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Cats scared of neighbours cats and won't go out

2 replies

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 24/11/2013 16:37

We adopted two rescue cats (one year old female litter pair) in October, they had been rehomed because the previous owner had moved in with someone with allergies, so no trauma or neglect.

They have settled in really well with our family and the time came for them to start going outdoors about 3 weeks ago. The first couple of days were fine, they explored our garden quite happily. Then, next doors cats got wind of them - they are young males and clearly consider our garden to be their territory. Every time they encounter one another there are standoffs and hissing plus a bit of scrapping. Our two are now very reluctant to go out - one goes out for a few minutes most days but doesn't venture any further than the patio, she will hold her own quite well with the other cats but eventually retreats indoors. The other won't go out at all.

Can anyone give me any idea if they are likely to settle their differences eventually or are we going to have to settle for them being house cats more or less, I guess that wouldn't be the end of the world, but it seems to me that it would be better all round for them to go out. We were thinking of putting in a microchip catflap so they can come and go as they please. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

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cozietoesie · 24/11/2013 17:05

You may have a couple of homegirls although with the current weather it's difficult to say. (We're below freezing here and you can barely see humans out let alone animals.)

But yes - a microchip flap is an excellent idea because they would get used to it being only for them and home being a safe place to dive back to.

Are they both neutered? If not, have them neutered directly.

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WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 24/11/2013 18:22

Thanks, they are neutered (well, the previous owner told the rescue they were, no reason to doubt that). It's not that cold here, about +6 or more (SE England) and there are plenty of cats out and about, so I don't think it's that, will get the catflap sorted ASAP I think and see how they get on with it.