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

[smokeyblue]

I have a new neighbor and they let their cat roam free. Not something I allow my cat to do, but that's not necessarily my problem. It didn't start to bother me until the cat started attacking my cat through the window. The "fights" get really aggressive and the cat takes running leaps and tries to jump through the window. I'm honestly concerned my window is going to break or get damaged. I think I'm going to put a one way mirror film on this window to try to end this problem.

Now this cat is constantly killing things right in my front yard. I'm not a bleeding heart,but I have a little chippie that lives under my porch that comes to greet me every day when I come home and I enjoy that. Also it is pretty gross when I'm cooking dinner on the grill and this little monster is torturing small animals, because the cat just can't kill them, it has to play with it for awhile.

I guess this is more of a vent than anything. I don't like confrontation and I hate talking to neighbors even less so it's highly unlikely I'll do anything. Anyone else have annoying pets in their neighborhood?

 

[sonnyjane]

I have a new neighbor and they let their cat roam free. Not something I allow my cat to do, but that's not necessarily my problem. It didn't start to bother me until the cat started attacking my cat through the window. The "fights" get really aggressive and the cat takes running leaps and tries to jump through the window. I'm honestly concerned my window is going to break or get damaged. I think I'm going to put a one way mirror film on this window to try to end this problem.

Now this cat is constantly killing things right in my front yard. I'm not a bleeding heart,but I have a little chippie that lives under my porch that comes to greet me every day when I come home and I enjoy that. Also it is pretty gross when I'm cooking dinner on the grill and this little monster is torturing small animals, because the cat just can't kill them, it has to play with it for awhile.

I guess this is more of a vent than anything. I don't like confrontation and I hate talking to neighbors even less so it's highly unlikely I'll do anything. Anyone else have annoying pets in their neighborhood?

It's too bad this is more of a vent and you don't intend to confront your neighbor, because that's exactly what needs to be done if you're worried your property is going to be damaged.

 

[mousehockey37]

I have a new neighbor and they let their cat roam free. Not something I allow my cat to do, but that's not necessarily my problem. It didn't start to bother me until the cat started attacking my cat through the window. The "fights" get really aggressive and the cat takes running leaps and tries to jump through the window. I'm honestly concerned my window is going to break or get damaged. I think I'm going to put a one way mirror film on this window to try to end this problem.

Now this cat is constantly killing things right in my front yard. I'm not a bleeding heart,but I have a little chippie that lives under my porch that comes to greet me every day when I come home and I enjoy that. Also it is pretty gross when I'm cooking dinner on the grill and this little monster is torturing small animals, because the cat just can't kill them, it has to play with it for awhile.

I guess this is more of a vent than anything. I don't like confrontation and I hate talking to neighbors even less so it's highly unlikely I'll do anything. Anyone else have annoying pets in their neighborhood?

I agree with the other poster, you want a solution, you gotta talk to people. That's the problem with society today, people don't want to talk to other people. Now, if you talk to the neighbor and they laugh you out the door or refuse to do anything, then you take the next step.

 

[Moxiepup]

There are deterrents you can use that might help. Everything from motion activated sprinklers to pellets that deter by smell. Neither will hurt the cat, but might help keep it away from your yard. Good luck!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Costway-...6030&wl11=online&wl12=887098759&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[piccolopat]

There are deterrents you can use that might help. Everything from motion activated sprinklers to pellets that deter by smell. Neither will hurt the cat, but might help keep it away from your yard. Good luck!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Costway-...6030&wl11=online&wl12=887098759&wl13=&veh=sem

My sister used the motion detector sprinklers on a skunk that kept visiting her yard. That took care of the problem.

 

[Branflakes]

We had a neighbor who allowed their cat to roam (live) outside. This cat actually chewed through my screen door in my back yard to get to my indoor cat. We had previously complained to them to contain their cat. When it started walking on and laying on my husbands car, was when we had to get much more confrontational. We used the hose on the cat. Which worked for a short while, then when the cat destroyed a birds nest by my front door, that had been there for years, killed the baby birds, we called animal control. They were told to contain their cat, or lose it. Well, a month or so later, they abrutptly moved out, and left the cat. We captured him in a kennel and took him to a cat rescue. I couldn't bring myself to have it taken and put down. All along the family just told us to F off "it's a free country".
All that said, confront them kindly the first time. After that, call animal control. There is no need to let it drag on, and frustrate you. Their Animal mismanagement is a problem.

