Cat predation

[annew]

Our neighbour (who we would like to keep on friendly terms with) keeps bringing us pathetic bits of wildlife that have been mauled by their cat, for us to 'look after'.
This week, my first ever sighting of a baby wren was of it in the last hour of its life as it died from shock and internal injuries. How can I let them know politely that I think it is their responsibility to deal with the injured prey?

[ian mcdonald]

Say NO and mean NO.

[David Nicholson]

Shoot the cat?

[ashley]

Also suggest a loud bell on the cat's collar?
Unfortunately cats predate birds very heavily.

[annew]

Shoot the cat?

Hmmmm 

[annew]

Also suggest a loud bell on the cat's collar?
Unfortunately cats predate birds very heavily.

You mean something the size of Big Ben? 
Bells on collars don't help with them raiding nests.

[ArnoldT]

Feral cats are a great source of friction in many communities.  Folks feed them and it doesn't seem to lessen the  the constant bird catching.

I wish there was an easy answer.

I find small piles of feathers around the garden frequently.

I only wish they would chase the squirrels that snatch my fruit as it ripens.

[annew]

Feral cats are a great source of friction in many communities.  Folks feed them and it doesn't seem to lessen the  the constant bird catching.

I wish there was an easy answer.

I find small piles of feathers around the garden frequently.

I only wish they would chase the squirrels that snatch my fruit as it ripens.

They are welcome to the wood pigeons who have taken to stripping all the leaves off my trees. 

[Tristan_He]

Our neighbour (who we would like to keep on friendly terms with) keeps bringing us pathetic bits of wildlife that have been mauled by their cat, for us to 'look after'.
This week, my first ever sighting of a baby wren was of it in the last hour of its life as it died from shock and internal injuries. How can I let them know politely that I think it is their responsibility to deal with the injured prey?

Anne, I'm curious - the cat seems to be doing what comes naturally to it. But the neighbour's behaviour seems a bit unusual - I wouldn't dream of bringing things my cat had caught to a neighbour to look after. Are you a vet / RSPCA employee or something that would explain why they are doing this?

[johnw]

Also suggest a loud bell on the cat's collar?

Ashley - I suggest cathedral grade.

johnw

[ashley]

You mean something the size of Big Ben? 

Ashley - I suggest cathedral grade.

True enough.  I've also heard (apocryphal?) that cats learn to stalk so smoothly that a bell won't give them away.
David's solution might be more effective

[fredg]

Ashley - I suggest cathedral grade.

johnw

Does that also include the involvement of the local pond?

Personally I'd borrow an eagle 😇

[Robert]

Our neighbour (who we would like to keep on friendly terms with) keeps bringing us pathetic bits of wildlife that have been mauled by their cat, for us to 'look after'.
This week, my first ever sighting of a baby wren was of it in the last hour of its life as it died from shock and internal injuries. How can I let them know politely that I think it is their responsibility to deal with the injured prey?

My wife Jasmin suggests giving them the numbers of local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups, and avian veterinarians.  Cats and dogs are predators.  Their saliva and talons or nails carry bacteria that are extremely toxic to birds.  Even when there does not appear to be a scratch, the bacteria enter the bird’s system, killing it rapidly.  However, if the bird receives immediate medical attention, there is the possibility of survival and return to the wild.
 
If you do not wish to remain on courteous terms with the neighbors, you could act like my wife:  Jasmin is a holy terror and banshee terrifying all cats anywhere around our area.  If she sees a cat, she goes after it.  She is the same with our neighbors and their dog:  she not only complains to the authorities, but she does yell at them to deal with their dog.  Her language is not subtle either.  She has not donned a broadsword and burnie.  Yet.

[annew]

Anne, I'm curious - the cat seems to be doing what comes naturally to it. But the neighbour's behaviour seems a bit unusual - I wouldn't dream of bringing things my cat had caught to a neighbour to look after. Are you a vet / RSPCA employee or something that would explain why they are doing this?

Hi Tristan, we are ecologists and the go-to people for wildlife info in general around here.

[annew]

Does that also include the involvement of the local pond?

Personally I'd borrow an eagle 😇

Good idea. Is there an app for that?