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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My cats and cat poo in neighbours' gardens

555 replies

Blahdeblah1 · 12/07/2015 08:52

I moved into my house a year ago and have three cats. My neighbours are all quite elderly and have lived there for decades, they are all keen gardeners and very proud of their gardens.

Several months ago my next door neighbour started complaining to me about my cats pooing on his drive, so every time I go round and clear it up. Although to be honest I'm not convinced that the poo is from my cats.

Anyway, I'm now having complaints about cat poo from people who live way down the street, that my cats are pooing in their garden, although they admitted they hadn't actually seen the cat that did it. I live on a large suburban housing estate where there are loads of cats.

AIBU for thinking that cats are cats and I shouldn't be expected to be picking up any cat poo really, and to tell my neighbours to deal with it themselves and stop complaining to me? I can't control where my cats poo, they are not dogs.

OP posts:
Teabagbeforemilk · 12/07/2015 09:44

If they have a litter tray, then you are at least trying.

However, again why are you so against picking up other people's cats shits, when you think the neighbours should be ok with picking your cats up?

Rachel you could choose to not have a cat at all. Not saying you shouldn't have one. But it hasn't be forced on you as you say

EponasWildDaughter · 12/07/2015 09:44

Out of interest OP, where do you think your cats are pooing? Do you get cat poo in your garden?

Perfectlypurple · 12/07/2015 09:50

rachel being unable to have a dog does not mean you haven't chosen to have a cat. You could just not have any animal, or a different one like a rabbit or something.

chickenfuckingpox · 12/07/2015 09:53

put prickle strips on your fencing to stop your cats shitting anywhere but your garden then you know its yours and you can clean up after them when the neighbours ring you can tell them its not your cats doing it

Mouthfulofquiz · 12/07/2015 09:57

Cat shit in gardens makes me so mad. I'm now collecting it in a flower pot which I have subtly put next to the cat owners gate. Hoping that the wafting smell starts to impact on her just enough to do something. Seeing as having a chat about it, me using garlic anti-cat powder, and literally chasing her cats out of the garden doesn't work. holly leaves in the borders are next...

VolumniaDedlock · 12/07/2015 10:00

i've made an offer to my neighbours to pick up any cat poo they might find in their gardens. There are a good half-dozen cats who patrol this stretch of the street, but honestly dealing with a few extra turds is no biggie to me.

having said that, if they were really taking the piss, I'd suggest that I'd keep the cat in for a few days, and see if the turds keep appearing. If they do, they you know they're not your responsibility

yellowcurtains · 12/07/2015 10:00

When you're pregnant with a toddler, bending over to clean up other people's animal crap is just what you want every time your child wants five minutes outside. Hmm
Litter train or don't have animals that poo outside.

londonrach · 12/07/2015 10:04

Thats one thing i never understood why do dog owners pick up poo and cat owners dont. Sounds like different rules for both. Surely if you have a pet and it poos its your responsibility to pick it up?

KneeQuestion · 12/07/2015 10:07

When your litterbox trained cat starts to go outside, select a patch in your garden and place some soiled litter there, the cat should then use that spot as its toilet, all in one place, so easy for you to collect and dispose of the poo.

This has worked for me and a few others I know.

OP it is quite likely not your cat doing all the crapping, I think the other neighbours have heard about your arrangement with your immediate neighbours and want in!

NynaevesSister · 12/07/2015 10:08

The people saying litter train seem to think cats are like dogs. You can litter train all you like and the cats may still prefer to go outside.

OP as they have been house cats before I would be inclined to keep them inside for a few days and see if you still get complaints. Then you can genuinely say it isn't your cat. Tell them that you had to keep them inside a few days for vets reasons, it isn't permanent but good to know it isn't your cats. Then maybe try a couple of the other ideas here. The freshly dug earth one sounds good.

MythicalKings · 12/07/2015 10:10

Get catproof fences so they can't leave your garden.

londonrach · 12/07/2015 10:11

My friend has a litter tray trained house rabbit. Surely cats are as bright as a rabbit?

FanFuckingTastic · 12/07/2015 10:11

My outdoor cat mostly goes in her litter tray, but if for some reason she was defecating in my immediate neighbours outside areas, I'd be happy to clean it up.

