Cat has hurt the postman - help!

[rainbowsweets]

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.

@LuckySantangelo35
'Love' is probably not the the word I am looking for, maybe more like want your attention!
My Dh was never that keen on cats many years ago, but you could guarantee if he was near a cat it would want to sit on his lap. He's now a convert and we call him 'cat man' with our ( supposed to be my cat😂 - not that you own a cat, you are just the cat slave ) favours him over me, little sod.

Anyone who has cats and treats them well will develop an affectionate relationship with them. Who cares if it’s not “love”, and what is love anyway? There are plenty of people who treat the ones they claim to love like shit.

As per Scientific studies:

Even the most devoted cat owners wonder at some point, perhaps waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, whether their cat really loves them. Dog people like to smugly point out dogs’ long history as humankind’s best friend.

But research shows cats’ reputation as a cold and aloof pet is undeserved.

Because of their evolutionary ancestry, domestic cats are, by their nature, more independent than dogs. The wild ancestors of our cats didn’t live in social groups as canines do. However, during the process of domestication, cats developed the ability to form social relationships not just with other cats, but also with people.

While they may not rely upon people to feel safe as dogs do, many cats show affection towards their guardians and seem to highly value the company of their human companions. Their attachment to humans is partly influenced by their experiences of being handled by people as a kitten.

Cats behave towards humans in the same way that they respond to their feline friends, so the secret of whether your cat feels bonded to you lies in their behaviour.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-loves-you-according-to-science/#:~:text=While%20they%20may%20not%20rely,by%20people%20as%20a%20kitten.

The OP could live in Scotland though, which uses a civil law system (well a sort of hybrid).

Yes that is possible. Scotland has more of a mixed system.

HE CAN NOT SUE YOU. Cats are classed as “vermin” in law that’s why there’s no need to report it if you hit a cat with your car.
Forget it. Cats will be cats as far as law concerned. Some may not like it but it’s the law.

I don't understand how the postie got hurt. He she they - shouldn't be putting their hands in the letterbox. Was your cat waiting for them?

Can you provide some sort of evidence for your assertion that cats are legally considered 'vermin'?

Why don't you take a message to the postie saying sorry on the outside of your door. And say you are looking to buy a cage/bag to stop this happening

Indeed! Has nobody here ever been scratched by a bastard cat?? It happens to me on at least a weekly basis with my own bastard cat (that and nips, which luckily don't break the skin) because he's a dysfunctional shit who nevertheless absolutely loves my son.

OP, you and other posters here are overthinking massively. DON'T call the RM on any line, it'll just create an opportunity for mindless escalation. It is a cat scratch FFS, not a dog bite or leopard maiming. Maybe go and buy some chocolate, wait for postie tomorrow/next few days, make sure bastard cat is locked away and then jump out and say sorry nicely. Say you are buying a cage for letterbox (agree, a velcro bag just makes it more fun for bastard cat) and that it won't happen again. End of, hopefully.

I didn't think they were meant to put whole hand in either? And can't see how scratch could have happened unless he did put whole hand in.

As said by PP, some of these responses are insane. I have had cats my whole life, have been bitten or scratched more times than I can remember, not once has it been anywhere near what a reasonable person would consider being 'savaged', and I have certainly have not 'very often required antibiotics' (or indeed ever).

OP, hopefully you're not still thinking about this, but just in case, please don't worry or overthink it anymore. If you see the same postman again then pop out and apologise, if you can then put something in place to keep you cat away from the letterbox, and then don't give it another thought.

Cats are not "vermin" under uk law.

RSPCA website says "Cats are protected by law and are free to roam meaning they might go into other people's gardens or allotments"

Gamekeepers protecting free roaming game in the countryside are allowed to treat cats as vermin if they are predating on the livestock in their care.

Cats are vermin? Ha ha this thread really does have it all.