To break into new neighbours house *serious question, NOT trolling*

[Catsos]

Name change as I don’t want neighbours to recognise me😭

I have a cat who has a bit of a reputation on our street for forcing his way into neighbours homes by breaking open their cat-flaps to steal their pets food. He’s been doing it for years, not much I can do about it besides keeping him in which he would hate. Anyway….

Here is the problem..

This afternoon I realised I hadn’t seen him for nearly 24 hours (very unusual for him). I went out into the street to look for him when I spotted the bloody buggar in the window of the house two doors down!!!
This house was recently bought by a couple who are living elsewhere while they are renovating it. I have briefly spoken to this couple once, and they mentioned they have cats, so I assumed they have already had a cat-flap installed which he has broken into.

I was really confused why he hadn’t come back out, so I peered through their front window and spotted the catflap which he must have entered through. It’s one of those “smart” catflap brands which only opens if the cat has the right microchip. So he’s managed to get in, but now he can’t get out as his microchip isn’t unlocking it. I can see his muddy scratch marks on their newly painted wall besides the catflap, so he’s obviously been trying to get back out 😩😩

So here’s the even bigger problem…

As i’ve said, the couple who own the house are living elsewhere while renovating it. So there is nobody here to let him back out. I usually see them visit the house every week or so but I don’t know when they will be here next and he has already been inside for around 24 hours.

I’ve already spoken to all of the neighbours and nobody has contact details for them. I did think I could contact the estate agents who their house was on the market with to try and get their contact details but as it is the bank holiday they won’t be open until Tuesday - which means he will have been trapped for 72 hours inside their house.

What should I do?! Do I try and break in, get my cat and then secure the property as best I can and explain what happened when they are next here? That sounds like a really bad start to a relationship with them but then my cats trapped inside, presumably without water?!

OP I’m really sorry this is happening. I wouldn’t be able to sleep thinking about my cat trapped in the house though probably safe enough. I suggested a plumber thinking they might have some sort of tool which could bend yet have strength to break the cat flap. But of course even if a plumber could help it will cost an arm and a leg on BH. Cats were originally desert creatures so I’m not sure if they are particularly good at conserving water but maybe.

Force the cat flap open, cat should then be able to get out. Leave a note and arrange to pay to repair. 24 hours without food is very dangerous for a cat.

Wish ppl would actually read!!! police plus a locksmith police know your details

Just an idea but if you lowered a plastic plate with a lip down onto the windowsill, you could then drop the ice cubes on top so when they melt the water will gather and stay. Thinking you could use an elastic band round the centre of the plate and then tie string to it, and lower it that way onto the window sill? Of course it's no good if the cat can't get to that room sorry but hopefully it can. Hope you get your cat out soon.

And some kippers a snorkel and donkey

This has had me hooked all evening, I really hope you get your cat out safely! I'm sure if they're reasonable people they will be happy the cat gets out safely & will be understanding and accepting of any repairs that need to be carried out (by OP of course)
Keep us updated tomorrow!

It looks like a cavity wall cat flap. You can have them round bends and in awkward places.

i know you’re back at home OP and that it’s dark now but could you post photos of the window catch and the gap so we are better able to advise you?
Furryrug you have me in pleats of laughter!

And hopefully take the cat home

Just phone a 24 hour locksmith. A friend of mine is a locksmith and I just put this scenario to him. “No problem” he said.

😆🤣😆😂 I'm sorry for the poor cat but this thread is hilarious.

particularly with the picture of the cat,

I would break the window and pay for the repair.

Stop it 😄 I'm belly laughing

Just call a locksmith op

I've no idea why she hasn't at least tried this. I've said it several times as have many others. It's worth a go surely.

Call a locksmith. Go in get your cat. Clean any mess.

Stop it will ya Willma! 🤣

Well Mrs Slocombe just used to ask Mr Humphreys to poke a sardine through her letterbox on his way home if he could see her pussy.

i think locksmith is a good option. We left our cats with a sitter once and he said thats what he would do if he loses our keys

I would find all the local Facebook pages and ask if anyone knows anyone who works for the estate agent who sold the house. I think that is your best way of getting in contact.

Everyone shouting "call a locksmith"

Do you really think that any locksmith is going to change the locks on and let her in to a house that ISNT HERS???

JFC!

If I were being uncharitable I would say it’s because it’s not as good a story.

Yes. Because I just asked one. JFC!

I really feel for you OP, and kitty, but I don't think poking meat through any more random openings is going to be helpful.

I'd be following the estate agent up - Facebook message them, anything, someone will be monitoring an inbox. And I agree with PP who said get the whole street involved tomorrow. Ask a few neighbours for help, I'm sure they'll help.