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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:
Thread gallery
5
Original poster
rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 12:04

CwmYoy · 11/08/2023 12:02

You really should have ended the call and gone to his assistance. WFH is no excuse.

If you were in the office and someone collapsed beside you would you leave them there because you were on a call?

I cannot believe your utter callous selfishness.

It was literally a few seconds and he then walked off. I had about 2 seconds maximum to decide if I would cull the call and go outside. I made the wrong choice but I froze and was trying to process the situation.

If he had rung the bell and asked for help of course I would have assisted.

OP posts:
IDontNormallySayThis · 11/08/2023 12:04

I think everyone is giving the OP a hard time. Op has clearly stated, at the time she froze therefore didn't go out straight away/end work call, understandable- we all react differently.

IClaudine · 11/08/2023 12:05

CwmYoy · 11/08/2023 12:02

You really should have ended the call and gone to his assistance. WFH is no excuse.

If you were in the office and someone collapsed beside you would you leave them there because you were on a call?

I cannot believe your utter callous selfishness.

Oh, come on. Yes OP should have checked on the postie, but presumably he was not too badly hurt. We all make mistakes.

Original poster
rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 12:06

Monster80 · 11/08/2023 12:02

Cats whistle to their own tune. Maybe the postie was waggling them about suggestively and assumed it play? Does the cat have form for attacking humans generally?

No, but he doesn't like to be touched. He will avoid people he doesn't know and hide/ is terrified of strangers in the house, and will bite if someone he doesn't know tries to stroke him.

OP posts:
Fancylike · 11/08/2023 12:07

CwmYoy · 11/08/2023 12:02

You really should have ended the call and gone to his assistance. WFH is no excuse.

If you were in the office and someone collapsed beside you would you leave them there because you were on a call?

I cannot believe your utter callous selfishness.

Better analogy, if someone in your office got a paper cut, like that paper edge left a proper scratch, do you slam down the phone or run out of the meeting room and immediately race to their side with a first aid kit and a cool drink? Or do you leave them to it?

Also if someone were to get a paper cut in the office, how much compo would they be entitled to? Health and safety and all that.

cuckyplunt · 11/08/2023 12:08

What kind of postman sticks his hand through the letterbox, it could be a bloody dog on the other side. He could lose his whole hand.
Your postie has learnt a valuable lesson and cheap at the price!

Lostinplaces · 11/08/2023 12:09

In all likelihood nothing will happen. If he was that angry about it he would have knocked on the door to get your attention or put a note through to complain about the cat. Shit happens OP. You’re doing the right thing now by trying to prevent it happening again.

Reugny · 11/08/2023 12:09

Fancylike · 11/08/2023 12:07

Better analogy, if someone in your office got a paper cut, like that paper edge left a proper scratch, do you slam down the phone or run out of the meeting room and immediately race to their side with a first aid kit and a cool drink? Or do you leave them to it?

Also if someone were to get a paper cut in the office, how much compo would they be entitled to? Health and safety and all that.

Show quote history

That is not a better analogy.

As a cat scratches and bites can vary from a warning to a proper attack.

The OP indicates she thinks it is more towards the latter.

PickledPurplePickle · 11/08/2023 12:10

Fancylike · 11/08/2023 12:07

Better analogy, if someone in your office got a paper cut, like that paper edge left a proper scratch, do you slam down the phone or run out of the meeting room and immediately race to their side with a first aid kit and a cool drink? Or do you leave them to it?

Also if someone were to get a paper cut in the office, how much compo would they be entitled to? Health and safety and all that.

Show quote history

Don't be ridiculous, it's not the same thing at all

  1. cat bites can carry infection and need disinfectant / antiseptic
  2. the OP saw the person was bleeding and did nothing - not even check if he needed a plaster / tissue
  3. you can't get sued for cutting yourself on a piece of paper
CwmYoy · 11/08/2023 12:12

Fancylike · 11/08/2023 12:07

Better analogy, if someone in your office got a paper cut, like that paper edge left a proper scratch, do you slam down the phone or run out of the meeting room and immediately race to their side with a first aid kit and a cool drink? Or do you leave them to it?

Also if someone were to get a paper cut in the office, how much compo would they be entitled to? Health and safety and all that.

Show quote history

Silly response. Do paper cuts carry bacteria in their teeth and claws?

Thought not.

Cat people seem to be delusional about their animals.

FrivolousTreeDuck · 11/08/2023 12:12

Unlike with dogs, you do not have third party liability for your cat. Its actions are not deemed within your control.

