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AIBU?

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Original poster

To tell the neighbours the cat isn’t my problem

389 replies

Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 06:51

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!

OP posts:
ClairDeLaLune · 17/04/2025 09:22

I am a cat person. I love them and have 4. I don’t really like dogs, I’ve been scared of them from an early age.

However even I think your neighbour is totally unreasonable! How dare they tell you what to do in your own garden?! What’s your dog supposed to do when their cat is in your garden wrecking it or whatever? Cross its legs? Pee in your house? It’s your garden! YOUR garden!!

Nextdoor55 · 17/04/2025 09:22

You sound like a true animal lover.
That aside no it's your garden but I'd definitely be trying to train my dogs not to chase as he'll likely chase small dogs or animals on walks which puts him in more of a dangerous situation as you have the responsibility of keeping control of dog at all times.

Original poster
Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 09:21

Lostcat · 17/04/2025 09:16

I was thinking this. Even if it’s in your garden, if the dog kills the cat isn’t that your responsibility?

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As far as I know, there is no law against dogs attacking or killing cats. Not that I think it’s right at all and not that I want my dog to do it. However, my dog is in a secure garden. When I say secure, I mean secure in the fact that the dog cannot escape.

OP posts:
Whippetlovely · 17/04/2025 09:19

Fundays12 · 17/04/2025 09:15

As a cat lover and owner I don't think this is your problem. I probably would suggest checking your garden before letting the dog out initially just to make sure the cat isn't an inch from the back door though I doubt it will come back anyway. That suggestion is not because I think it's your issue but just so the cat isn't in the dogs direct line.

If my cats wander into a dog's garden and get chased it's their own fault. You need to keep the dog on a leash though outwith the garden if it really doesn't like cats though.

Absolutely not the dog is free in roam in it's own garden for goodness sake.

jen337 · 17/04/2025 09:18

So your neighbours are trying to claim your garden as a play area and toilet for their cat? Tell them to jog on.

Alwayswonderedwhy · 17/04/2025 09:18

They need to keep the cat out of your garden if they're worried. Not your problem.

Lostcat · 17/04/2025 09:16

GooseOnMyGrave · 17/04/2025 07:14

I’m not an expert by any means, but I’m not convinced the law would be on your side if the dog did manage to hurt or kill the cat.
If you see the cat in the garden, why not take the dog out on a lead for the 30 seconds it would take for the cat to run away and then let the dog off once the cat has gone?

I was thinking this. Even if it’s in your garden, if the dog kills the cat isn’t that your responsibility?

Fundays12 · 17/04/2025 09:15

As a cat lover and owner I don't think this is your problem. I probably would suggest checking your garden before letting the dog out initially just to make sure the cat isn't an inch from the back door though I doubt it will come back anyway. That suggestion is not because I think it's your issue but just so the cat isn't in the dogs direct line.

If my cats wander into a dog's garden and get chased it's their own fault. You need to keep the dog on a leash though outwith the garden if it really doesn't like cats though.

LillyPJ · 17/04/2025 09:13

Riaanna · 17/04/2025 08:29

That is not true.

www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/getting-a-cat/cats-and-the-law

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I read the link and it's true that a cat doesn't 'have the right to roam'. However, if you read the whole section you will see that it explains what this means and that actually, it's cat owners who have a responsibility to ensure that their cat doesn't harm other people's property.

Whippetlovely · 17/04/2025 09:12

Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 07:09

Just to add, sorry should have said this, I shoo it out if I see it as I won’t make the dog wait. Often it’s in places I just don’t see it though. I won’t go out and inspect the hiding places though and don’t feel I should have to.

Edited

You don't need to shoo it out, if its your garden and the cat comes in and the dogs out tough shit. It will soon learn not to come over. I have a dog and a cat, the cats owners are insane. Most dogs and other cats will chase out another cat that comes on its property. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Original poster
Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 09:11

toomuchfaff · 17/04/2025 09:07

Having had a cat that was killed in its own garden by a neighbours dog, i can quite categorically say that the law in regard to cat vs dog violence is classed as "nature".

The Council don't care, the police don't care. No one cares about dog on cat violence. They can try to charge you vet bills, but they would have to take you to small claims court.

Your neighbours are batshit if they think you're going to do a "catcheck" before letting the dog out.

Tell them to do one. The cat will soon learn to either be fast enough to wind up your dog, or to stay away

If my dog hurt or killed an animal in the animal’s own garden I would be devastated and would do my upmost to pay for vets bills and support the owners. It’s terrible that that happened to your cat.

I wouldn’t ever want my dog to harm another animal and do try and prevent the situation as much as possible but also can’t fully control the situation when I don’t see the cat.

I’m so sorry that happened 🙁

OP posts:
OutandAboutMum1821 · 17/04/2025 09:11

YANBU. Your garden, your dog. Cat shouldn’t be there. Cat owners need to cat proof their gardens. What a cheek!

I am personally sick of other people’s cats pooing in my garden where my children play. My children have trodden in this disgusting stuff! So I have recently netted off the bottom of my gate and put plastic spikes all along the top of my fence. This has improved things (tried things that emit noise, granules, citrus peel, all sorts). I’m actually annoyed I’ve had to pay for this.

I have chosen not to have pets- keep out of my garden!

IfYouPutASausageInItItsNotAViennetta · 17/04/2025 09:08

The neighbours are the feline world equivalent of the expression 'When you've only ever known privilege, equality will feel like oppression to you'.

toomuchfaff · 17/04/2025 09:07

Having had a cat that was killed in its own garden by a neighbours dog, i can quite categorically say that the law in regard to cat vs dog violence is classed as "nature".

