Birdwatcher Bill Oddie wages war on the feline ‘nemesis’ next door
BILL ODDIE has told of his battle with a neighbour’s cat which he says has become his “nemesis”.
The conservationist and former presenter has tried an array of methods – including sonic weapons – to keep the pet away from his beloved garden birds.
Oddie, 75, has even resorted to leaping into his garden making “hissing” noises to scare it away.
He also described a search to find elephant dung to spread around his lawn after reading that cats cannot bear the smell.
But despite a lifetime’s experience studying wildlife, Oddie fears he is losing his battle against the black and white pet.
“It’s from down the road somewhere and very persistent,” the former
comedian told
“Nothing really works. I have tried quite a few of these gadgets, like sonic beams and ultrasonic boxes.
“I’ve got one carefully placed and the cat just sits down next to it, taking no notice, as though it’s listening to a record.”
Oddie says he will not resort to violence to get rid of his enemy – even though Kate Humble, his former had given him a special “catapult” as a joke.
However, he has concluded that one of the most effective weapons is an occasional spray of water from the hose.
“I accept that some of this might offend animal welfare supporters, but I am one of them, and I don’t mind. I find that any insidious feelings of guilt are easily overcome by reminding myself that it is only water, and that even cats could do with a good wash now and again.” cohost, In an article for magazine, Oddie urged the public to consider cats as “cold-hearted killers”. He wrote: “Cats are inveterate hunters and they kill millions of garden birds all over the world. “This is going to be a battle and I am not winning.”