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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:
godmum56 · 17/04/2025 15:51

SporadicMincePieMuncher · 17/04/2025 15:47

If you fear for your cat's life because your cat is going into your neighbour's garden, it should be a wherever-in-the-world-you-are, thing.

Not so long ago it was much more culturally normal in the UK for dogs to be allowed to roam. Now it isn't, and we do our best to meet their needs in other ways. Same can be true for changing the culture and norm around free roaming cats.Better an indoor cat than a paralysed in pain or dead cat.

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They don't have to be indoor cats, There are now several options for allowing cats access to outdoors without letting them roam beyond your own garden. Google "catio" yes they cost money but maybe if someone can't afford it then owning a cat is not for them?

godmum56 · 17/04/2025 15:49

faerietales · 17/04/2025 14:30

Excellent, a system that gives your cat an electric shock!

Very caring Hmm

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yup, doesn't work either.

SporadicMincePieMuncher · 17/04/2025 15:47

OuchyEars · 17/04/2025 15:42

Not letting cats outside seems to be a usa thing, like declawing so that they can't cat.

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If you fear for your cat's life because your cat is going into your neighbour's garden, it should be a wherever-in-the-world-you-are, thing.

Not so long ago it was much more culturally normal in the UK for dogs to be allowed to roam. Now it isn't, and we do our best to meet their needs in other ways. Same can be true for changing the culture and norm around free roaming cats.Better an indoor cat than a paralysed in pain or dead cat.

OuchyEars · 17/04/2025 15:42

Namechangelikeits1999 · 17/04/2025 15:35

Allowing cats to freely roam isn't considered responsible cat owning?

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Not letting cats outside seems to be a usa thing, like declawing so that they can't cat.

Nextdoor55 · 17/04/2025 15:42

Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 10:17

It would be extremely hard for someone to say my dog is ‘out of control’ if it manages to catch a cat in its own garden to be honest. Especially with no other evidence nor history the dog has ever done it before to anything other than said cat.

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Probably would be reasonable to try to train dog not to chase because might make walking your dog more difficult if he thinks it's ok, might mistake a small dog for fair game.
Personally I would not be happy if my dog were to kill a cat, not at all. It would really upset me actually.

Namechangelikeits1999 · 17/04/2025 15:35

Agix · 17/04/2025 06:56

I'm a cat lover and own cats

This is not your problem. Your garden is your dogs garden, and your dog should be allowed there whenever it (and you) like. You shouldn't have to cater to next doors cat.

If your neighbours are worried about their cats safety in your garden, they need to figure out how to keep it away. Their cats safety is their responsibility. If they asked any cat protection charity, they'd all say to keep the cat inside of there are concerns for safety. Allowing free roaming for cats hasn't been considered responsible cat ownership for a long time.

Allowing cats to freely roam isn't considered responsible cat owning?

OuchyEars · 17/04/2025 15:33

AlertCat · 17/04/2025 07:58

To my knowledge, cats are classed as wild animals when they’re out and about, whereas a dog is its owner’s responsibility- that’s why it’s an offence to stop if you run over a dog but not a cat, and why you can’t force your neighbours to do anything about cats crapping in your garden. So the neighbours can say what they like but if their pet isn’t under their control they won’t have a leg to stand on. It goes both ways- they have the benefit of not being held accountable for their cat’s behaviour but the disadvantage that it’s not legally protected if it’s allowed to roam.

@AlertCat why did you post this at 7:58 and again at 12:35 ?
And did you really mean that "it's an offence to stop if you run over a dog but not a cat" surely it's not an offence to stop for either situation, but is an offence to not stop if you run over a dog.
I wouldn't have noticed the duplicate post if not for the strange duplicate mistake.

SporadicMincePieMuncher · 17/04/2025 15:25

It's very simple. Their cat, their responsibility to keep it safe.

I would tell them that. Your responsibility ends with ensuring that your dog stays on your own property. If they don't want to go to the expense of escape-proofing their own bloody garden, they keep their own bloody cat inside the house. If they want their cat to have the privilege of crapping in your flower beds, they need to accept the risk that comes with it.

And they ought to have the means to pay for their own bloody vets bills too, via insurance if necessary. It might sound all high and mighty and intimidating to say that they'd sue you for vet bills but small claims court would take 12 weeks plus, involve expense to them, and have no guarantee - their vets will want paying before then.

interestedwhy · 17/04/2025 15:23

The cat will get the message and go somewhere else . Continue as you are

CatsWhiskerz · 17/04/2025 15:19

I'd make a noise when you open the door and perhaps call the dogs name, the cat will get the hint that the hound is out and about.
I have a dog and 3 cats, and the cats avoid our own dog in the garden as she loves the chase game!
Tell them to ensure they insure their cat though if they're worried about vet bills

BumpyWinds · 17/04/2025 15:13

Miniminxymoo · 17/04/2025 07:25

We’ve had the dog for 3 months. For some bizarre reason the cat just isn’t seeming to learn. It’s not every day but I would say about 3/4 times a week it wants to try its luck. It’s a pretty bolshy cat but is wise enough not to hang around when the dog is let out nor will it come in when the dog is already out in the garden.

