I've Had Enough of the Neighbor's Cat!

[scrhsa]

Thats fine if your cat stayed in your yard. It's okay if your cat does not torture my animals. If your cat did not organize fights on and near my woodpile I would not be worried my kitty got out. I am not singling you out personally, I mean in general you. This is a matter of common courtesy. No one wants to clean up after someone elses pet, and this includes outdoor cats.

Oh, I get it, believe me!! If you have a cat, whether indoor or outdoor, other cats know it and converge. Even if you don't have cats its just the nature of cats. If you(general you ) are a cat person you tolerate it if you aren't, you don't.

I constantly have other peoples cats come through my yard. Luckily, I have a dog that will chase them off...most times anyway We joke and say that my dd's cat is an alien and he is trying to get all the other cat aliens together to take over the world because he doesn't care if they are in his territory or not

 

[Nayan]

In my city we have leash laws that apply to both cats and dogs, and yes I do call animal control if I see cats out and about. Check to see if this might be the case in your area.

 

[MamaBelle4]

I live in a rural area and there are tons of feral cats around. Because of this, my cat is strictly an inside cat. I don't want my cat (who is spayed) getting in a fight.

I don't mind all the cats roaming around. They take care of the rodent population. And there are 3 or 4 that always seem to be in my yard and run whenever they see us.

Growing up, we always had outdoor cats (that were spayed and neutered). They were hunters. I can't recall them ever getting birds, but they always brought rodents to our doorstep. And they were praised for it. They also caught the occasional mouse indoors too. Again, praised for it. Cats are natural born hunters, it is instinctive. I don't have a problem with outdoor cats.

If an animal was being a nuisance, that's one thing, but just being outside isn't a nuisance, nor is it indicative of neglect.

 

[maxiesmom]

I live in a rural area and there are tons of feral cats around. Because of this, my cat is strictly an inside cat. I don't want my cat (who is spayed) getting in a fight.

I don't mind all the cats roaming around. They take care of the rodent population. And there are 3 or 4 that always seem to be in my yard and run whenever they see us.

Growing up, we always had outdoor cats (that were spayed and neutered). They were hunters. I can't recall them ever getting birds, but they always brought rodents to our doorstep. And they were praised for it. They also caught the occasional mouse indoors too. Again, praised for it. Cats are natural born hunters, it is instinctive. I don't have a problem with outdoor cats.

If an animal was being a nuisance, that's one thing, but just being outside isn't a nuisance, nor is it indicative of neglect.

As long as the cat stays on your property when it is is outside, it isn't a nuisance. But unless you have a large plot of land, that doesn't happen.

 

[DaisyJ]

I live in a rural area and there are tons of feral cats around. Because of this, my cat is strictly an inside cat. I don't want my cat (who is spayed) getting in a fight.

I don't mind all the cats roaming around. They take care of the rodent population. And there are 3 or 4 that always seem to be in my yard and run whenever they see us.

Growing up, we always had outdoor cats (that were spayed and neutered). They were hunters. I can't recall them ever getting birds, but they always brought rodents to our doorstep. And they were praised for it. They also caught the occasional mouse indoors too. Again, praised for it. Cats are natural born hunters, it is instinctive. I don't have a problem with outdoor cats.

If an animal was being a nuisance, that's one thing, but just being outside isn't a nuisance, nor is it indicative of neglect.

Letting your animals roam on other people's property is a nuisance.

 

[Klayfish]

I have no problem with cats being outside in theory. As others have said, they are animals. I have no problem with them hunting birds...that's what cats do. Yes, they get hit by cars, but if you let your cat out I guess that's the chance you take.

However, I do agree it's not smart to let a "non-fixed" cat outside, as Bob Barker always said "Help control the pet population...have your pet spayed or neutered".

Having it roam on other peoples' property is a nuisance, I totally agree. So in the end, while I don't have a theoretical problem with letting a cat out, I probably wouldn't let one out just for that reason. I don't own a cat now, but have had a few. We didn't let them out for fear they would run...one of them accidentally got out and did run away (or who knows what happened to it).

If someone elses' cat roams onto my property and isn't causing harm, I probably wouldn't like it but it wouldn't really bother me a ton. However, if it's attacking my theoretical cat (since I don't have one), as others have said I would make sure my cat was protected...I would not be so kind to the attacking cat.

 

[MamaBelle4]

Letting your animals roam on other people's property is a nuisance.

I don't really have a dog in this fight. Like I said, my cat is an indoor cat.

But, having said that, I have as much of a problem with a cat wandering across my yard as I have with deer, turtles and birds. Literally no one on my street has a fence (except those who own livestock), and a cat has no concept of property lines. I guess I don't see the issue of a cat sunning on my property as a nuisance, as long as he isn't territorial or eating my plants or whatever.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I think it's another famous case of "it's regional". In order to adopt my cats, I had to promise they would be indoor kitties or only go for leash walks with me (which is fine - I don't feel they would be safe outside alone where I live, due to cars and wild animals). But in order to adopt hers (in another country) my friend had to promise it would have access to the outdoors. So where you think cats "belong" probably has to do with how you were brought up.

in this case, though, I do agree you should try some humane strategies to convince it that your yard is not the best place to hang out. I like the idea of the mirror to keep it from trying to fight with your kitty, and I would maybe try some citrus near the chipmunk's home and the birds' nest. I've heard cats don't like the smell, and I know one of mine in particular really hates it.

