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Saturday, April 06, 2013

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Questions about barn cats

 

I think you might have feral cats moving into your barn on their own, either actual ferals or cats being dumped by nasty heartless people, and that's the nicest I can be about those people. 


Well, I do not think cats will affect Canada Goose or Mallard Duck populations. Have you ever gone up against a mama duck or goose? Good luck. And imagine if you're a cat. Our barn swallows are doing fine. Our squirrels are also doing fine. Yes, we don't see many wild rabbits, but we're right next to to a small rural subdivision. One of our cats did bring a bunny home once, though. She was scolded. And our cats are also scolded about birds. My little cat I mentioned before guarded a little kinglet while I figured out what to do with him after he flew into our front window. She could have easily eaten him in the time it took me to find a box and a towel.

No, barn kitties will be happy doing their jobs, and living in the barn. And if you keep a bit of cat food in there (please don't use crap grain based cat food), they will still do their jobs, and they won't require much attention.


On Apr 6, 2013, at 6:53 PM, maria b wrote:

 

I really know nothing about cats as I have been allergic (severly so) my entire life When I talk with folks about having a barn and bringing animals home they warn me about ferrel cats coming to take up residence in our barn. (I'm new to being a country girl) They warn me of the decease and sickness that they could bring. On here I learned about ferrels being taken in and immunized, vaccinated ect and then put up for adoption. I liked that idea. Like I said, I am new to this all and want to learn more about it. I do know that I can care for cats that live outside with minimal contact from me.I feel all animals/living creatures need much love and touch to thrive so I was concerned that if they didn't get 100% loved on by me and just when the kids were home it may be hard on them. If its true that that will be content and safe living outdoors and being cared for well, kept warm in winter and cool in summer, well fed and routine doctor visits ect the I would be happy to give a couple of ferrel cats a home. If they require much physical contact from me I cannot do it. I will read up some more and I find it very interesting how knowledgable you all are. I get to see all sides of this and for that I am thankful.

Maria (VA)

--- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "maria b" <burnsfamilycentral@...> wrote:
>
> Learning a lot here! Thanks folks.
>
>
> --- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "farmer_mam" <mam2@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I have to agree with Laurel 100% regarding releasing feral cats. Sterilization does not resolve the destructive nature of these cats. We used to live on a lake and a colony (17 or more) took up residence along the lake. Mallard ducks, Canadian Geese, Squirrels, Rabbits, Morning Doves, Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, neighbors leg (28 stitches caused by a fleeing cat's claws inadvertently blocked in a shed), and my wife's hand and dogs nose were only a few of the casualties to feral cats. When I talk about casualties, I mean complete decimation of wildlife in two years - no nesting birds, no squirrels, rabbits, and the waterfowl avoided our area of the lake.
> >
> > Please reconsider the impact and do not release.
> >
> > The last time I made a public appeal regarding feral cats we received calls day and night telling us they would kill us for our stand. Never understood how one could not kill a cat but killing a person was ok....
> >
> > Michael Morack
> > Waukesha, WI
> > [262] 970 - 9633
> >
> > --- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "Bluebird Hills Farm" <bluebirdhills@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I hate to stir the pot, but..
> > > Having accidentally bushogged several feral cats over the years, I do not
> > > agree with the neuter release program. They get in fights with my cats and
> > > they decimate songbird populations. I have never understood why cats seem
> > > to have favor with animal control. I get fined $300 for my LGD being off
> > > the farm, while cute fluffy is free to roam and kill wherever it wants,
> > > pooping in my flower bed or kids' sandbox.
> > >
> > > I have barn cats, all dumped at our farm and subsequently neutered, but I
> > > just can't buy into the catch, neuter and release. Before you label me a
> > > cat hater, one of my favorite critters is our cat Giblet who arrived at my
> > > father's back door last Thanksgiving, ate the giblets, and a week later
> > > was a permanent fixture. He actually thinks he's a dog, but whatever...
> > >
> > > Laurel
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > The Shouvlins
> > > Bluebird Hills Farm
> > > 3617 Derr Road
> > > Springfield, Ohio 45503
> > > 937-206-3936
> > > www.bluebirdhills.com
> > > bluebirdhills@
> > >
> > > > Actually, feral cats are VERY
> > > healthy. I do feral rescues and have never
> > > > even one time
> > > trapped, neutered and spayed any cat that tested positive
> > > >
> > > for
> > > > leukemia. It is pretty easy to keep them healthy, they
> > > have hybrid
> > > > vigor.
> > > > All you need to do is make sure
> > > they are neutered/spayed/shots and keep
> > > > their bedding sprayed
> > > with flea spray or sprinkle feed-quality
> > > > diatomaceous
> > > >
> > > earth on it. They make great mousers and you won't have to handle
> > > them.
> > > > It not really fair to keep house cats outside, the
> > > average lifespan of an
> > > > outdoor cat is only 2-3 years, vs the
> > > 13-15 year lifespan of an indoor
> > > > cat.
> > > > If you have
> > > ferals in the area, they are more coyote and dog-savvy.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Susan Olson
> > > > Alpaca Loco
> > > > Riverside,
> > > CA
> > >
> >
>


