Invisible Fence keeps cat, and birds, safe
Q: My cat is young and healthy, roams, and eats the neighbor’s birds. How can one stop a cat from getting on a cement block wall and exploring? He comes home later on.
Dr. Nichol: This boy sounds like a typical teenager right up to the detail about eating the neighbor’s birds. My wife and I have raised dogs, cats, and sons. We’ve addressed a variety of interesting behaviors but the chickens, ducks, and turkeys next door have always been safe.
The truth about cats is that they are hard-wired to roam and hunt. They don’t really belong indoors. I am continually impressed with how many of them adapt successfully, as though they were little people in furry suits — which they are not. Sneaking about, lurking in the shadows, and consorting with nefarious characters is normal feline behavior. It’s also unsafe for them and the birds they target for predation. Cats are not native to the ecosystem of North America; our feline imports are disturbing nature’s balance by decimating our wild bird population.
The good news is that your cat can self-actualize within the confines of your suburban lot. He can hunt and stalk but never again molest or consume another pilfered bird. I know it’s possible. The Nichol family cats revel in this exact lifestyle.
The first trick to outdoor cat management is an Invisible Fence (505-715-4032). While designed for dogs, ours has reliably protected our kitties from cars and neighborhood dogs for many years. The buried wire emits a radio wave that activates the cat’s special receiver collar. Experience has taught them to respect the beep tone so that they never have to feel the static electricity-strength shock. Your cat can learn the invisible boundaries you set and carry out his stalking and hunting where he belongs — at home.
Although your big game hunter would never acknowledge it, wild birds will be able to safely frequent your yard if you accessorize that boy with a Cat Bib (www.catgoods.com). He will look quite dashing but his carefully choreographed bird stalking will lose the element of surprise. His would-be prey will snicker and point but you can remind him that his preferred sport is called hunting, after all, not catching, torturing, and consuming.
Dr. Jeff Nichol provides medical care for pets at the Petroglyph Animal Hospital in Albuquerque (898-8874). He treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and in Santa Fe (505-792-5131). Questions? For answers, Like my Facebook page at facebook. com/drjeffnichol or by U.S. Post to 6633 Caminito Coors NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.