 

[nkereina]

We don't have a cat problem, but we put moth balls around the perimeter of the property to keep rabbis, rodents, raccoons, etc. away. The smell is pungent the first few days but eventually wears away to humans, however it stays strong to animals and keeps them at bay. We do it once every few months and so far it works. Not harmful and very inexpensive.

 

[mom2rtk]

I actually have a driveway that connects with the neighbor's driveway. I have plenty of issues with the neighbor, not the least of which was being kept from returning home one day while he was forcibly removed by SWAT. He has 2 outdoor cats that I frequently find laying on my car, under my car, won't move when I need to leave, etc. But honestly, those cats don't bother me in the least. Our family sort of views them as our "bonus" cats. Those are cats we get to pet and enjoy without feeding or paying the bills.

That said, I'm still very happy that our 3 are finally fully indoor cats. We try very hard to have exclusively indoor cats. But our 16 year old was an indoor/outdoor cat for years. She wouldn't use a cat box so it was let her out or return her where her odds of a long and happy life weren't good. Thankfully in her old age, after a dental procedure, we found a creative way to train her to her own box and she no longer needs to go out. I hope we can enjoy her for a few more years. Seriously, the best cat ever. (Don't tell my other cats I said that) I have to say though that I miss the days where she would hunt the moles down in our yard. She used to leave one left by the door every few days this time of year.

 

[aprilgail]

I think if you want an indoor cat have an indoor cat. If you want an outdoor cat have an outdoor cat. Just so long as you have a cat

If you want an outdoor cat then fine but don't be mad when it is trapped and turned into the animal shelter. We had renters move in behind me with 3 cats that they let outdoors- one by one I trapped them in my yard and took them to the shelter. I keep mine in the house and I don't need other peoples coming and crapping and peeing in my flower beds. Cats should not be outside unless on a leash in your own yard.

 

[DaisyJ]

I don't really have a dog in this fight. Like I said, my cat is an indoor cat.

But, having said that, I have as much of a problem with a cat wandering across my yard as I have with deer, turtles and birds. Literally no one on my street has a fence (except those who own livestock), and a cat has no concept of property lines. I guess I don't see the issue of a cat sunning on my property as a nuisance, as long as he isn't territorial or eating my plants or whatever.

It was a general your, not you specifically.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I don't have much to add to this situation, but can someone please explain to me why letting cats outside is a bad thing? I'm honestly curious because I've never had one before (I kind of hate cats), but my brother has a cat that they let outside for a few hours a day because it likes to run around the woods by their house and come back. Personally I've never seen anything wrong with it. It isn't like they are neglecting the cat? Can someone please help me understand?

P.S. I completely understand how it is wrong if the cat is doing things like OP has mentioned above

Many reasons, one BIG one is Feline Leukemia (FeLV) or also know as "Cat AIDS".

It is a virus that is spread in saliva. One fight with an infected cat could infect your cat.

Moral dilemma is if you have a cat that HAS FeLV, and you let it roam your cat may infect other cats and so on. Should a roaming cat with FeLV be put down?

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

When my two daughters were quite young, they were completely traumatized by seeing our two dogs (in our fenced backyard) playing tug-0f-war with a dead cat they had caught. DH buried it but we never found out whose cat it was!

 

[scrhsa]

If you want an outdoor cat then fine but don't be mad when it is trapped and turned into the animal shelter. We had renters move in behind me with 3 cats that they let outdoors- one by one I trapped them in my yard and took them to the shelter. I keep mine in the house and I don't need other peoples coming and crapping and peeing in my flower beds. Cats should not be outside unless on a leash in your own yard.

Wow! Ok. I'm generally a non-combative person but heaven help you if you trap my cats. Cats are animals not little furry humans and need to do what cats are created to do. I'm tired of people trying to make animals into mini humans and projecting human feelings/ideas on to what an animal should do. They are animals for crying out loud and need to do what comes natural. Keeping them locked up for OUR enjoyment is not good stewardship. For what its worth, I don't think having outdoor cats as a renter is necessarily a good idea. Too many people/cars etc. In that situation then sure, keep the cat as an indoor cat. As I've said before, I have had indoor cats before...mostly because I was a renter and moved a lot. Poor little guy was ALWAYS trying to get out. And that's how I lost him.

 

[MamaBelle4]

If you want an outdoor cat then fine but don't be mad when it is trapped and turned into the animal shelter. We had renters move in behind me with 3 cats that they let outdoors- one by one I trapped them in my yard and took them to the shelter. I keep mine in the house and I don't need other peoples coming and crapping and peeing in my flower beds. Cats should not be outside unless on a leash in your own yard.