 

[sonnyjane]

We had a neighbor who allowed their cat to roam (live) outside. This cat actually chewed through my screen door in my back yard to get to my indoor cat. We had previously complained to them to contain their cat. When it started walking on and laying on my husbands car, was when we had to get much more confrontational. We used the hose on the cat. Which worked for a short while, then when the cat destroyed a birds nest by my front door, that had been there for years, killed the baby birds, we called animal control. They were told to contain their cat, or lose it. Well, a month or so later, they abrutptly moved out, and left the cat. We captured him in a kennel and took him to a cat rescue. I couldn't bring myself to have it taken and put down. All along the family just told us to F off "it's a free country".
All that said, confront them kindly the first time. After that, call animal control. There is no need to let it drag on, and frustrate you. Their Animal mismanagement is a problem.

Outdoor cats not only live shorter lives on average, but as has been mentioned here, wreak havoc on local bird populations. I would never wish death upon a cat for their idiot owners' mistakes, but I do agree that if you let them know of the problem and they don't care (which is my guess), you need to involve animal control.

 

[wenrob]

We had a neighbor who allowed their cat to roam (live) outside. This cat actually chewed through my screen door in my back yard to get to my indoor cat. We had previously complained to them to contain their cat. When it started walking on and laying on my husbands car, was when we had to get much more confrontational. We used the hose on the cat. Which worked for a short while, then when the cat destroyed a birds nest by my front door, that had been there for years, killed the baby birds, we called animal control. They were told to contain their cat, or lose it. Well, a month or so later, they abrutptly moved out, and left the cat. We captured him in a kennel and took him to a cat rescue. I couldn't bring myself to have it taken and put down. All along the family just told us to F off "it's a free country".
All that said, confront them kindly the first time. After that, call animal control. There is no need to let it drag on, and frustrate you. Their Animal mismanagement is a problem.

I agree with this. You need to say something and if that doesn't work call Animal Control. We have a couple of cats that roam along our walls but they come no further. (probably because it's the only time I let my dog bark freely out back) If they were coming into my yard and disturbing things I wouldn't hesitate to take care of it. Not my animals, not going to let them be my problem.

 

[smokeyblue]

Well, I'm happy that people agree it's a problem. I have a few friends who let their cats roam. I got some heat when I complained to one of them who lived a few houses down from my than boyfriend that her cat was leaving dead animals on his porch. She got irritated with me and said there was no way she was putting up with the cat crying to go out.

I have to be honest, I did throw some pebbles at the cat last week when he was preying on a chippie. I felt awful, I would be very upset if someone did that to my cat, but it wasn't going to hurt it. Today when it was attacking a bird in my driveway while I was bringing my trash out I wished so badly that I had bought a new hose so I could have sprayed it.

The funny thing about this cat is that it is quite pretty and it has a collar on that looks like it has some electronic gadget or something else on it. It seems like they must care about the cat. I also agree it is far less healthy to have an outdoor cat and that's why I chose not to let mine out, along with the real danger of being injured or killed by a car or predator. I took in my cat from a friend who allowed him to go outside. He was absolutely riddled with parasites. The first go of medicine didn't work and the vet had to give him like 6 pills and a syringe full of liquid medicine to get rid of them finally. Absolutely gross, and it made me feel bad because those buggers were giving him terrible stomach problems.

 

[RedAngie]

We had a neighbor who allowed their cat to roam (live) outside. This cat actually chewed through my screen door in my back yard to get to my indoor cat. We had previously complained to them to contain their cat. When it started walking on and laying on my husbands car, was when we had to get much more confrontational. We used the hose on the cat. Which worked for a short while, then when the cat destroyed a birds nest by my front door, that had been there for years, killed the baby birds, we called animal control. They were told to contain their cat, or lose it. Well, a month or so later, they abrutptly moved out, and left the cat. We captured him in a kennel and took him to a cat rescue. I couldn't bring myself to have it taken and put down. All along the family just told us to F off "it's a free country".
All that said, confront them kindly the first time. After that, call animal control. There is no need to let it drag on, and frustrate you. Their Animal mismanagement is a problem.

Then they should also agree that you're free to handle the problem in the manner you see fit. Trap it and take it to a shelter, or do whatever necessary to rid yourself of an animal pest.

