To ask this child's mum to please keep her out of my garden.

[PrettyFelineSquashedThyme]

Quite often people will stop and have a look at my cat in the window, he is of course very gorgeous and loves a fuss, however what’s been happening recently has made me fairly annoyed.

A few days ago I noticed a child of around 4 or 5 knocking on my window to get the attention of the cat, the window he sits in is facing the road but set about 2.5 in metres into very densely planted garden, which is currently full of young plants. I figured as a one off I wouldn’t say anything, however it keeps happening.

my question is, what would you do in this situation? Would you speak to the mum? I’m admittedly a complete wuss and hate confrontation but also my plants are getting damaged.

Edit: title should say “child’s mum” mum is not a child, but an adult.

I definitely would not tell them to F off or bugger off. It's unnecesssary (why start off being that rude?), you might escalate the situation (for no reason) and she knows where you live (and you don't know her or what she may be capable of). Not to mention there's a 4-5 yo child there - who is unaware they are doing anything wrong. Just tell them firmly to get out of your garden.

I was on your side until I saw the cat. I'd probably trample your plants too.

Fence.
Wall.
A scary face that can only be seen when they get too close.
A notice saying 'pesticides in use - danger'

What a gorgeous, fluffy puffy cat!!

I hope they don't come back.

I used to be timid about confrontation, too, but I found out absolutely nothing happens afterwards. They just look shocked or maybe a bit scared, and then they scurry off.

If I wanted to be really mean I would put some of that reflective film stuff on the window so you can see out but no one can see in, but it does seem very unkind to deprive passers-by of a glimpse of your gorgeous cat

Those paws 🤗

Would you have it in you to be cheerfully passive aggressive? "Now pet, we don't go into strangers' gardens do we, the cat doesn't like it and neither do the plants! You pop back to your mum on the pavement there (regardless of where the mum is), good girl". And then an extra passive aggressive "it takes a village, doesn't it!" to the mum as if you're doing her a favour.

Yes absolutely you need to say something but be really nice about it . My daughter has asd and trying to get her away from a cat is extremely difficult, however she can't walk in your garden like that so it needs to be handled

I have no resolution OP, I'm here to say he's one handsome boy 💙 wow.

You wouldn’t encourage her to bang on the window like this mum did, though?

Put a sign up say fresh paint or keep off toxic chemicals

Ps beautiful boy ❤️

Nah, sorry OP, I’d be trampling your plants too. He is gorgeous!

Thank you, I think so too (though I am rather biased).

He does get quite a lot of attention and I do love that people stop to say hi to him. I think that’s probably why I was bemused and not irritated first time round.

You need to say something.

Sign in window saying “if you’re close enough to read this/touch the window you’re on private property. No trespassing.”

My neighbour's kids do this. If the window is open they put their arms in to try and touch my cat as well. It does my head in. Mum knows (I've mentioned it) but couldn't give a shit.

YABU - definitely mention it and hope mum actually gives a shit.

If you fear confrontation, then a sign saying ‘private property’ might be in order (tell your postie why though) (Or a ‘beware of the cat’ one, with a roaring lion on it?)

this one is probably polite but to the point?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reflective-Trespassing-Aluminum-Mounting-Waterproof/dp/B0BBLZNDCZ/

Set of sprinklers under the window.. Definitely...
Cfers both of them.

Or put out a collection tin.
Pound per view...
I would pay.. . He is delicious..

A bit dangerous for the child to get into the habit of tapping on strangers windows, who knows what sort of oddball might live there (not you obviously).

Next time it happens just say, "hello, please don't stand on the flowers, I want them to grow. Can you get off the flowers please." All with a big smile. If they're gracious about it, bring the cat put to meet her.

Say:

'It's nice that you like my cat, I like my cat too. I also like my flowers, please can you look at the cat from over there...' and point to the other side of the fence/boundary'.

If Mummy Dearest goes on FB to berate you, give her as good as she gets, no ones gonna stick up for her sending her kid to trample your garden and knock on your windows, she'll be standing on no legs as it were!

I'd love to see someone try this with next door's cat,losing a fingertip or two would be the least of their worries.

Fortunately (for child, not for me) the cat is easily spooked and so jumps down the moment the errant hand comes wriggling through.

I'd raise it with the kids directly but having already spoken to their mum (and literally gotten a shrug and "well they love cats" in response), I know I'd just get a mouthful for daring to admonish them.

Lean out the window and say "why on earth are you teaching your young child that it's acceptable to walk on people's plants and bang on random windows?! Please don't encourage your child to trespass."

What's she going to do??! Just shut the window.