Did you talk to the renters first? Or did you just trap their pets and take them to the shelter? Did you let the renters know? Was it a no kill shelter?

I guess I'm just more easy going. To me, that reaction seems a bit extreme. Especially for renters. And I say that because outdoor cats notoriously will run away if they are unfamiliar with the location. If you didn't let them know, they may have just assumed their pets had run off and not called local shelters. I hope you had a word with them first before taking the cats to the shelter.

It seriously must be a regional thing. I have never met anyone who has had an issue with an outdoor cat, as long as they weren't aggressive.

 

[wenrob]

Wow! Ok. I'm generally a non-combative person but heaven help you if you trap my cats. Cats are animals not little furry humans and need to do what cats are created to do. I'm tired of people trying to make animals into mini humans and projecting human feelings/ideas on to what an animal should do. They are animals for crying out loud and need to do what comes natural. Keeping them locked up for OUR enjoyment is not good stewardship. For what its worth, I don't think having outdoor cats as a renter is necessarily a good idea. Too many people/cars etc. In that situation then sure, keep the cat as an indoor cat. As I've said before, I have had indoor cats before...mostly because I was a renter and moved a lot. Poor little guy was ALWAYS trying to get out. And that's how I lost him.

Did you talk to the renters first? Or did you just trap their pets and take them to the shelter? Did you let the renters know? Was it a no kill shelter?

I guess I'm just more easy going. To me, that reaction seems a bit extreme. Especially for renters. And I say that because outdoor cats notoriously will run away if they are unfamiliar with the location. If you didn't let them know, they may have just assumed their pets had run off and not called local shelters. I hope you had a word with them first before taking the cats to the shelter.

It seriously must be a regional thing. I have never met anyone who has had an issue with an outdoor cat, as long as they weren't aggressive.

While I would always try to find and speak with the owner if your animal is using my yard as a litter box, destroying things on my property and terrorizing *my* animals who are properly contained in their own yard you bet I'd trap them and have them picked up. Yes, they're animals and that's what they do but as their owner it's your job to keep them from being a menace to your neighbors.

eta: I have a question, would you all feel the same way if these were dogs? A dogs instinct is to roam with a pack. Would it be okay with you to have packs of dogs roaming the neighborhood?

 

[VandVsmama]

Did you talk to the renters first? Or did you just trap their pets and take them to the shelter? Did you let the renters know? Was it a no kill shelter?

I guess I'm just more easy going. To me, that reaction seems a bit extreme. Especially for renters. And I say that because outdoor cats notoriously will run away if they are unfamiliar with the location. If you didn't let them know, they may have just assumed their pets had run off and not called local shelters. I hope you had a word with them first before taking the cats to the shelter.

It seriously must be a regional thing. I have never met anyone who has had an issue with an outdoor cat, as long as they weren't aggressive.

The OP has no responsibility to anyone else in the neighborhood to go around door to door asking everyone if the found cat belongs to them. Also, anybody who lets their cat roam free outdoors has to live with the possibility that someone will pick up the cat and take it to an animal shelter. If you don't want that to happen, then you should keep your cat indoors. Otherwise, don't get a cat.

Totally different situation, of course, if you live on a farm. Cats who live on farms in more rural areas of course are used as mousers and they are usually 90% of the time outdoor cats.

 

[mickeyboat]

Feel free to let your cats roam as long as they don't damage my property or torture my indoor cat. I have had to replace numerous screens because the outdoor cats would jump and cling to them trying to get to my cat. I can't even count the amount of money I have spent replacing rugs on my porch and in my mud room because outdoor cats peed on the outdoor rug which was promptly tracked into my house. When your cat becomes a nuisance, you (the collective you) either need to keep it on your own property or it needs to be trapped and brought to a shelter. I am required to keep my kids in line so they are not a nuisance to you. I am required to keep my dog in line so it is not a nuisance to you. Why should you not be required to keep your cat in line so it is not a nuisance to me?

 

[MamaBelle4]

While I would always try to find and speak with the owner if your animal is using my yard as a litter box, destroying things on my property and terrorizing *my* animals who are properly contained in their own yard you bet I'd trap them and have them picked up. Yes, they're animals and that's what they do but as their owner it's your job to keep them from being a menace to your neighbors.

eta: I have a question, would you all feel the same way if these were dogs? A dogs instinct is to roam with a pack. Would it be okay with you to have packs of dogs roaming the neighborhood?

Well, as I've said, my cat is indoors, so I don't have a dog in this fight.

And, no, I would not be okay with a pack of dogs roaming the neighborhood, but I think that there is a huge difference. A non aggressive cat, by itself, will not do damage like an entire pack of dogs.

I actually hate to see dogs outside alone.

If you have an animal that is on your property and it is a nuisance to you, you have the right to humanely take care of the situation. To me, the first step would be talking to the owner, not trapping.

As I've said before, I've never seen anyone around here have an issue with outdoor cats. It is possible, even likely, the owner doesn't realize their animals are causing an issue if no one says anything.