I miss my neighbour's cat

[meadow89]

My neighbour's cat adopted me, as she became quite unhappy at home bc they got a new dog, and she would spend all day every day plus night if we let her. We asked twice if we can adopt her from them as she's clearly happier with us, plus when it is raining or windy, they do not pick her up, we either have to take her there or let her in otherwise poor thing sits outside. Breaks my heart.

Have been told multiple times not to let her in, and got so upset, DH and I decided to get our own cat. She is lovely and sweet and I love her, but cannot stop missing my neighbour's cat. I really bonded with her and I stupidly keep crying whenever I see her outside sitting in our garden, pleading to be let in! I kept doing it and tried introducing kitten and her, but decided it is too hard - I am not allowed to keep her and I do not want to encourage her to wait outside, especially now winter is coming.

I am so upset and I miss her. Do not know what to do, really, not much can be done :(

We have adopted cats too. My dc are cat magnets. The neighbours don't mind as they know they are being loved and fussed over. We don't feed them despite the dc trying to get me to do so but we don't have a cat of our own so I wouldn't have food in for them. The first one used to meow loudly at night to come in, run upstairs and curl up with dd2. Second one was with us most of the time turning up at doors and windows and heading straight for cereals bowls at breakfast or beds at any other time. Third one is at the door most mornings and seems to think we should leave the door open for frequent coming and goings. Another cereal lover who hovers at the breakfast table but mainly cries pitifully then goes to sleep on a bed when there's nothing forthcoming. Fourth one has been in this week too! They love a good fuss and we love giving it and the neighbours have said they are happy if they are happy and safe. They make our day with their fluffy cuteness, purrs and mad antics. They are all very good at playing the poor hard done to kitty who is starving for both food and affection. Fibbers. I say let her in and give her some love and affection. I draw the line at feeding though. Visit yes, feed no. Although cereal bowls are fair game.

That is a hard one. It's really down to the parents, they need to teach their child that a major part of owning an animal is about being able to give them the best care even if that means putting their needs before your own. Thing is if the child is too young to realise this on his own and the parents dont address it because they are too wrapped up in the dog the poor cat will only suffer for it. I wouldn't be too worried about moving right now, that is still quite a while away and anything could change by then. The only thing I can think of is if you keep taking the cat in and they realise it spends less and less time with them maybe it would make letting the cat go easier for them as it's more of a gradual process than an immediate one and would hopefully give them time to get used to not having her around. Hopefully they will see how happy you both make each other, and if they do care for the cat in the slightest that should be enough to make them think otherwise. I dont think you sound crazy at all! Cats are very emotive creatures and they can be just as upset/depressed as much as a dog can, only thing is for some reason people tend to over look this fact when it comes to cats and think they dont need that level of attention when it comes to their emotional needs. I'm worried since you said the cat isnt grooming itself, essentially neglecting itself, that it can be sign of stress/sickness. The balls in your court op but I would definitely being let this cat in right now, it sounds like you both would have more to gain from that than loose at the moment.

Move house and take her with you :-)

@rubydoobydooby and @Bercows - stories about cat tricksters made me smile a lot - thanks. I think she may be one of those sometimes, as I do know they said she gets a lot of cuddles and treats at home.

I am not sure 100% if she doesn't groom because she is really stressed, or if she cannot reach and walked through something particualrly gunky, but her fur has been all matted and tangled for over a week now, which I do not like.

I decided to meet her outside and give her fuss when she's there and maybe let her in to have a nap during the day, but absolutely no food. We will see what happens. Maybe it is worth giving her a chance to accept her dog at home, I was told she loved previous dog very much. I will be happy as long as she's happy to be honest - if I see she goes home more then I will be happy too, it is just sad seeing her outside meowing and looking distressed.

Thanks again for kind words and replies

We haven't seen our fluff ball today and we are missing her already. You get used to their company don't you and we all look out for them and have come to expect them at the door several times a day. We comb them with a nit comb to check for and get rid of any fleas and it's made them beautifully shiny. Give her a good groom if she'll let you. Some enjoy it, some don't.