Neighbour getting cross about my cats

[Faciadipasta]

We have 2 cats. They have a catflap so go outside when they like. My neighbour has started complaining that one of them likes to sit on their outside table (during the day, not while they're actually using it)
AIBU to think this is a bit nuts? I mean we get foxes, magpies, all sorts so why worry about cats?
I mean if the cats were pooing in their garden I'd understand- they use a litter tray so pretty sure they don't - also I'm sure neighbour would have said, but sitting on their table?
Would you try and think.of a way to stop cat doing it or ignore? I've told neighbour to spray the cat with a water pistol if he wants but haven't really got any other ideas.

[Ginandslippers]

Cats don't tend to like shiny or noisy surfaces, I've seen people put tin foil on kitchen work surfaces to deter their cats.

[GiselleRose]

Just do what I did and tell your neighbour that you’ll have a chat with your cat about this.

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

Tell her she's welcome to throw water at your cat or shush him away. Not a lot else you can do really.

[KangarooKenny]

I’d do something with the table to stop the cat sitting on it, I wouldn’t complain about it.

[ClumpingBambooIsALie]

Offer to buy her some cat scat mat for the table?

[MammaWeasel]

Neighbour is batshit, tell them to jog on proceed with the water pistol idea

[PeloAddict]

@GiselleRose

Just do what I did and tell your neighbour that you’ll have a chat with your cat about this.

My neighbour has just come to apologise that her water feature has stopped working
"Is Ollie in? (The cat) I know he liked a drink out of it, I've ordered another and it'll be here tomorrow tell him if he's thirsty"

sure I'll tell him

[Paul72]

Show your cat this thread and let her/him decide where to lie.
Just remember you are a mere servant and your cat is in charge.

[dandelionthistle]

@PeloAddict

My neighbour has just come to apologise that her water feature has stopped working
"Is Ollie in? (The cat) I know he liked a drink out of it, I've ordered another and it'll be here tomorrow tell him if he's thirsty"

sure I'll tell him

This is quite sweet!

Re the OP, I do see both sides. Someone not accustomed to cats may well not even know the water pistol thing would work, or might expect you to be furious if you glanced out of your window and saw them doing it! Equally there's not a lot you can actually do to influence your cat's behaviour while you're not there, and 'sitting on the table' is a pretty low level annoyance.

[Onionbhajisandwich]

In the interest of keeping the peace I’d buy a couple of citronella candles for your neighbour to our on her table. Either that or suggest she puts the table on its side when it’s not in use.

[Cameronnorrieisabitofalright]

Tell her you have grounded him for a week.

[hulahooper2]

I am terrified of cats and would hate anyone s cat in my garden . ITs your pet , don’t inflict it on others . Dogs aren’t allowed to roam freely , neither should cats.

[Sorefrog]

Terrified

[pinkymurder]

@hulahooper2

I am terrified of cats and would hate anyone s cat in my garden . ITs your pet , don’t inflict it on others . Dogs aren’t allowed to roam freely , neither should cats.

Cats are legally free to roam and can't be told where to not go. Cat proof your garden if you don't want them in it.

[Meraas]

i love my visiting cats, they sit on sheds, fence posts, paving slabs, the last corner of sunshine in the sun trap garden. I did shoo them away initially when they tried to have a poo but I think they’ve got the message now.

[BeerPongChampion]

I don’t think I could keep a straight face if someone had that conversation with me. It’s a cat. 😂

[Faciadipasta]

@hulahooper2
I do understand that people might not like cats but I don't think that's really the case. They don't seem to mind the cats IN their garden just on the table. Their kids like to play with him.
Unless maybe the adults really don't want the cats going in and were just 'looking' for something more specific to moan about?

[Ponderingwindow]

Fellow cat owner here, it is your responsibility to keep your cats off your neighbors property. Stop giving cat owners a bad reputation.

none If my cats have ever cared about regular cat deterrents and we have tried them all. Cat fencing and containment is your best option.

[parenthood1989]

I sprinkle pepper down because next doors cat likes to sit on my table and shit in the flowerbed. It mostly keeps it away.

[DeanStockwelll]

I agree with pp tell your neighbour to put something on the table or tilt it on its side.

Or buy them some spray that cats don't like and give the table a good spray .

[TheHorrorOfIt]

I have someone else’s cat on my outside table right now! I really love him and I think he thinks he lives here. My cats are less impressed with him tbh

[Faciadipasta]

Stop giving cat owners a bad reputation

Are you serious? Giving other cat owners a bad rep bc my cat has no table manners?
They use a litter tray so we're already more considerate than most cat owners

[BigCheeseSandwich]

“Fellow cat owner here, it is your responsibility to keep your cats off your neighbors property. Stop giving cat owners a bad reputation.“

This.

[spatchcock]

Chilli powder, cayenne pepper - lots - sprinkled over the table could work.

[DeanStockwelll]

@BigCheeseSandwich

“Fellow cat owner here, it is your responsibility to keep your cats off your neighbors property. Stop giving cat owners a bad reputation.“

This.

Please can you explain how you do this unless you have a house cat.