Something attacking cats at night...

jassytoo · #21 09/29/04, 05:54 PM

I'm with Strange Bear, it sounds like it might be a fox.

fin29 · #22 09/29/04, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandmotherbear

A fisher is a dark, stout, big (long) arboreal mink cousin.

Yeah-like a 15 pound 3 foot long wolverine cousin.

They're usually in the woods as Grandmotherbear suggested, so really the only way they might be the culprit is if your cats venture toward the woods at night. They're nocturnal, though, and particulary ornery little buggers.

Tracy Rimmer · #23 09/29/04, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fin29

Ever think it might be a Fisher? They actively hunt coons, possum, and porcupines, so they might not be afraid to chase a cat--and they make a horrifying screeching sound in the woods.

If it were a fisher, I don't think the cats would be coming back. They're the most vicious animal I've ever seen, and they NEVER give up on prey.

A fox has a high-pitched "yip" type bark -- that might be what you're hearing, but I really don't think it's what is causing this. My vote is for a feral tomcat... more than likely someone dumped a pet, and he's establishing territory.

Tracy

Gayle in LA · #24 09/30/04, 12:13 AM

Your friendly neighborhood cat vet with her 2 cents worth: Sounds like you have got one NASTY TOMCAT chasing after your girls. I see this all the time during the "season", less so this time of year. He bites them in the rear after they turn tail (not wanting a confrontation), the bite wounds being tiny punctures seal up quickly, and the bacteria in the mouth (most commonly Pasteurella multocida) get to growing in that nice warm, dark, nutrient-filled environment and voila! Cat bite abscess! See your local vet for advice on how to handle; sometimes they need minor surgery. If you get the cat onto antibiotics right after the bite happens, it won't usually abscess. QUICK treatment is the secret to cheap treatment.