The other night, Erin asked about wolves. Geoff assured her that there were no wolves in our woods. She said she had seen 2 gray dogs run across the yard. Well, Geoff and I were just outside, heard the rustle in the woods, and there come 3 Coy-dogs running out of the woods. I do NOT feel good about Tigs being out right now. Geoff is out there with his rifle as he doesn't feel good about them with the girls being out (they aren't here tonight).
Well, no gun shots and he is wistling for Tigs so I suspect he has determined that they have headed back into the woods. Hope Tigs come home soon.
Katy
I May Have To Become Oma Type Woman!
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kate_ce1995
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annie oakley
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Hi Kate.......I hope Tigs comes home soon too. I guess By an Oma type woman you mean self sufficent huh? I have had to be all my life. We have Coyotes here.... We have a little yard all fenced in around the trailer for Jasmine and Buckmaster...I always check thier yard in the day and take a flashlight at night once around the yard. Because of the snakes and critter like skunks and Armadillos. Hope you see Tigs soon Love Oma
May I be more compassionate and loving than yeterday*and be able to spot the idiots in advance
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kate_ce1995
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Self sufficient and maybe even fairly effective with a gun. I like to think I am the first, but when it comes to defending my territory from wild animals, thats where I'd not be so self sufficient.
Tigs did come home last night. As Geoff said, this time of year they probably have plenty to eat...they looked large and healthy. But over winter.... He is going to get a hunter rules book tonight to make sure its okay to hunt them. I know so many here are against killing animals, but when they are the type who could hurt kids and pets, I guess I feel differently.
Well, gotta run to work.
Katy
Tigs did come home last night. As Geoff said, this time of year they probably have plenty to eat...they looked large and healthy. But over winter.... He is going to get a hunter rules book tonight to make sure its okay to hunt them. I know so many here are against killing animals, but when they are the type who could hurt kids and pets, I guess I feel differently.
Well, gotta run to work.
Katy
Hi Katy,
Speaking from experience, I can guarantee that those coyotes view your back yard as a "cat buffet", and don't have to be starving, to come looking for cats. Alf is not the only "cativore" that considers cats to be succulent. Cats are typically a high priority item on most coyotes list of preferred diet selections. They learn to crave cats, because of the high feral cat population in the U. S. I lose at least several cats a year, to coyote predation.
Over the years, I've killed at least 3 coyotes that I can recall, in my yard. That usually slows things down for a while, but eventually, others return. Coyotes are extremely people-savy, and will raid your yard in mid-day, if they figure out that you're gone then.
I don't have anything against them, as long as they stay on their turf, and off mine--but when they kill my pets, I kill them. Some folks say that the coyotes are only doing what comes naturally, but the fact of the matter is that they know they shouldn't be in someone's yard--that's not natural. They take a chance, to grab a quick and easy meal, and sometimes they lose. That's a corollary of the law of the jungle.
The ones that are crossed with domestic dogs are the worst--they'll come right into your garage to catch a cat. And yes, as individual animals, or packs, become bolder with each successful raid, they can, in some cases, definitely be a threat to children. Kids tend to run, and most predators will automatically, out of force of habit, pursue any perceived prey that runs. That applies not only to coyotes, but to wolves and cougars, epecially.
Wayne
Speaking from experience, I can guarantee that those coyotes view your back yard as a "cat buffet", and don't have to be starving, to come looking for cats. Alf is not the only "cativore" that considers cats to be succulent. Cats are typically a high priority item on most coyotes list of preferred diet selections. They learn to crave cats, because of the high feral cat population in the U. S. I lose at least several cats a year, to coyote predation.
Over the years, I've killed at least 3 coyotes that I can recall, in my yard. That usually slows things down for a while, but eventually, others return. Coyotes are extremely people-savy, and will raid your yard in mid-day, if they figure out that you're gone then.
I don't have anything against them, as long as they stay on their turf, and off mine--but when they kill my pets, I kill them. Some folks say that the coyotes are only doing what comes naturally, but the fact of the matter is that they know they shouldn't be in someone's yard--that's not natural. They take a chance, to grab a quick and easy meal, and sometimes they lose. That's a corollary of the law of the jungle.
The ones that are crossed with domestic dogs are the worst--they'll come right into your garage to catch a cat. And yes, as individual animals, or packs, become bolder with each successful raid, they can, in some cases, definitely be a threat to children. Kids tend to run, and most predators will automatically, out of force of habit, pursue any perceived prey that runs. That applies not only to coyotes, but to wolves and cougars, epecially.
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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kate_ce1995
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Thanks Wayne, I feel MUCH better now! LOL.
Do you keep your pets inside when you have a run of coyotes in your yard? I do you take your chances? I have to admit that when Cocoa dissappeared, although I miss her, it was a bit of a blessing...she had an attitude like you wouldn't believe and any time she got remotely pissed off at me or Tigger, she's stop using her litter pan and go anywhere she damn well felt like it. Especially if you were watching her! While I went through some successful rounds of retraining her, she always went back to some of these bad habits along the way. But Tigs, he's another story. He got in a fight with something small last week (couple puncture wounds on his cheek, an good scratch on his nose, and a torn ear...nothing too major for a Tom cat, even if he is neutered). But I don't want to loose him to a dumb wild dog.
