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AIBU?

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Original poster

What do to about next doors cats.

63 replies

WinterWonderLight · 07/07/2021 07:12

Next door moved in a couple of months ago and they have two cats who are constantly in my garden, jumping on the fence and pooing in my garden (I have young children who like to play in the garden). For the last 4 nights these cats have been left out all night crying really loud and actually sound like babies. It's that loud it is waking my dc, DH and myself up even with the windows closed. Yesterday I was off work and could hear them crying all day, I could see them sat in next doors back garden just crying! This morning I feel like I have had no sleep due to these cats crying.

WIbU to knock on neighbours house this morning and let them know...i don't want to come across confrontational but not sure what else to do

OP posts:
TheSteins · 07/07/2021 07:15

This reply has been deleted

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Wolfiefan · 07/07/2021 07:17

You can’t do that! You can speak to the neighbours about the noise. You could also cat proof your garden to stop them getting in.

Intercity225 · 07/07/2021 07:20

I’d pick them up and take them to a local animal shelter saying nobody seems to be caring for them.

What is the point of that? If they are microchipped, they will contact their owners to return the cats anyway? It won’t do OP’s relationship with the neighbours any good at all!

DonLewis · 07/07/2021 07:20

Do you think they're waiting for a cat flap to be installed?

Either way, you need to talk to them. I can't believe they can't hear it!

And I'd love to know how you cat proof your garden....

Mrstreehouse · 07/07/2021 07:22

Pretend you don’t know they belong to the NDN…Go round and say ‘there seems to be stray cats roaming about keeping us all awake and that you are thinking of calling the rspca’, ask if they have heard them too?

WildfirePonie · 07/07/2021 07:22

There are ways to cat proof your garden.

The noise.... chuck a bucket of water or hose the crap out of them. Can you set up a hose from your bathroom to bedroom window?

Bagelsandbrie · 07/07/2021 07:22

@Mrstreehouse

Pretend you don’t know they belong to the NDN…Go round and say ‘there seems to be stray cats roaming about keeping us all awake and that you are thinking of calling the rspca’, ask if they have heard them too?
I’d do this.
Original poster
WinterWonderLight · 07/07/2021 07:23

@DonLewis they have been moved in now probably about 3 months so I would have thought they would have a cat flap.

@Wolfiefan how do I cat proof my garden, I've had a look on Amazon this morning and found some light poles that suppose to keep them out - I've ordered a couple.

@TheSteins that's what I feel like doing, they are obviously not looked after

OP posts:
Original poster
WinterWonderLight · 07/07/2021 07:24

@Mrstreehouse

Pretend you don’t know they belong to the NDN…Go round and say ‘there seems to be stray cats roaming about keeping us all awake and that you are thinking of calling the rspca’, ask if they have heard them too?

Great idea! I think I'll do this

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 07/07/2021 07:24

Have a Google. People actually pay companies to do it but that’s normally to keep cats in!

LST · 07/07/2021 07:24

@TheSteins

I’d pick them up and take them to a local animal shelter saying nobody seems to be caring for them.
What fabulous advise....

Seriously though OP yes knock on and say they are disturbing you. I have 3 cats and get them in at night for this reason

Els1e · 07/07/2021 07:46

@Mrstreehouse

Pretend you don’t know they belong to the NDN…Go round and say ‘there seems to be stray cats roaming about keeping us all awake and that you are thinking of calling the rspca’, ask if they have heard them too?
This is a good way of approaching the neighbours about this. Failing this, a garden water sprinkler.
SoupDragon · 07/07/2021 07:54

@Mrstreehouse

Pretend you don’t know they belong to the NDN…Go round and say ‘there seems to be stray cats roaming about keeping us all awake and that you are thinking of calling the rspca’, ask if they have heard them too?
Or, just go and talk to the neighbours about them in a friendly manner. There is no need for any kind of pretence.
DontStopMeNow1 · 07/07/2021 08:01

I had this problem too and invested in a motion activated sprinkler! It cost under £30 and after a couple of soakings, your garden won't be as appealing. Just remember to turn it off when the children are playing out ...

warmfluffytowels · 07/07/2021 08:01

@DonLewis

Do you think they're waiting for a cat flap to be installed?

