Is legal to exterminate the neighborhood cats in my backyard if they keep killing birds at my feeders?

Question

I am an avid birdwatcher and I have lots of feeders in my backyard (which the birds love). Unfortunately, predatory cats in the neighborhood have figured this out and they catch and kill the defenseless birds at my feeders. I believe birds have a right to life and if my neighbors are unwilling to keep their cats out of my yard, then do I have the right to kill their cats? What's a good method of keeping neighborhood cats out of my yard?

Answer 1

its like trespassing. start with a bb gun. be humane.

Answer 2

Your bird feeders are maintaining an unnatural high population of birds, by providing an endless supply of food. The neighborhood cat population is only trying to return things back to the natural balance, by weeding out the the less fit bird. Chances are there's probably something wrong with the birds the cats get hold of. In reality, small birds are meant to be part of the food chain.

Answer 3

Wisconsin and some other states are trying to make it legal to shoot cats that are killing birds. Not sure where it all stands right now. However; our neighborhood is overrun with feral cats. They live in the drain pipes. We used a BB gun on them to keep them out of our yard. It would take 100 traps to get them all. We had 4 litters in different places on our property this spring. So rather than let them starve in the winter or spread disease or have 100 more cats we have taken to 22's and buried them. Its really rather sad for them but I know no other way. They do tend to avoid our yard now but there are still plenty out there. So just do what you have to do. m

Answer 4

You have no right to kill those cats. It is completely illegal (animal cruelty anyone?). The cats are just following their instincts. They have just as much of a right to life as those birds. If the cats are that much of a nuisance and the neighbors won't do anything about them, then you should call the local animal control and let them deal with it. I can tell you don't like cats, but I HATE birds, but I still don't go around killing them!!

Answer 5

You love birds. Your neighbors love there cats. Ask them to keep there cats up. If not Report them, Try a high powered water gun or water hose. The BB gun can kill the cat which is against the law. Good Luck

Answer 6

I,m not a judge or jury,

Although if you do decide to go ahead with it do it humanely and in a way you won't get caught. In oz we have a special method. - 1. Place 2 crushed aspirin in a small bowl of milk and stir well.
2. Kitty drinks free milk.
3. Kitties blood thins out like anaemia.
4. Kitty goes away to die.
5. Your birds are safe.
6. IT'S HUMANE and no BB gun needed on premises.

p.s In oz Feral cats are a real problem and have been known to grow VERY big.

Answer 7

it's illegal to kill a cat that comes in your yard. try spreading chewing tobacco around the area the birds are at cats can't stand the smell of tobacco. when they smell it they won't go near that area. also tell your neighbor about his cat coming into your yard. It's the owners responsibility for the cat or any animal that they own when they cause damage or kill other animals that is on someone else's property

Answer 8

Spot on "Road Rage". Cat are bad when they kill wild life regardless of what comes natural to them or not. The responsibility should be on the owner to make sure that the cat can't kill. Bell around the neck is a good idea too. I still reckon "Road Rage" gave you the solution.

Answer 9

Remember - be kind to your neighbors, they know where you live.

Talk with them about the problem their cats are making. Ask them how they intend to solve *their* problem.

If they don't have a reasonable solution, check with your local animal shelter. They may be able to lend you an animal trap such as Hav A Heart, which you can bait and collect the cats, and give them to the shelter as stray cats.

You have a right to privacy and cat's don't have the right to trespass.

Answer 10

you cant just kill someones cat ,call the city animal catcher,it is natural for cats to prey on birds ,and to go where the food source is,talk to your neighbors if you are on friendly speaking terms,don't just up and kill someones pet most people don't keep cats inside and you shouldn't take it out on the cat because the humans let them outside to do what comes natural.i would pulverize you if you killed my cat,but then again my cat is not aloud outside he is to important to me and he is my baby.not everyone feels the same way.so unless you want your neighbors stringing you up i would talk to the neighbors or your local animal control person.

Answer 11

No, but you can have them taken away by Animal control. Report them and their owner.

Alex

Cat's love to eat birds. You just can't stop them from what comes natural.