Hi,

I am desperetly looking for methods to deter a stray cat from coming near my
home.

I have tried more than a few deterents, including using a water pistol, all
to no avail.  In fact, he (I believe the sex is male) didn't run away when
hit with water from the water pistol, but became hostile towards myself.

I would absolutetly love to be able to rescue this animal, however he is
very aggressive and appears to be quite sickly.  A quarter of his body lacks
fur, while the rest of his fur coat is quite mangled.

The main problem with this "visitor" is that he attacked one of my pet cats,
which resulted in a visit to the vet.  The injuries sustained to my pet cat
were minor, however I felt that she needed to be checked out to ensure that
she didn't aquire any diseases from the stray.  (She is fine.)  This stray
cat continues to be extremely threatening towards my two pet cats, both of
which are indoor/outdoor cats.  (I let them out for a few hours during the
day, if they want, but never overnight -- even before the stray first showed
up.)  Now, due to the stray, I have to keep them confined indoors.  I hate
having to keep them inside constantly.  (I live in a rural area, of course
pet cats want to venture outside!)

I absolutetly dread the thought of having to take a drastic measure against
an animal, but this stray is effecting the quality of life of my two pets.
Unless I can successfully persuade this stray to remain away, I fear I might
have to turn to the rifle -- however, before taking the lethal approach, I'm
willing to try any other "last resort" methods first.