Cat problem

[Rotormotor]

I have a small timid dog who used to live a quiet life. Then neighbours either side bought cats. They roam about the neighbourhood (yes I know they are allowed) and in my garden. At first my dog barked and chased them out but one of the cats is up for a fight. It now comes in the garden almost every day and stands it’s ground. Won’t even go when I try and shoo it away.

Recently this cat has taken to hiding in the garden and has swiped at the dog, scratched him and made him yelp. I’m fed up. Dog is fed up.

I wanted to put (humane) anti cat spikes in boundary but neighbours massively kicked off. I really don’t want to start a war with them so agreed not to. I’ve tried spraying with water but doesn’t work. looked at other cat repellent stuff but it probably not great for dogs either. What can I do? This cat is making my dog’s life a misery.

am I going to have to totally fall out with my NDNs? and cat proof the boundary?

Oh just did a search and I can see this is a common issue.

My vet suggested using buckets of water rather than spraying as it's easier to drench the cat

If my dog was being hurt, in his own garden, I would say sod what your neighbours want, cat proof your garden...
A cat scratch has the potential to be really nasty so I wouldn't take any chances.

We have a couple of cats round here who actively seek out dogs to square up to. Last summer I had a cat take a a swipe at my 40 kg dog and it actually followed us along the pavement, looking for a fight 😳

You’re right. I don’t like confrontation and that’s what I’ll get but I need to do something.

Cat proof your garden but with proper roller fencing or overhanging fencing not spikes .

That roller fencing is really expensive and the overhanging stuff is ugly. But I guess I’m going to have to suck it up.

Car proof your garden. I have a dog and cat. Cats can be twats. A few of my neighbours have anti cat stuff on their fences. I have no issues with it. My cat keeps away.

DC used to walk along the fence with anti cat spikes put up by the neighbour's, so you might find that isn't enough to deter him.

Bucket of water would get my vote.

Back off for a while, then sweet talk the cat really close to you, luring it with something tasty. The dump a saucepan full of cold water on it, uttering an ear-splitting banshee shriek simultaneously.

My brother's suggestion into lure it into the back of your car with a yummy snack then drive a very long way and let it out. We all know cats roam...

Not qite the same but my next door neighbour has got a new cat, young but out and about and it's desperate to get into our house, obviously don't realise that we have a cat hating terrier... yet 😆Hope you get it sorted, try and make your garden not a desirable place to be so water if needed and shoo it and run at it as soon as you see it. Hopefully it will choose another garden eventually

If the cat is ignoring you shooing - try this, put a few pebbles inside a plastic bottle - shake loudly.

Use the spikes. Your neighbour may not like it but if they let the cat raom it's a risk they will have to accept.

Thanks for all of the ideas

If the neighbours do moan, just check with them that they would be OK to pay any vet bills. As others have said, cat scratches can be nasty.

They may be more amenable if there's a chance hits their wallet.

I think your brother shouldn’t make comments like that, and you shouldn’t repeat then even for “giggles”. If someone suggested taking dogs for long rides and dumping them out in the middle of nowhere for the crime of barking annoyingly no doubt you’d be affronted. How nasty people can be.

Water gun the little shit

Spikes don’t work btw, they just walk real carefully.

cat proofing will, but, you’ll want it on the outside of your fence, not the inside, which might be an issue.

Your best bet is probably a sprinkler set up that you can just turn on when you want it.

Taking someone's cat a long way away and leaving it to starve to death or get killed?
I know this happens - I'm involved in rescue so have picked up the pieces - but never actually heard anyone suggest this as a good idea.

This

As someone who owned cats for many years, my own cats used to be bullied by others, and I resorted to that

Water pistol. I'm sure it would be most satisfying.

Ddog (collie sized) has a favourite walk and the other day there were two cats sat on the path in an alleyway. One ran off but the other refused to move. We got closer and I was trying to shoo it away, but no, and there was a standoff, as I didn't want ddog to attack it. But ddog decided she wasn't happy and turned round to go home!

We tried a water pistol. Neighbours kicked off about it. Annoyed at us for spraying the cat. Who was shitting in our garden!!!