Are cats one of the top predators in Ireland

Desmo

Mickeroo wrote: »

Cats have been around for so long as to be considered natural at this stage imo.

But not in anything like the numbers we have now.

aaakev

recedite wrote: »

I'm just wondering, how do you know the difference between a "feral cat" and a "domestic cat" when its out walking across a field at night?

Its easy enough to tell, they act completely different and when you're used to an area you get to know the local wildlife and cats are no different so you know the pets

syklops wrote: »

Well first off, very few hunters hunt at night. Cats hunt at night, humans hunt early in the morning and during the day.

Actually your wrong, you will mostly meet cats when out lamping at night. What your hunting will dictate what time of day or night your out. Most foxes will be shot under a lamp at night as thats when they are most active although they are out during the afternoon and evening this time of year

syklops

aaakev wrote: »

Actually your wrong, you will mostly meet cats when out lamping at night. What your hunting will dictate what time of day or night your out. Most foxes will be shot under a lamp at night as thats when they are most active although they are out during the afternoon and evening this time of year

:rolleyes:

Capercaillie

syklops wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Don't shoot myself, but it is easier to shoot a fox lamping than to shoot one during the day.

OpenYourEyes

I've never heard of anyone serious about fox control that doesn't do it at night lamping, and I can imagine you'd come across cats when doing it.

aaakev

syklops wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Would you like to try that again or do you actually have an opinion?

syklops

aaakev wrote: »

Would you like to try that again or do you actually have an opinion?

I said very few hunters. I didn't no hunters.

Can we agree that aside from lampers, most other hunters don't hunt at night?

aaakev

syklops wrote: »

I said very few hunters. I didn't no hunters.

Can we agree that aside from lampers, most other hunters don't hunt at night?

We are talking about cats here and most lads that would shoot a cat would do it while shooting foxes and lamping.

I think your underestimating how many lads go lamping

syklops

aaakev wrote: »

I think your underestimating how many lads go lamping

Maybe so.

dodderangler

aaakev wrote: »

We are talking about cats here and most lads that would shoot a cat would do it while shooting foxes and lamping.

I think your underestimating how many lads go lamping

Off the top of my head of all times lamping I've seen maybe two cats at night but all the cats I've shot were all in evening and first thing in morning.
And I've shot a fair amount.
Cats aren't pets IMO and should they be out in my lands whether someone claims to own them or not they'll get it. Any farmers I know will tell me what cats to shoot or not. If they tell me they've two cats of certain colour around the yard ad want to keep them around il leave them but anything other than the ones described are fair game

Capercaillie

dodderangler wrote: »

Off the top of my head of all times lamping I've seen maybe two cats at night but all the cats I've shot were all in evening and first thing in morning.
And I've shot a fair amount.
Cats aren't pets IMO and should they be out in my lands whether someone claims to own them or not they'll get it. Any farmers I know will tell me what cats to shoot or not. If they tell me they've two cats of certain colour around the yard ad want to keep them around il leave them but anything other than the ones described are fair game

If you know they are somebodies pet I would not be shooting them. Saying cats are not pets is a bit ridiculous. I have a cat and he's most certainly a pet.

recedite

aaakev wrote: »

Its easy enough to tell, they act completely different and when you're used to an area you get to know the local wildlife and cats are no different so you know the pets..

How do they act differently? A pet cat acts in kitten-like way when its in the house with its owner. Then when it goes outside hunting, it behaves like a cat; it stalks like a hunter.
So you think you know what pets everyone owns in that area. And you're not too concerned if somebody gets a new pet without telling you, or happens to be looking after somebody else's pet temporarily while the owner is away. Just shoot it. Nobody will find out who did it anyway, just another pet animal gone missing.

OpenYourEyes

Mod Note: Okay, I think this thread has long run its course at this stage.