Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Air Guns Shooting feral krats with a pellet gun....

I am four for four on feral krats using my Beeman R9 .20 cal., but I am nervous. I've got two more feral field lions coming onto the porch stealing food from and rerrorizing my wife's two domestic pussies (no pun intended ). I can't afford to have these next two victims make it off the property wounded. The other four that I capped, I shot right behind the shoulder, pretty much mid-heighth in the chest cavity. Is there a better aim point for a 100% sure kill on krats? I could go for a head shot, but I am worried about getting precise placement in forehad or ear and also worried about a deflection off the skull that only wounds.

Any reassurances from you professional krat killers is appeciated.


Jordan

Head shot is the only sure thing. Works for me. But then I have a 700 fps .177

I like a full frontal chest shot when I can get it. Alot of it depends on what the krat is giving you. Other thing is, I think I need to paper my rifle at the distance I'll be shooting so I know my exact point of aim (I am planning an elaborate ambush so I will be shooting from a known distance---at least on one krat).

Jordan

Drop the pellet gun. Get a Winchester model 67 and CCI CB Shorts. Quieter too.

I went the other way with this "problem". Using an HW30 and CPHP .177 pellets I'm trying to train the krats to stay the hell out of my yard. I try to stick with body shots whenever possible. Most of the culprits only take one hit to get the message but I have one critter that is either really brave or really stupid and I'm afraid the HW95 is going to be the only thing he understands.

Get a live trap and take it for a ride.

Krats can be tough, whenever you have doubts in hunting, head shots at close range are the best bet. I would look at using heavy grained pointed pellets or domes, although I have had good luck with shock value using flat heads on small birds.

I second the live trap.
No pellet rifle is 100% for killing them quick enough to prevent their running off

I used a 22 cal pellet gun to send some not-feral-enough skunks to skunk heaven. Single shot to the head and they died about as quickly as could be expected. Can't imagine cat skull more difficult.

Cats eye orbits in skull very large, bone behind them relatively delicate.

The rod and gun club I belong to has a cat. Booger, she is called. A few of the neighboring barn cats have tried to move in on Booger and have needed dealing with. One got into the kitchen. This was a tiger looking cat a good 50% bigger than our kitty and it was in a full bore hissing fight. My friend got a .22 out of his truck with these little Aguila rounds. Small, subsonic bullets and he took aim and bounced one off the cat. He fired #2 and #3 and bounced both off the cat as it ran around the building after Booger. I went to my truck and got a .22 short CB round and gave it to him. He loaded it, shot the cat in the shoulder, and it rolled over dead. Stone dead. That was an eye opener to me! I killed a big possum when I was a kid with a CB. I forgot how powerful they really are up close!

I beg to differ here, Benjamim 25cal Marauder is a sure thing with head or body shots, also took many down with my 22 Maurauder too. Im fact with about 37 taken so far this year non ran off, flipped around a little but never went anywhere. I prefer the 25cal over the 22cal but either will do just fine.

used live traps too but the only ride they got was to the pool, after about 10 mins just throw them onto the highway and look mom road kill

My pellet gun shoots a small handful of #2s. Works like a charm.

Sorry, TLee. They bees eatin on my game birds.

As long as they run off & don't return, I don't care. I've tried the "live trap" method & the local cats ain't having nothing to do with them...I think they've been trapped & dumped before...damn "cat lady" three houses down from me, leaves food out on her back porch, which attracts not only all the cats in the area, but coons, skunks & opossums as well. I actually like cats but I don't like them crapping in my flower beds & garden or marking territory in my yard. I don't let my dogs run the neighborhood & neither should my neighbors with cats....

It almost sounds like we live in the same neighborhood!

The cat lady had so many running around the neighborhood that these feral cats actually started attracting natural predators. We had a couple of black bear sightings. Coyote's walking down the street in broad daylight. Within a year these predators (with the help of a couple of motor vehicles) have nearly depleted the colony of cats. I'll never look at a coyote with disdain again.

Dan

I have 100% score on swimming lessons in the luxurious confines of my live trap.

If they make it home and the owner has an idea who shot it, you could end up with huge Vet bills and possible animal cruelty charges.

With a trap that can't happen, and it works 27/7

Snyder...interesting point. How would they prove it was you if your are not seen or heard? The level of evidence can be easier to process in civil court, but again if you are a good liar and they don't have the rifle to match bullet to the rifling how would they know?

