My cat, 11 yrs. old, is afraid of the neighbour's cats

Question

They moved recently to the house next door. Very nice people, with 2 young children. The former neighbours didn't have any pets, and my cat was used to roaming around their garden at will.Short of telling my neighbours of this, which I am reluctant to do anyways, how do I solve this problem. My cat hardly goes outdoors these days, and when she does, returns almost immediately. These 2 cats, age 1 (male) and 11 (female) have simply taken over our property. They scoot off when they see me. I hate shooing them off, and don't encourage them either.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The thing with cats is that they're highly territorial. Cats are constantly fighting over who owns what land. That is why they 'mark' (when they lift their tails and spray their scent it is like making a claim). If a cat is outnumbered (like yours) they dont really have much option but to forfeit their territory, which is why your neighbour's cats have taken over your property.

The best thing I can suggest would be to talk to your neighbours. It may be daunting, but at least they'll know what's happening and will be more likely to keep an eye out. You could also try keeping your cat indoors, but that isnt the nicest thing to do for your cat's lively hood.

Also take note that it takes a cat a while to get used to new situations. They're not like dogs, which can easily adapt. Just try and give it a couple more weeks. Your cat might start getting used to it and venturing out more and more each day. You never know, if your cat is friendly towards your neighbour's cats, they might even befriend eachother (that happened with my cat - they're inseperable now).

I hope I helped in some way or another!

Answer 2

try using deer deterrent. it uses the actual deer urine, from large males, and it is quite useful in scaring off new cats, raccoons, skunks, and other mammalian pests.

Answer 3

Great Question!

have similar problem...with some new catsa...I do not know where they live..

My efforts thus far have included:

1.  Sneak attacks with the spray hose

2.  Stealth lemon launches (or throwing whatever arsenal with direct hit capabilities,,,old lemons are the most satisfying and their football shape is incredibly satisfying when it reaches target!)

3.  More time outside gardening...these cats run when they see me

These cats near me are really annoying as they even come in through our pet door and harass my elderly kitty, eat her food, and otherwise make a nuisance of themselves...grrr...

I am one step away from a cat trap....this IS a Solution that works

I read about some barrier systems that can be installed on your fence to keep your kitty safely inside your property and other vagrant hooligan varment cats outside.  What a hassle...but maybe worth trying in order to have a happy relationship, at least with your biped-new neighbors.

motion detecting sprinklers seem like another possibility....

Answer 4

idk i was gonna say tell the neighbors "ur cats are around my yard and its annoying, can you please do something if u have the time?" but remember the keyword please. and also u should maybe get ur cat as an inside cat. otherwise dont as long as ur problem is solved and there isnt any more cats ruling ur yard. (lions or tigers or something lol)

hope i helped.

Answer 5

Wow, that's really sad. I don't think there's really is anything you CAN do. Maybe in time your cat and the neighbor's cats will learn to tolerate each other. Also try going out WITH your cat so she'll feel more safe. I have to do that with my old girl sometimes. She grew up in the suburbs, and didn't like the country when we moved here. Everything is so big and scary (it seems) to her and she prefers to have company when she goes out.

Good luck. I feel for you.   :(

Answer 6

At 11, why not consider keeping as an indoor cat from now on...he can enjoy his senior years and you won't have to worry about the other cats...

Answer 7

They probably had a fight for territory and lost.

But fact of the matter is as soon as you let a cat out it will wander where ever it wants

You probably find the other male is more aggressive because there's another female there.