Neighbour’s cat living in my garden - what to do?

[AchillesLastStand]

I’m not a cat owner and never owned a cat. I have a problem that’s been going on for over two years now. A neighbour’s cat that lives across the road from me started visiting my garden, As time went on her visits got more frequent and longer. We petted her but didn’t feed her at all.

It’s now got to the point where she is living full time in my garden. Last winter she was living under the canopy by my kitchen door, where she’d get cold and wet. I found it very distressing seeing her everyday and on a few really cold nights I let her spend the night in my kitchen.

I have been over to the neighbours numerous times and told them where she was. I gave them my number, but they didn’t seem that concerned. They have been over to get her about three times in the last two years. In September I put a note through their door giving them permission to come down the side of my house to get the cat from the kitchen door and gave them my number again (they’ve never contacted me). I’ve heard them come over twice to the side of my house, but now they’re not bothering at all. They never came looking for her bonfire week when we had three nights of fireworks. I let the cat in my kitchen.

I can’t go through another winter with her in my garden with no shelter so I’ve set up an insulated cat kennel for her which is keeping her dry and hopefully warmer. I’ve also started giving her food because she was living off a neighbour’s bird table and was very thin.

She’s an extremely nervous little cat. In winter she loses all the fur on her rear end and belly. This year, so far, she’s kept all her fur maybe because she’s less stressed because she’s now full time in our garden with shelter and she gets fed at regular times now. It’s been freezing this week and I’ve been so worried about her.

I don’t know what the long term solution is. The cat’s owners have two male cats which she doesn’t get on with, they also have two dogs that visit. They’ve also made it to clear to me that she’s their cat. A photo of kitty’s set up in my garden. Any advice gratefully received.

@AchillesLastStand i have a regular cat visitor, his owners have many other cats and he also cant get in to thirr house if they are out.

Honestly, id let her in and look after her. Get a cat flap if you are worried, then she can let herself in.

You are a really kind person to do this, more people should be like you in this world. They don't deserve her, I would keep her.

Hay - not straw. The problem with straw is when squashed it loses its insulation

😍 How does it feel to be a chosen one?

If she's chipped, as galling as it is, offer neighbours £50 for her and get it updated.

Hopefully they won't just go out and buy another kitten....

I really hope this happens to you and the kitty @AchillesLastStand , thank you for looking after this little cat 💐

Do you have a name for her?

Considering they're not feeding her and let her get in that state last winter I would say adopt her. As long as you're prepared to be responsible for any vet visits needed in future. I would also let her inside as its so cold.
They could well come and claim her back so you need to be prepared for that heartbreak too. You could always offer payment for her and get her chipped as pp has suggested if they do come knocking.

Sometimes cats vote with their feet.

I know this is an old thread but I love the bed you made the cat, so kind of you. Those cat dens are not cheap, we have one too.

@AchillesLastStand how are things with you and your little feline friend?

You should have taken her. She trusted you to be her human.

OP this little cat obviously chose you and loves and trust you to care for her. Cats need flea treatment every month and worming every 2 or 3 months as well as feeding. Fleas don't go away if not treated and are very stubborn little creatures to get rid of.

Yet there are many, many posters on The Litter tray who will cuss and flame people for even looking kindly at a cat, saying they have owners and you are a thief.
No doubt Electra 1 would have made different choices if you had been around them to give guidance.

My cats allergic to fleas and his hair has fell out like this on the odd occasion he's caught them.

That cat doesn't look thin in that photo tbh, can't see it's ribs or shoulder blades

It's clear to me that the owners of this poor cat don't want her. If it was my cat I'd be in your garden all the time!!! And working out why my cat didn't want to come home. This cat clearly trusts you and feels safe with you, just keep her. If they'd wanted her, they'd have done something about it. You can change this little cat's whole world, please do this OP

I know this is a slightly old thread that’s been revived. But having read through, I’d love to hear a little update on how kitty is now and how you all got on over the winter if you’re still around @AchillesLastStand

Can you get a scanner to see if they had her chipped ?

If she gets ill you can still take it to vet, if she is chipped with contact details up to date they will contact the owners, you can then say if owners wont pay for treatment then you would like to take ownership if possible.

Once they realise they are still responsible for vet bills even though its at yours all the time they may agree to sign over to you.

( this happened to me, the cat was chipped but owners never reported it missing over 2 yesrs) once I said im happy to keep the cat but they would still be responsible for vet bills she quickly agreed and told vets the cat is mine)

If no chip you could get it in your name but possible issues if they can prove via messages you sent them that you deliberately took their cat.

Just came across this..... I need an update 😭

Aww bless her she looks like a cat that visits our garden. She looks very happy with her little house. The neighbours aren’t looking after her. I would do as others have suggested take her to a rescue and see if you can adopt her.

This happened to me. I spoke to my neighbours who said they didn't let him in the house as he was an "outdoor cat" and it wouldn't be fair on him. Poor thing was regularly wet through and freezing. He now spends the majority of his time asleep on my bed. I took him to the vets and they didn't scan for a chip so I wouldn't worry too much about that. They never scan any of my cats.

Neighbour then moved an didn't make any effort to take him with her.

You need to ask the neighbour to transfer ownership. If she is chipped it should be a simple case of taking her to a vet getting her checked over and fill in the new ownership details. The cat distribution system has brought you a lovely wee girl.