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AIBU?

To expect my neighbour to take responsibility for his cat attacking mine?!!

163 replies

cleanasawhistle2195 · 31/07/2015 19:47

Back story: we live by a busy main road- cross the main road, and a family have just moved in about 5 weeks ago with their cat.

About two weeks ago- I had to chase their cat from our garden, it was just sat by the rockery. I knew it was theirs as I walk past their house and have seen it sat in the window. Not a problem- cats roam, I get that.

But now it's much more serious- the cat has attacked mine, leaving him with injuries which I've had to spend £60 (that I don't really have) to get sorted at the vets this morning. Not to mention whatever it will cost me when we have to go back in 10 days.

Went to knock today to have a word, and they have openly admitted their cat can be vicious- but aren't willing to leave it locked in as they have a toddler and the cat needs an escape. I asked them what they were going to do about the £60 it had cost me at the vet this morning, and they refuse to reimburse us. Quite frankly, I'm seething.

The cat has been in the garden again today- I went out with a water pistol but it scarpered before I got near. Went and spoke to our neighbour next door, and she told me she has had to chase the cat out of her garden as well.

Kitty now has to stay in for 10 days and is already driving me bonkers with his yowling to get out, not to mention the puddles and shit I've had to clean up today as he doesn't seem to be able to work out the litter tray is for him (fair enough I guess seeing as he hasn't come across one for 13 years!. Don't see why I should have to keep my cat in long term- we've never had any problems and he loves his independance, so to take that away from him now- well, I don't think it would be very fair.

Quite honestly, I'm thinking about reporting them. AIBU for that- and AIBU to think it's their responsibility?!

OP posts:
cleanasawhistle2195 · 31/07/2015 19:48

I should add sorry- it was definitely their cat, I heard my cat hissing and caterwauling outside and went out to inspect and saw them fighting.

OP posts:
wheresthelight · 31/07/2015 19:51

This has to be a reverse right???

DadfromUncle · 31/07/2015 19:53

I am not a cat expert, but I thought the point of them was they do what they like - I understand it's upsetting for you and your cat, but it's hard for me to see how your cat's independence and freedom to roam about and do what he likes trumps theirs. As I said, I'm not an expert - won't the cats just sort it out themselves?

Littleorangecat · 31/07/2015 19:53

Yabu I'm afraid. They can't be expected to watch their cat every time it's out, as you say - cats roam. Cats also fight and they will be establishing a hierarchy, they will probably have a couple more fights I expect then the least dominant cat will avoid the other. Probably not what you want to hear ....

loveareadingthanks · 31/07/2015 19:55

sorry but YABU.

Report them to who, and for what, exactly?

Cats will have spats and fights to sort out their territories. Upsetting (and sometimes expensive) but there's nothing that can be done about it.

They aren't responsible for your vet bill.

ghostyslovesheep · 31/07/2015 19:55

cats fight - it's part of their behaviour - I just paid out almost £100 for 2 separate visits for an infected tail bite - it's life!

GraysAnalogy · 31/07/2015 19:55

YABU

How do you know which cat 'attacked' which?

This is the risk you run having an outdoor cat. Why should your cat be free to rome but his not?

Salmotrutta · 31/07/2015 19:56

Are you seriously thinking of reporting a cat fight??

Are you mad?

My cats get into fights all the time.

It's what cats do.

Either keep your moggy in or stop complaining.

You do know cats don't give a crap about "rules" and "training" right?

catsrus · 31/07/2015 19:56

Lol - report to who exactly? The cats will have to sort out their pecking order I'm afraid. One of ours was very stressed by a local stray Tom - who exactly should I report him to?

Bambooshoots14 · 31/07/2015 19:56

Report to who?!

carriebrody · 31/07/2015 19:56

You can cat proof your garden so yours can't get out and others can't get in. Problem solved.

duckbilled · 31/07/2015 19:56

Yabu.

catsrus · 31/07/2015 19:57

Lol - report to who exactly? The cats will have to sort out their pecking order I'm afraid. One of ours was very stressed by a local stray Tom - who exactly should I report him to?

Salmotrutta · 31/07/2015 19:57

Go on OP.

Report their cat to the Police.

I dare you.

janetandroysdaughter · 31/07/2015 19:58

It's a tricky one. Our very nice neighbours have a horrible cat who has bitten our cat causing £££s of vets' bills on two occasions. Our cat is very passive and gets bullied in his own garden by this one, but I've never said anything because it's not their fault. You can't train a cat's behaviour. We just got pet insurance so the bills aren't too hefty anymore.

TBH if someone knocked at your door claiming your cat was responsible for a cat fight and demanding payment of vet's bills, wouldn't you be a bit Hmm? Hard to prove.

All you can do is scare it away every time you see it, so it learns your territory isn't safe for it.

Binit · 31/07/2015 19:58

Yabu sorry.

Cats roam, this is the sort of stuff they get up to. If you want the right for your cat to roam, you can't remove the right for their cat to roam.

You should have some sort of pet insurance to sort out vet bills.

Moreisnnogedag · 31/07/2015 19:59

Wait what? You think your cat has a right to be outside but theirs doesn't? I must admit if you came to my door wanting your vets bill paid I'd say no and think you were decidedly odd

Btw if you haven't litter trained your cat where's it doing its business? Your neighbours garden perhaps?

londonrach · 31/07/2015 19:59

Yabu. Cats are cats. They roam. If you worried keep your cat in. Think of those without cats like my parents who suffer from their neighbours cat poo. Please make your garden cat proof so your cat stays within your garden and you keep neighbour cat out. By the way who you report them to? Their cat and yours is sorting out domiance at mo. Its normal cat behaviour (and expensive for owners).

LittleLionHeart · 31/07/2015 20:02

If you feel it's reasonable to expect them to keep their cat in, why don't you keep yours in?

PourquoiTuGachesTaVie · 31/07/2015 20:02

Have you considered taking your cat to some self defence classes?

someonestolemynick · 31/07/2015 20:03

I'm going to chine in with everyone else. Injuries are a risk you take with cats. They roam. They fight. And you have zero influence over what they do when they're out.

YABVU

EvansOvalPiesYumYum · 31/07/2015 20:03

YABU - next door's cat torments the life out of one of ours. But there's nothing that can be done about it. That's what cats do! It's territorial behaviour

GraysAnalogy · 31/07/2015 20:03

My mind is blown at this thread.

YeOldeTrout · 31/07/2015 20:03

Keep your cat in, the busy road is enough reason for that.

cleanasawhistle2195 · 31/07/2015 20:03

The difference is- they openly admit their cat is vicious. The difference is, mine isn't. If this was say, a pit bull terrier, it would be put down- no?

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