How do I stop my cat chasing the neighbours chickens?

[tinsel1957]

My neighbour recently bought some chickens which he keeps in his garden. This morning, my neighbour came round to complain that my cat was chasing his chickens, one of which died of shock. Apart from keeping my cat in doors 24/7, which wouldn't be fair on him, is there anything I can do to stop him chasing the neighbour's chickens? Also, am I legally obliged to pay compensation for any chicken my cat harms?

[petal54]

not sure,my 'boss'not bothered,chickens more likely to chase her.mice more interesting

[campbellking]

Am assuming that neighbour knew you had a cat before he got the chickens, which makes him a bit daft really.
One of my near neighbours recently built an aviary at the bottom of his garden, which was like manna from heaven for my older cat. Campbell cat was observed sitting in front of aviary staring at birds, sitting on the wire roof of it, and bouncing off the net front of it. Maybe budgies and cockatiels are more resilient, as they appear to be unscathed, and the neighbour has been quite understanding as to what Campbell has been up to.

[wildwood]

The only other way is to make your fences so that the cat can't get over them. But seeing it now knows there are chickens over the fence it will be so much harder to keep the cat in.
And yes, ofcourse you are obliged to pay for any damage done to your neighbour's property by your cat

[wildwood]

And I don't think your neighbour is daft at all, it is the people who think their neighbour shouldn't get birds because their cat will go over and worry them that are daft.

[annie0000]

Cats are legally different from dogs - I know that you are expected to keep your dog under control, but I think that the law understands that cats are a law unto themselves and take instruction and control from no-one. Whilst you don't want to fall out with your neighbour, it would be worth pointing out to him that he needs to make sure that the chickens are safe from predators which include all cats and foxes etc. If it isn't your cat it will be someone elses.

[annie0000]

oh and btw - chicken poo absolutely stinks - your cat has the right idea. IHe may also need a permit to keep chickens in a private garden (as opposed to a farm or smallholding).

[annie0000]

They also encourage vermin and disease and incidents of cruelty to cats - air pellet shooting etc, have gone up in areas where people have started keeping chickens.

[ladyalex]

You cannot stop your cat from chasing anything. It is their natural instinct to chase prey. I do not see that you have any responsibilities to your neighbour at all if he has been foolish enough to get chickens and fail to provide for their safety. As someone else said, if it hadn't been your cat , it would have been someone else's .
Do not keep your cat in, that would be cruel. It's your neighbour's problem, don't let him make it yours.

[tufty7]

what a load of old twoddle, I have an aviary and used to get problems with cats , it has taken persistance and lots of soakings with water and netlon on the get away routes to make them learn not to come into my garden, what your neighbour needs is a good old cockeral to chase your cat away , that will teach it a lesson , also on a plus side you will get the early morning call ....

[sophie_1003]

your neighbours chickens are wimps, our cat just walked past our chickens and they went for him so he steers well clear of them now. i have sympathy for both parties in this but theres not a lot you can do, however, if you don't mind your cat being squirted but the cat does buy your neighbour a water pistol and tell them to fire at will