To tell the neighbours the cat isn’t my problem

Miniminxymoo · 2025-04-17T05:51:46+00:00

We have neighbours who own a cat. The cat is a bit of a pain in the backside and continually came in our garden. Obviously, we couldn’t stop it and it treated our garden as its own causing some damage to toys and crapping in the flower beds. We have recently got a lab from a rescue who, as we quickly discovered, doesn’t like cats. As soon as we brought our dog home and let it in the garden it immediately chased this cat down. The dog didn’t catch the cat and is likely never going to but likes to terrify the cat. Thankfully, the cat seems to be trying its luck a little less and our garden isn’t suffering so much mess and damage. Most of the other houses have had dogs for a fair while so cat hasn’t gone into the other gardens, ours was the only one it went into because of the dogs. The neighbours have now complained that they are worried that my dog is going to harm their cat and possibly kill it. Now, as I’ve said, the dog is likely never to catch the cat and my garden is very secure so will never escape. The neighbours have said they will charge us for any vet bills if their cat gets injured and they will complain to the council. neighbours have also said that if the cat is in my garden then I shouldn’t let the dog out for a pee. The issue is, I often don’t see the cat before I let her out. My dog is pretty chilled, never any bother in any other way other than when the cat comes in. AIBU to tell the neighbours that it isn’t my problem if their cat is scared. It’s my garden and my dog’s home and if they have an issue then they’re the ones who should keep their animal in? I’ve suggested for them to put rubber spikes or similar on their fence to hopefully prevent the cat, who is a twat, coming in but they have said the expense to do that should be on me and they don’t like to do things like that!

Original poster

Miniminxymoo · 24/04/2025 12:18

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 24/04/2025 12:05

Our dogs will chase our cat, but only if he is facing away from them. The front elevation of the cat is so scary that they back away, despite them being a minimum of 25kg, and him weighing in at 10lb wringing wet.

They are right to be wary of him - he has truly and richly earned his nickname, CatBastard.

😂😂😂

OP posts:

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 24/04/2025 12:05

Our dogs will chase our cat, but only if he is facing away from them. The front elevation of the cat is so scary that they back away, despite them being a minimum of 25kg, and him weighing in at 10lb wringing wet.

They are right to be wary of him - he has truly and richly earned his nickname, CatBastard.

Navyontop · 24/04/2025 11:25

Miniminxymoo · 24/04/2025 10:42

I’m fully aware of the damage my dog can do, it’s something I’m prepared for and happy to deal with as she is a part of our family. With the damage the cat did however I had no choice.

whilst I shoo the cat if I see it I’m not going to go out and inspect every hiding place. Whilst my dog is a rescue, she’s shown no aggression to anything else. She barks and chases the cat on her own territory much like, according to the numerous answers here, many other dogs.

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As a very dedicated cat owner…
Dogs chase cats! It’s that simple.

Original poster

Miniminxymoo · 24/04/2025 10:42

Sahj123 · 24/04/2025 09:10

If the cats there I wouldn’t let my dog out, because it’s a rescue, you have no idea how badly it could attack the cat and rightly or wrongly, if it does, you risk confiscation and it potentially being put down so I’d be as considerate as possible, whilst still holding the boundary that it’s your dogs home.

As a side note, your dog will destroy your garden more than any cat could! 😅 just wait until he lifts the lawn when he has the zoomies or you get yellow patches everywhere from pee! X

I’m fully aware of the damage my dog can do, it’s something I’m prepared for and happy to deal with as she is a part of our family. With the damage the cat did however I had no choice.

whilst I shoo the cat if I see it I’m not going to go out and inspect every hiding place. Whilst my dog is a rescue, she’s shown no aggression to anything else. She barks and chases the cat on her own territory much like, according to the numerous answers here, many other dogs.

OP posts:

godmum56 · 24/04/2025 10:27

Sahj123 · 24/04/2025 09:10

If the cats there I wouldn’t let my dog out, because it’s a rescue, you have no idea how badly it could attack the cat and rightly or wrongly, if it does, you risk confiscation and it potentially being put down so I’d be as considerate as possible, whilst still holding the boundary that it’s your dogs home.

As a side note, your dog will destroy your garden more than any cat could! 😅 just wait until he lifts the lawn when he has the zoomies or you get yellow patches everywhere from pee! X

no you do not risk confiscation if the dog is in its own secure garden.

BownnTown · 24/04/2025 09:57

Sahj123 · 24/04/2025 09:10

If the cats there I wouldn’t let my dog out, because it’s a rescue, you have no idea how badly it could attack the cat and rightly or wrongly, if it does, you risk confiscation and it potentially being put down so I’d be as considerate as possible, whilst still holding the boundary that it’s your dogs home.