I have no patience for irresponsible pet owners. Anybody who lets a cat roam free is an irresponsible pet owner.

 

[dosekies]

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

 

[wilkeliza]

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

The kill animals like birds for no real
reason. Most that are allowed to roam are not spay/neuter so usually roam to go find a mate thus adding to the unwanted animal population, they go on other people's property and destroy stuff, the get into fights with other animals. They rush out into the road and get hit. Domesticated animal should either be properly confined when outside or not be allowed outside.

OP i personally would say something to the neighbor. Also worth checking what your local laws are about house cats being allowed outside not on a leash or supervised.

 

[sonnyjane]

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

It shortens their lifespan by exposing them to cars, predators, and an increased number of parasites. As mentioned, if an animal isn't fixed, it can breed. They kill wild animals, especially birds, some of which are threatened or even endangered species. In addition to that, they're a nuisance in that they use the yards of others as bathrooms and may fight with their pets, as in the case of OP.

If my cat wants to go out, he has a leash and harness.

 

[Branflakes]

Outdoor cats not only live shorter lives on average, but as has been mentioned here, wreak havoc on local bird populations. I would never wish death upon a cat for their idiot owners' mistakes, but I do agree that if you let them know of the problem and they don't care (which is my guess), you need to involve animal control.

I was absolutely devastated when he got the birds nest. It's been a few years now, and we have a new nest in the same holly by our front door. And currently have baby birds. Second year in fact. But I agree, they do damage to the local bird population.

 

[mummabear]

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

If it is a neutured, vaccinated, fleas and wormed cat then not a lot of rusk to heir health beyond predators if there are any in the area and cars.
Yes they can attack birds but it had also been found that without cats to keep rats in check than the rats will attack the birds eggs.

 

[sonnyjane]

We're not just talking a bird or two.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/03/22/opinion/sunday/the-evil-of-the-outdoor-cat.html

 

[Nancyg56]

It's too bad this is more of a vent and you don't intend to confront your neighbor, because that's exactly what needs to be done if you're worried your property is going to be damaged.

This does not always work. My neighbor thinks its awful to keep his cats indoors, and that the neighbors all love their visits. No. My cats were all indoor cats, and I never appreciated the spraying from his cats on my doors, porch, wood pile. I found that disgusting, and would have to bleach anything my DGD would play with out there.

Subtle comments did not work, so I tried strongest language. Turns out they just did not care. I never did anything to harm the animal, but both my DH and I stopped trying not to hurt the neighbors feelings when we chased it out of the yard. The poor thing is gone now. WE have coyotes and fisher cats that roam here so how he lasted as long did is beyond me.I dont get it.

 

[scrhsa]

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

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with letting a cat go outside. After all, they are an animal and naturally belong outside. They may get an occasional bird. I have three and sometimes I wish they would get more birds( don't flame me I mean the nasty grackles that poop all over every car in the neighborhood). Like the other poster said they do keep the rat/mice/vermin population down. Not to mention snakes!!! And where I live...that's a GOOD thing. I've had coral snakes in my backyard and glad I have my little hunters out there to take care of them!
I have had both indoor cats and outdoor cats and my outdoor cats actually have lived as long or longer than my indoor cats. They are far less stressed and behave more like a cat should. My daughter couldn't keep her indoor cat anymore so we took him. He was awful. Tore up everything. Mean almost. Once he got acclimated and all his shots etc he went outside. He is now so much more happy and better behaved.
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

 

[Nancyg56]

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with letting a cat go outside. After all, they are an animal and naturally belong outside. They may get an occasional bird. I have three and sometimes I wish they would get more birds( don't flame me I mean the nasty grackles that poop all over every car in the neighborhood). Like the other poster said they do keep the rat/mice/vermin population down. Not to mention snakes!!! And where I live...that's a GOOD thing. I've had coral snakes in my backyard and glad I have my little hunters out there to take care of them!
I have had both indoor cats and outdoor cats and my outdoor cats actually have lived as long or longer than my indoor cats. They are far less stressed and behave more like a cat should. My daughter couldn't keep her indoor cat anymore so we took him. He was awful. Tore up everything. Mean almost. Once he got acclimated and all his shots etc he went outside. He is now so much more happy and better behaved.
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

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.

 

[ford family]

Water pistol.
Soak it as often as you can. No harm to the cat but it will soon learn to roam elsewhere.

ford family