I'm looking for some advice as to my neighbours cat. A little Black cat has always been about since I moved in to my road just over 5 years ago, this cat has always been friendly and in the past month I have been hand feeding her Dreamies when she comes over to say Hello! However in the last 3-4 weeks she has taken to slipping past me and up the stairs when I open my front door, as I had my own cat until last Christmas I still have tins of food, biscuits and litter, I have fed this cat small portions not wanting to upset her regime opposite.
My problem is that its become more regular and I have let her stay overnight letting her out in the morning - I have to force her out mostly- so being concerned I've knocked on the neighbours door, no answer, despite lights on and the fact I can see at least 2 Flat-screen TV's on! So 4 days ago I posted a letter to explain the cat's visits and feeding and that I have no intention of "stealing" and that I enjoy her company.
I received a note last night that is not so much rude but is rather short, saying that their cat doesn't come home because I've been feeding her and the daughter is upset having had the cat for 7 years.
The cat - who I've nick-named "Scruff"- sits on their driveway and in their porch all day when they're out at work and school and is always out in the evening, I don't recall her ever being let in or called for in the evenings.
I don't want to upset a young girl or her family, but I also feel sorry for "Scruff" as the only attention I've seen her get is from people walking by and myself and friends. "Scruff" was in the neighbours porch this morning and as I was putting my rubbish out she shot across the road and up the stairs, I didn't turn her away as there was quite heavy rainfall, I'll force her out when I see her family home from school and work, which should be soon.
I'm in a dilemma as to what to do, especially now we're in autumn and the weather's changing.
Should I ignore "Scruff" completely - which to me seems cruel - or what I'm doing is limiting her time round here and sending on her way when the neighbours are home, I just felt a little put out by their note, if the daughter is upset,why is the cat always out in what ever weather and follows people that walk by her house, surely they should be paying the cat a bit more attention?