As a side note, your dog will destroy your garden more than any cat could! 😅 just wait until he lifts the lawn when he has the zoomies or you get yellow patches everywhere from pee! X

That’s not true, if the cat is on the dog’s property the dog is not at fault, no matter what happens.

Sahj123 · 24/04/2025 09:10

If the cats there I wouldn’t let my dog out, because it’s a rescue, you have no idea how badly it could attack the cat and rightly or wrongly, if it does, you risk confiscation and it potentially being put down so I’d be as considerate as possible, whilst still holding the boundary that it’s your dogs home.

As a side note, your dog will destroy your garden more than any cat could! 😅 just wait until he lifts the lawn when he has the zoomies or you get yellow patches everywhere from pee! X

BownnTown · 24/04/2025 08:42

Cheeky fucker neighbours!! It’s your garden, not your problem if a cat goes in it and gets injured as a result. What do they expect you to do? Never have a dog because their cat has chosen your garden as its toilet?!

It’s their responsibility to keep the cat safe, not yours.

Littlejellyuk · 24/04/2025 08:20

Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 08:16

I might just do this! Harm goes both ways after all.

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I haven't rtft sorry, but this all seems mental to me.
They have basically allowed the cat to take the piss in your garden (bad pun intended) and now that you have a dog, the cat should stay away (like it does with other dog-owners gardens).

We had a cat problem in the backyard of our old house. They would crap and pee all over it and it stunk.
My hubby jet washed it before we got our dog (who grew up with cats) and poof... the cats soon learnt to stay away, as he would chase and bark (though never try and catch them, just chase them, same as he is with squirrels).
It's not the cat's house or the cat's garden. It's your house and your garden, and your dog.
The cat is free to roam elsewhere and learn to piss off. If the neighbours were truly worried, they would put their hand in their pocket and pay for precautions.
This is not your responsibility. It's your dogs territory, not their cats outdoor litter tray.
The status quo has changed. The neighbours will have to adapt, just like the cat has to.

ThinWomansBrain · 21/04/2025 12:06

you state in the post that the cat avoids the gardens where there's an existing dog - he/she will quickly learn that your garden is another one to steer clear of.

Stolengoat · 21/04/2025 12:00

Your neighbour sounds deranged, did she offer to pay for the damages her cat caused or is it just one way? Ask her if your dog gets into her garden and is scratched by her cat, will she be paying your vet bills?

KTMeetsTheRsUptown · 20/04/2025 16:35

Whaleandsnail6 · 17/04/2025 07:11

I have a dog, who I know would hurt (or kill) a cat if they got the chance (ex racing greyhound)

I never let the dog i the garden without going out first and doing a cat check, as I don't think its worth potentially harming another animal.

Thankfully no cats come in my garden now (one used to but got wise to me chasing it away and also probably saw the dog from afar)

I don't think its a big ask that you check your garden before letting your dog out to prevent a possible injury to the cat

I agree with this with bells on. My previous Dog, Staffy would also try to get any cat that came in our garden so our garden was cat free until the dog got old and pottered out into garden one day and a cat attacked her badly infecting her eye, so loads of visits to the Vet£££.. 3 dogs later now and I always take my dog out into the garden on the lead then let her off when I've made sure there are no cats.

Shubbypubby · 20/04/2025 15:48

I love cats but your garden is your garden. As long as it’s secure and the dog can’t escape, you have the right to let your dog out. Cats can roam freely and that’s a risk every cat owner takes when we let cats out.

Miaminmoo · 20/04/2025 02:52

🤣 I’ve got a lab and he chases my cats - until one day my oldest cat thought sod this and stopped and turned on him and started chasing him - he ran off whimpering - pecking order now established he still runs after them when he can but he’s only playing, he’s scared of them. I’d be very surprised if your lab wanted to harm the cat, they are big friends goons. I’d tell her that if she’s so worried she’ll have to keep her cat in or build a catio - my cats go out but I wouldn’t dream of speaking to a neighbour about what they are doing in their own garden - cats can fend for themselves. My only worry would be the cat scratching your labs eyes - I’ve known it happen. Tell her to go kick rocks and I’m a dog and cat lover.

ScartlettSole · 19/04/2025 20:19

BeingScouseIsMySuperpower · 17/04/2025 08:44

I had a similar problem with my neighbour. They own the fence along their side, and let it deteriorate to ruins and refused to mend it, so we put our own fence in front of it, and a massive hedge because I have a dog and I don’t want him getting out.

Neighbours have a rabbit, and a small dog. They both can walk through neighbours rubble of a fence and crawl under a few gaps where the ground is uneven and get into my garden.

