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Original poster

Advice - neighbour complaining about cat

49 replies

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 18:38

So I know not everyone is a cat lover but I've just had a note though the door from a neighbour a few doors up...never met them and I was sat in the front room so not sure why she didn't knock.

Basically it states my cat has been going into her house and has attacked her cat leaving her with a vet bill of £100. She's said she understands its hard to keep cats in but he's a pest.

What do I do? He's been an outdoor car for 4 years and this is the first issue I've heard of.

I'm planning to knock on her door but not sure what I should say or do except try and keep him in forever?!

OP posts:

SkankingWombat · 30/09/2022 18:46

It sounds like the neighbour needs to invest in a microchip cat flap...
Cats scrap sometimes, usually when they are working out the pecking order, so hopefully it won't be an issue for long.

Original poster

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 18:49

I won't be liable for vet bills will I? I know cats are free to roam but not in houses 😬

I'm just not sure what she expects me to do! Surely it's on her to keep her home secured but I can see why she is miffed!

OP posts:

erikbloodaxe · 30/09/2022 18:56

Is your cat neutered?

Original poster

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 19:04

Yes he is

OP posts:

HotPenguin · 30/09/2022 19:05

I would go round and speak to her and suggest a microchip cat flap. Although if they are both outside cats, they could just as easily have a fight outside.

HundredMilesAnHour · 30/09/2022 19:05

SkankingWombat · 30/09/2022 18:46

It sounds like the neighbour needs to invest in a microchip cat flap...
Cats scrap sometimes, usually when they are working out the pecking order, so hopefully it won't be an issue for long.

Or maybe the OP should offer to pay for a microchip cat flap for the neighbour, or at least contribute to the cost.

Pumpkinpatchlookinggood · 30/09/2022 19:08

Can she be certain it is even your dcat? Do not get into any debate with her or offer up any cash whatsoever. . Tell her she is free to chase your dcat away. Or keep her door shut.

HappyHamsters · 30/09/2022 19:10

I would ask her how is he getting in. If its thru the catflap then a microchip one would be better. She can have her doors and windows open. Its not her responsibility to keep your cat out, thats for you to arrange like catproofing or s catio which she can do too if her cat goes outdoors.

SkankingWombat · 30/09/2022 19:13

Why would she? Householders are responsible for ensuring their houses are secure, be it against burglars or random cats wandering in. Besides, no one knows which cat started this spat, only that OP's cat was victorious.

caffelattetogo · 30/09/2022 19:17

She's understandably annoyed. I'd keep your cat in. It's not fair to expect your neighbours to put up with your choice of pet.

Original poster

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 19:19

I've knocked on her door but no answer so popped a note thought asking if she knows it was my cat for sure and asked how he's getting in. I've given her my number to call me about it or to call me when he goes to her house.

This is the first I've heard from her so no idea how long it's been going in so I'm not inclined to pay any vet bills! We've had several cats come un through our open window and back door and I take responsibility that if cats can get in they will.

OP posts:

FacebookPhotos · 30/09/2022 19:25

Tbh, I’d ignore the neighbour. Cats are free to roam, and they get into scraps over territory. I’d offer advice regarding a microchip cat flap, but that’s about it.

I might mention that chasing cats off yourself (and getting them with a water gun) is pretty good at preventing them coming back.

Forfukzsake · 30/09/2022 19:30

A local cat jumps through our window sometimes or just strolls through the back door when someone opens it to go outside. It runs around the house driving our dog mental. I am concerned that the dog will hurt it. It is pandemonium in this house when it happens. I won't be paying any vet bills for the cat if it is hurt as it is not my fault that it keeps coming in to my house and my dog should be free to wander in her own house.

I don't know how to stop it from getting in other than keeping all the windows permanently closed and never letting anybody use the door. I don't know how the owner could stop it from coming in either unless they kept it as a house cat which would be awful for the cat.

I think if the cat was attacking and injuring one of my pets when it came in I would be really pissed off. Really pissed off as a dog or cat should be safe in their own home.

chickchickpox · 30/09/2022 19:30

I feel for her because I've had a similar scenario with my two cats, they seem to attract bully cats in the neighbourhood and don't stick up for themselves leaving them with injuries and me a big vet bill! However, I would never ask the owner to pay the bill. If your cat is neutered then I don't think there's much more you can do. But she should definitely get a microchip cat flap.

cansu · 30/09/2022 19:32

She needs to get a special microchip cat flap.

Original poster

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 19:33

I totally appreciate why she's annoyed...we have cats that come here and I chase them off.

She's also said her dog goes mad and won't be responsible if he hurts my cat...I totally get that and would not expect her to.

I just have no idea what I'm expected to do except keep him in a cat run or inside...he would be miserable in both ☹️

OP posts:

bigbeautifulmonster · 30/09/2022 19:36

Ask her what she would want you should do about it. Is there proof it was your cat causing the injury (unlikely)?

Tell her to get a microchip cat flap and to feel free to get the water pistols out.

LizaSimpson · 30/09/2022 19:37

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 19:33

I totally appreciate why she's annoyed...we have cats that come here and I chase them off.

She's also said her dog goes mad and won't be responsible if he hurts my cat...I totally get that and would not expect her to.

I just have no idea what I'm expected to do except keep him in a cat run or inside...he would be miserable in both ☹️

You're not responsible for the cost.

I would knock on the door, apologise and maybe suggest a microchip cat flap as that'll stop your or anyone else's cat from coming in.

If she doesn't want one then she should keep her cat inside and lock the cat flap permanently.

ginghamstarfish · 30/09/2022 19:37

caffelattetogo · 30/09/2022 19:17

She's understandably annoyed. I'd keep your cat in. It's not fair to expect your neighbours to put up with your choice of pet.

Agree in a way, but neighbour should be able to control access to their own home but there are a great many who have to put up with others' dogs barking all the time, being jumped up on etc. Responsible pet owners are few and far between.

Snugglemonkey · 30/09/2022 19:39

SkankingWombat · 30/09/2022 18:46

It sounds like the neighbour needs to invest in a microchip cat flap...
Cats scrap sometimes, usually when they are working out the pecking order, so hopefully it won't be an issue for long.

Why should a neighbour pay for it?! If your cat is going into other people's homes, it should not be allowed out!

Snugglemonkey · 30/09/2022 19:40

Catmom86 · 30/09/2022 18:49

I won't be liable for vet bills will I? I know cats are free to roam but not in houses 😬

I'm just not sure what she expects me to do! Surely it's on her to keep her home secured but I can see why she is miffed!

If you had any decency, you would offer to pay. Your cat went into their home.

AllotmentTime · 30/09/2022 19:42

Her home, her job to keep it secure. Is she going to look for someone to complain to if a fox or bird comes in??

shedwithivy · 30/09/2022 19:42

She needs to secure her own house, microchip cat flap.

Cornisharchitect8 · 30/09/2022 19:45

We had a dog come into our home and attack our cat.

The police said there was nothing we could do to get proof that it was that specific dog - even though we saw it happen (literally as we were right there!)

The dog owner denied it was him and his dog. And that was the end of it.

Sad but true, we had to pay all the vets bills ourselves.

So I doubt you'll be liable for anything OP.

(This was mid heat wave with the front door and back door open!)

AnneElliott · 30/09/2022 19:47

I'd go round and see her but check it is your cat. My old neighbour came storming round once to say one of my cats was in her bed. When I got up there it was a big ginger Tom. And I had two black and white girls.......

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