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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel so angry about our neighbours constantly 'visiting' our garden and house!

118 replies

longbay · 26/05/2012 21:34

Firstly I hate cats anyway. But our neighbour has 3 Siamese cats. They are horrible, aggressive, territorial cats who use our garden as a toilet, and come in to our house if a door is left open (which in this weather is quite a lot)!
They even climb in to the car when I'm unloading the shopping.
One night last summer when it was really hot I found one in my DD's bedroom. It was 4am. It scared the he'll out of me!
I HATE cats and feel like I can't have my doors or windows open because of them!
It's ridiculous. Can I do anything about it? So far I've bought all of the so-called anti-cat devices & plants etc Needless to say, none of them work!

OP posts:
Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 22:26

Good idea Random. Gonna google Siamese breed now.

OP posts:
JosieZ · 26/05/2012 22:29

How are they getting in. Do you have a high fence. Could you put that sticky paint around the top of the fence (but on your side), the stuff that is supposed to deter burglars from climbing drain pipes.

Also borrow a dog but make sure they are in the garden before you let the dog out. They need to get a proper scare to deter them.

MoonlightandRoses · 26/05/2012 22:34

Unfortunately, Siamese in particular are quite difficult to deter as they don't scare easily. It might be worth contacting a vet or a reputable cat-rescue to ask for advice on how to keep them out.

You're right though, please don't throw stones at them. From the sounds of it they have had some years of getting away with this behaviour, so whatever you find it will take a while for them to react appropriately to. akaemma's idea of a complete drenching is probably a good place to start.

RandomMess · 26/05/2012 22:35

I agree with Moonlight - the breed are notorious and they've "owned" your property as part of their territory for a long time it seems.

Are you in a hosepipe ban area Grin

Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 22:38

Just read a brilliant one on a cat website. Pop balloons when they come in the garden/ house. Do it a few times so they associate the balloon with a loud noise, then tie a few balloons in the areas that they frequent.
Definitely gonna try that!
My DD's just had her 3rd b'day so we've got loads of spare balloons.
Having said that she'll probably think it's a game and try and play with them.
Oh well, I'm definitely gonna give it a go.

Josie- the fence is pretty high but they still climb it. I've not heard of that paint but I'll look in to it. Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 22:40

No hosepipe ban here.
Filling the paddling pool up with it everyday at the moment!
But then use the water for the plants in the evening, even though it's got Ambre Solaire, DD's wee and playsand in it!

OP posts:
MoonlightandRoses · 26/05/2012 22:42

Well, that's just sunburn protection, extra ammonia and some grit for them, so sounds ideal Grin.

RandomMess · 26/05/2012 22:43

I have cats but I say leave the hosepipe on with one of those trigger sprays or twisting nozzles at the end and get the b*stards!!

I offered to go through my neighbours gravel to clean up any mess but they're very fond of them really and miss having their own gits cats.

Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 22:44

Deckswabber - just read your post. Part of the reason why I hate cats so much is because I'm a bit scared of them. So there is no way I could lock myself in a room with one.
Nice idea though If you are brave enough to do it.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 26/05/2012 22:47

Why are you scared of them?

Unfortunately they are not stupid and they can probably sense they are "top dog" around you due to your fear. In the cat world - approaching them, staring at them etc is very aggressive and "top" position behaviour and that is what you need to exhibit around them.

I am very aloof to dh's cats and they absolutely adore me for it because to them I am sending out calming. loving, family acceptance vibes!

TheHouseOnTheCorner · 26/05/2012 22:50

I have two Siamese and they hate loud noises....you could try something loud? A vivulula whatever they are called maybe?? Mine are also very determined and think they can do as they please...I wouldn't like an invasion ike you're having.

klaxon · 26/05/2012 22:51

Pedigree cats are opinionated little shits (I have one).

IME the only thing that puts ours off going in the building he's not allowed to was me standing there and banging cymbals every time he went near. Had to do it for a day but he shows NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER in going in there now.

