My neighbor had a run-in w. 2 feral cats (he got hurt)

[cliss]

I live in a quiet neighborhood south of Portland. Yesterday, I met up with my neighbor, a friendly fellow (Democrat, of course!). While we were talking, suddenly his eyes shifted over to the dumpster from the nearby apartment complex.

"See those cats?" he said, pointing to the dumpster. Just then, two orange cats slinked out of the top of the dumpster. They were skinny and scrawny. I'd seen them before. We have a big empty lot across the street, and I think they live there (among many other wild animals).

My neighbor told me that a few days before, he went to a shed he has in his back yard. He opened the door without thinking. Suddenly, there were the same 2 notorious orange cats. They were both sitting in his shed. It's only about 4 feet long, so there's not much room to hide.

The cats saw the man, and instantly lunged for the door. Like a Jack in the Box, they flew directly onto my neighbor. Suddenly, 20 sharp claws dug themselves into his thighs, one on each leg. He had to pry them off, and was hurt in the process. Now he wants to kill them.

This is very sad. I think we have a huge population of homeless cats in Portland. I think spaying is the answer. Living out of a dumpster is no way for 2 cute cats to live.

[ronnykmarshall]

1. Call animal control.

Sadly these two cats are not living a good life. If they are thin and act violent, they could also be very sick.

[demnan]

2. Can you search for a rescue organization nearby?

No one should try to approach the cats unless a bit more experienced with animals than your neighbor. They were probably terrified and may have previously been abused.

I hope you can find someone who can help with this situation, and at least capture and neuter the animals before they breed more of a problem.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

3. Definitely call animal control

They maybe ill.

[Debi]

4. Dear God, I pray that Matcom does not see this post, Amen

O8)

(And Bikewriter as well ;))

[BikeWriter]

7. *BWs best Sgt. Schultz imitation* I see nothingk! Nothingk!

[Debi]

8. HE'S GONNA SHOOT THE CATS!

:scared:

[Redstone]

9. And we SAY nothingk!

Redstone

[Lars39]

5. Rabies is a possibility with feral cats.

He really does need to get animal control involved.

[bertha katzenengel]

12. Before messing w/ animal control the guy who was hurt needs to see a

physician. :scared:

[giant_robot]

6. That's odd.

Cats will usually choose to run unless cornered. They could be rabid.

[cliss]

10. Thanks everyone for the input.

I'll call animal control. I must admit, it's reluctantly. Because I know what's going to happen.....they will come out and scoop these poor little cats up. Put them up for adoption....no one wants 2 vicious cats.

They'll be put to sleep, most probably. Maybe they're better off on their own?

[ronnykmarshall]

11. I hate to say this ..

but the poor little things are better off being put to sleep. They are living horrible lives.

[Hobarticus]

13. Animal rescue/humane society won't touch them...

They'll take them, but they'll be put down sooner than later. They've gone feral.

BTW, did they happen to bite? Have them captured and checked for rabies, right away, if so.

[cliss]

15. I don't think so, H.

He said he had deep grooves in his thighs from the claws. But no bites that I know of. I'll be sure to talk to him today after work.

Thankx:smoke:

[amazona]

14. your friend needs to see a doctor

The cats may be rabid (unlikely) or they may have distemper (we had a mini epidemic a few years ago in my area that crossed species lines). Many, many moons ago as a little girl, my sister was scratched by a cat and developed a disease that caused a huge growth on her body that had to be removed -- too long ago, can't remember the details. I would hope this is rare. Cats have a bacteria on their claws that can be very irritating to some people, so your friend's most likely problem will be a rash associated with the scratches, but a sick cat could actually have a disease transmissible to humans that must be treated with antibiotics or another medicine.

I would report the cats to animal control if I thought they would actually come out and do anything about them. Otherwise, if it were legal and I happened to have the tools to deal with the problem with least pain to the cats and least danger to myself and passersby, I might take the do-it-yourself route.

Leaving the cats to hang out at the dumpster and maybe attack someone else is not cool. If your neighbor doesn't take action, then you probably should. It sounds like he is motivated though.

It is unfortunate situation but how would you feel if it were a child or a person with a weak immune system who was next to be attacked?

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[retread]

16. Call Senator Frist. n/t

[Kat45]

17. Cat scratch fever is more than a Ted Nugent song.

I was surprised to find out that in some circumstances, a cat scratch can be fatal. Your neighbor should definitely see his doctor.

Oooh, now I have an earworm care of the Nuge.

[shesemsmom]

18. Yes it is real

also must worry about cellulites. I hope he sees a doc