Neighbor won't put a bell on cat. Vent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First of all, the bells won't keep cats from killing birds. Secondly, cats are predators. They kill birds, mice, rats, lizards, insect and all sorts of small fauna. They are part of the food chain. This is their job. They keep rodents under control. Do you not want this? In fact, this is not only necessary but helpful.

House cats do not belong here in the US. They are not a native species.

No, I do not want my rodents kept under control if the price I pay is dead cardinals. I'll keep my garbage tightly lidded and plug any holes in my house to keep mice out, thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Either put the birds on her doorstep (seriously!) or call her to come collect the remains when you find them.

second this OP, I had a cat who I put a bell on cause she was bringing us birds every couple of months, didn't do much for the birds, but she almost strangled herself with it, i'm glad i was home to free her.

I'm this OP, and this advice is not meant to spark a feud. With no malice, just simply call your neighbor to let her know Fluffy left a gift for her in your rose bushes this morning, or bring it over to her doorstep. The OP said her neighbor had tried bells/ collars and they didn't work, so she knows full well her kitty's become the neighborhood Charlie Manson - - and so with the same resignation, deliver the news of the latest kill via phone to Kitty Mama.

[Anonymous]

I am the owner of a cat who -- dare I say -- spends much of his time outside. He's usually in our yard, but wanders the neighborhood occasionally. We moved here from the west coast where outside cats are commonplace. Honestly, very few people in CA keep cats inside. So forcing my cats to become inside was not an option. Plus, many people who keep their cats inside also remove their claws, which causes another set of problems. I live in NW DC, and I've seen foxes, deer, and other creatures running around, so I'm not sure why people get so worked up about cats. I know letting cats outside shortens their lives, but my cat would be miserable inside (he did it for the first year of his life because of where I lived), so I take the risk because I know it's worth it to him.

OP, as for the dead birds, that stinks...is he leaving them at his own house as well? If not, he may be trying to get your attention. Are you feeding him? Petting him? Playing with him? If so, I'd stop doing that and he may stop leaving you birds. Finally, there are detachable collars with bells available at Petco. They may not always work, but in my experience the bells help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I second the PP who said to kindly return the bird corpses to her door step. I really would do this.

Lately I've been returning dog shit to the porches of my neighbors who let their dog shit anywhere it wants, off leash. When I see BaileyRileyMax crap and run off, the owners get the proceeds.

That is SO cool! You rock.

[Anonymous]

very few people in CA keep cats inside. So forcing my cats to become inside was not an option.

This is so awesome. I wonder if that's why all my neighbors let their cats outdoors to shit in my garden, among other things. Maybe they're all from California.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the owner of a cat who -- dare I say -- spends much of his time outside. He's usually in our yard, but wanders the neighborhood occasionally. We moved here from the west coast where outside cats are commonplace. Honestly, very few people in CA keep cats inside. So forcing my cats to become inside was not an option. Plus, many people who keep their cats inside also remove their claws, which causes another set of problems. I live in NW DC, and I've seen foxes, deer, and other creatures running around, so I'm not sure why people get so worked up about cats. I know letting cats outside shortens their lives, but my cat would be miserable inside (he did it for the first year of his life because of where I lived), so I take the risk because I know it's worth it to him.

OP, as for the dead birds, that stinks...is he leaving them at his own house as well? If not, he may be trying to get your attention. Are you feeding him? Petting him? Playing with him? If so, I'd stop doing that and he may stop leaving you birds. Finally, there are detachable collars with bells available at Petco. They may not always work, but in my experience the bells help.

Obviously being from the West Coast you didn't learn how to properly care for a domesticated cat. Awesome! Remember though when your cat gets run over, comes home with rabies, or just disappears you are the only one to blame. You are obviously not ready for the responsibility of cat ownership if you think having them run around is the way to go or that claw removal is the way to keep a cat indoors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the owner of a cat who -- dare I say -- spends much of his time outside. He's usually in our yard, but wanders the neighborhood occasionally. We moved here from the west coast where outside cats are commonplace. Honestly, very few people in CA keep cats inside. So forcing my cats to become inside was not an option. Plus, many people who keep their cats inside also remove their claws, which causes another set of problems. I live in NW DC, and I've seen foxes, deer, and other creatures running around, so I'm not sure why people get so worked up about cats. I know letting cats outside shortens their lives, but my cat would be miserable inside (he did it for the first year of his life because of where I lived), so I take the risk because I know it's worth it to him.

