micro 0 #1 June 21, 2006 Ok, so we're staying at the in-laws, since the well at the rental is a health hazard and we close on the new pad in like a week or two. Anywho, so at the in-laws, also a place out in the country, there is a momma cat, a daddy cat, and 4 kittens. Well, scratch that. Now, there are three kittens. Yesterday, one of the kittens turns up missing. (GROSS PART ALERT - stop reading if you're squeemish) Father-in-law finds the decapitated body of the missing kitten in the barn this morning. Head is missing. No blood around the body. Weird. Glad one of my kids didn't find it, they've become VERY attached to these kittens. Well, there are two "tomcats" as my father-in-law calls them that have been hanging around, trying to encroach on the territory. For the most part, daddy cat has been warding them off, but my father-in-law thinks that one of them got through and killed the kitten. So, he's on a mission to kill the "tomcats" and has enlisted me to help. Now, a couple things... 1) is this Zarqawi type behavior something a stray cat would do to another kitten? Or is it more likely the action of another type of animal, say a raccoon or a possum or a weasel. I'm not a country boy, I don't know about these sorts of nasty things. 2) i've never hunted a thing in my life, nor have I ever killed another living thing in my life, save small insects and the like, or an occasional small animal w/ my car. when I have hit a cute furry creature w/ my car, I've usually cried. big tough guy, yeah, I know. but, the thought of one of these strays decapitating this kitten just pisses me off and i quite willingly took a shot at this rather aggressive stray tonight in the corn field. I missed him, but I had no hesitation in trying to kill him. For me, that was a very alien feeling. I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gofast_ER 0 #2 June 21, 2006 well if your hunting cats maybe you need a *curiosity* trap Sorry bout your kitten though I may not agree with what you have to say but i'll defend to the death your right to say it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdad 0 #3 June 21, 2006 No, don't feel bad about hunting that stupid thing. They come in an area and chase (or kill) all the other cats away. I had to eliminate a tom the other night for the first time and it was a weird thing to do for sure. Felt better after it was done. Yes, I did tell my 9 year old but not her younger sisters, yet. Our problem cat came on the scene about a month ago and lately I had noticed all the other cats weren't around anymore except for this one. The other night I saw him chase away a smaller cat after I had put food in the dish. Later as it was turning dark, I saw him chase the small cat across the lawn and down the road. My wife held the light so I could get the darn thing in the scope and bingo. Cause of death was lead poisoning from a 100 grain 243 bullet. Don't feel bad about getting rid of it if you want to save the little kittens. Remember, some cats are very possesive. Make sure you use the proper tool to get rid of it though. You don't need your kids to see wounded cats running around. Good luck. Scott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #4 June 21, 2006 There is such a thing as being overly sensitive...punch your guy card twice: - for whining - for missing the shot. My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #5 June 21, 2006 Infantacide is common among male cats, if all the kittens are killed the mother will quickly go into heat and be ready to mate again. If you're going to hunt cats, use bait and a shotgun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #6 June 21, 2006 Actually, Tomcats in the "wild" or out in a farm or barn type environment have been known to kill an entire litter of another "Tom's" kittens, so they can take over and get the momcat or "Queen" pregnant again with his own kittens. If I'm not mistaken, large cats out in the wild behave in much the same way. (I saw a documentary a few years back.) I'm a cat lover but stray "Toms" roaming the area can be a dangerous nuisance, and not just to the kittens. The life of a barncat isn't exactly easy, either. I remember spending some time on a farm when I was in High School and growing attached to a kitten only to find it smashed by one of the dairy cows one morning. There's LOTS of hazards out there for those kittens, so be prepared for some tears from your kids if they've gotten really attached. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #7 June 21, 2006 Quote... If I'm not mistaken, large cats out in the wild behave in much the same way. (I saw a documentary a few years back.). Lions and Tigras Tigers do it for sure. My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #8 June 21, 2006 That's not a raccoon or possum thing. Maybe an owl thing--was the kitten partially eaten? I don't see it being a tomcat thing at all. edited to add: A tomcat might well kill kittens but I don't see the ripping off the head thing happening. BTW, if the culprit is an owl, leave it alone. They keep rats under control. