Neighbour wants to use air rifle on our cat.

[VilootShesCute]

Husband and I overhead the new neighbours saying that if our cat comes and sits on their front door step again they'll get an air rifle and shoot it. I'm very worried now as he's an extremely friendly boy who tends to mill around the locals and I don't really want to go up against them as they're a bit scary. Anyone been in this type of situation before and willing to give me some advice?!

[MrsBertMacklin]

What's 'a bit scary'?

If it's a choice between standing up to them and just hoping they won't kill your cat, I think I'd try to muster my courage, take husband and other witnesses if possible round to their front door and let them know you heard them plotting and you'll have no hesitation to involve the police and RSPCA if cat comes home with as much as a scratch on him.

[VilootShesCute]

They are the sort you couldn't reason with and have a reputation in the area. You are right though. Dh will speak to them without worrying but I hate the thought of bad feeling and living next door to people who have no regard for animal or human and not being in their good books.

[Veterinari]

I'd log it with 111 (is that the right number?) or your local PCSO
Shooting an animal with an air rifle is illegal. Letting them know someone is keeping an eye on them should deter them.
Wankers

[TrinityForce]

Sounds like bluster, I'd ignore it and carry on.

[MrsBertMacklin]

But they have already proven they have no regard for animals and your cat is already not in their good books. I don't think that NOT speaking to them will stop them shooting him? Whereas telling them they've been overheard and you are aware of their intentions, might?

Shooting with an air rifle is a criminal offence, doesn't seem to lead to jail time unless there is a lot of pain and suffering, but it does attract fines and community service. Maybe the thought of consequences will stop them.

I would let DH speak to them, with a witness and also ask 101 to log what you heard and the outcome of DH's conversation, so it's on record in the event things get worse.

[Vinorosso74]

Jeez what is it with some people?! Yes report them. I don't know the full legalities around this sort of thing but it's cruel and sick to harm a living creature for no reason. If they really don't want him on their doorstep a water pistol should be enough to chase him off.
I don't have much time for cat haters.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Can you fence your garden so your cat can't get out?

[VilootShesCute]

Thank you for suggestions. I think I will call local pcso's and make them aware. Garden is fenced but he'll jump over anything under 20 foot and is obviously an outside cat so can't keep him in unfortunately. I may suggest to them a water pistol as that is definitely preferable to a fecking air rifle I'd never do this to someone's cat I just don't understand why they could hate such a sweet loving thing. He's not even nasty he wants love that's all.

[Catzpyjamas]

I'd make sure they know you heard them by taking round a water pistol and saying "If our cat comes onto your property and you don't want him there, I'd appreciate it if you'd use this, NOT an air rifle".
DH would go round and offer to try out their air rifle on a much bigger target.

[VilootShesCute]

I appreciate not everyone likes cats but how in God's name do you stop a cat roaming and doing what cats do??!!! We weight down our bins so as not to attract cats and other animals. We use deterrents (sticks in the soil) to stop them crapping in freshly dug areas and we don't have any problems.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I would call the police, there are very strict rules concerning air rifles.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Garden is fenced but he'll jump over anything under 20 foot and is obviously an outside cat so can't keep him in unfortunately

Have you tried cat fencing eg www.purrfectfence.co.uk (not a recommendation, just first hit in Google)

[VilootShesCute]

goingtobefine That looks good. Thank you.

[chocdonutyy]

Maybe they knew you were eavesdropping and thought if they said it you might keep the cat in so it wouldn't bother them?
Not nice I agree but possibly more of an empty threat rather than a proper one.
Or could just be a bit of bluster, again possibly that they would never do such a thing, just bragging a bit.
I love cats and have 3 myself, indoor only due to fast cars and horrible human's!

[ElegantDream]

Securacat is another cat fencing option (they were cheaper for my garden)

[VilootShesCute]

Thank you all x