Help - cat has hurt the postman

[rainbowsweets]

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 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.

I think legally you won't get into trouble, but Royal Mail may refuse to deliver to your property from now on, and you'll have to collect your post from elsewhere.

If you were not aware of your cat's territorial aggression or potential play aggression, then, I do not think you can be held legally responsible for the behaviour of this cat. However, I would put a warning on the letter box and/or keep the cat away from the door. Perhaps putting a cage around the letter box might be an idea.

I think a cat attacking something wriggling through the letter box could be seen as normal feline behaviour, but now you know the cat has caused harm, you should take some preventative action.

This article is helpful:

cats and the law uk (catbehaviourist.com)

I have ordered a bag thing to stick on to the letterbox to try and stop it happening again, but I'm worried about the poor guy today.

We had one of these when our puppy started to notice the presents (post) coming through the door. Might help with your cat. As for the post person, maybe pop a note on the door apologising for or from the cat and explain the measures you are putting in place.
Post cage for door

I'm sorry I had a bit of a giggle.
Unfortunately cats can be right a**holes - mr postman is most likely fine and you will not get in trouble. Cats cannot be trained (to the extent of a dog) with its behaviours and legally you'll be fine.

If it was my cat I'd put a tongue in cheek "beware of cat" sign 😆

Why did the postie have his hand inside your post flap?

@rainbowsweets sorry for refreshing an old post but just wanted to check if you get sorted?

it happened to us but not with the postman but leaflets delivery. I had two people knocking with bloody fingers saying that something attacked them or that I had a dog

it terrified me so I was on the lookout for the postman to warn him. He said it was not a problem for him because they know how to deliver letters and they don’t put fingers through the slot but advised to put a warning on because if someone gets attacked again, they could sue us

the other day a neighbour looking after our bloodthirsty cat had his finger scratched when pushing a key back through the door because he thought the warning was a joke

Nothing ever came of it, but I now have a bag over the letterbox. Cat does still run to the door whenever anything is put through (he has an extra bushy tail too whenever anything gets put through the door) and will take post out of the bag and hide it if he gets the chance. So I may have to get a letter cage or an outside box if possible.