Katy
Do you keep your pets inside when you have a run of coyotes in your yard? I do you take your chances? I have to admit that when Cocoa dissappeared, although I miss her, it was a bit of a blessing...she had an attitude like you wouldn't believe and any time she got remotely pissed off at me or Tigger, she's stop using her litter pan and go anywhere she damn well felt like it. Especially if you were watching her! While I went through some successful rounds of retraining her, she always went back to some of these bad habits along the way. But Tigs, he's another story. He got in a fight with something small last week (couple puncture wounds on his cheek, an good scratch on his nose, and a torn ear...nothing too major for a Tom cat, even if he is neutered). But I don't want to loose him to a dumb wild dog.
Katy
Katy,
My cats are mostly "working" cats, so they roam freely, as they please, (IOW, typical farm cats). The ones that learn to stay where they're supposed to be, especially at night, rarely have any problems. The ones that choose to roam, or, as I prefer to call it, "play coyote roulette", either learn to avoid the canines, by becoming woods wise, (that won't work for a white cat, though), or they prove once again, that Darwin was correct.
I couldn't help but chuckle at your description of Cocoa's chosen method for showing disdain, or getting revenge. She really knew how to get her point across, didn't she. LOL. That proves once again that animals are more intelligent than we usually give them credit for. The concepts of contemptuousness, or revenge, are fairly complex, and yet she obviously understood at least something about them.
It sounds like Tigs git into a scrap with another cat. Cats, as I'm sure you're aware, are extremely territorial. As a species, they seem to be their own worst enemy. It's almost impossible for a young tomcat to grow up without special protection, if there's another tom around. Some of the females are just as aggressive, toward other females, because they don't want them raising litters on their turf, to compete with their young. Sigh. Whoever said that nature is tranquil, didn't understand nature. Nature may be beautiful, but it's also violent and bloodthirsty.
Wayne
My cats are mostly "working" cats, so they roam freely, as they please, (IOW, typical farm cats). The ones that learn to stay where they're supposed to be, especially at night, rarely have any problems. The ones that choose to roam, or, as I prefer to call it, "play coyote roulette", either learn to avoid the canines, by becoming woods wise, (that won't work for a white cat, though), or they prove once again, that Darwin was correct.
I couldn't help but chuckle at your description of Cocoa's chosen method for showing disdain, or getting revenge. She really knew how to get her point across, didn't she. LOL. That proves once again that animals are more intelligent than we usually give them credit for. The concepts of contemptuousness, or revenge, are fairly complex, and yet she obviously understood at least something about them.
It sounds like Tigs git into a scrap with another cat. Cats, as I'm sure you're aware, are extremely territorial. As a species, they seem to be their own worst enemy. It's almost impossible for a young tomcat to grow up without special protection, if there's another tom around. Some of the females are just as aggressive, toward other females, because they don't want them raising litters on their turf, to compete with their young. Sigh. Whoever said that nature is tranquil, didn't understand nature. Nature may be beautiful, but it's also violent and bloodthirsty.
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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kate_ce1995
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Well, Tigs is most definately not white...very good coloring for blending into the background. But he is also fairly stupid (or so he seems at home). Mostly because he is so needy for attention. And the fact that he seemed to fall out of a tree at the tender age of 6 months and break a leg and bang himself up pretty good. But he was born a ferral cat, so maybe he has more instinct than I give him credit for.
See my indoor cats have to work outside...Tigs has done a good job on reducing the mouse population this summer...been finding them all summer in the driveway. HOpefully that will mean less in the walls this winter. Although Molly did catch one in the basement when I was on vacation. We suspect she caught it in the sump hole which is a dirt hole in the floor (otherwise foundaiton is concrete slab and 2 walls of cinderblock...other sides are old field stone...not mouseproof) because she has been hanging out there periodically.
Guess I'll have to take my chances with Tigs. But i think as long as the kittens don't show interest in going out, I'll keep them in. Molly is getting more door brave and will one of these days scoot if I don't keep my eyes open, but last time she got like this I put her on a harness and took her outside for a few minutes. She descided that was too much.
Katy
PS: I see the typos but don't have time to fix them. Really having a rough typing day for some reason.
See my indoor cats have to work outside...Tigs has done a good job on reducing the mouse population this summer...been finding them all summer in the driveway. HOpefully that will mean less in the walls this winter. Although Molly did catch one in the basement when I was on vacation. We suspect she caught it in the sump hole which is a dirt hole in the floor (otherwise foundaiton is concrete slab and 2 walls of cinderblock...other sides are old field stone...not mouseproof) because she has been hanging out there periodically.
Guess I'll have to take my chances with Tigs. But i think as long as the kittens don't show interest in going out, I'll keep them in. Molly is getting more door brave and will one of these days scoot if I don't keep my eyes open, but last time she got like this I put her on a harness and took her outside for a few minutes. She descided that was too much.
