neighbour's cat beat up mine....what do I do?

[tissy]

We have lived in this house nine years, and have a sixteen year old moggy.

Next door neighbours moved in 3 weeks ago. They have 4 cats- two "old lady" cats, which we've never seen, and two young toms which hang about our garden. Both of them have looked very interested at our cat flap, but I've scared them off- don't want Toms spraying our house, thank you very much.

Our moggy was sunning herself in the garden this afternoon, when one of the toms came up to her and picked a fight. Our cat was terrified, and I think she was bitten on her front leg...she's limping and spent the first half hour after the attack howling.

What the hell do I do? Our cat is old and was quite happy till 3 weeks ago. I have a couple of water squirters full and at the ready. Is it worth talking to the neighbours, if so, what do we say? It's not as if they can stop their cats beating up ours (or running around on our roof chasing birds, for that matter).

I will take our cat to the vet tomorrow, if still limping; can I reasonably ask them to pay the bill? We don't have pet insurance, she's been perfectly healthy till now. Would it be worth suggesting the toms get neutered? Does that make a difference?

I would let them know. If they are reasonable then they would offer to pay and consider getting their cats neutered. If unreasonable you're a bit stuck.

thanks, hercules

anyone have any cat scaring tactics?

I really don't think you can ask them to pay tbh, but you could raise the subject of having them neutered

put some stones in a tin a shake it when they come into your garden

Get a dog!

We had a very similar problem last year with a new cat in our neighbourhood. Tomcat, very unpleasant, sprayed our house and just beat it's way thro the catflap - we have one that should only let our cat in by a collar magnet, & shitting behind the sofa was the last straw.
Weren't exactly sure where it lived but the RSPCA advice was to talk to them and come to some agreement about what time they let their cats out v what time ours was out(which seemed like a huge faff and like they had no idea how independent cats are!).
Like yours ours was very used to coming and going as she pleased, but 2 very serious (expensive) injuries - she nearly had her paw amputated last time, and we've had to change what we do tbh.
We keep her in all night with the catflap locked both ways and a litter tray (bleagh) and seriously chase the evil cat if we see it anywhere near our garden. It seems to have got the message and rather naughtily I've taught my boys that this is the only animal they are allowed to chase.
Touch wood we've had no more problems. It's all about territory clearly.

I think our poor old cat would be even more upset if we got a dog, but next door neighbour has 5 dogs of varying sizes; I was thinking of borrowing one for a while and tethering it next to the fence the cats come over!

I don't think there is anything you can nor can you ask them to pay your vets bill. that is just one of the consequences of haivng a cat. Your cat could go and attack someone'e else cat and you can't control where they go or what they do.

agree, she could, but she won't! She is sixteen, and arthritic, she likes to lie in the sun in the garden she has been safe in for more than half her life. The neighbour three doors down from us has ten cats, and they never bother us!

Ah well, off to Toys R Us to get the biggest Super Soaker I can find.

A friend of mine had a bunny which all the local cats feared!

I do think a cat should be able to sunbathe in it's own garden unmolested.