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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask why cats roaming is acceptable?

537 replies

PengAly · 16/12/2018 23:05

Just want to hear opinions on this. Firstly i should be honest, i am a dog person, 100% love dogs and i really dont understand how people like cats (seems like they are a tad selfish of a pet) but i am an animal lover so obviously wish no harm to any cat and will play with one given the opportunity. This is JUST my opinion. But back to my original question...

Why does it seem universally accepted that cats can roam on other peoples properties and poop in the garden- even digging up flowers?! Now Im certain mainy people would get up in arms if a dog on a lead stepped one paw on their front garden or god forbid came within 3 feet of them or their child(I've seen many dog hating threads on MN) yet cat owners get a free pass for their cats doing as they please?

Im honestly not trying to start an argument i just dont understand it Confused

OP posts:
knittedmouse · 17/12/2018 11:42

Animals have their own evolved natures, they're not plastic commodities that can be reprogrammed. I've had cats, foxes and rabbits shitting in my garden. Meh, the cat and fox shit go into the wheelie bin.

I can't believe anyone can be this stupid. It's just a silly wind up. You always get these threads following reports of a dog attack.

Dimsumlosesum · 17/12/2018 11:42

Well OP, I’ve come to the conclusion that you are a complete bellend and expect cat owners to either shut them in or follow them around with a pooper scooper

Don't worry Pumpkin, the cats that come in my garden get rocks lobbed at them. That deals with that problem, seeing as they're allowed to roam and shit wherever the fuck they want, I get to chase them out the garden however I want :)

MiaowMix · 17/12/2018 11:43

@PengAly
Ok. You don't understand what ascribing human attributes means.
No, by that logic, it has nothing to do with training animals and putting them on leads. I'm saying that people describing animals as "selfish" "murderous little shits" etc are judging animals by human standards which shows a critical lack of understanding.
Also do you understand that cat owners can't prevent cats from shitting in other people's gardens?
Btw I have cats as do most of my neighbours. We don't have a cat shit problem in our gardens because all of the cats bury it in soil.

WhoWants2Know · 17/12/2018 11:43

I've never in my life found my garden to have been disturbed or fouled in by a cat. It's just never been an issue.

Foxes, on the other hand...

Original poster
PengAly · 17/12/2018 11:43

Thank you to those PP who are capable of having a polite and mature discussion as opposed to those immature ones who have to result to insults

OP posts:
Dimsumlosesum · 17/12/2018 11:44

I’m pregnant atm so clearing up cat poo is a real pain (that said, I’m not sure how common toxoplasmosis really is, but the NHS guidelines are what they are)

This is how I contracted toxo. Next doors cat shitting in my rented garden that I had to clean. COntracted severe toxoplasmosis. Baby stopped growing at 22 weeks.

EachandEveryone · 17/12/2018 11:44

I have two cats and a catflap. They come in to use the loo. Why can’t other owners do that?

MarthaArthur · 17/12/2018 11:45

dimsum Flowers i'm so sorry. X

Original poster
PengAly · 17/12/2018 11:46

@MiaowMix ok thanks for the explanation. But dogs are companion animals and thrive in that level of companionship- I'd call that a human trait? Cats are happy doing their own thing and don't necessarily need a human. Animals can possess certain personality traits and qualities likened to humans.
Its great that you don't have a cat shit problem, but just because you don't have one where you live doesn't mean that's the case everywhere. We don't have an issue with dog shit on the pavement in my village, therefore its not a real problem, right?

OP posts:
Monkeynuts18 · 17/12/2018 11:47

@Dimsumlosesum - I’m so so sorry to hear that. Clearly it is a real risk.

MiaowMix · 17/12/2018 11:48

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
PengAly · 17/12/2018 11:48

@EachandEveryone Exactly! People saying owners cant control their cats shitting but obviously some posters on here have proven you can. I think some owners use "cats are free spirit" as an excuse

OP posts:
PumpkinKitty82 · 17/12/2018 11:49

Dimsumlosesum - Lovely 👍🏻

agedknees · 17/12/2018 11:50

Dim sum - so sorry about what you went through.

Junkmail · 17/12/2018 11:53

The reason house cats become depressed is when they are not provided for adequately. Having a house cat is a much larger commitment than having a cat that roams. The house must be set up for the cats to have spaces to rest and explore and exercise and the cat furniture must be changed frequently to prevent boredom. Time must be put in to playing and interacting with the cats and I’ve found offering a bigger variety of food (good quality wet food, raw food and treats they have to work for) as well as spending time training the cats keeps them very happy.

Greatorb · 17/12/2018 11:55

Op, all manner of animals shit in your garden. Why are only cats taking the flak ?

DandelionsAreNotLions · 17/12/2018 11:59

M might do the occasional poo outside without me knowing but I prefer to see it.

Those that let your cats out day and night how do you know if they are constipated, have worms, have diarrhoea blood in their stools etc. ??
Really recommend only letting them out post shit if possible.

There is a problem around my friend's way. Her many cats are litter only trained or werebut some fool has basically turned all their land into a huge litter tray with gravel. The whole ghbourhood of cats and foxes and some dogs are shitting there now. They are livid, posters up bothering the councillors local papers etc. They deserve it as far as I care for killing every flower and blade of grass and undoing all my friend's cats training.

I should start an AIBU about those gravel-loving bastards now. Ha

SoleBizzz · 17/12/2018 12:05

I hate dog shit. Dog owners let their mutts shit anywhere and if they can be bothered to pick it up they throw the bags into a tree. They've all done it or will do so in future.

SoleBizzz · 17/12/2018 12:06
Grin
DandelionsAreNotLions · 17/12/2018 12:09

Today 11:53 Junkmail

The reason house cats become depressed is when they are not provided for adequately. Having a house cat is a much larger commitment than having a cat that roams. The house must be set up for the cats to have spaces

So true Junkmail. The majority of always in or always out cats don't have humans that care enough.
I think it from the myth that cats are solotairy cold and independent. They reallyare sociable creatures and love to go out and hang out with their cat friends.

MiaowMix · 17/12/2018 12:15

Cats are solitary hunters, not solitary creatures. They often love other cats and form incredible bonds with humans.

Deadbudgie · 17/12/2018 12:16

I don’t get it either op, cats can cause harm (hence my username). My friend whos mum got toxoplasmosis off cat poo whilst pregnant has led a life of badly damaged sight and numerous operations. Cats sneak into your house stalking small pets. But apparently caravan run wild, but let a dog off it’s lead and it glances at your child from the other side of the park well it obviously Armageddon

kisscub · 17/12/2018 12:32

I'll be back when I've found all the news articles about viscous cat maulings in the neighbourhood..

You should be more worried about the rats running rife OP

MiaowMix · 17/12/2018 12:36

@PengAly dog shit exists, plenty on pavements and parks where I live. Cat shit also exists.
Difference is I wouldn't start a thread purporting not to understand why anyone has a dog for a pet. Disingenuous to say the least.

ChardonnaysPrettySister · 17/12/2018 12:36

Cats are bastards.