Either way, you need to talk to them. I can't believe they can't hear it!

And I'd love to know how you cat proof your garden....

Google "cat proof fencing" Smile
Illogicalmadness · 07/07/2021 08:05

I had the same problem when I first moved in to my house, this is what I did:

  • set up a motion sensored sprinkler hose on the lawn. Cats hated this.

  • fixed a sonic cat deterrent which emits a loud noise at a low frequency that makes it uncomfortable for cats & teenagers. Handy to deter teenagers from gathering outside shops etc.

www.wilko.com/en-uk/defenders-mega-sonic-solar-cat-repeller/p/0478641

takealettermsjones · 07/07/2021 08:07

As usual the first comment is completely ridiculous. Hmm

Definitely knock and tell them, the innocent "I didn't know they were yours" idea is not bad either. Cat proof your garden all you can, and by all means throw water at them when they are in your garden.

However, throwing water at them/hosing them (again Hmm) when they are in their own garden is cruel. They're not doing it to annoy you, they're doing it because they're bored and lonely and separated from their owners. If you soak them while they're in their own garden there's a risk they'll run away from it/be scared to go back, and thus you have created stray/lost cats.

genie10 · 07/07/2021 08:12

A solar powered cat deterrent completely stopped my neighbours cat from entering my garden and is placed discreetly in the flower bed.

The noise is a different problem....

speakout · 07/07/2021 08:12

Just speak to your neighbours.

I wouldn't go passive agressive either- just tell them how the cats are affecting you.
Cat's should be kept in overnight and should be encouraged to poo in the owners property not yours.
It's not up to you OP to build fences- a water spray gun may not be a bad thing to remind them they are not welcome though.

Watchingyou2sleezes · 07/07/2021 08:20

@DontStopMeNow1

I had this problem too and invested in a motion activated sprinkler! It cost under £30 and after a couple of soakings, your garden won't be as appealing. Just remember to turn it off when the children are playing out ...
^ This, and spray the fuckers yourself whenever you see them, they soon get the message
violetbunny · 07/07/2021 08:43

@speakout

Just speak to your neighbours.

I wouldn't go passive agressive either- just tell them how the cats are affecting you.
Cat's should be kept in overnight and should be encouraged to poo in the owners property not yours.
It's not up to you OP to build fences- a water spray gun may not be a bad thing to remind them they are not welcome though.

I agree with this. I would ask them very directly about getting a cat flap too. Poor kitties Sad

ShoppingBasket · 07/07/2021 08:48

If in your garden, a water gun should do the trick every time you see them. They eventually get the hint. I like cats but don't like my 5 next doors cats using my garden as their personal toilet.
The noise they are making are you sure it isn't a mating call? It sounds sort of like a wail, nearly like a child's cry. We have had same and the cat keeps having kittens.

Warmduscher · 07/07/2021 08:49

Or, just go and talk to the neighbours about them in a friendly manner. There is no need for any kind of pretence.

^ This.

OP, these threads always bring out the cat-haters and people suggested you concoct an elaborate lie. Good luck sorting those posts from the helpful ones.

Gothichouse40 · 07/07/2021 08:57

People should not have to clean cat excrement from their garden. I have to do this because of other people's cats. My grandchild cannot go into my garden at times. I cannot 'cat proof' my fence as it borders onto other people. Yes, cat owners love their cats because the excrement is not their problem. They don't have to clean it up. Cats are also very destructive to gardens.

ShitPoetryClub · 07/07/2021 08:59

They aren't crying OP, they are looking for a shag!
We have a cat and keep her in at night, she is trained to use a litter tray in the garage. Unfortunately our new NDN has 6 cats who often yowl all night and our garden (where we used to grow all manner of crops) has become their litter tray. I'm so sick of it we are considering moving away.
I am not anti cat, just anti, inconsiderate owners. No way should one persons right to have pets spoil another person's right to sleep or use their garden without clearing up a mega ton of cat shit first.
When we came back from our one week holiday last summer (yeah I know we were lucky to get away) the entire lawn was covered with poo. 6 cats, 7 days worth.