Cat/dog/garden problem

[Annigolden]

Either side neighbours have cats that use my garden as a route to each other. Neighbours encourage this ‘because they (the cats) are friends’. Also they don’t want cat to use an alternative route as my garden fence is safer! However, I don’t want their cats in my garden because it sets my dogs off and they poo everywhere . Dogs bark to chase the cats out and other neighbours complain. We also have Guinea pigs and the cats are obsessed with their enclosure. I also worry that one day the dogs will catch the cat and it won’t be pretty.

I went around to neighbours to discuss a solution to keep their cats out of my garden. They believe however that their cats have a right to roam….through my garden regardless of the problems it causes. . Well they might have a right to roam but I have a right to discourage them from my garden!

They berated me for using a water pistol and will not accept the humane spike things on the fence.

All I want to do is keep the cats out by putting something (humane) along the fence. You would think I was suggesting murdering the cats!

I really feel this is a ridiculous situation and cat owners need to accept that not everyone welcomes their pets. In the meantime neighbours ….enjoy listening to my dogs bark…(and yes we are trying to desensitise the dog but it’s not very easy when the trigger can appear at any time.) any ideas how I can solve this peacefully?

That is really tough, what selfish neighbours. I have cats and I would be more than happy with your harmless suggestions. It's not acceptable for cats to poo in someone else's garden.

They would be furious if your dog attacked the cat which is a real possibility. You have tried to be nice, I think I would explain to them that you will be putting the spikes on your fences, it's your fence, as they won't let you squirt the cats (harmless). I would explain that you don't want to keep clearing up the poo, you are worried for the guinea pigs and that your dog might harm the cats.

What entitled people.The cats will have to find another route 🤣.

Thanks for reply. Yes they are unreasonable. I am looking at trying other solutions first. Prickly plants on the fence etc. if it continues though then the spikes will go up. It’s my fence. Relations aren’t good at the moment and will be non-existent if I do though.

it is frustrating and sad when people won’t compromise.

Bump

I’ve let a dense bush grow over the top of my fence so the cats can’t walk along it.

Thanks kangarookenny. I think I will be doing that as a long term solution. In the meantime I plan to put up some plant trough things that sit on top of the fence with some prickly plants in.

I'd let your dog out more often, it's unlikely to catch the cat and will scare it away to a better route.
Owners can't control where cats roam but you can make it unappealing for them

Pyracantha is an ideal thorny plant ro plant against the fence. I have 2 cats and My neighbour has 2 cat hating dogs. We get along fine. If my cats are silly enough to go near the dogs and they get eaten thats just too bad. Luckily they both have enough survival instinct to avoid them and water pistols or hoses are just fine. Your neighbours are being ridiculous.

thanks for suggestions. I guess I’m still astonished that my neighbours didn’t seem to accept that their cat’s right to roam does not trump my right to keep them out of the garden!