We had some cases here in Texas of guys shooting their neighbor's dogs and got convicted, but they were seen and heard doing it. Another option is to use a pellet rifle that will use BB's, as this will not leave rifling marks for use as evidence, unlike a lead pellet. I have had good luck with slingshots, but I don't recall those actually hurting anything, just annoying the target and making them move on.

In NY shooting a dog is a felony. You can't even destroy you're old sick dog. Feral cats are more of a gray area. If the cat lady claims them as her's because she was feeding them then those cats may be considered a felony. Either way not worth shooting in NY anymore.

A tape recorded coyote call is a different story though...

Dan

Rob,

You will be wasting your time for shooting feral cats. This is not an effective and lasting solution for the "problem" that some have with ferals. In our area and in several others across the United States, there are groups [one that I was personally involved with] that will come out to your place of residence and deal with the cats for you. This is not quick, but it will be the only lasting solution.

We would set traps in the area and eventually catch all the cats of that particular feral colony. We then took them in to be spayed or neutered at one of the low cost clinics set up for this type of thing [the group often foots the bill if the vet charges anything]. The cats are tatooed or otherwise marked on their ears so we know which ones have been done. From there, we establish one individual who will feed the colony and take ownership. The best is for the colony to stay where it is, but there are some times when they need to be moved. I have printed material on this, statistics, and I am happy to share it. It has been proven over and over that shooting is not an effective way to deal with the "problem" long term due to the rate that cats multiply.

I hope this helps. ~sherri

I shoot them all and let god sort them out.

Hummmmm. and more come back.

Definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again in the same way and expecting a different result.

hang in there gemby58.

gotton my problem taking care of here. started out with i figured 50 + now theres only like 6

It's final ride....

You'd probably be surprised what your neighbors know
Bragging about it on the internet can be evidence too

Liars are never as good as they think they are

yep you bet

Would you consider an alternate humane method? I am saddened to read this on a hunter's forum where I believe the vast majority of hunters would do their best [as much as it is in their power] to provide a humane "ending" for an animal...especially a non-threatening animal that is only trying to survive. They know no other way to live and when they hiss or become aggressive it is only because they are scared of humans.

Some ferals can be tamed [although this must be done in a controlled and protective setting]and all kittens are adoptable as they are not born feral or wild. Nurseries are springing up across the US to assist Humane Societies in caring for such populations. Volunteers will bottle feed these kittens until they can be sterilized at about 2 months and then put up for adoption. Taking an adult feral cat to humane society is an automatic death sentence [at least it is humane to be euthanized vs drowning].

Many cities have adopted the Trap/Neuter/and Return program as they have learned it is the only way to deal with the over population. They have found it to be a great opportunity for volunteers as well. Many people prefer to have some ferals that they often call "barn cats' to control their mice population. They just have to make sure the ones they have get spayed or neutered and local vet offices can tell you when the low cost clinics are available for this.

Thanks for taking this into consideration.

when I was milking cattle and we had a over run of cats, which was like 2 times a year. Our alternate humane method of dealing with cats was, we would put a pan of milk out in the barn yard and when there was 20 or so cat trying to get to the milk we would level them with a double barrel 12 gauge load of #5's. I do, do a humane method now, one shot to the head.

I wrote my response to Rustyzipper believing the best and thinking it was possible he would consider humane ways of dealing with ferals. I'm not sure what the motive of your post was.

BTW. Have you ever studied the biographies of serial killers? It's fascinating. We got Ridgeway, Coe, Yates, and I don't know who all sitting behind bars about 2 miles from where I sit.

it is what it is, its the way it is, if you don't like it then don,t read my posts. I guess you could say I'm a serial cat killer. Wish some cat lover like you would drop more off at the barn, running out of live targets

I figured out "it is the way it is" with you after your first response so that's why my post was directed to rustyzipper.

This forum is more than just reading what you agree with, it is reading and considering the chance that maybe somebody has some insight to offer, a different point of view, a better way of doing something, etc.

If you want to call yourself a "serial cat killer" that's your right. The interesting history behind every serial killer they have studied is the fact they all started with the inhumane killing of animals. ...not going hunting for animals. It was the inhumane killing and torturing. They got pleasure out of it and enjoyed explaining what they did to the authorities. Very sad.

P.s. I'm sure you will find more "live" targets. You don't need my help.

Insight on how to do what kill cats, that's not hard to do. I tired like rustyzipper to teach them swimming lessons but they cant hold there breath long enough

Try moving up to a more challenging animal like a cougar. They are elusive and mostly nocturnal so nothing easy about it. JJ Hack shot a cougar like #2 or #3 in the world for it's size. Cougars are what's going to kill your grandkids, not a feral cat.

