Neighbour keeps asking us to chase her cat out of our garden

[summershere78447]

Our neighbour has a rescue cat that was abused by its previous owner, so I completely understand why she’s protective of it.

However, around 80% of the time we’re in our garden, she’ll call over the fence asking us to shoo the cat out if it’s wandered in. When I say shoo, I don’t just mean a little shoo as she’s a friendly cat and not frightened by us at all. It therefore ends up a big performance essentially chasing the cat out of the garden.

Yesterday it was just lying quietly in the sun while I was outside playing with my one-year-old and stepdaughter. It wasn’t bothering anyone, if anything it was keeping both of the kids happy but she was looking through the gap in the fence to see if it was there.

She knows us well and knows the cat is perfectly safe with us.

We’ve had our garden done this year, so understandably we’re spending much more time outside and making the most of the nice weather. We’d just like to be able to enjoy our own garden in peace. She’s also complained about us having barbecues in our own garden.

I’m happy to move the cat if it’s causing a problem, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect us to interrupt whatever we’re doing every time it wanders into our garden.

AIBU?

Would tell her to keep it in the house or cat proff her garden. Not my responsibility.

It’s not your responsibility to manage her cat; just let it hang out peacefully.

I have always found it such a bizarre situation but the looking through the fence put it into very strange territory. I feel we cannot enjoy time outside without some form of intrusion.

Ask her why is she making her cat anxious. It doesn't make sense.

Plant some jasmine plants along the fence so she can’t peer through.

It’s very odd but I understand you don’t want to make things awkward. Could you say something like “hi X actually dont worry, cat seems quite happy at the moment so we are happy to let her be” then change subject?

I'd be putting up some trellis or plants that obscure her peering viewpoint! I'd also be making it clearer that she is disrupting you and if she is SO worried about the cat wandering, she should cat proof her garden.

How annoying. I’d not indulge her further. If she’s that concerned, she needs a catio.

She doesn't sound like an appropriate owner for a rescue cat that has already had a traumatic past.

have you asked her why she wants you to chase the cat out of your garden? Is she jealous it likes you more? Or is she worried you'll start complaining about it pooing in your garden?

I would refuse. I'd say to her 'your cat is free roaming, if it chooses to nap in my garden I don't mind and I am not scaring it by chasing it. If you don't want your cat to roam you should build it a catio.

She's lonely, it's an excuse to talk, grow something that covers the gaps, and ignore if she 'calls' over the fence

I'd just say "oh no, don't worry, we don't mind the cat being here. I'm sure he/she'll come home when he/she's ready'. And leave it there. See what she says/does next.

Maybe are feels guilty and is trying to be responsible? My cat goes into next door garden, a lot less, but she used to complain so maybe she's aware in that angle and trying to not be annoying, whilst being annoying!

Definitely block the gap she peers through with something.

Can you not pick the cat up and pass her over the fence?

maybe shes worried it likes you more than her 😂

Apparently she’s “never been manhandled”, so not allowed to pick her up to pass her over

Tell her to stop peering into your garden and if she's so very concerned about the cat she should build a catio.

I think you could explain that this is a safe place for her, you like her and she will come to no harm with you. Better that she's in your garden than forced out to look for another place which is less friendly. Cats often don't like to stay in their own gardens all the time.
It may be that your neighbour is quite a new cat owner and doesn't understand how these things work.

This sounds very annoying. I like the suggestion upthread to just give a cheery reply of "Cat seems happy right now, it will come home when it's hungry" if she keeps on just be blunt "If you don't want the cat to roam then you need to cat proof your garden. To be honest, I am a bit fed up of you constantly peering through my fence and being repeatedly disturbed because you want me to move the cat on when it isn't causing problem"

If you want to move the cat on humanely then spray it with water . A plastic jug of water , thrown (not at the cats face) will be enough to scare it.
I told me NDN if my cats wandered in to their gardens to feel free to chase it. Mine are rescues so I didn't know how entitled they would be . Turns out they are very territorial so stick to their turf.

Maybe your NDN is worried that her cat will use your garden as a toilet and especially as you have DC, she doesn't want it being a habit .

If you want you can say "Oh, Margaret , you're cat seems to like my garden more . He's quite at home here Wonder why?" ,laugh.

Actually , I'd be quite jealous if one of my cats spurned my hospitality and went off next dooor , then just came home for dinner.

But I know what single minded little critters they are .

She's either worried her cat is being a pest or jealous of the attention the cat is giving you (just by existing in your garden )

Tbh, I’d just pop round for a chat. Say exactly what you’ve said here, that the cat is perfectly relaxed in your garden and it’s disruptive to keep asking you to shoo him away. Also add that it will make her cat anxious to keep being chased, maybe that will convince her.

How's about 'leave the poor cat alone love, its perfectly happy just.snoozing. And stop peeping through the fence, people are starting to think youve lost it'.

No wonder the cats comes over to yours, wants to escape thw mad woman over the fence.

Cats choose where they want to lie, whether its sun or shade; its always for their peace.

Tell neighbour the cats fine, I'm NOT chasing it out the garden. If you dont want it going in other gardens, make it a house cat (and fuck off and leave me alone Marjorie)