JudgeAnderson · 11/08/2023 12:12

The vet said he should still be treated as fleas can be brought in the house via human's clothes etc

How profitable for the vet. Honestly I think you should weigh up the likelihood of bringing in fleas on your clothing, which is probably very low, vs treating your pet with something that does have a level of toxicity/risk of side effects.

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 11/08/2023 12:14

rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 12:06

No, but he doesn't like to be touched. He will avoid people he doesn't know and hide/ is terrified of strangers in the house, and will bite if someone he doesn't know tries to stroke him.

Show quote history

So you have a dangerous cat you’re not doing anything about then?

Enoughnowbrandon · 11/08/2023 12:14

I would stick a card on the door with apologies and a tenner to byy himself a drink.

1984Winston · 11/08/2023 12:14

Cat was inside the house so although unfortunate I don't think they can do anything other than refuse to deliver. I have warned my postman that my cat is trying to get him but he just laughed, he doesn't put his hand through though so don't think he will get him

TheMossEnthusiast · 11/08/2023 12:15

Saw your cat savage someone and carried on working... ice cold OP

kierenthecommunity · 11/08/2023 12:16

user1492757084 · 11/08/2023 11:57

Catch up with Postie when you next can.
An apology note, some wine or gift and money for his medical inconvenience is what I would have ready.

A sign on the letter box or door about scratchy cat is also needed.
Postie would be able to obtain time off from his employer, due to work place injury, should he need to.

In all likihood the injury looked worse than it was and no stitches would be needed however you should advise Postie to be vigilant checking for infection.

Money for medical inconvenience? Seriously?

Original poster
rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 12:17

So you have a dangerous cat you’re not doing anything about then?

What do you propose i do? He isn't dangerous as he does not go up and attack people. He stays away and hides from people he doesn't know, he will only bite if someone touches him / strokes or picks him up he doesn't trust, and even then he will try and move away first.

He has been that way since I got him at a kitten, I believe it's because he was born into a house with young children who were rough with him.

OP posts:
PostItInABook · 11/08/2023 12:19

The drama being made out of this by some of you. 😂😂

It’s a minor event. Move on with your life OP. The postman clearly has.

Fancylike · 11/08/2023 12:19

PickledPurplePickle · 11/08/2023 12:10

Don't be ridiculous, it's not the same thing at all

  1. cat bites can carry infection and need disinfectant / antiseptic
  2. the OP saw the person was bleeding and did nothing - not even check if he needed a plaster / tissue
  3. you can't get sued for cutting yourself on a piece of paper
Show quote history

I would compare a scratch to a paper cut before I would compare a scratch to someone collapsing unconscious on to the floor, but maybe you don’t consider someone collapsing unconscious on the floor to be of medical concern.

WHAT if the paper was coated in cat spit? How elevated would the concern in office be? Same level as collapsing unconscious on the floor? Or higher???

Original poster
rainbowsweets · 11/08/2023 12:21

TheMossEnthusiast · 11/08/2023 12:15

Saw your cat savage someone and carried on working... ice cold OP

No, I panicked

OP posts:
Survey99 · 11/08/2023 12:21

First step is to make 100% sure the cat cannot access the door/letter box in future - no half baked measures such as a bag the cat might use as a toy/scratch post - it needs to be robust. That might mean the cat gets get locked out of the hallway or in a bedroom until the postman has been and until you have something permanent set up.

Leave a note outside your door apologising for yesterday and ask them to knock. Quickly (as they won't have time to dawdle on their post round) explain what happened, apologise profusely and tell them what you are doing to prevent a reoccurrence. Don't give them a gift as they would need to carry it on their round.

Seriously reflect on your behaviour before it escalates - why do you think hit and run drivers don't stop? You are using work as an excuse for the real, less savoury, reasons.

Oh, come on. Yes OP should have checked on the postie, but presumably he was not too badly hurt. We all make mistakes.

He was hurt enough that OP could see his bloodied hand from where she was she was hiding.

Proudgypsy · 11/08/2023 12:21

PostItInABook · 11/08/2023 12:19

The drama being made out of this by some of you. 😂😂

It’s a minor event. Move on with your life OP. The postman clearly has.

It's far from a minor event and not even in the slightest bit funny.

I really hope those of you who are brushing this off are not pet owners.

ChaToilLeam · 11/08/2023 12:22

I’d leave it for now, OP, you can’t turn back the clock. If you see the postie again it would be decent to offer an apology but other than that the best you can do is ensure it doesn’t happen again.

The first cat we ever had came from a farm and he was very reactive, he would sometimes just bite or scratch if he’d had enough of you. We warned visitors that they petted him at their own peril!

BlartFast · 11/08/2023 12:22

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