Interloper Cat

[FoxyVeganJane]

Not sure to handle this situation.

My two cats have been reluctant to go outside. We used to feed them in an open log barn. It's a big space, we store logs one side and feed the cats in the other and they have bedding in there so they can shelter in bad weather.

I've noticed they've been avoiding the barn and at the beginning of the month I noticed another cat in the barn. I thought it may have been attracted by the food so I cleaned the food area out and I decided to feed them in the kitchen.

We have a cat flap, a couple of weeks ago I heard cats screeching at each other. I assumed it was just my cats as they pelted out the cat flap quite quickly. Last night however I heard cats really going at it in the kitchen and hallway. I got out of bed to see what was going on, my cat was under the table and someone retreated out the cat flap. My other cat was with my dd on her bed.

I'm sure I have an interloper, I've now noticed three new cats around our property. So what can I do is there a practical solution to deter this cat. As my cats are pretty miserable and I don't like being woken up at night.

[cozietoesie]

A microchip cat flap. That will only allow your cats in (because of their unique chips) and will keep out the rest. They're not cheap (about £65-70 online in the UK) but worth it for the peace of mind. If your cats aren't chipped, that should cost about £10-20 each for life depending on the vet's charge and any offers when you have them done.

[cozietoesie]

This is the brand used by most posters here but be sure to shop around for the best price.

[FoxyVeganJane]

Brilliant, will it only work for my chipped cats or any?

Thank you also as you've reminded me I need to make sure our address is up to date on the chip.

I've never heard of those cat flaps. It's driving me mental and upsetting our usually very calm cats.

[cozietoesie]

Only your own cats - it works by clocking the specific (and unique) chip digits and not simply by the fact that there's a chip.

[FoxyVeganJane]

Brilliant, I will be looking for one. To be honest £65 isn't at a lot is it makes the cats feel secure and puts of the outsiders.

If my cats were happy with them then they could come and go as they please but cats are so territorial and these new visitors are upsetting the balance.

Thank you for all your help. :)

[cozietoesie]

I understand that Sureflap also have really excellent customer service if you were to have any problems. (Although, to be fair, there is another brand that some posters use.)

Good luck with the interlopers.