If they had cougar in PA I would, but have to settle for there little cousins instead. Maybe someday the PA Game commission will import them like they did that with yotes and we put a hurting on them around here too.

Wow. You need some of ours. They have walked into small towns around here. I didn't notice you were in PA. Anywhere around Lancaster County?

about a hour away

Sherri,


Here's a paper from the University of Nebraska that also states that sometimes shooting can be an option...which can be found on page 5.

Feral Cats And Their Management

Naturally folks should follow their local laws regarding dealing with ferals.

Dan

Just curious because I flew out to Ohio many years ago to spend time with a friend who lived in Nelsonville. We drove to Niagara Falls and passed through Lancaster County in PA. It was the first time I had seen Amish people riding around in their horse drawn buggies. It was like Little House on the Prairie all over again. Interesting subculture.

should be around my place on a Sunday about 12PM after they get out of church. One day I counted 73 buggies going by the farm

ARCHIE!!! Your avatar brings back a lot of memories. The show wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell today, would it? It was hilarious..Caroll O'Conner and Jean Stapleton [sp?] were great together.

Anyway, I will check out your link after I eat dinner. Thanks.

It took me a while, but I read through the article. I noticed it was put out by the Wildlife Damage Management [I believe through the college] and the resources cited were between 7 and 14 years old. I'm not saying it isn't relevant today, but there does appear to be more progress made since this was published.

In the process of searching for a particular online site that would offer specific stats regarding trap-neuter-return vs trap/kill methods, I came across another site of interest. Alley Cat Allies website states it is a criminal offense in 50 states to intentionally kill a cat...whether tame, feral, owner, or non owner.

The state of Pennsylvania was mentioned several times so sounds like Alley Cat Allies is alive and well there and quite active. ACA stated PETA has joined forces with the trap/kill group because they believe a feral cat has basically been ruined and left to die [because of people] and should just be euthanized [to spare it from suffering]. This is totally contrary to studies that show ferals can and often do live as long as domesticated cats.

Please take a look at this website [alleycatallies.org] and if for nothing else, to make sure you not committing a criminal offense. NY may not be included but you might want to check it out.

I've seen all of the sites on feral cats during my research. I think that the trap neuter and release is a good idea in small towns and cities where there is an abundance of food sources created by humans as in refuse and garbage which attract another food source for the cats like rodents. In these situations the cats do perform a necessary function of keeping the rodent population down and by neutering them it keeps their population controlled.

Having said that, in a semi rural/ suburban neighborhood where the only food source is a little old lady that supplies food for these cats and does not provide any medical care, the feral cat population gets out of control to the point where cats out number neighbors and everyone's yard becomes a stinky litter box. Without dumpsters of garbage found in the small towns/cities, trap, neuter and release does not address the health and safety issues that these feral colonies create in the neighborhood.

In these more rural communities there aren't laws on the books to control the feeding of these colonies or any type of community funded relocation program to remove these un-neutered, un-vaccinated feral colonies.

So I think you can understand the frustration many must feel having their property and their neighborhood overrun by colonies of feral cats only because perhaps an animal lover refuses to stop providing food for these colonies.

Local shelters won't take feral cats and if they do many will destroy them..for a donation. That money can add up. Many here feel it's cheaper to do it themselves. They aren't anymore serial killer material than the man or woman at the shelter operating the gas chamber.

Most of the laws on the books do a great deal toward protecting these feral colonies and do very little protecting the rights of homeowners.

That's why I'm very thankful to the local, coyotes, hawks and black bears. I am much indebted to them.

Dan

They're getting better fuel mileage than we are

ashphaultangel...interesting article on the feral cat issue. My only experience with feral cats were several that we had at a ship yard I once worked at, the kittens were tame, but the adults were afraid of people. Nobody shot at them, I don't recall any rats around so maybe the cats were cleaning up on them.

The article mentioned the use of pointed pellets and a 700 fps air gun, seems logical, would there be a difference between a .177 or a .22 pellet caliber? Is it really illegal to shoot cats and dogs in all 50 states? I also read somewhere of a guy who shot his own dog as it was sick and he got into trouble. Does anyone know if you can put your own cat/dog out of its misery over paying a vet?

It is also true about the outside cats getting parasites, diseases, etc. Many of my pet cats that I had allowed outside developed health issues, won't be allowing my future cats outside anymore. No one mentioned the use of poison for control, I was against using poison as it can be ingested by other animals that you don't want to kill.

