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Neighbour and my cat

5 replies

Listofmedications · 21/04/2025 23:06

Im so sad about this situation with my cat and not sure what to do next. I have 2 cats and a dog. The cats were here first, but when the dog was first introduced all was fine for a couple of years and all got along fine. I have also recently started renting a room to students so house is quite busy.

During the last year, one of the cats started visiting my neighbour more and more. The neighbour feeds her and doesn’t do anything to prevent her getting in. The neighbour has a cat and a cat flap that’s a micro chip one, but my cat has worked out how to get in anyway. I have offered to replace the cat flap to see if that would stop her but neighbour has declined. I have asked neighbour not to feed her and given her permission to chase her out but she won’t. Neighbour is a single lady with a quiet household which I believe my cat prefers. She does have another older cat (which she has admitted was also another neighbour’s originally!)

I have tried to keep my cat in to try to get her used to this being her home, but she’s very distressed when kept in. When we have students, the cat has been known to wee on their beds if the door was left open.

In the last 6months I basically haven’t had my cat in my house, she’s totally chosen to stay away. I’ve seen her in the garden occasionally for dreamies and flea treatment.

Im very upset that my cat doesn’t want to be here, but don’t want to force her to be somewhere she’s unhappy. And Im cross with the neighbour who seems to be collecting other peoples cats. I’m not sure what to do for the best. Re home her? Sign her over to the neighbour or stay as we are ?

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 22/04/2025 03:59

I’d stay as you are. No way would I sign the at over to the neighbour.

AnOldCynic · 22/04/2025 05:06

Is the neighbour happy to pay for vets bills, flea and worming treatments? If so then I’d just leave it as it is. Your cat is obviously not happy in your household. Why rehome it when it’s already got one.

WelshYellowDaffodils · 22/04/2025 05:20

If my cats are happy I’m happy. They’re not a possession - they’re a living being. A couple of our cats have relocated themselves, Some have often visited neighbours for long periods. Some have acted like they’re stuck to me with Velcro. Let your cat keep the choices it has made. I’m pleased to read that keeping your cat in isn’t an option for you as it distresses your cat. Personally I would carry on as you are. If you want another cat to cuddle then introducing a kitten is far easier when you’ve already got cats.

TwentyTwentyFive · 22/04/2025 06:23

If my cats are happy I’m happy. They’re not a possession - they’re a living being

Honestly this is my take on it too. Your cat is miserable at your house and has found somewhere calmer and less stressful to live. I'd be sad about it but grateful she's being well looked after and is not longer stressed and unhappy. You can discuss ownership with the neighbour if you feel it appropriate but please put the poor cats needs first.

Listofmedications · 27/04/2025 22:56

Thank you all for responding. I have made the decision to sign our lovely cat over. But have made it clear that we would like to know what’s happening with her and if there was ever any issues that we would take her back.

our lovely cat has made it quite clear where she wants to be and we will support that (while continuing with giving dreamies at the bottom of the garden when we see her)And will be here to take her back at any time if needed.

Cats hey, we still have her brother here (who’s happy with the dog and the constant coming and going of children and students)

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