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Hummingbird Garden

hummingbird and cat

18 years ago

My husband and I were sitting on our deck watching the hummingbirds and our cat was sleeping on the table (only because we were there to watch him).

All of a sudden one of the large female hummers came zooming up to the table and was within about 12 inches of the cat just hovering..like she was just daring him. He didn't move, I think he was in shock!

All of this took about 20 seconds, I'm sure, but seemed like an eternity and my husband and I were both seemingly moving in slow motion to grab the cat (who still wasn't moving). Very strange evening. Guess the little hummer just wanted to see what was going on!

Windi

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Comments (4)

Vickior
18 years ago
Be careful my neighbors very cute cat, killed at least two hummingbirds last summer. It was very upsetting. I always thought that they were to fast to be caught but I was wrong.
mimidi
18 years ago
My cat is staying on top of the house keeping the chimney sweeps from nesting in the chimney. It was a shock to look up and see her.
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My cat jumpedand grabbed a humming bird right out of the honey suckle tree today and ran up to me with it in it's mouth! I just had to pet him to be honest. I think it was probably healthier than the tyson chicken leg he had been gnawing on, that came from the most awful and cruel living conditions. Let's change our habits before we start messing with cats, who I remind you, are obligate carnivores. My cat eats moths, butterflies, doves, and hummingbirds on ocassion; but he's usually content with the trout, chicken, cornish hens, and mackerel. Luckily, i have a yard that's just full of beautiful hummingbirds and I love to watch them too, although they are super territorial and seem kind of mean. But I can't deny that I'm happy to see my cat get enjoyment out of hunting those little guys. If he didn't eat them, I'd be upset because it would be a waste of their little lives. Bon apetit! Here is a link that might be useful: Raw Diet
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harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
18 years ago
Windi,
We had the same experience last weekend. The cat acted as if the hummer wasn't there. I think he thought of it as a bee, not a bird. He is declawed, but quite a hunter and has killed a few small birds. He prefers voles, which is fine by us.
texaspuddyprint
18 years ago
Hmmmm...I like cats...but my dogs don't :o) Which is okay with me...since I prefer to cater to the local hummies anyway.

A neighbor has a bunch of cats and on occasion I find one or two camped out on my front lawn. I don't put out any hummie feeders there but I do have lots of bird houses hanging from the trees in that area which are filled with nesting sparrows (birds I can do without...but oh well, I consider them nature's cat food).

I've seen lots of hummies fly way down to about six inches off the ground - mainly when they are doing that fan dance or that battle of the beaks...but thanks to the trees and front flower beds they prefer to do that in my back yard - lots of open lush lawn there...and no cats because of the back yard doggy door!!!

~ Cat

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