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?!

🤣

And who covers the cost of this? I’d be fucking raging if someone broke into my house because they can’t control their pet.

Omg I can't add anything but I hope your cat breaks free soon x

Do those white circles cover screws you could remove to take the unit out?

@MarshaArt you read my mind.
They’ve just acquired a lovely new cat. Someone has been popping in to feed him. They’ll get home and think he’s been catnapped 😸

I've got a cat flat that looks similar and is a microchip one - it lets intruder cats out if they happen to get in (sneak in behind one of ours!) so there's a possibility he might actually be able to get out? And the muddy paw prints is just a scent marking? 😬 good luck!!

Just smash the cat flap, apologise pay the damage

@Catsos doubt they would but you could ask a locksmith for help. I’m assuming you looked to see if a window is open and a long ladder might be all you need to gain access cat style.

tk get around the bend - is it just a slight bend?if so, do you have a metal pole/broom/mop handle you could bend and then use that to push the cat flap open?

@NuffSaidSam
"Keep it indoors? Fit it with a cone or a bulky bomber jacket so it can no longer fit through catflaps?"

Dying at the suggestion of a bomber jacket.

If the estate agent does rental properties they might have an emergency number or someone checking the ansaphone. Might be worth leaving a message.

I'm.assuming you've knocked on their immediate neighbours? Do you not remember the building van brand name? They may have keys and people usually leave their mobile number for emergencies if they don't move in straight away.

If you can’t get access via the cat flap have you checked for any unlocked doors or windows?
Maybe try a locksmith? I am not sure if they would require proof of ownership before opening a door though.

Could you attach and bend a metal coat hanger to the broom handle?

The focus here should be on tracking the neighbours down ASAP. Do you know their names? Somebody in the street will, surely - then you get on the internet and find them. It's likely at least one of them will have FB and can be messaged.

Also if they haven't changed the door and lock neighbours might have keys from before that work?

Nah, it would be your own stupid fault for your new fangled cat flap!

What about twisting a couple of metal coathangers together so they are both bendy and strong @Catsos ? Then it might get round the bend in the cat flap tunnel

Just had to scroll all the way back to see your photo 😂
What a gaze of nonchalance.
Almost as though he did it deliberately for his own holiday amusement.

"No sunshine to lie in, oh.. I know"..😹

One more, the people who used to live there might know someone who has a spare key like their family? My mum has my keys and would you remember to get them back? Take it you have looked under plant pots etc in the back garden?

Actually I'd ring the non emergency Police number and ask their advice. If you are trying to break in , at least cover yourself with an alibi. Maybe they could suggest a locksmith.
I've seen Fire and rescue come out to rescue a cat off a barn roof (it had been there for 2days so was properly stuck) so they do care about animal welfare.

Estate agent offices may be officially closed, but I know from experience that they check emails at all hours. I would send one headed ‘EMERGENCY’ and house address.

Also, could you try the RSPCA? They have methods of rescuing animals from all sorts of situations. They may be able to help with the cat flap situation?

I would also take pictures that clearly identify their house and your cat, so you can prove to the owners that this is what happened.

Or just make it too fat?

FWIW my cat as a youngster was all over my street. Every time a house came empty, he found some way inside. I got used to wandering to the nearest empty house when he was missing a meal. He did however always get out. He is now too old , fat and lazy to break in to empty homes.
Still I'm here for the cat pics.

Is this where the word Catastrophe comes from 🤔

That's ridiculous, who in their right mind thinks their cat has the right to just enter others home?