The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: zwartbles on October 23, 2011, 06:11:11 pm

Title: Cats
Post by: zwartbles on October 23, 2011, 06:11:11 pm

Here's an odd one for you all.
We have two yard cats that live in an area where we intend to have a couple of outdoor lambing pens next spring.
Brian and Basil ( !!! ) who regularly catch and bring in decent sized rabbits as well as the more regular stuff.
It will be impossible to keep them out of the yard during lambing. Does anyone know if they are likely to be a problem with newborn lambs?
Look forward to some interesting replies!!

Title: Re: Cats
Post by: MrsJ on October 23, 2011, 06:50:24 pm

I think the ewes will look after the lambs- ours certainly challenged a dog last year, even though she was the other side of a fence.

Title: Re: Cats
Post by: little blue on October 23, 2011, 07:00:58 pm

I don't have sheep, just goats ...
but never had a problem with our rodent-murderers at birthings - even though one of them regularly sleeps in their shed (waiting for rats, or just keeping warm?!)

  The smell of blood might interest them ... but I would think the size of lamb & more importantly, mum-sheep would prevent them doing any damage

Title: Re: Cats
Post by: Hopewell on October 23, 2011, 08:14:26 pm

The cats would probably be interested in afterbirths but I don't think the lambs would be bothered by them. Another consideration though is that cats can carry toxoplasmosis which can cause abortions, stillbirths or weak lambs. It is unlikely to be a problem with adult healthy cats, as it is more likely to be spread by kittens. Also if the pens are only used at or immediately after lambing there is obviously no risk of these problems.