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Original poster

Cat has hurt the postman - help!

312 replies

rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 10:40

Apologies as I have already posted this to the litter tray but I need quick advice as in a bit of a state right now.

I heard a bit of a commotion when the post was delivered this morning. I found the cat hanging on to the letterbox, and looked outside to see the postman with a bloody hand. So the cat scratched/attacked him when he was putting the letter through.

I couldn't go out as I was on a work call, but I feel very guilty and worried. I feel bad for him, but I don't know what to do - do I call RM and apologise?

Could I be in trouble for the cat's actions? Or can the cat be in trouble or PTS for being vicious?

I will have to lock him away from the door every morning I suppose (if they don't cancel the delivery) as I don't think a cage will fit on the door to shield the letters.

Advice appreciated.

OP posts:
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Holidaystress11 · 11/08/2023 10:42

Oh Dear sorry op.

Just incase, do you have pet insurance? I have just taken some out for our little kitten and there was an area that covered damage to others and others property.

I'm sure the postman will just stick a plaster on. But just incase check your insurance to cover your back should anything rise from the situation.

Reugny · 11/08/2023 10:42

Cats unlike dogs are not considered to be under their owners control.

Saying that if your cat is likely to attack the postie and any delivery people, you need to keep your cat away from the front door.

Original poster
rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 10:43

Holidaystress11 · 11/08/2023 10:42

Oh Dear sorry op.

Just incase, do you have pet insurance? I have just taken some out for our little kitten and there was an area that covered damage to others and others property.

I'm sure the postman will just stick a plaster on. But just incase check your insurance to cover your back should anything rise from the situation.

No I don't have insurance! Is it possible they could put a claim against me for this?

OP posts:
Reugny · 11/08/2023 10:43

Holidaystress11 · 11/08/2023 10:42

Oh Dear sorry op.

Just incase, do you have pet insurance? I have just taken some out for our little kitten and there was an area that covered damage to others and others property.

I'm sure the postman will just stick a plaster on. But just incase check your insurance to cover your back should anything rise from the situation.

I'm sure the postman will just stick a plaster on.

@Holidaystress11

He may need antibiotics especially if the cat bit him. They can carry really horrible bacteria.

Holidaystress11 · 11/08/2023 10:44

@Reugny thank you. I didn't think of that.

Theyrethreetheyresixtheyreninetheyreeight · 11/08/2023 10:45

They may stop deliveries if it becomes a regular thing. I guess it depends on the postie as to what happens next. He may be the type to shrug it off and laugh to his colleagues about a ‘guard cat’ he came across, if he needs antibiotics or is the type to push for ‘compensation’ it may go further. Is the cat covered by insurance for causing injuries?
Is it possible to have a wall mounted external post box if you can’t put a cage up?

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-mail-threatens-to-ban-deliveries-to-couple-if-they-cannot-restrain-their-cat-a7005496.html

Royal Mail threatens to ban deliveries to couple if they cannot restrain their cat

A couple received a letter from Royal Mail warning their cat was a 'potential hazard affecting mail deliveries'

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-mail-threatens-to-ban-deliveries-to-couple-if-they-cannot-restrain-their-cat-a7005496.html

Againstmachine · 11/08/2023 10:46

It's no use not going out and then being worried, the work call you should have paused if someone gets injured on your property.

That said probably nothing will happen, it will depend on postie.

SoCentralRain · 11/08/2023 10:46

I thought postmen/women were told not to put their actual hands in the letterbox in case a dog or cat in this instance was on the other side? I appreciate that’s hard to do with some of those fluffy letterboxes.

Hopefully he’ll put a plaster on and think no more about it.

Maybe get one of those cage things for inside the door so it doesn’t happen again?

Reugny · 11/08/2023 10:46

rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 10:43

No I don't have insurance! Is it possible they could put a claim against me for this?

Show quote history

They could but unlikely as it is a cat.

What is more likely to happen is RM can refuse to deliver post to you.

DanceWithYourBalloon · 11/08/2023 10:47

My old cat did this and I got a letter from Royal Mail threatening to stop delivering.