The Council don't care, the police don't care. No one cares about dog on cat violence. They can try to charge you vet bills, but they would have to take you to small claims court.

Your neighbours are batshit if they think you're going to do a "catcheck" before letting the dog out.

Tell them to do one. The cat will soon learn to either be fast enough to wind up your dog, or to stay away

Original poster
Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 09:06

IpsyUpsyDaisyDoos · 17/04/2025 09:04

In our garden, the cats often just appear out of the hedge. They're also often chilling under a tree that I can't see from the back door.

When I let my dog out, into our garden, you would think it reasonable that I firstly shut the dog in the house, walk from the door round the corner, check under all the hedges and trees and behind any plants, then walk back and let my dog out for a wee? First wee of the day at 530/6am? In all weathers, before work and while also wrangling my 3 year old (who likes to be up at stupid o clock)?

Or, is the responsibility for the neighbours cat not being in my garden where there's a dog actually on the neighbour? Who owns said cat?

I don't want my dog to hurt a cat and I don't think she actually would. But it's not on me to check that other people's pets aren't on my property before I let my dog out to go to the loo.

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This is it, when she’s visiting for the loo, other than a quick visual scan, I’m not going to go hunting in all the places the cat like to prowl.

OP posts:
Bruisername · 17/04/2025 09:06

My dog will chase cats but my garden is small enough that I could see if there is one in the garden. They tend to skirt the garden walking along the fence - if dog sees them from the window he barks and they tend to get to the next garden sharpish.

I wouldn’t let dog out if a cat was in the garden - mainly because he’d probably come off worse in a fight!- but I wouldn’t check first if I were you. Cats are pretty quick so I’m sure it would get out of the garden as soon as it hears the door open!

IfYouPutASausageInItItsNotAViennetta · 17/04/2025 09:05

I’m a dog and a cat owner.

I misconstrued this for a second - and thought what an amazingly clever dog to be using MN Grin

WonderingWanda · 17/04/2025 09:05

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

She sounds like a complete twit....why on earth wouldn't she secure her garden. I'd be tempted to take her rabbit to a rescue next time it appears in my garden.

Original poster
Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 09:04

Zonder · 17/04/2025 09:02

To be fair not many cats respond to being called.

I would keep a water spray bottle by your back door to teach the cat not to come in your garden if you see it on the fence. That's how we kept our cats off the new sofas.

Cat hasn’t previously cared about being squirted. We tried before we got the dog as I was tired of all the crap in the garden. It’s a bolshy cat that’s for sure!

OP posts:
IpsyUpsyDaisyDoos · 17/04/2025 09:04

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

In our garden, the cats often just appear out of the hedge. They're also often chilling under a tree that I can't see from the back door.

When I let my dog out, into our garden, you would think it reasonable that I firstly shut the dog in the house, walk from the door round the corner, check under all the hedges and trees and behind any plants, then walk back and let my dog out for a wee? First wee of the day at 530/6am? In all weathers, before work and while also wrangling my 3 year old (who likes to be up at stupid o clock)?

Or, is the responsibility for the neighbours cat not being in my garden where there's a dog actually on the neighbour? Who owns said cat?

I don't want my dog to hurt a cat and I don't think she actually would. But it's not on me to check that other people's pets aren't on my property before I let my dog out to go to the loo.

Zonder · 17/04/2025 09:02

To be fair not many cats respond to being called.

I would keep a water spray bottle by your back door to teach the cat not to come in your garden if you see it on the fence. That's how we kept our cats off the new sofas.

dottydodah · 17/04/2025 09:02

They sound deranged! We have always had dogs, and all 3 have at different times chased cats .It's what they do FFS.I doubt the Council will do anything except roll their eyes ,and shuffle the complaint towards the bin. Honestly some people .My dog is so good natured but hates cats!

ExpressCheckout · 17/04/2025 09:00

Don't forget to practise a 'like-for-like' policy when their cat craps in your garden. Doggie poo bag optional.

Gerwurtztraminer · 17/04/2025 08:59

Contraryjane · 17/04/2025 08:38

Your dog is a Lab. To use a good Northern expression, they’re all mouth and no trousers. A Jack Russell, however, might kill a cat.

Good description of most labradors! I agree risk of him actually hurting the cat is low.

@Miniminxymoo the thing I would say is in your interests not to let your dog chase the cat as if he gets too close a good swipe from a cat could result in a bad scratch that can actually do some damage. My sisters young daft spaniel got scratched on the eye by the family cat because he kept bouncing about & chasing her (just trying to play) and she just got fed up one day. It got infected and cost a fortune in vet bills and it's a miracle he didn't lose his sight in it.

Your neighbours are being daft about you being liable for vet bills but in the interests if it not getting unpleasant I'd just say you'll do you best to check the garden first. You don't actually have to, though as I say, is worth your while to ensure dog is safe as well.

hestkuk · 17/04/2025 08:58

Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 08:54

They’re not even willing to try anything their side to prevent the cat coming in. I know it’s likely not possible to stop the cat but they won’t entertain the thought of trying anything on their fence to stop such easy access. They don’t even try and call it in when they’re fully aware it’s in our garden (such as when they’re outside).

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Yeah, well in that case it's on them if anything happens to the cat. Just as if the cat gets run over on the main road. If you let cats out then there are all kinds of hazards and you have to accept the risk or they have to stay inside.
Mine are indoor cats.

Honestly, I wouldn't give it another thought. If they bring it up again just keep saying it's on them to keep their cat out of your garden if they are concerned about the dog and you will continue to let your dog out into the garden as and when you please.