How nice to wake up to a well written post with no foul language or some knee jerk reaction before you put your thinking cap on. It would be nice to see more posts like this when there is a different viewpoint. ..makes it possible to actually learn something. Thanks Dan.

I'll think on this and get back to you.

HE112,
We had a citizen here who took it upon herself to poison neighborhood dogs. She had been doing it for some time and finally got caught. They hit her with a very large fine and put the article in the local paper. People were shocked as she had worked as a counselor for years and was still seeing some clients out of her home. I can guarantee you her clientele suddenly stopped after that article was published. Poison is an inhumane way to kill a cat or dog. The death process is slow and ugly.

You may have read about the air/pellet guns in the article that Dan posted. Just about every town or city has laws against shooting firearms within the city limits and there are animal anti-cruelty laws in all 50 states according to ASPCA and Alley Cat Allies. The challenge is how each town, city, or state enforces their own laws [or doesn't].

In our town we have Cat Management Coalition who run the trap, neuter, and return program [TNR]. They coordinate with animal control that work for the police department. They also coordinate with our Humane Society and veterinarians who will donate their time for spay and neuter clinics [run by volunteers]. Some small towns may only have a couple individuals who are able to do the TNR program but that's o.k. as long as they have a veterinarian to do the surgeries and markings on the cats. If you are interested in more information than this, please check out the Alley Cat Allies website.

It's true that feral cats have kittens that can be tamed. It's ideal if the kittens are exposed to humans early on and altered at about 2 months. These kittens are adoptable and can be easily placed in homes. I have tamed adult feral cats but it takes a lot of time and patience. I have a friend who runs a cat sanctuary and has around 80-100 cats that are all cared for.

Indoor cats do have longer lives in general and it's recommended to keep them indoors if possible. However, if you make sure they have proper vaccinations they will be protected from diseases that other animals may carry.

How many cats do you have?

I can understand your frustration given the inability thus far to locate resources in your area to deal with the problem. In order for the Trap, Neuter, and Return [TNR] Program to be effective they need to have a person assigned to feed the colony...either a neighbor or someone who will come by once or twice a day. This person is also responsible to report any noticeable medical issues or problems with the cats. Once the colony is to a manageable number and getting the food it needs, the other problems decrease. For winter weather, there are basic shelters that can be built and filled with straw for insulation.

Once the cats are trapped, they are brought in to a veterinarian's office to be altered, marked with a tattoo, and even receive vaccinations in some cases. They are observed in "recovery" for a short period of time, placed back in their traps, and returned to the colony [unless that location is no longer safe]. These colonies have learned how to survive together so for the best possible outcomes they are placed back with the same group. It may take a few days or more to get the entire colony but once this is done, the re-population stops.

I would agree that trying to take a colony of ferals to the local Humane Society is not practical...both from a financial stand point and simply for lack of space at these facilities.

It sounds like you have researched well but have you tried checking with your veterinarian for any resources you may not be aware of? Has anyone written the editor of your local newspaper regarding this problem? There are many people out there who want to help and have a passion for this , but need to know where to start.

If I had the time and money, I would round up a couple "crazies" that have worked with me before and we would be on a plane to NY to help you and your neighborhood out. I'm sure Alley Cat Allies would assist as well.

I just like my idea better

I killed all my stuff on traplines as a kid with CB Caps, coyote, bobcat, coons. I have no problem my 22 cal Beeman R1 . the live trap is the way to go though around homes, pop em in the trap..........

It all sounds good on paper. The problem is that there are too many cats in many neighborhoods. Period. There were up to 15 at one point in ours.

In my neighborhood,there was so much feline fecal matter on folks lawns that they wouldn't even let their grandchildren play there when they visited. Folks were embarrassed when company was on their front stoop, smelling cat urine and feces. Feral cats were on our back porch hissing at me when I used it.

These cats don't need to be released back to the neighborhood after being neutered and vaccinated. They need to be removed and released elsewhere...or destroyed. If the food source (cat lady)
would stop providing meals, many of these cats would not be as healthy, not produce as many kittens, and would move along to find food elsewhere.

There aren't any dumpsters from apartments or restaurants to attract cats or rodents. Just a lonely old woman who is the only food source and refuses to stop feeding this colony. Raccoons and other wild animals that may carry rabies eat from the same dish as these un-vaccinated feral cats. I know our neighborhood isn't the only one that has had this problem.

These cats aren't cuddly little pets but as wild as the raccoon's that share the food dish. If they were stray pets at one time they are now no longer socialized.