My dog can be let out all day in my garden as it is 360 degree surrounded by fence, wall, hedge and big thick high gate.

I’ve looked out a few times and seen neighbours bunny rabbit happily munching on my lawn, but luckily my dog was inside.

I’ve told my neighbour that she needs to stop her rabbit, and dog, coming into my garden as I can’t be sure my dog won’t kill the rabbit. He’s an alpha male dog.

Her response to me was that I should keep my dog in, as she’s not prepared to hutch her rabbit or fix her fence. All she needs to do is put something to block the gaps her side.

My response to her was that I’ve given her warning as to what could happen, I’m not keeping my dog in, and it’s on her.

Edited

As a rabbit owner i am appalled at this. She sounds a shite rabbit owner. Poor bunny :(

ScartlettSole · 19/04/2025 20:04

If they are so concerned about their cat then they should keep it in their own home/garden. There are more dangers than your lab. There are other dogs, there are cars, there are foxes, poisons both accidental and deliberate.
Your pet is your concern, their pet is not.

WiddlinDiddlin · 19/04/2025 14:53

There isn't a chance that they'd have any kind of claim against you if their cat trespassed into your garden and got injured as a result.

None whatsoever.

I've advised on maaaaaaany doggy legal battles (as a dog behaviourist, often making recommendations to courts for control orders) - it wouldn't even get that far. First question would be 'where was the cat/where was the dog' and as soon as you say 'cat was in the dogs secure back garden' thats it, end of story, you're not liable.

I do the same as you - check if I can see a cat before I open the door. There are several blind spots in my garden, I am not going out there to check each one just in case there is a cat lurking there, it isn't practical for me to do that and its my fucking garden. There should not be a cat there.

BlackCoffeeAndSugar · 19/04/2025 14:40

I'd love to know what they do when a fox chases the cat?!

godmum56 · 19/04/2025 13:29

Drummergirl1971 · 19/04/2025 08:51

You’re right, but the cat isn’t a twat - it’s just a cat, doing cat things. What do you want it to do - sit on the patio & play guitar? You love your pet, they love theirs and aggro with neighbours is never worth it. There demands are unreasonable, but if you can handle it more diplomatically, you will be better off in the long run 🤷🏽‍♀️

they started it
I tried diplomacy with a bully neighbour, they just got worse.

DannyOD · 19/04/2025 13:06

My dog will chase cats in the garden. She doesn’t hate cats as we own one as well but is very territorial. One day she chased the wrong cat who turned around and attacked her (she is a small chihuahua) and actually sliced her tummy with its claws. Did I go and track down the cat’s owner and get them to pay for the operation to sew her back up? No - because that’s just life with pets unfortunately!!

Drummergirl1971 · 19/04/2025 08:51

You’re right, but the cat isn’t a twat - it’s just a cat, doing cat things. What do you want it to do - sit on the patio & play guitar? You love your pet, they love theirs and aggro with neighbours is never worth it. There demands are unreasonable, but if you can handle it more diplomatically, you will be better off in the long run 🤷🏽‍♀️

autisticbookworm · 19/04/2025 06:28

I’d continue to let the dog out and chase the cat away. The cat will stop coming in and problem solved. It’s highly unlikely dog will catch the cat or that he would do anything if he caught it. It’s far more likely that the cat will scratch him if he gets too close

GRex · 19/04/2025 06:07

Likaom · 19/04/2025 02:03

Do they want you don a lollipop lady outfit and escort it if it wants to cross the roads too? I think far more cats get killed on the roads than by dogs. We’re so built up now and drivers are so distracted, plus cats territories are compromised, it’s cruel to let them roam. Better for the cats and birdlife to have “catios” and indoor cats.

It is a bizarre that a human car owner is expected to hit a cat with impunity, but someone can bring a civil case under the Animals Act for a dog on its own property hurting a trespassing cat. Whether the cat owner could win the civil case is up for debate at least, the key is to prove that the dog was not dangerous at the time of attack (e.g. human can recall without problems) and if possible some cat owner negligence.

GRex · 19/04/2025 06:01

Be clear with them that you do not see any signs of aggression in the dog, that it's common for dogs to chase cats out of the garden, and that you expect them to take steps to prevent the cat from entering your garden given that they have concerns. For example, they can net their garden to prevent its exit, leash the cat for its walks, or keep it inside.

Likaom · 19/04/2025 02:03

Do they want you don a lollipop lady outfit and escort it if it wants to cross the roads too? I think far more cats get killed on the roads than by dogs. We’re so built up now and drivers are so distracted, plus cats territories are compromised, it’s cruel to let them roam. Better for the cats and birdlife to have “catios” and indoor cats.