He still gets in the car though at every opportunity and also leaps from the garden walls onto the roof and surfs down the driveway Hmm

TheHouseOnTheCorner · 26/05/2012 22:51

Random some people just are scared of them...my Mum can't bear my two Siamese...she doesn't know why and I don't ask her.

TheHouseOnTheCorner · 26/05/2012 22:52

There you go...Klaxons cats don't like loudness either! get one of those stupid football horns OP!

Woofsaidtheladybird · 26/05/2012 22:53

I'm so with you on this. I am a real cat hater. There are 2 mahoosive fluffy Siamese cats that live opposite us. Meander into the house, mooch about on the drive, all that. We even had a few days of 'presents' by the front door - decapitated chicks SadAngry

We've got the water pistol by the door. We're also going to borrow my parents' dig to mooch about our garden and put her doggy smell everywhere. Apparently this might work!

Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 22:53

One jumped of a wall in to my face when I was 6 yrs old and scratched me for absolutely no reason.
I find cats unpredictable. Even when they're in their own home, they creep around and then pounce up on or near you unexpectedly.
I just don't like their nature or anything about them.
As far as I can see, they don't actually do anything?! They get fed, watered and loved by their owners and then just bugger off for the day. Giving nothing in return.
Needless to say I was bought up with pet dogs in the family home. At least dogs do stuff: guard the house, play ball, show affection etc

OP posts:
Woofsaidtheladybird · 26/05/2012 22:53

Tsk. DOG not dig!

lazylula · 26/05/2012 22:54

I have 2 cats but we are having a similar problem with a cat that doesn't belong to us, it jumped in through an open window (which I should have shut but forgot to) and scared the life out of me in my bedroom at 1.30am the other day. That was the second time in a week we have found it shut in the house. It sprays everywhere as it hasn't been 'sorted'. I believe it is a stray as it is very dirty, was sporting an injury for a while and is always around. Infact we found it under our dining table this evening. I have armed my 2 boys with water pistols and instructed them to use them on this cat (and ONLY this cat) to try and put it off coming in our garden as I do not want it getting into my children's bedrooms ect. You have my sympathies but I have no idea what you can do.

Woofsaidtheladybird · 26/05/2012 22:55

Vuvuzela? Sounds gynaecological...Hmm

Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 22:58

My neighbours are going to think I'm going mad if I start blowing a vivivula thingy, bashing cymbals and popping balloons every time one of those cats come in my garden.
I'll probably end up getting a noise complaint from the local council!

However, if it stops the cats, i'm prepared to give it a go!

OP posts:
TheHouseOnTheCorner · 26/05/2012 23:00

yes! You can buy those awful air horns too....outdoor markets in the street often have them...horribly loud but that's what you need!

Original poster
longbay · 26/05/2012 23:00

Woof - love the name

OP posts:
RandomMess · 26/05/2012 23:01

I much prefer dogs, dh is the cat lover, but we have deliberately chosen a very over affection breed they are like dogs but don't need walking cats are much much harder to read than dogs which doesn't help humans! I was scared by cats as a child due to their claws too!

They are generally stubborn and curious so you have to dig your heels in and be more stubborn back I'm afraid.

MoonlightandRoses · 26/05/2012 23:02

In fairness, ours meet us at the door, have obviously missed us when we are out all day and will come and snuggle in if I am stressed.

If you don't like them though, and I can see why, then I do hope it doesn't take them too long to learn (by whatever method, and I can see you intend to be humane about it) that your house and garden are now out of bounds.

If the balloons / vet / rescue suggestions don't work - maybe contact an animal behaviouralist? There's probably someone on this site if you post to the litter tray.

ToxicMoxie · 26/05/2012 23:03

Use a squirt bottle with vinegar and citrus. And when you squirt them, RUN at them, yelling, squirting in the face. Channel the biggest, baddest Rottweiler you can imagine and they'll run. if you think "I am going to eat you!" as you run at them, they will know it and scamper. I also like to get really still and stare, then creep slowly forward, baring my teeth a little. that always freaks out cats, even my own!

When they are in the drive, a big long honk when you drive up should do it.