatever you do, stay away from the cat and keep your pets indoors - he may be rabid or have any number of crazy ailments. I had a cat die of AIDS (yes, you read that right) because of fighting with a stray.
Rich:
Ken- I would certainly keep my cat inside for the day or two I left the poison exposed. I’m thinking of crushing up rat poison in cat food. But I do not wish to cause pain to the cat: just kill it. If the feral cat didn’t take the bait, I would clean it up. And I never see other domesticated animals in my yard, so my concern of collateral damage is low. In warmer weather, I do get the occasional fox, opossum, or raccoon, but (except for the fox den behind my house last year) they are usually few and far between. The wild foxes never bothered me so I left them alone. THIS cat has annoyed me….It must go.
I do not believe in involving any enforcement officers. My experience with any local authority is that they are generally inept unless they are collecting revenue. And naturally, the cat would not be around when they were. Then I would have an annoying cat and an annoying animal control officer.
Dave – Have tried the BB pistol (pellets are single shot, so I use BBs). You would be surprised how hard it is to hit a scrawny cat at 20 yds. He won’t let me get closer. Then he disappears for a day or too, but returns.
Dee Jay – He can’t get into my house, just the screened porch. The craw space, likewise, is sealed off. If he chose to die on the porch, I could easily remove him. Also, he doesn’t seem rabid, but who knows what else he has; AIDS, feline leukemia, etc. So low risk to me, but what about my cat? And I can’t keep my cat indoors. It would violate our agreement (between me and my cat) about her being allowed to do what she wants to do (come and go freely), and in return, she doesn’t mess up the house or destroy stuff. I call it the “be free - be good” agreement.
Ken:
If you are still inclined to find a poison, try some of the old antifreeze, not the new animal friendly stuff. The sweet smell draws them to it and the ethylglycol does the rest.
(Now the trouble begins)
Sylvester:
Above, and to the left.A mini-mag lite to see, a high powered pellet gun, or a BB gun, will certainly persuade him to scram.
Elaine:
The most humane way to handle this situation is to acquire a live trap, and then have the animal put down. Most likely, the cat is already suffering due to illness and malnutrition, and that's just a drop in the bucket. If you poison the animal, it will suffer more until it dies.
As for your cat, I think it's great that you have an agreement, but I think it's wrong. People always think that there animals will be safe outside, but they still turn up flat, on the side of the road somewhere. Or, it starts spending time at a favored neighbors house, the neigbor thinks it's feral, and feeds it anti-freeze. Just my humble opinion.
My cat was an outdoor cat for a year or so...until I got smart. He adjusted.
Voter:
Tackle box sells sub-sonic 22 bullets that will blast his skull and not be as loud as a cap gun. Get a local kid with a paint ball gun to blast him 8 times/sec and he'll get the message without killing him.
(Notice nobody takes Voter and the others to task over wanting to shoot the cat? Just Ken for recommending a poison.)
Nobody:
Yeah, give him ethelyne glycol so his intestines can slowly be eaten away. While you're at it, why don't you drink some sulfuric acid and share the experience with him? That may be the meanest thing I have ever seen posted on any of these boards.
(Obviously a newbie - much meaner things had been posted)
Ken:
Nobody,
Is that your name or is it the number of people dumber than you. Get off your high horse. I recommended that they have the animal live trapped. The original poster was looking for a poison. I only abvised them of a known poison, if that person chose to use it. Why haven't you been upset by those looking for poisons? Whether their guts get ate up by it or it causes some other biological functions to stop isn't relevent only that they were looking for poison and I offerd an alternative.
(The insults begin)
Newbie:
Try www.feralcat.com. They have a link there for instructions on humanely trapping a feral cat and what to do from there.
(Sensible advice)
Renee':
"Until we stop harming all living beings, we are still savages." -Thomas Edison
Are you certain that the cat in question is unowned? This may be a neighbor's cat, or a lost pet. Therefore live trapping would be the most humane way of ascertaining if the feline is feral or has a home. At no time have I seen any mention that you have posted an ad online looking for the owner. I welcome you to post an ad on my site by contacting me. I would be delighted to include a photo if available. Is the feline male? I question this, since a full male would not seek out a spayed female. Only cats that haven't been neutered or spayed will exhibit the need to mate by calling and marking the territory.
Renee
(Part 2)
I am outraged that any responses have included "advise" on poisons and have treated this idea so casually. Additionally, only a truly sadistic person would enjoy watching an animal "bounce off the walls" trying to escape. Promoting and encouraging children to use guns to kill or maim is also outrageous. After having raised and shown Persians and Household pet cats for over twenty years, and having thirteen happy cats of my own, I would be willing to assist you with any questions. There are also many sites online to help. Please email me at (deleted) . I will also refer the messages on this board to my professional contacts at CFA and TICA.
(Renee the cat lady chimes in)
Colleen:
If you have 13 cats, then you are a nut. I can imagine what your house smells like. Rich said he THINKS that the cat wants a shot at his spayed female, not that he knows this for sure. Maybe PETA people can't read, that would explain a lot. Your Persians are in a bit different category than a feral stray, don't you think? If Rich doesn't want a fleabag stray cat hanging around his house posing problems for his family and pets, he has the right to get rid of it. Ken's first suggestion was that Rich live trap the animal, it was only after Rich replied that Ken suggested a poison method. So read the posts in full and quit making up outrages so you can attack people. Maybe you're kind to animals but you are meaner than dirt to people. Good thing your cats like you.
(Another nutball wanting to start a fight)
Jason Thomas:
Having an open container of radiator fluid poses three hazards:
1. To the animals, who might ingest it
2. To your local environment
3. To your personal freedom
17 USC explains that intentionally poisoning a domesticated animal is an act of animal cruelty, and may also be prosecuted under Article 27, Annotated Code of MD as a criminal act.
If this is truly a feral cat, the local Animal Control Office will trap and rescue the animal, and identify its owner, if any. At that point, the animal's disposition will be decided upon the law, not a mob mentality to "KILL DA WABBIT!".
Of course, you did one thing right...you used your name, and this office will keep an eye on this thread, and in fact this entire message board from now on. As the person who is a part of this board, you share some responsibility to the community at large to not encourage illegal acts by citizens, which might also fall under prosecution at the Federal or State level.
(Now this person wants to sic the cops on us)
Colleen:
Then what are you going to do? Arrest us? And the charge would be what, talking about poisoning a feral cat? I wasn't aware that you PETA people were now the thought police.
Ken King:
What part of the Copyright laws in 17 USC deal with cats, you idiot?
(Oops - more name-calling)
Forgot how hard I laffed at the feral cat thread til today..