Beyond that I would question if it were actually her to blame. There are a lot of cats in this area, I see at least five regularly, and get bothered by a particular tom that sits outside my window meowing as though he's mine and wants in all... night... long!! He's sprayed my mobility scooter too, as it's right beneath the window my Missy uses to get in and out.

There are a lot of urban animals that are going to be out and about and pooping wherever they like, I never really saw much of a difference if cats do it, it's often quite territorial to mark their area, much like bigger cats do. If I've had a cat that prefers outside toileting, it's always been male for some reason. But my lovely Derpie got run over couple of months ago. Sad

TCbythesea · 12/07/2015 10:16

I'm not a cat owner and when we moved into our house initially had a nightmare with cat poo in the front and back garden. We live in a small close and there are at least 9 cats in 4 houses, plus plenty of others on the estate. It stinks, and I get so fed up clearing up after other people's pets.

That said unless I knew which specific cat was definitely the culprit I wouldn't dream of asking a random owner to clear it up. Instead I use reasonable defences to try and discourage the little swines. One cat owning neighbour knows I've been a bit naffed off and gave me some stuff you sprinkle to deter them that she had left over. It didn't work but I really appreciated the gesture.

I don't think YABU, although if it keeps the peace with NDN how much is it putting you out to do it just for them.

Jengnr · 12/07/2015 10:18

Keep your cats inside. That way they won't impact on the neighbours, will be safe from traffic and you get to do everything a responsible pet owner should do, including enjoying your animals and cleaning up after them.

Everyone's a winner!

Original poster
Blahdeblah1 · 12/07/2015 10:20

Thanks for the replies. The cats poo in the litter tray and at the side of the house.

OP posts:
Alibabsandthe40Musketeers · 12/07/2015 10:20

Either train your cats or keep them in your house.

Your choice of pet shouldn't be inflicted on your neighbours in the form of crap.

ProudAS · 12/07/2015 10:27

I very much doubt that the poo on neighbour's drive is from OP's cats as they generally bury it.

She has a litter tray for them and has trained them to use it but there is only so much she can do.

ILikeCheesee · 12/07/2015 10:28

No matter how annoying people find cat poo, it's not against the law for them to poo in gardens, they are allowed to roam free. This is the law and you don't get to decide it.
Your neighbours are bullying you. They cannot say it's your cat poo and even if it was what do they expect you to do?
They have a problem with the law they can write to their local mp
Although nothing will be done about it

Floggingmolly · 12/07/2015 10:28

If you choose to have a cat; then their shit is your problem. PICK IT UP, you minger.

Teabagbeforemilk · 12/07/2015 10:36

No matter how annoying people find cat poo, it's not against the law for them to poo in gardens, they are allowed to roam free. This is the law and you don't get to decide it.

No one said it was illegal. It is disgusting.

As i have said why should the neighbors be ok with picking up cat shit when the OP isn't happy picking up cat shit that probably belongs to another cat?

ILikeCheesee · 12/07/2015 10:37

It's not the law to pick up cat shit.
It is however against the law to harrass people over laws they cannot change.
Again tell them to go March outside parliament against cat poo, they sound like they have time on their hands.
If they harrass you again get the police involved.

Lurkedforever1 · 12/07/2015 10:37

Yanbu to object to being held responsible for every cat shit in the area. But on a moral level yabu to object to having to clear up yours.
I have cats. My neighbours are all aware that if my cats were to start shitting in their gardens I would clean it up, because while legally I don't have to morally it's the neighbourly thing to do. As it is my cats don't so its not an issue, despite me frequently reminding neighbours to tell me if they do. Just like legally I can leave my drive and outside my house empty and park across my neighbours house but I wouldn't because it's just inconsiderate

Teabagbeforemilk · 12/07/2015 10:38

Is it illegal to shoot a cat with a water pistol on your own land?

I have never done it, but a neighbour did. they haven't been back.

Just think about ilike post. in regards to the fact that if something is legal, but inconsiderate its ok to do.

ILikeCheesee · 12/07/2015 10:39

And some people may find things you do disgusting. Why is your word better than others?

Why should she pick up any cat shit? ITS NOT ILLEGAL in a court of LAW there is NO case here.
You don't get to decide the law so get over it.