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AIBU?

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Original poster

To expect my neighbour to take responsibility for his cat attacking mine?!!

163 replies

cleanasawhistle2195 · 31/07/2015 19:47

Back story: we live by a busy main road- cross the main road, and a family have just moved in about 5 weeks ago with their cat.

About two weeks ago- I had to chase their cat from our garden, it was just sat by the rockery. I knew it was theirs as I walk past their house and have seen it sat in the window. Not a problem- cats roam, I get that.

But now it's much more serious- the cat has attacked mine, leaving him with injuries which I've had to spend £60 (that I don't really have) to get sorted at the vets this morning. Not to mention whatever it will cost me when we have to go back in 10 days.

Went to knock today to have a word, and they have openly admitted their cat can be vicious- but aren't willing to leave it locked in as they have a toddler and the cat needs an escape. I asked them what they were going to do about the £60 it had cost me at the vet this morning, and they refuse to reimburse us. Quite frankly, I'm seething.

The cat has been in the garden again today- I went out with a water pistol but it scarpered before I got near. Went and spoke to our neighbour next door, and she told me she has had to chase the cat out of her garden as well.

Kitty now has to stay in for 10 days and is already driving me bonkers with his yowling to get out, not to mention the puddles and shit I've had to clean up today as he doesn't seem to be able to work out the litter tray is for him (fair enough I guess seeing as he hasn't come across one for 13 years!. Don't see why I should have to keep my cat in long term- we've never had any problems and he loves his independance, so to take that away from him now- well, I don't think it would be very fair.

Quite honestly, I'm thinking about reporting them. AIBU for that- and AIBU to think it's their responsibility?!

OP posts:
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FishWithABicycle · 31/07/2015 20:24

By the way in response to your addition of 20:03 op - if a pit bull is vicious it has been trained to be. A cat can't be trained.
A dog owner has an obligation in law to be responsible for the behaviour of their dog. If you have a cat as a pet you have no such responsibility because the law recognises that it would be laughable to attempt to impose such a responsibility.

Rosieliveson · 31/07/2015 20:27

I'm sorry your cat has been attacked and hurt. Hopefully they will settle down once new cat has settled into the territory rules.

Unfortunately though, cats do roam and they do fight. There is nothing you or your neighbour can do so YABU

My neighbour knocked shortly after we had moved in to say my cat was in his garden trying to catch mice. He was worried about there being blood on the lawn. My DH said "thanks for letting me know. We will have a word when he comes home" as though talking about a teenage boy. It still makes me chuckle now GrinGrin

ValancyJane · 31/07/2015 20:27

YABU, if you let your cat outdoors unfortunately you run the risk of them being injured and needing a trip to the vets, and if you don't I strongly recommend you get insurance. You can't expect neighbours to shut their cat in, it's completely unreasonable. As for reporting it... No. Just, no.

Sorry your cat is hurt though, and I do hope makes a quick recovery!

MadamArcatiAgain · 31/07/2015 20:37

Please make your garden cat proof

??? HOW DO YOU SUGGEST THEY DO THAT???

FenellaFellorick · 31/07/2015 20:38

There is a style of fencing you can get that cats can't get over.

MrsBojingles · 31/07/2015 20:39

Yabu. Part of cat ownership is accepting that they are territorial creatures, and that if there are other cats about, they will fight.

Keep spraying it with water. It mught get the idea one day. Or teach your cat not to fight with cats stronger than it.

gamerchick · 31/07/2015 20:39

You can cat proof gardens. There's even places that come and do it for you.

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 31/07/2015 20:39

I'm really sorry your cat got hurt op.

I'm not sorry for laughing at the responses on here.

There's no one you can report it to. You poor cat got into a fight, but pussied out. It's not a catastrophe, no need to have kittens over it.

LuisSuarezTeeth · 31/07/2015 20:39

You need to call the professionals.

To expect my neighbour to take responsibility for his cat attacking mine?!!
Myname15 · 31/07/2015 20:40

I would love to report that little shit who killed my lovely songbirds and sits at the feeder scowling at the survivors. Chris Packham maybe (fancy him actually, ahha!)
And shits in the garden, all over the veg.
And tried to get in through the window when I had two rescued budgies, and catterwauls at the foxes, other cats etc.
Cats are wee fuckers, I get really upset about the murdered birds and slow worms in our garden. Everyone round my area thinks they're ace, and they are overrunning the place to the point I'm gonna remove the bird feeder.
Obviously I'm not blaming you for this! However, I'm an animal lover with low feline tolerance. You can't blame anyone unfortunately. As been said, training is pointless, and cats just do their thang.
We had a cat when I was little, did similar, and got beaten up too, and unfortunately you just gotta suck it up. Pet insurance is best you can do. Pity your cat been bullied, but you can do, and expect, sweet f.a.

PurpleSwift · 31/07/2015 20:41

YAB so unreasonable. And I have cats. One of which went missing for days after being attacked. But they're cats, it's a cat thing.

Salmotrutta · 31/07/2015 20:42

It's purrfectly reasonable to feel upset though OP.

GraysAnalogy · 31/07/2015 20:43

fucking hell luis Grin

Kayden · 31/07/2015 20:45

This is why I don't have a cat.

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 31/07/2015 20:45

Don't be silly luis, they only get involved with cat burglars

PurpleSwift · 31/07/2015 20:46

I'll also add this happened to our cat not long after moved house. With a house move, such as for your neighbors, cats needs to reconfigure their territories so to speak. Let them get on with it. It probably won't happen again.

Myname15 · 31/07/2015 20:46

Actually, put a few drops of citronella in the water. PLEASE don't use more than a couple of drops as they fucking hate the smell, but it might back off then.
Again, sorry your cat's been hurt. Very upsetting. But your no more entitled for reimbursement from the owners than you would be if someone ran he\r in the road. That's just the way it goes

RufusTheReindeer · 31/07/2015 20:46

It's cats innit

RufusTheReindeer · 31/07/2015 20:47

I would be livid if it was my cat hurt..but there is nothing you can do

UrethraFranklin1 · 31/07/2015 20:47

Cats are not dogs. If your cat is usually outside, you have no idea what it could be getting up to. It could be eating other peoples pets for all you know.

And why isn't your pet insured?

DadfromUncle · 31/07/2015 20:48

This is why I don't have any pets.

RufusTheReindeer · 31/07/2015 20:51

I have a tortoise

He is well hard Grin

No cat is safe...just sayin'

GahBuggerit · 31/07/2015 20:55

at kung mew Grin

mew jitsu?

ghostyslovesheep · 31/07/2015 20:59

you cat needs to learn fast

To expect my neighbour to take responsibility for his cat attacking mine?!!
Sparklingbrook · 31/07/2015 21:17

OP if you live by a busy road you will need to keep the cat inside.

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