Katy
PS: I see the typos but don't have time to fix them. Really having a rough typing day for some reason.
Right, Tigs has ideal coloration for blending into the background. If he was born feral, his instincts are probably still working, when needed. He may just pretend to be naive around the house, because it works for him. Some cats experience almost a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" transformation, when they enter the woods.
You've got the right idea. Keeping the mice down around the outside of the house, is the best way to keep them out of the house. Migration time will soon be upon us. Winter is on its way for sure. (It's a little hard to tell here, though, cause it's 103, right now). Sigh.
Wayne
You've got the right idea. Keeping the mice down around the outside of the house, is the best way to keep them out of the house. Migration time will soon be upon us. Winter is on its way for sure. (It's a little hard to tell here, though, cause it's 103, right now). Sigh.
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
You stated a real truism that time, Wayne!!tex wrote:Katy,
Whoever said that nature is tranquil, didn't understand nature. Nature may be beautiful, but it's also violent and bloodthirsty.
Wayne
Katy, so glad Tigs came home OK. I agree that coyotes really like to make a meal of cats. That time they were here in the middle of the night I'm quite sure they were looking for our "barn cats".
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
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annie oakley
- King Penguin
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We usually don't bother the wild cats around our place....unless they tear things up or destoy something....Waynes right tho...the barn cats that learn to stay where they are suppose to live to hunt another day...those that roam will become food. It's a part of nature. The food chain so to speak. Love Oma
May I be more compassionate and loving than yeterday*and be able to spot the idiots in advance
I am a one hand typist right now. Although I was raised in a little town, and practically lived in the bushes growing up, I would be worried sick about my cat being outside. I did live on a farm when I was in a foster home though, and I know that they always had plenty of cats to keep the mice population down, it was a must, I don't think I could do it, as I have gotten to be a real softy. I can't get my mind around it, I'd want to protect them all! LOL I know from what I did when Pebbles got sprayed, that I would run to help. As that is that is what I did, with no thought of getting sprayed myself. And the reason I am typing with one hand is because Pebbles is laying on her back in my other arm just about asleep, a real little sucky. I know when she goes that I want to get a cat, that is if I can get my daughter and her girlfriend to give me theirs, as I am head over heals in love with him! He loves to snuggle and be picked up!
Living in a small town close to the woods though, you had to have a gun, we had more bears though. They would show up even in the school yard.
And I had my gun license as soon as I was 15, just like the boys! But now I just look. I remember one time as a family, we came across a pack (?) of fox pups (?) living in a colvert on the side of the highway, so we stopped to let the girls see. Amanda was the about 4 or 5 so Mel was just about 2. Well Mel wanted to get out and pet the puppies, but Amanda was scared and wanted us to leave before they got us. We couldn't see a mom around, and it seemed to us that one of them was taking care of the others, and he was curious as could be. He gradually came out and walked around our car, to make sure it was safe for the others. It was pretty funny to watch him. Then we decided to give them some food as it looked like they were alone, and the little guy who was brave was their only hope for survival. So we threw them some baloney from the car window, no we never got out, as we didn't want any human smell around if there was a mommy lurking anywhere. Well that little guy kept the 4 others in the colvert and he slowly came out, walked around the baloney, sniffing it, and then all of a sudden he pounced, and grabbed the baloney and shook it! Killed it dead! Then he let the others come out and they all chowed down on the slice of meat. It was so fun to watch. But alas, we did not have a camera with us, as it seems to always be the case.
So Katy, I do hope that Tigs is careful, and continues to come home.
Animals also seem to get braver when they have less food in the wilderness because of bad weather and so forth, so they come to where it is always available, our homes.
Lots of hugs for TIGS
Gentle hugs
Wendy
Living in a small town close to the woods though, you had to have a gun, we had more bears though. They would show up even in the school yard.
And I had my gun license as soon as I was 15, just like the boys! But now I just look. I remember one time as a family, we came across a pack (?) of fox pups (?) living in a colvert on the side of the highway, so we stopped to let the girls see. Amanda was the about 4 or 5 so Mel was just about 2. Well Mel wanted to get out and pet the puppies, but Amanda was scared and wanted us to leave before they got us. We couldn't see a mom around, and it seemed to us that one of them was taking care of the others, and he was curious as could be. He gradually came out and walked around our car, to make sure it was safe for the others. It was pretty funny to watch him. Then we decided to give them some food as it looked like they were alone, and the little guy who was brave was their only hope for survival. So we threw them some baloney from the car window, no we never got out, as we didn't want any human smell around if there was a mommy lurking anywhere. Well that little guy kept the 4 others in the colvert and he slowly came out, walked around the baloney, sniffing it, and then all of a sudden he pounced, and grabbed the baloney and shook it! Killed it dead! Then he let the others come out and they all chowed down on the slice of meat. It was so fun to watch. But alas, we did not have a camera with us, as it seems to always be the case.
So Katy, I do hope that Tigs is careful, and continues to come home.
Animals also seem to get braver when they have less food in the wilderness because of bad weather and so forth, so they come to where it is always available, our homes.
Lots of hugs for TIGS
Gentle hugs
Wendy