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posted by Chaddo at 9:01 PM 0 comments

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[AlpacaTalk] Re: Questions about barn cats

 

I really know nothing about cats as I have been allergic (severly so) my entire life When I talk with folks about having a barn and bringing animals home they warn me about ferrel cats coming to take up residence in our barn. (I'm new to being a country girl) They warn me of the decease and sickness that they could bring. On here I learned about ferrels being taken in and immunized, vaccinated ect and then put up for adoption. I liked that idea. Like I said, I am new to this all and want to learn more about it. I do know that I can care for cats that live outside with minimal contact from me.I feel all animals/living creatures need much love and touch to thrive so I was concerned that if they didn't get 100% loved on by me and just when the kids were home it may be hard on them. If its true that that will be content and safe living outdoors and being cared for well, kept warm in winter and cool in summer, well fed and routine doctor visits ect the I would be happy to give a couple of ferrel cats a home. If they require much physical contact from me I cannot do it. I will read up some more and I find it very interesting how knowledgable you all are. I get to see all sides of this and for that I am thankful.

Maria (VA)

--- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "maria b" <burnsfamilycentral@...> wrote:
>
> Learning a lot here! Thanks folks.
>
>
> --- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "farmer_mam" <mam2@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I have to agree with Laurel 100% regarding releasing feral cats. Sterilization does not resolve the destructive nature of these cats. We used to live on a lake and a colony (17 or more) took up residence along the lake. Mallard ducks, Canadian Geese, Squirrels, Rabbits, Morning Doves, Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, neighbors leg (28 stitches caused by a fleeing cat's claws inadvertently blocked in a shed), and my wife's hand and dogs nose were only a few of the casualties to feral cats. When I talk about casualties, I mean complete decimation of wildlife in two years - no nesting birds, no squirrels, rabbits, and the waterfowl avoided our area of the lake.
> >
> > Please reconsider the impact and do not release.
> >
> > The last time I made a public appeal regarding feral cats we received calls day and night telling us they would kill us for our stand. Never understood how one could not kill a cat but killing a person was ok....
> >
> > Michael Morack
> > Waukesha, WI
> > [262] 970 - 9633
> >
> > --- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "Bluebird Hills Farm" <bluebirdhills@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I hate to stir the pot, but..
> > > Having accidentally bushogged several feral cats over the years, I do not
> > > agree with the neuter release program. They get in fights with my cats and
> > > they decimate songbird populations. I have never understood why cats seem
> > > to have favor with animal control. I get fined $300 for my LGD being off
> > > the farm, while cute fluffy is free to roam and kill wherever it wants,
> > > pooping in my flower bed or kids' sandbox.
> > >
> > > I have barn cats, all dumped at our farm and subsequently neutered, but I
> > > just can't buy into the catch, neuter and release. Before you label me a
> > > cat hater, one of my favorite critters is our cat Giblet who arrived at my
> > > father's back door last Thanksgiving, ate the giblets, and a week later
> > > was a permanent fixture. He actually thinks he's a dog, but whatever...
> > >
> > > Laurel
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > The Shouvlins
> > > Bluebird Hills Farm
> > > 3617 Derr Road
> > > Springfield, Ohio 45503
> > > 937-206-3936
> > > www.bluebirdhills.com
> > > bluebirdhills@
> > >
> > > > Actually, feral cats are VERY
> > > healthy. I do feral rescues and have never
> > > > even one time
> > > trapped, neutered and spayed any cat that tested positive
> > > >
> > > for
> > > > leukemia. It is pretty easy to keep them healthy, they
> > > have hybrid
> > > > vigor.
> > > > All you need to do is make sure
> > > they are neutered/spayed/shots and keep
> > > > their bedding sprayed
> > > with flea spray or sprinkle feed-quality
> > > > diatomaceous
> > > >
> > > earth on it. They make great mousers and you won't have to handle
> > > them.
> > > > It not really fair to keep house cats outside, the
> > > average lifespan of an
> > > > outdoor cat is only 2-3 years, vs the
> > > 13-15 year lifespan of an indoor
> > > > cat.
> > > > If you have
> > > ferals in the area, they are more coyote and dog-savvy.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Susan Olson
> > > > Alpaca Loco
> > > > Riverside,
> > > CA
> > >
> >
>