Until local governments decide to produce funds and personnel for a trapping and neutering program, returning or removing depending on the situation or passing legislation to protect home and land owners from individuals that feed feral cats in residential neighborhoods, then what is one to do. Spend thousands of dollars suing an elderly neighbor? Pay hundreds if not over a thousand dollars to neuter and vaccinate a colony of nasty, ill tempered cats?

In my neighborhood, we covered any access to shelter this fall. Any access under a shed or building that these cats could find was covered. Debris from property edges was removed. We had a wonderfully frigid winter this year. We also, as I have previously mentioned, some natural predators visit our neighborhood due to the number of cats and kittens running around. They became a food source. Between that and a teenager or two that likes to speed down the road in their hopped up little rice burners, there's only a couple of cat's left in the colony since last summer. Thank God.

I'd like to see legislation to protect people from feral cats, not the other way around.

I know I won't change your mind Sherri..and you won't change mine on this one either. There is a place for trap, neuter and release in many situations. There are also situations where euthanasia should be an option also. Laws that consider humans when written instead of merely protecting feral cats is a start. There is a balance that can be achieved but unfortunately the feral cat rights have taken precedent over human's over the last few years.


Dan

I agree wholeheartedly Dan. Like I've said before, I actually like cats, but IMHO the owners need to find a way to keep them contained within their property boundaries. Once they get into MY yard, all bets are off. The ferals around here are the biggest problem BUT some of my neighbors let their cats out at night & let them back in come morning...the howling, yowling & fights has kept me awake more than once. My back yard is fairly cat proof, because I have 6' chain link, a lab & two JRT's but the front yard smells like cat...

Dan,

You have provided me a good understanding for the New York version of the problem...meaning, it's quite worse there than it is in our area. It prompted me to send a couple of emails out your way to get even a better understanding of what Orange County is facing.

I'm beginning to believe I have a magnet on my forehead for vulnerable populations. The past 13 years I have served the mentally ill adult and elderly populations, homeless population, long term care, and most recently both residential and crisis settings for the mentally ill. People must come first. I'm not a PETA person.

Also, I don't believe we have any serial killers lurking in the campfire shadows. My point was there is a humane way to deal with animals and an inhumane way, and I personally want to have a higher standard for animal care than a sociopath who ENJOYS seeing the suffering/torture and ENJOYS bragging about it later.

I will let you know if I learn anything that could be of help out there. God bless!

My dealings with feral cats and dogs are alot different from the suburbinites or city folk. I live miles off of pavement on a dead end road and another 1/2 mile from the property line. Most of my problems come from people taking their unwanted pets to live in the country, which is short for these pos people kick them out of the car to starve on their own. You can always tell when a town passes an ordinance against pit bulls because a few weeks later they will be chasing my stock or pets. Cats that are not mine or the neighbors don't get a pass. I use a 17 Rem or a 7mag whatever is closest

There ya go my kind of guy. How high do they jump when you smack them with a 7 mag

blanket,

We have a school with a large parking lot 1/4 mile away. My cat was one of those starving strays dropped off. A perfect dumping ground.

She charged at me from under my deck when I was taking the trash out and quickly rubbed up against my leg. When I leaned down to lightly stroke her side she immediately started to lick me.

Seamus is a beautiful Maine Coon/ Russian Blue mix that weighed only 5 lbs when she found us. Bad upper respiratory infection, malnourished, infested with ticks and pregnant.

We fed her, took her to the vet..kittens the works. She's 12 lbs now and a great companion for the family.

I have a friend that lives on a non operational farm off the road and while he doesn't have issues with pit bulls or dogs he gets plenty of cats dropped off. He has to thin the population out every few years when the population gets out of hand.


Dan

These are not feral cats Gemby. They are someone's pet, dumped off to starve. We have adopted several strays. My former husband and I were walking one evening by a cemetery out of town. I heard a meow so we stopped and a tiny white kitty came out to me with a pink nose/ears and one blue eye. I picked it up and it latched onto me. I looked in the woodpile where it came from and found it's brother. They were so hungry they tried to nurse off my husband's t-shirt [too young to be weaned]. I took them home and we told ourselves we couldn't keep them because we already had provided a home for 7. I found a home for them in a 2 weeks, came home and told my husband. He said, "it's too late" because he couldn't part with them. This is just one of many "rescue" stories.

Mark never really was a cat guy before we met. His son told on him and said Mark had shot cats in the past [then all hell broke loose.....just kidding]. But now he is so attached to Blue, Cameo, and Kiwi. Once Mark learned the cats had personalities, were entertaining, clean, independent, low maintenance, and affectionate, it changed his perspective. He supports me in animal rescue efforts and says he couldn't shoot them anymore.

