Is our cat the thug?
Discussion
We've recently had neighbours from about 100m plus down the road come knocking about their cats getting a hiding from a black cat. Now we have two black cats, one which is scared of his own shadow and then there's Colin - he likes killing things...a lot. Colin is skinny and doesn't really look too much like a thug. He spends most nights out and the mornings at home asleep. He doesn't appear to have any regular injuries.
The 'thug' is actually going into the neighbours houses to beat up their cats and one cat had its tail severed too apparently. I'd hate to think this is the work of Colin, but if it is, what am I supposed to do about it? A cat's a cat. They do this. He has been neutered already, so I can't see what else there is apart from keeping him house bound and I won't be doing that! One neighbour, who is new to the road, came knocking this afternoon. I'm thinking 'You move in, your cat gets a hiding, and now I'm supposed to do something about mine who's been here 5 years'. There's no evidence it's Colin causing the problem, so I'm inclined to just ignore it all.
Any views or ideas?
The 'thug' is actually going into the neighbours houses to beat up their cats and one cat had its tail severed too apparently. I'd hate to think this is the work of Colin, but if it is, what am I supposed to do about it? A cat's a cat. They do this. He has been neutered already, so I can't see what else there is apart from keeping him house bound and I won't be doing that! One neighbour, who is new to the road, came knocking this afternoon. I'm thinking 'You move in, your cat gets a hiding, and now I'm supposed to do something about mine who's been here 5 years'. There's no evidence it's Colin causing the problem, so I'm inclined to just ignore it all.
Any views or ideas?
I think the bright collar is a good idea. He's had many, but loses them within a week! But maybe that would at least help identify whether he's the guilty party. He has been 'done' so not much more to do there.
I also understand how people must feel about their pet being bullied, as we would feel the same in our house. However I wouldn't go knocking to find out whose cat is doing it, as I know nobody has control over their cat. I'd start by trying to put things in place that might scare away other cats.
I also understand how people must feel about their pet being bullied, as we would feel the same in our house. However I wouldn't go knocking to find out whose cat is doing it, as I know nobody has control over their cat. I'd start by trying to put things in place that might scare away other cats.
Jasandjules said:
Keep him in for a week. If the thug is still taking lunch money, Colin is either innocent or has an accomplice...
This is the ultimate answer, but easier said than done around here. Two other cats and two dogs makes keeping Colin in difficult, not helped by an Aga that super heats the kitchen unless there's an open door or window at this time of year.The question now though, is what do we do if he IS the thug?
Some good points, thank you.
I guess it's true that time could establish pecking order and all will settle. Let's hope so, because neighbourly disputes are the last thing I want.
Though we'd all be upset if our cat was being bullied, I do think owners need to understand what they actually have as a pet. And if it's a cat, then they pretty much have a wild animal doing what comes naturally to them, but exploiting the owners comforts and affection...when it suits them.
I guess it's true that time could establish pecking order and all will settle. Let's hope so, because neighbourly disputes are the last thing I want.
Though we'd all be upset if our cat was being bullied, I do think owners need to understand what they actually have as a pet. And if it's a cat, then they pretty much have a wild animal doing what comes naturally to them, but exploiting the owners comforts and affection...when it suits them.
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