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.

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posted by Chaddo at 6:53 PM 0 comments

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Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Questions about barn cats

 

     I was discussing this subject with my dh this morning and told him I wasn't even going to reply, because so many see this as black and white and it clearly isn't!

     I agree with you Heather and I think comparing cats with dogs running at large is ludicrous.  Cats are survivalists.  My standard joke is that when we are long gone, the cats and cockroaches will still be around.  

     I cannot imagine any landfill or junk yard without cats, nor barns, nurseries, etc.  I don't  think the average person has a clue as to how overrun we would be with rats and mice without cats.  Sure, rodents can be controlled with poisons, but I sure don't want that on my farm!  

     I also find the likelihood of feral cats keeping all the ducks and geese away from a pond very unlikely.  More likely was some type of disease or lack of food.  Heck, if feral cat colonies could keep the Canada Geese away, I think we'd see the Golf course owners and airport owners employing them!  As it is, I have friends employed to harass the geese off of the runways and golf courses with their Border Collies.  To think all they need is a colony of ferals to do the job! If only.

     As far as being injured by a feral, I know this happens but is usually human error.  I have seen people bitten by squirrels but we don't try to get rid of them all!  

     I am sure there are studies on this, but I can only think that sterilization and vaccinating and releasing is the way to go, not eradication.  Besides, I am a firm believer than every species eradicated brings us humans one step closer to extinction, too.

     Btw, I work at a low cost spay and neuter clinic and we try to do our part for the ferals and their rescue groups.  We will will spay/neuter, vaccinate and ear tip for a lower price than an office visit and exam by most veterinarians!  

Laura
who just brought one of our barn cats home from the vet after having his leg amputated due to bad break of unknown cause.  Cookie is mending and enjoying the icu indoors!  Our tri-pod cat may be an indoor cat if he chooses to stay inside, but I suspect he will be asking to go outside very soon.


On Fri, Apr 5, 2013 at 7:54 PM, Heather Zeleny <alpacatalk@gmail.com> wrote:
 

I'm afraid I have to disagree 100% here. When an established feral population is disturbed, there are major consequences. Where I grew up, there was a huge feral and likely, dumped cat population on the beach. A massive effort was made to eradicate that cat colony, and what ensued was a major rat and mouse population.


Stable feral cat colonies are an important balance to the ecosystem. 

One or two altered barn cats will not affect wild rodent or bird populations to any great extent. But, if they can be persuaded to stay in or around the barn, they will definitely keep rodents out of the barn.

