Nasty Neighbour!!

Donna · 06-11-2005, 06:46 PM

Hello, I have a problem and I dont know what to do!! I have been a first time cat owner of two timid females, Chloe and Misty, for a year now. They have been predominently house cats but I do give them the choice of going into my garden. They tended to be happiest in the garden in the summer when I was sitting out there with them. Now the weather is getting colder I have introduced a catflap with varying success! My biggest problem is that there is a large nasty cat in my area who terrorises my kitties when they go out. It comes into the house and eats all their food and attacks them. Now they are getting more and more frightened to go out and are too scared to use the cat flap. Its a magnetic one so the nasty cat cant get in, but they are still so scared! I want to get rid of the litter tray but if they wont go outside what can i do??? PLEASE HELP! ANY SUGGESTIONS APPRECIATED!

yola · 06-11-2005, 06:51 PM

Hi Donna - welcome.

Is having your cats in the house a major stumbling block for you? I ask, because if the cats are happiest indoors maybe you should just go with the flow?

My 3 go outside only when I'm there. As yours - in summer they will kip in the borders. But usually when I come in for any length of time so do they. I think some cats are just more comfortable indoors or with human companions.

If you're determined for them to go out, I don't really know what you can do to keep this other cat out of your garden. Maybe your cats just need to make it their territory instead of it being that of the other cat. Coz that's probably the problem, he thinks they are on his patch!!

I hope that helps a little. I'm sure others will come forward with some better suggestions.

Cheers

Fran · 06-11-2005, 06:54 PM

Do you know who this other cat belongs to Donna? Or could it be a ferral cat?

Donna · 06-11-2005, 06:55 PM

Hi Yola

Thanks for your advice. I am so new to forums - first time ever so bear with me!!

I do not have a problem with my cats being more indoors than out, but I get a lot of pressure from family and friends who have cats who tend to live outside and they say I am being cruel keeping them in.

I dont force them to stay in - I have put the cat flap in to give them a choice. When i come in from work they always run downstairs from sleeping on my bed. They sleep on my bed of a night time too.

The main reason for wanting the cats to go outside and use the cat flap was so that i can get rid of the litter tray! It is so messy!!

The large nasty cat in question beats up all the cats in the area so think it is the Leader of the pack, but just want my kitties to feel safe in their own garden and use it when they need to go loo!!

Donna

Donna · 06-11-2005, 06:57 PM

Hi Fran,

Its not a feral cat. It lives in my street but not sure where!

Mags · 06-11-2005, 06:59 PM

I would keep a water pistol handy Donna, for when the cat comes into your garden. After a few on target shots he may get the message and steer clear of your garden. He obviously doesn't like your cats on his territory so you've got to persuade him that it is no longer his. Good luck, I hope you can solve the problem....

Donna · 06-11-2005, 07:01 PM

Have tried the water trick but to no avail!! He is a tough old boot!!

Fran · 06-11-2005, 07:05 PM

Think I would try and find out who he belongs to and let them know what sort of trouble he is causing. Perhaps you could come to some sort of arrangement so that they keep him in during certain hours. If he hasn't been neutered then it would be worth suggesting that they get him done and he may 'calm down' somewhat. Good luck!!!

dinahsmum · 06-11-2005, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fran

Think I would try and find out who he belongs to and let them know what sort of trouble he is causing. Perhaps you could come to some sort of arrangement so that they keep him in during certain hours. If he hasn't been neutered then it would be worth suggesting that they get him done and he may 'calm down' somewhat. Good luck!!!

Sounds good advice - and let your cats do what they prefer!

borderdawn · 06-11-2005, 07:33 PM

i have just invested in some "prikka strips" and gone round the whole garden in an attempt to stop my Cats getting out (only one really) Its really for deterring intruders but does state that Cats wont go over it, so I am giving it a go. So far it seems to be working!
Dawn.

http://www.livesafe.co.uk/Prikka-Strip_webpage.htm

Welcome to our Cat Forums!
				Welcome to our CatForums! You are seeing this message because you are viewing our cat forums as a guest. You can continue to browse our many cat related areas as a guest but you are more than welcome to register and join our friendly community of Cat Lovers! ... And for free! Doing so will also remove this message and some of the ads, such as the one on the left. Please click here to register.