I am looking forward to grandkids coming to visit from Florida so they can learn what it means to be kind to animals and how dogs, cats have so much love to give, but they need us to care for them. We will all fish together and have a fish fry. Mark will teach them to hunt and all about conservation. Hopefully, they will learn both sportsmanship and kindness.

They are not feral to start with but that is how it starts. About a month ago a farmer about 30 miles from me had $15,000 worth of meat goats killed in 2 nights by 2 dogs. We keep 2 spayed cats at the house that can be found on the front porch or out around the hay about anytime. Had another that was torn up bad enough that it died by a big tomcat that showed up. Guess it is a matter of perspective where you live because any so called rescue in my part of the country would be a waste of time due to the amount of timber and CRP ground around. By the way Gemby the 7mm is loaded with 120gr Nosler BT so everything happens real fast, coyotes don't like it either

there feral cats then. what do you think they will become in a month or so maybe as little as a few weeks. You come dump your pet off at my farm and see what happens.

I use my Marauder to rid them as do make to much of a mess. Use to use my 223 with 50gr sierra blitz till i thought why waste the good ammo on them. the 25 cal marauder will lay there head wide open. when i shoot a cat with the airgun they dont do to much but maybe kick some. when i used the 223 they acted like they were a spring wound tight

We have cats now ( all indoor pets).
Back in the day , on the farm, everyone had cats and dogs outside. By necessity. Barn cats kept the vermin at bay.

Dogs were farm guards and hunters.
But we also had a problem with dogs running deer down so we had a pact. If one of my critters ends up at your place? It's fair game.
And the same goes for yours, here.

We shot cats and dogs alike,

I once had to trap ( in the city ) to rid my place of skunks.
As many as 5 a week in a live trap. I would just bag the whole trap and tie it off to the tail pipe of my truck. Go have a cup of coffee, and come bag and garbage bag the Lepew.

I also got a couple krats.. and even a HUGE female coon that was all gray! I shot her in the middle of the night because she was making such a fuss and tearing up the trap.
I wasn't sure WHAT it was until I saw it in the daylight.

I've never seen one before or since. Almost pure gray and HUGE !
20 houses down from the Euclid Ohio City Hall!

Was that really necessary?

YES IT WAS! I welcome all live targets, got to many, just drop them off, I'll take care of them.

If you don't like the way I take care of stray cats on my farm aphaltangel. Why don't you have your crew come over and take care of it for me, till them I will do all means as I see fit to do it myself, like it or not. You can talk the talk but can't walk the walk

Hi Gemby,

It's great you would consider an alternate solution. If you would like to get some assistance, please PM me your home address [wherever the cats are] and I will do my best to get you some help out there.

I was involved with a group in a nearby town where we were known as the trap-neuter-return [TNR] GO-TO gals. We worked closely with a veterinarian and his entire office on many spay and neuter clinics. The work involved setting the traps, checking them at least twice a day, and taking in the cats [or releasing a possum in one case :o]. I worked in the actual clinic itself which can be a real "adventure" when you have 50 plus cats hanging around that aren't very happy to be there. I enjoyed helping out in the recovery unit. The vet tech would hand the trap or carrier to me and I stacked them on one another where I monitored several at a time following surgery. This involved a rectal temperature reading and making sure there was not a bad reaction to the anesthesia. It was rewarding to pet them when under anesthesia. That's the closest I will ever get to a feral cat without full body armor in most cases . I also rescued several cats when I worked as a shelter manager in our local homeless shelter and many througout the years that became my own. Most of the time, they find me. I do my best to walk the talk.

Are you crazy. That's all I need is a tree hugging, veggie eating aZZhole in my business or on my land. I don't need your assistance, I got it under control. When the pit I dug with the backhoe gets filled up, I'll cover it up and dig another and fill that one up. It does give my more live targets to shoot at as the crows sure do like to eat cats. I tried your route and was told there's nothing they can do about it, there on my land and there my problem and take care of it yourself. And that I do, I do have one mass grave in the back 40. RIP

And before you ask: YES that really necessary?

I probably am a little "crazy" because I was ready to try and get you some help for the out of control situation [and I do mean OUT of control]. I'd rather be "crazy" for a good cause than to not try at all. Sorry for the misunderstanding and "Happy Digging".

BTW. I am not "tree hugging" or a vegetarian. There are some great recipes in the Food and Cooking forum for bear meat. Check it out when you have time. We like to hunt the big stuff out here.