Or, adopt any cat. I have a female who is an indoor cat, but she takes her job as mouser and general "guard cat" very seriously. In fact, she comes to tell us when it's time to go out and do chores. :) 



On Apr 5, 2013, at 7:35 AM, farmer_mam wrote:

 



I have to agree with Laurel 100% regarding releasing feral cats. Sterilization does not resolve the destructive nature of these cats. We used to live on a lake and a colony (17 or more) took up residence along the lake. Mallard ducks, Canadian Geese, Squirrels, Rabbits, Morning Doves, Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, neighbors leg (28 stitches caused by a fleeing cat's claws inadvertently blocked in a shed), and my wife's hand and dogs nose were only a few of the casualties to feral cats. When I talk about casualties, I mean complete decimation of wildlife in two years - no nesting birds, no squirrels, rabbits, and the waterfowl avoided our area of the lake.

Please reconsider the impact and do not release.

The last time I made a public appeal regarding feral cats we received calls day and night telling us they would kill us for our stand. Never understood how one could not kill a cat but killing a person was ok....

Michael Morack
Waukesha, WI
[262] 970 - 9633



__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (13)
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 6:44 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Questions about barn cats

 

Heather makes a good point - IF THEY CAN BE PERSUADED TO STAY IN OR AROUND THE BARN.  When we adopted our ferals, we kept them in a few large crates inside the barn for a few weeks.  They had a litter pan, and food and water served to them in the crate.  By the time we released them, they were used to the sounds, sights and smells of the barn and it was their "home."  I would imagine that if you just put the cats into the barn that they would take off for "parts unknown."
 
It has to be a large crate and a small litter pan and it's a pain to keep clean, but we only had one adoptee do a bunk on us after the initial confinement.  We would occasionally see him sneaking into the barn for food or water, but he never took up residence there like the others.  He was probably better off out here than on the streets of DC, anyway.
 
Cindy Aldrich
Shepherd's Purse Alpacas
Mount Airy, Maryland

__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (12)
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 3:59 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Questions about barn cats

 

Michael, if feral cats are fed, they reduce killing by A LOT.  I know, I have managed, spayed/neutered, adopted out hundreds of feral cats over my lifetime.  It isn't that big of a problem in a managed colony and the cats are actually healthier than indoor cats because they don't all use the same litter box. FIP rates are lower in ferals, along with other diseases found in house cats.
 
Susan Olson
Alpaca Loco
Riverside, CA
 
In a message dated 4/5/2013 4:56:32 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, alpacatalk@gmail.com writes:
 

I'm afraid I have to disagree 100% here. When an established feral population is disturbed, there are major consequences. Where I grew up, there was a huge feral and likely, dumped cat population on the beach. A massive effort was made to eradicate that cat colony, and what ensued was a major rat and mouse population.


Stable feral cat colonies are an important balance to the ecosystem. 

One or two altered barn cats will not affect wild rodent or bird populations to any great extent. But, if they can be persuaded to stay in or around the barn, they will definitely keep rodents out of the barn.

Or, adopt any cat. I have a female who is an indoor cat, but she takes her job as mouser and general "guard cat" very seriously. In fact, she comes to tell us when it's time to go out and do chores. :) 



On Apr 5, 2013, at 7:35 AM, farmer_mam wrote:

 



I have to agree with Laurel 100% regarding releasing feral cats. Sterilization does not resolve the destructive nature of these cats. We used to live on a lake and a colony (17 or more) took up residence along the lake. Mallard ducks, Canadian Geese, Squirrels, Rabbits, Morning Doves, Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, neighbors leg (28 stitches caused by a fleeing cat's claws inadvertently blocked in a shed), and my wife's hand and dogs nose were only a few of the casualties to feral cats. When I talk about casualties, I mean complete decimation of wildlife in two years - no nesting birds, no squirrels, rabbits, and the waterfowl avoided our area of the lake.

Please reconsider the impact and do not release.

The last time I made a public appeal regarding feral cats we received calls day and night telling us they would kill us for our stand. Never understood how one could not kill a cat but killing a person was ok....

Michael Morack
Waukesha, WI
[262] 970 - 9633


__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (11)
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 1:07 AM 0 comments