Hi Tweets,
Given the threat that cats pose to birds, especially ground birds, I really
would like to see a law that requires cat owners to keep their cats indoors.


That might seem draconian, but given the recent data on the dramatic decline
of common birds, I think it's a reasonable step to take and not out of
proportion to the seriousness of the problem.

At the least, birders and birding organizations should be campaigning for
this.

(For the record, I myself am a cat owner with an indoor cat who is very
happy, healthy, trim, and content.)

Tina Blade
Kirkland, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of ns johnson
Sent: Saturday, August 18, 2007 7:44 AM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] neighborhood killer cat

Hi, Tweeters,

How do you all deal with a neighborhood hunter cat?
One that jumps your 6 foot fence, stealthily
approaches the shrubs near the feeders, lies in wait,
selects his prey, attacks swiftly and makes off with a
little passerine in his mouth. Yesterday I saw a pile
of grey feathers in the middle of the back lawn and I
knew he had returned for another successful theft. I
think I know who he is but I don't know where he
lives. A marmalade cat, he was very friendly and
sweet before I saw him get his first of my birds and I
started throwing rocks at him and chasing him off the
property. Now he's a sneak and I don't see him.

I have thought of netting all the shrubs he hides
under where the little birds like to run also.

Does anyone else have effective techniques?

I couldn't really ever bring myself to harm him - I
love cats and have 3 of my own who also enjoy bird
watching from the windows as they are not allowed out.

Thank you.
Nancy Johnson
near Echo Lake, Snohomish County



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