Neighbor keeps locking my cat in their house.

Question

We live in condos and our neighbors who rent their condo out are remodeling. They have left their door open and accidentally locked my cat in over night on 3 occasions. I spoke to them about it after the first time and after the second time, I asked for their phone number so I could call them if it happened again because she has no food or water or litter box in there and it has been over 100 degrees everyday lately. They said no because they didn't want to be bothered at home. I found their email address and emailed them the 3rd time she got locked in. I also informed them that locking an animal without food or water is illegal, but they say it is my responsibility to make sure she doesn't go into their unit. I told them that there are five cats in the neighborhood not to mention mice, opossums and birds that could all get in there and it is their responsibility to keep things out of their house. I do not want to make my cat an indoor cat because she loves to be outside but I do not know who's side the law is on here. We are in Austin Tx. Also, she wants us to pay for carpet cleaning because my cat urinated while she was trapped. Do any of you know what I need to do here. Or am I in the wrong?

Answer 1

It's time for your kitty to become an inside kitty permanently.  You are not being a responsible pet owner, if you allow your cat to roam free when you know that the situation is dangerous for her.

Your neighbors quite likely do not wish to lock your cat in their condo.  Look at the problems this is causing for them.  You should pay for the carpet cleaning......it's your cat and your responsibility.

So keep your kitty home and she will be healthier and safer.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

call the police.

they will set your neighbor straight

Answer 3

I would make sure to keep my cat inside at least while they are there since they will not co-operate with you about the cat.

Also you don't want them to take your cat to the pound if they find it in there again.

You can also ask them that you will be happy to cruze the apt when they are about to leave to make sure your pet is not inside.

Otherwise you might have to break a window to let it out. ;0/

Call the local SPCA to find out who's side the law is on though.

As far as the carpet I would say that is THIER reponsibility since they will not co-operatew with you on this.

Answer 4

This is another reason my cats are indoors only and seem quite happy. They are healthy. Your neighbor is being difficult. They sound lazy. What is the bother? Before the door is shut then check around to make sure no animals are locked inside. It's not a lot of work I'm sure. You could call animal control and see what they tell you.  

Answer 5

Hope you've kept an audio recording of your calls to your neighbors. I would call the humane society/SPCA the next time your cat becomes locked inside your neighbors' domicile. Inform them how many times this has been the case, and that your neighbors have refused you access to check before they lock up; they have refused to check their own place; they refuse to return to let you rescue your cat. The Humane Society will contact your neighbors for you. Usually, if this is an increasing problem, they can issue a citation to your neighbors.

Answer 6

Sorry to say it but it's your cat, therefore you are responsible for it. It is there place so they can leave the door wide open all day if they wanted to. You might have to keep him indoors until the work is done or watch him when he's outside. If your cat keeps doing this, they can call animal control and say your an irresponsible pet owner because you let it roam around unsupervised.

Answer 7

I say take an axe to their door and then see who they will listen to  

Answer 8

It's a little bit of both - they shouldn't be leaving the door open, but ultimately you are the one responsible for your cat.  If you are going to let it roam outside then you are responsible when it does something.  Its too bad they are not willing to help look out for your little guy but you are the one they can come after if the cat becomes bothersome or destructive.

Answer 9

i think that you should keep a closer eye on your animal...if they don't have pets then they shouldn't have to check inside their home if there is a pet inside...i think you should take responsibilty...they shouldnt have to go out of there way just for you and your cat..

Answer 10

Everyone feels badly not letting their cats go outside when they want.  But this is just one of many, many reasons NOT to.  

And yes, you are probably going to be responsible for the carpet since it is your cat.

Good Luck