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Is it orange? Orange (ginger) cats seem to only have one collective brain cell between them. I'm sure it'll be his turn soon enough to have it and he'll learn!

YANBU though and I say that as a cat owner. Our neighbour has a loud barky german shepherd that would tear the cats to shreds if it got the chance. Our cats either go nowhere near it, or sit on top of a shed staring down at it to terrorise it.

Lovelysummerdays · 17/04/2025 15:12

Honestly I don’t think they’d get very far with a small claim. They’d have to demonstrate negligence on your part and dog in secure garden won’t count. It amazes me that cat owners want it both ways. Cats are free to roam and poo/ scratch wherever as essentially wild animals but if harmed are property and would like compensation.

My dog is also a lab and would definitely chase off a strange cat in the garden. I wouldn’t say she is reactive but she has killed a few rabbits( I put chicken wire fence up to keep them out) and the odd grouse that have appeared in the garden. Absolutely fine with chickens, children, other dogs, cats when out and about are given a hard stare but she knows not to chase.

HenryCavillsPerfectTeeth · 17/04/2025 15:00

Tell them to keep their cat in, take it out on a lead or cat proof their garden. Ignore them going forwards don’t enter into any further dispute or discussion. You won’t be checking for their pet on your property before letting your pet have use of your property. Yours wont be the only dog the cat comes across in their travels. The cat hopefully has more sense than your neighbours.

Chipsahoy · 17/04/2025 14:47

Cat will be fine. My lab chases our farm cats. She’s never caught them. And honestly they’ve gone right after her before and she’s run away scared herself.
Carry on as normal and ignore the neighbours.

TinyFlamingo · 17/04/2025 14:45

They can put a 45 degree terrace up if that are that worried a cat won't jump.

Wineisalwaysagoodidea · 17/04/2025 14:38

I say this as a cat owner, your neighbours are being ridiculous.
Chances of your dog catching the cat are slim, also, cats will defend themselves so it could be you with the vets bill.
Your dog is contained within your garden so it’s their cat that’s the issue. Cats (generally) aren’t stupid and this one will also learn that your garden is no longer dog free and keep clear

faerietales · 17/04/2025 14:30

ParsnipPuree · 17/04/2025 14:26

All sorts of dangers out there, that’s why I have a system that keeps my cats in our garden, they wear a special collar. It’s called Freedom Fence. Tell your neighbour!

Excellent, a system that gives your cat an electric shock!

Very caring Hmm

ParsnipPuree · 17/04/2025 14:26

All sorts of dangers out there, that’s why I have a system that keeps my cats in our garden, they wear a special collar. It’s called Freedom Fence. Tell your neighbour!

Ponderingwindow · 17/04/2025 14:19

If they truly cared about their cat, they wouldn’t be letting it get into your garden. I’ve got 3 cats. Their safety is my responsibility.

Eggsandavocado · 17/04/2025 14:15

I’ve got several dogs and 2 cats, my neighbours have several cats, ALL of the cats know they are fair game outside despite the dogs being great with my own indoors. My dogs have had my neighbours cats acting like Garfield clinging to trees many a time … they don’t learn, they still come in my garden. Fortunately my neighbour, unlike yours, isn’t a twat.

Emmz1510 · 17/04/2025 13:50

Jeez the entitlement of some people is astounding! Your dog can go in his own garden whenever you/he want or he needs to. The cat will soon learn to leg it quickly and ultimately (hopefully) stay away.

nomoretreats · 17/04/2025 13:49

Wonder if they are keen for you to keep the dog in so the cat can continue using your garden as its personal toilet and is now using their own garden? Maybe that’s why they aren’t interested in doing anything to keep said cat contained.

Catlady63 · 17/04/2025 13:44

Have you suggested that the cat just stay in their garden? They sound incredibly entitled - your garden is their cat's garden first and foremost.

Hoppinggreen · 17/04/2025 13:39

ConnieSlow · 17/04/2025 13:37

I loathe cats so I would set the dog out every time it comes into your garden. If it get injured, oh well it’s not your problem what happens in your own property.

Nice

ConnieSlow · 17/04/2025 13:37

I loathe cats so I would set the dog out every time it comes into your garden. If it get injured, oh well it’s not your problem what happens in your own property.

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