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.

Cat scratches can become infected, yes, but that doesn't mean it will. Most scratches or bites will just heal without issue.

This. Some of these comments! 😂

I’d look at getting an outdoor postbox and write a note for future posties advising your cat is a bit mad and to be careful of their hands until the outdoor postbox is installed.

If it makes you feel any better my old manager would absolutely NOT have accepted the cat scratching the postman as any kind of emergency so I would have also continued the work call and maybe mouthed “sorry” to the postman as he staggered wounded down the road.

If a letter cage really won't fit your door, then replace the letter flap with one that moves easily so no-one needs to put their hand through. You might have to sacrifice fluffy insulation, but you can get a free-moving inside flap that will do a lot to keep drafts out in winter

They will not take action against you for this one off incident, especially from a cat.

There are a number of different options you can take to ensure it doesn't happen again. You won't even have to buy any plasters! If you see the postman in the next few days, perhaps have a chat and apologise.

Thats really all there is to it!

That spray plaster is very good, stings like mad at first but I use that when necessary. Though I do have to often throw it away & buy new because I use it so infrequently!

OP, you write: 'I have ordered a Velcro bag thing from Amazon to try and stop it happening again' - your cat can still scratch, as the thing is made of material. If you can't fix metal cage (or mesh, as cat still can put it's leg through bars), get post box to hang outside.
I am really not sure how you could proceed with your phone call, when you knew your cat just injured someone. You should have at least offered him to wash his hand, plaster and maybe even a cup of tea.

1. Speak to your local post office as they probably know the post and apologise. get them to warn the posties that your cat is not postie friendly and to watch their fingers.
2. maybe put a sign up outside - beware of the cat.
3. an alternative to an indoor cage is maybe a secure box outside & mail can be delivered to that.

I only have them because DH uses them. They bring me out in a rash so I probably wouldn't bother if it was just me.

Need a cat photo

This is just getting silly. The postie should not have stuck his hand through the box far enough for your cat to do any damage but he did unfortunately.
Get a bag/cage to go on the inside of the door (personally I’d have thought a postbox cage was the better option, a bag could wiggle and look enticing.
You could put a small sign on the door warning not to put hands through.
It’s a cat though not a Rottweiler and no lasting damage done I’m sure. He should check his tetanus is up to date and possibly get antibiotics but that depends on the damage actually done which no one knows.

Don't be ridiculous

this one is very useful for d.mail. tomorrow's front page with a picture.

What a bloody pile on. And I don't even like cats!

Don't stress OP. If he's injured he'll let you know.

Exactly this. How far through had the postie put their hand? I temped as a postie years ago and don't recall putting my hand through at all.

Yes, let's have a look at the culprit!

It's unfortunate it happened but they are trained not to put their hands or fingers through letter boxes for this reason.

What a load of utterly ridiculous comments. Some of you should be embarrassed.

It's a cat not a tiger. It scratched his hand - it didn't take a finger off.

If you see him again, just ask if he's ok and apologise for the cat scratch.
And to answer the question you're asking repeatedly, no, don't call the national line.

We had similar but with our dog and someone delivering leaflets losing a nail

The post office may stop deliveries which would mean you have to pick up mail at nearest sorting office

We were sued by the leaflet deliverer but we’re covered on house insurance - insurance adjuster said it was ridiculous and she must literally have had her full hand through the letterbox but after that and a visit from the police we now have an internal postbox

I don't really understand. So you went to the door, saw the postman's bloody hand, then didn't ask if he was ok? That's shocking.

As he's not a regular postie, I think the suggestion of going over to the sorting office after work is a good one.

As far as the postie is concerned, your cat is dangerous, and you don't care, given you saw the incident and didn't offer any assistance or apologise.

Now, you have explained why you reacted badly, and it's obvious you do feel bad, but the postie (and everyone he's complained to at work) doesn't know that. If you have a word in person, not only will they realise you are sorry, but that the risk of being attacked on your property is going to drop dramatically in a few days' time. I think sharing that information would be much appreciated.

I'd probably also bring a small box of individually wrapped chocolates with me. Even if they never make their way to your actual postie, someone at the sorting office will get them, and they'll be more inclined not to tell everyone to avoid your address. It will be a win, whatever happens.

PS Not going to join the pile-on as you feel bad enough already. We all sometimes react in ways we wish we hadn't!

It would indicate that there was an attack cat on the other side of the door though, and indicate that putting a hand through is not a good idea. I didn't say it would negate liability, it is a preventative measure. You know, a warning to be careful...instead of just jumping in and ignoring the possibility as you might.

I have one because I used to have terriers that shredded all the post into confetti.

They never injured a postie though!

I think an apology is required at the very least, OP.

We had a post man who use to put his hand through the letter box, he said it was to make sure the mail was all the way through... but they are NOT actually allowed to do that.

Your pet is in your home and they have not been given access to put any part of themself into you house. If they are injured sticking a limb through a letterbox thats trespassing.

We hard a guard dog and warned him several times, there where also signs everywhere but he still did it every single day. We had to report him as there where several near misses and he was reprimanded and moved to another route.

This!

Some of the replies on here are somewhat disproportionate to the 'crime'.

Oh heck. Could you get one of those lockable boxes for the outside of your house so that he needn't use the letterbox?