I made a temporary guard by sticking a flap of card cut out of a cereal box over the letterbox on the inside.

I then got an actual cage from Argos I think. Could probably buy on Amazon though.

Nothing came of it once we stopped the cat getting the postman's hands.

Oneweektogo2023 · 11/08/2023 10:48

You should have offered him assistance to clean his wound at least.

Trevorton · 11/08/2023 10:50

Reugny · 11/08/2023 10:43

I'm sure the postman will just stick a plaster on.

@Holidaystress11

He may need antibiotics especially if the cat bit him. They can carry really horrible bacteria.

Show quote history

Yes this. A friend of ours got bitten by his own cat and ended up in hospital with sepsis or cellulitis. Sorry can’t remember which but he was in hospital a good week or so with IV antiobiotics. Don’t mean to alarm you OP but cat bites can be nasty.

Trevorton · 11/08/2023 10:52

And if door won’t cope with a cage can you buy a separate box and stick on the wall/gate etc. that’s what we have

Reugny · 11/08/2023 10:54

Trevorton · 11/08/2023 10:50

Yes this. A friend of ours got bitten by his own cat and ended up in hospital with sepsis or cellulitis. Sorry can’t remember which but he was in hospital a good week or so with IV antiobiotics. Don’t mean to alarm you OP but cat bites can be nasty.

Show quote history

I remembered this news story - https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/new-species-of-bacteria-discovered-after-man-is-bitten-by-stray-cat

I know the OP's cat isn't a stray but at the end of the article (and other places that report the story including UK reports) they tell you to wash the area if bitten by a cat.

Original poster
rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 10:55

Yes this. A friend of ours got bitten by his own cat and ended up in hospital with sepsis or cellulitis. Sorry can’t remember which but he was in hospital a good week or so with IV antiobiotics. Don’t mean to alarm you OP but cat bites can be nasty.

Oh god it gets worse. He is an indoor cat though and has parasite treatments every month.

I have ordered a Velcro bag thing from Amazon to try and stop it happening again but I'm worried about the poor guy today. Do I call RM? It seems it's just a National line rather than a local one.

OP posts:
Holidaystress11 · 11/08/2023 10:57

Morally I would call and apologise. Buuuuttttt I'm not sure if it would open a can of worms. Postie might be ok and not even mention it. But by mentioning it the HR might have some sort of duty of care or something along those lines.

I would leave it today. And if its the same postie over the next few days maybe go out and apologise and ask if he's OK?

Blondewithredlips · 11/08/2023 10:58

I am disgusted that you carried on with a work call. What kind of person does that? Surely telling the person on the call what had happened was enough to allow you to help postie?

Crazycatlady83 · 11/08/2023 10:58

So someone was hurt on your property by your cat, bleeding and you didn't even bother to stop a call to go and help them or see if they were ok?!

AuntieJune · 11/08/2023 10:59

If it was a dog, they could have sued you. But not for a cat, I think.

If the velcro bag doesn't work out, you could get an external postbox. A card or little gift might be nice if it's a regular postie.

IhearyouClemFandango · 11/08/2023 10:59

I'm surprised you didn't come off the call to check on him.

PickledPurplePickle · 11/08/2023 10:59

I’m shocked at your reaction to this

someone got hurt at your house and you just carried ok your work call FFS

Theunamedcat · 11/08/2023 11:00

Get a wire basket thingy a bag will just seem like a game to the cat

RoseBucket · 11/08/2023 11:01

Do you have a number for the local sorting /collection office? Did he see you looking,

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 11/08/2023 11:03

Could I be in trouble for the cat's actions? Or can the cat be in trouble or PTS for being vicious?

One could only hope.

I think it’s despicable you didn’t stop your work call when your animal attacked someone.

GabriellaMontez · 11/08/2023 11:04

You carried on working..?

Would it have killed you to stop, apologise and perhaps offer a plaster?

Did he see you looking, then ignore him?

What kind of injury would you stop for?

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