I applaud your efforts Sherrie BUT is anybody gonna volunteer to come clean out my flower bed or garden every day?
The only solution as I see it is to euthanize them...I've seriously considered walking my dogs down to the "cat lady" yard to let them do their thing. Maybe she'd get the message...I've politely talked to her before about the problem but apparently she could care less about annoying her neighbors...

I live in the 'burbs so no krat shooting around here. The kitties that wander the neighborhood usually get picked up by the local coyotes and foxes.
The ferals that I've spotted while out on small game hunts were dropped right there. House cats that are dumped and survive going wild are a menace to the wild bird population so I remove them when I can. I don't rescue the cat, I take some pressure off the wildlife.
Yes I'm a cat owner.

I think that many in society today refuse to see feral cats as what they are...wild animals. wild animals that in some areas are as much of a nuisance as the little vermin that the feral cats feed on.

No one would think twice about killing a mouse or a rat. But many folks can't handle someone destroying a feral cat because it looks like the little kitty that lives in their home.

State representatives need to start to consider the rights of humans when they write these laws that protect feral cats. They sure didn't consider my neighborhood or colodog's or that of Middlefork Miner.

In the city TNR might work but in the suburbs it doesn't because of the amount of waste a feral colony produces on people's property.

How about taking a shovel, scooping up all the poop, walking down to your neighbor's yard, and stand there until they come out. Then, toss the crap on the yard and tell her, "here's your cat's crap." JUST KIDDING, but this is what a neighbor did to me and my former husband. He marched down the road like he was on a mission [lived a few houses down]. My husband went out and asked him , "do I know you?" because the guy was standing there at the edge of our yard with his shovel. The guy threw it on the grass and yelled, "here's your cat sh*t". We had never had any conversation with him and had only seen him driving by in his truck. He worked nights at the Washington State Penniteniary and didn't mingle with the neighbors.

I eventually followed up with him after we laughed for a good 10 minutes. He described the cat he saw and it did looked a lot like one of ours. He wasn't aware there was a stray in the area that literally was a "look-a-like" ..showed him the picture, but unfortunately, I was not able to get close enough to the cat to catch it.

[/quote]
I was not able to get close enough to the cat to catch it. [/quote]

Shoot it it's easier, they cant out run a bullet. You think crap in the yard is bad, have them spray and crap all over your hay, then you have to throw it out as the cows wont eat it, cant say I don't blame them. Every time I come across a litter in the hay I snap there necks and throw them in the barn yard for the cows can push them into the manure till I take them and spread them on the fields

Feral Cat's are just that, FERAL. ANYTHING feral is not good to native environments. Here in S. Texas the Feral Hogs are destroying land everywhere and people cant shoot enough of them to make a dent because ranchers/landowners see them as a money crop by charging folks to shoot them. Non-natives in any form are bad thing. Look at Grass Carp, Zebra Muscles, Asian "Jumping" Carp, et al. They are all "feral" and do LOTS of damage to native species. Feral cats are no different other than being cute and fuzzy. Make no mistake however, they are cute and fuzzy killers as far as native birds are concerned. This is why I have a BIG problem with catch, neuter and release BS. Once you release them back into the wild, the lack of juevos does nothing to stop them from killing native animals. I do allot of wildlife photography and have bird feeders in my yard for that purpose. I can't count the number of times I've found feral krats lying in wait for some "bird food" many times, it's just practice for killing and they don't even eat them. Fortunately, Air Arms of England has provided me with method of protecting native species in the form of a .22 TX200. I take ZERO pleasure in doing it but it's a measure that must be taken. If you have any doubt as to the impact that feral Krats can make look up the feral cat problem they have in Australia. Ferals have brought many native species there to near extinction. The cat protection thing is based on pure emotion because they're cute and fuzzy. No one bats an eye when someone kills a snake or spider but they're not cute and fuzzy to most folks (I tend to disagree).

I would like to respond in greater detail at some point, but suffice it to say I am pleased you are not "snapping" necks of little kittens and throwing them into manure. My cats eat spiders so I don't have to worry about that ....unless the spiders are too high on the wall. I can't live around spiders because they give me the creeps worse than about anything. Some snakes aren't bad. One of my cousins had a snake that we could pet. Fortunately, we don't live in an area where I have to worry about our dogs and cats getting bit by deadly snakes.

Even though sometimes drastic and dire measures need to be taken in order to solve a pest problem, accounts like those from Gemby are often used by Radical rights groups to prove their point to the overly sensitive bleeding hearts of the world.