OP, as for the dead birds, that stinks...is he leaving them at his own house as well? If not, he may be trying to get your attention. Are you feeding him? Petting him? Playing with him? If so, I'd stop doing that and he may stop leaving you birds. Finally, there are detachable collars with bells available at Petco. They may not always work, but in my experience the bells help.

Not meant to be snarky, a real question: Why is a cat's happiness worth more than the lives of a legion of birds?

[Anonymous]

I always suspected cat owners were a bit nutso... but you guys take the cake.

I can't believe the drivel I'm hearing. The only humane way to keep a cat is to keep it indoors??? What a bunch of BULL!

Are there risks to cats that live outdoors? Yes. Cars, dogs, mean people, etc. (Not so much rabies if you're getting your cat VACCINATED).

But lots of cats in nice suburban neighborhoods live perfectly happy (and pretty safe) lives outdoors... and their owners let them out because they prefer it. Are you the same people who keep you kids inside until they're 20? Because, you know, there are added risks with letting your kids play outside.

Sure, you have to evaluate your environment. I would not be letting kitty outside if I lived on K Street... but some of the statements here are crazy.

[Anonymous]

Actually, cats are an invasive species - like rabbits in Australia, and kudzo. That's why they are so harmful to our birds...

I keep my cat in. She's a pet.

[Anonymous]

7:52, you are an idiot. A quick google shows that not only the bird associations in the US, but even the Humane Society and the Veterinarian association all support indoor living for cats.


http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/facts/wildlife_cats.html

http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/vets.html

http://www.audubon.org/bird/cat/

"Did you know outdoor living can be hazardous to an urban (or suburban) cat? Automobiles, other animals, parasites and viruses all pose threats to the outdoor cat. Overpopulation continues to be an issue of concern to cat-enthusiasts, as well. Experts suggest providing indoor cats with outdoor amenities instead. Herb plants that are safe to chew on, interesting toys, lots of opportunities to play or even a second cat can keep your favorite feline satisfied and may also extend its lifespan."
.......the American Veterinary Medical Association

[Anonymous]

I won't venture into the outdoor/indoor debate - as clearly the neighbor is allowing the cat go be an outdoor cat.

OP - is there another solution? Are you concerned about the bird or tired of cleaning up dead birds? If it is a matter of cleaning up dead birds , maybe do a few things to convince the cat your yard isn't a good place. Stop giving it any attention (if you do). Get something that makes a loud noise (a can full of coins) and make that noise when the cat is in your yard. Maybe even set up a sprinker and turn it on when you see the cat. Or yes, simply scoop up the dead birds and put them in your neighbors yard.

[Anonymous]

Does DC have a cat leash law? I couldn't find one. If it exists, please post.

[Anonymous]

OP here, I am concerend about the loss of wild birds. I don't appreciate the clean up aspect either.

[Anonymous]

A cat is going to kill birds, so if your concern really is for the wild birds in the area, if that cat roams it is unlikely that there won't continue to be dead birds strewn about. DC does apparently have a leash law (in that it does not allow any pets to "roam").

§ 8-1808. Prohibited conduct.
(a) No owner of an animal shall allow the animal to go at large....

You probably don't want to get in a permanent tussle with your neighbor over her decision to let her cat out. You can probably have the cat picked up by animal control, and you would be within your rights. I have a cat I let outside, but she can't escape my fenced in property. For other cat owners, even with fences, cats have a knack at escaping, and some vehemently defend their rights to let their cat out.

I would talk with the neighbor. I would simply tell her it really bothers you, you don't have a problem with her cat being outside (although it's actually not allowed), you just want her to think through a solution to the dead bird situation. If she is reasonable, she will take finding a solution seriously so that she can continue to let her cat roam (until someone else is bothered and complains).

[Anonymous]

Op here, we are in VA and she's allowed to let her cat out. I did write a note to the town. They said nothing they can do