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #9 June 21, 2006 QuoteActually, Tomcats in the "wild" or out in a farm or barn type environment have been known to kill an entire litter of another "Tom's" kittens, so they can take over and get the momcat or "Queen" pregnant again with his own kittens. If I'm not mistaken, large cats out in the wild behave in much the same way. (I saw a documentary a few years back.) I'm a cat lover but stray "Toms" roaming the area can be a dangerous nuisance, and not just to the kittens. Tigra's correct - it tends to happen in cats of all sizes, from housecats to tigers and lions. It's hard, and it's sad, but it's what happens. Propagation of his offspring is very important to a male (the call of nature), and he will do whatever he can to see that his seed is planted. Which means, sometimes, killing the kittens of a different male so that the queen will come into heat and then he has a chance to impregnate her himself. It's something which happens in cats of all sizes, and one of the reasons males are separated from females once a birth has taken place in a cattery, and in some homes. Yes, other animals could've done it. It's nearly impossible to tell what did it, though, and so Gene is doing what he can to protect the other babies (and for that, I say "hooooo-rah!". He's a softie, even though he'd rather not think he is.). He's operating on the information he has, and it seems fairly clear that he is likely correct. Sucks, but it is what it is. Feral predator toms are really, really hard to handle, and nearly impossible to protect against. They can be vicious, and also because of their fighting, often carry illnesses which are transmittable by blood and can really hurt other cats, livestock, and people. As much as I hate the idea of a cat being hunted and put down, if one has already done this sort of killing, it won't stop, and there really isn't much you can do except take care of business. One thing to really, really understand is that this isn't about hunting a housecat, or a pet. These guys are dangerous, especially around a dwelling and/or a farm. These guys don't come cuddle with you, and let you pet them...these guys are wild, feral, and doing what comes naturally to them which places other animals and curious kids in some danger. Sorry to hear you've got some kitty issues on your hands...and I know how attached the kids must've become. And yes, it's bad...but it's also reality. Even I wouldn't try to rehab these two...and you know me; I'd take in a tiger if I thought I could help. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #10 June 21, 2006 Damn Maura you speak and they forget I exist!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 140 #11 June 21, 2006 hunt the cat. cats taste like rabbits scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
soberamprat 0 #12 June 21, 2006 If there is a tom hanging out you will not be seeing any more rabbits, song birds, and a few other indigenous cridders http://www.swoopstudios.com/videos/videos-rex.php Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zipp0 1 #13 June 21, 2006 Get a Have a Heart trap, so you can catch the animal without harming him. Then, after he is safely inside the trap, take it outside, pour a gallon of kerosene on him, and light a match. -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #14 June 21, 2006 I hope that was sarcasm. I don't have a problem with killing, but animals should never suffer. A kid in my neighborhood burned a cat to death once, I think he still may have problem from the head trauma he incurred afterwards. (he got Pine on his scalp) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #15 June 21, 2006 thanks for all your sage advice all, and even a laugh from zippo (it was a joke, right? )... i'm bound and determined to kill this tom today... no kittens found dead this morning that I know of, but I sure heard the daddy cat trying desperately to hold his own late last night... man! the sound of cats fighting is something else. i've got two boxes of ammo, and i'm ready to git me some! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zipp0 1 #16 June 21, 2006 QuoteI hope that was sarcasm. I don't have a problem with killing, but animals should never suffer. A kid in my neighborhood burned a cat to death once, I think he still may have problem from the head trauma he incurred afterwards. (he got Pine on his scalp) Hmmmm.... And I always thought the headaches I got nightly came from growing up in the Chicago smog..... -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #17 June 21, 2006 Decapitation? No blood? Sounds like El ChupaCATras! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #18 June 21, 2006 QuoteDecapitation? No blood? Sounds like El ChupaCATras! lol, WTF? you lost me dude... I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #19 June 21, 2006 Quote lol, WTF? you lost me dude... See here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #20 June 21, 2006 ah.... it's all so clear now... I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #21 June 21, 2006 ... leaving work, on my way to go hunt me some tomcat! mmm... fun... this one's for you, poor little headless kitten! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #22 June 21, 2006 Use a live trap. You catch one of the fur-balls, call animal control... they'll handle the rest. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #23 June 21, 2006 QuoteUse a live trap. You catch one of the fur-balls, call animal control... they'll handle the rest. Chuck Hmmm - would that be as satisfying?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #24 June 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteUse a live trap. You catch one of the fur-balls, call animal control... they'll handle the rest. Chuck Hmmm - would that be as satisfying? ______________________________________ Hell no! When you live in town and can't use a firearm or burn anything and your nosey neighbors throw a walleyed fit! It just takes all the fun out of it! If you live 'out' of town... whole nuther story! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
karenmeal 0 #25 June 22, 2006 You've talked about the alien feeling you got when you tried to shoot at the cat and felt no remorse... but now you're all stoked to go home and blow it's head off? Get a trap and call animal control. "Life is a temporary victory over the causes which induce death." - Sylvester Graham Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