Not a radical or a group, just poor little old me gemby. I do what I need to do to take care of the problem that azzholes cause for me by dropping off there damn cats. Do you have a answer for this problem? I can catch all the cats and bring them over and let you figure out what to do with them

Think the point of contention is simply that some of us are faced with a different set of problems. Me if a strange cat shows up around here then it goes by-by, same as a free running cattle chasing dog. I live far enough away from people that typical city folk pets are dumped off problems waiting to happen. All the rescue group, dog catcher, so on and so forth BS is just that. I do not wait around for those problems to be solved by someone else.

You really didn't understand wtf I was talking about. The radical groups I was referring to are the people that lurk these forums just to search out posts from people who snap the necks of pests and throw them in manure to gain sympathy and donations from their followers. I don't really care how you get rid of them, but other people just might. Telling them just how you do it isn't really being smart in a public forum.

Some thoughts from cat owner who recently lost his long time pet.

Cats are an invasive species. They are not native and as such should not be released into the wild. Period.

I dont know what it gets like on a farm, but I have lived in several suburban towns that have serious cat problems. It is a health hazard and is plain disgusting.

People lament the "mean heartedness" of thwacking a feral cat with a pellet gun or "giving them a swimming lesson", but it is the little old cat lady down the street who is responsible for far greater death tolls.

Cats kill. They kill for food and for fun. When they arent killing they are breeding. In between both they are [bleep] and pissing all over.

Feral cats kill billions of birds, frogs, snakes, voles, chipmunks, squirrels. What of them? My yard once had myriad song birds, chipmunks, mice, voles, moles, and 3 species of snakes. Now, it's cats. They wipe out wildlife.

Trap spay neuter was the rage here not too long ago. This does nothing to stop the spread of newly dropped off or escapee cats. In order to be successful it needs to be done diligently and continually. Have fun with that, but lets not lament the pellet to the head method either.

Unfortunately in my neighborhood sight of a pellet gun is cause for a SWAT raid. in fact I got rid of mine for fear that I would take to culling the little killing and [bleep] machines myself.

The serial killer argument is tired and misleading as well. Most serial killers & rapists masterbated as children. What now? Prevent teen masterbation in the off chance they someday may rape someone? No, Killing cats is neither mean not a prelude to being a serial killer. It is the right thing to do.

A feral cat population cull is the right move. If one wants to follow up with a TSN program, there can be merit to that. However culling a booming population first is valid.

So too is making statements like gemby did re "drop off your cat and see what happens". in fact, if more people publicized the likely outcome of dropping cats off in empty lots, perhaps fewer people would do it.

Interesting turn this thread took though.

Good Post, It is not the fault of the animals but they are what has to be delt with

People have a litter of cats they want to get rid of guess what they take a drive and when they come to a barn, guess what, they drop them off. They get in there thick head that barn and cat's go together. I would love to catch the POS that drops them off at my barn. I wish I could move my barn back off the road about 500 yards then I could catch them the POS. Till then I got to do what I got to do. I don't hate cats, I have about 6 of my own on the farm, there mine and its there farm. I don't run them over when I'm on the road going somewhere when I see them. When I see one that's is not welcome on my farm it used up it's 9 lives.

Gemby58,

You don't hate cats and you don't run them over. That's awesome. At least we can agree on the root of the problem. Sounds like some progress for both of us. Thanks for the post.

No I don't hate cats, just the ones that aren't welcome here and lately that's a lot. Just seen two new ones today, there lucky it was Sunday, but tomorrows another day.

[/quote]

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost a pet. We lost one a few months ago from an aggressive cancer. It spread very fast. Our veterinarian lost her cat and she said it was the owls that they have on their property.

I think this thread speaks for itself. The serial killer statement has been misunderstood 2 times so I apologize if it caused offense. I provided clarity to Dan in one of my posts.

The statement in question by Gemby is a distant memory in my world but it wasn't "necessary" because I don't live anywhere close to PA, I don't plan on leaving the North West, and would have a difficult time dropping off one of my cats by his house if someone had a SU-16 planted on my head.

Never seen a feral I didn't like.

I assume this isn't catch and release...
We don't need more feral cats in the woods and farmers don't need anymore for their yards either.

I don't plan on leaving the North West, and would have a difficult time dropping off one of my cats by his house if someone had a SU-16 planted on my head. [/quote]

here kitty kitty

I don't care for those calling themSELVES an ANGEL.

Maybe someone else gave them the name
With a name like yours, I wouldn't be too critical of others

WTF? over.

Good guess Snyper. ....

TY, Ma'am