curious cats
June 21, 2005 9:54 AM Subscribe
How do I keep cats out of my yard?
New neigbors moved in with two cats that seem to like my back yard and the plant beds out front. I'd like to keep them off my property without confronting the neighbors in any way. I was hoping they would go away but the wanna fuck noises at six thirty outside my window have convinced me I need to do something.
I talked with animal control and there is no leash law here so they can't get the cats. He said I could trap the cats and take them to the pound but this would seem to ruin any chance of being discrete if I they see me putting the cats in my car or a trap in my yard. Also, I can't get a dog.
My best idea, the sprinklerlight, only solves cats in the back. I have a motion sensitive light there. Lowes has a solenoid (electric) controlled sprinkler valve for $10. I have a hose, a sprinkler, and the other necessary electrical parts including a 24 VAC transformer. I hook that up to one of the two light sockets. Cat (or anything else) turns on the light and a sprinkler turns on for 4 minutes, hopefully convincing the cat this isn't the best yard to hang out in. This would only work at night unless I can open the light and cover the daylight sensor easily.
So does anyone have any other ideas that are very effective? Tips for keeping them out of the plant beds? Inexpensive would be great. That's why the sprinklerlight is tempting as it should cost under $15 in the event it doesn't work.
New neigbors moved in with two cats that seem to like my back yard and the plant beds out front. I'd like to keep them off my property without confronting the neighbors in any way. I was hoping they would go away but the wanna fuck noises at six thirty outside my window have convinced me I need to do something.
I talked with animal control and there is no leash law here so they can't get the cats. He said I could trap the cats and take them to the pound but this would seem to ruin any chance of being discrete if I they see me putting the cats in my car or a trap in my yard. Also, I can't get a dog.
My best idea, the sprinklerlight, only solves cats in the back. I have a motion sensitive light there. Lowes has a solenoid (electric) controlled sprinkler valve for $10. I have a hose, a sprinkler, and the other necessary electrical parts including a 24 VAC transformer. I hook that up to one of the two light sockets. Cat (or anything else) turns on the light and a sprinkler turns on for 4 minutes, hopefully convincing the cat this isn't the best yard to hang out in. This would only work at night unless I can open the light and cover the daylight sensor easily.
So does anyone have any other ideas that are very effective? Tips for keeping them out of the plant beds? Inexpensive would be great. That's why the sprinklerlight is tempting as it should cost under $15 in the event it doesn't work.
"Shake-Away Domestic Cat Powder contains the scent (urine) of more dominant predators, the fox and coyote. Use of the powder sends the instinctual message to your offending feline that the stronger predator has "claimed" their litter box or spray area."
Or you could raise coyotes. Or...
"Scarecrow senses animals the same way security lights detect people; movement and heat. When an animal is seen, a valve opens instantly releasing a three-second pulsating spray of water. The combination of the sudden noise, movement, and water frightens animals away. This startling, yet harmless action is a remarkably effective animal repellent."
posted by pracowity at 10:07 AM on June 21, 2005
Or you could raise coyotes. Or...
"Scarecrow senses animals the same way security lights detect people; movement and heat. When an animal is seen, a valve opens instantly releasing a three-second pulsating spray of water. The combination of the sudden noise, movement, and water frightens animals away. This startling, yet harmless action is a remarkably effective animal repellent."
posted by pracowity at 10:07 AM on June 21, 2005
You might also want to kindly discuss spaying/neutering with your neighbors. There are lots of websites out there (start with your local humane society or animal shelter) that have good fact sheets explaining why it's good. This will at least do something about the mating noises.
posted by matildaben at 10:12 AM on June 21, 2005
posted by matildaben at 10:12 AM on June 21, 2005
Best answer: Cat owners are often quite dense...
Yeah, but they're often not mean-spirited. It's just likely that they haven't thought things through, and it hasn't occured to them that others might not appreciate these critters on their property. So let me ask this: Why don't you want to talk to the neighbors? They'd probably appreciate a friendly "You know, your cats have taken to my property, and are wreaking havoc with my plant beds. Any ideas on how we might keep them out?" a lot more than they'd appreciate a call from the pound, or a trip to the vet because of some awful, casually cruel, or otherwise misguided suggestion (of which we've had many on these kinds of threads) that you got on AskMe.
In short: Unless there's some sort of serious problem there, talk to your new neighbors first. Communication is almost always the easiest way to solve these problems.
On preview: Or you could raise coyotes.... Now this is most certainly not seriously offered, but this is emblematic of the sort of casually cruel stuff I mean.
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:16 AM on June 21, 2005
Yeah, but they're often not mean-spirited. It's just likely that they haven't thought things through, and it hasn't occured to them that others might not appreciate these critters on their property. So let me ask this: Why don't you want to talk to the neighbors? They'd probably appreciate a friendly "You know, your cats have taken to my property, and are wreaking havoc with my plant beds. Any ideas on how we might keep them out?" a lot more than they'd appreciate a call from the pound, or a trip to the vet because of some awful, casually cruel, or otherwise misguided suggestion (of which we've had many on these kinds of threads) that you got on AskMe.
In short: Unless there's some sort of serious problem there, talk to your new neighbors first. Communication is almost always the easiest way to solve these problems.
On preview: Or you could raise coyotes.... Now this is most certainly not seriously offered, but this is emblematic of the sort of casually cruel stuff I mean.
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:16 AM on June 21, 2005
Best answer: Before spending any major money try scattering some orange peel, it repels cats effectively.
posted by fire&wings at 10:21 AM on June 21, 2005
posted by fire&wings at 10:21 AM on June 21, 2005
I talked with animal control and there is no leash law here so they can't get the cats. He said I could trap the cats and take them to the pound but this would seem to ruin any chance of being discrete if I they see me putting the cats in my car or a trap in my yard.
Good grief, I should say so.
posted by redfoxtail at 10:49 AM on June 21, 2005
Good grief, I should say so.
posted by redfoxtail at 10:49 AM on June 21, 2005
Response by poster: Why don't you want to talk to the neighbors? These people could make my life miserable. Other neighbors have already called on their dogs when they got out twice. I don't really want them to associate me with any negative feelings towards their pets. Also, these are the type of people who let cats roam, presumably unspayed or unneutered ones.
posted by 6550 at 10:55 AM on June 21, 2005
posted by 6550 at 10:55 AM on June 21, 2005
Best answer: Yeah, cats really do not like the smell of oranges and apples. There are some bitter apple and bitter orange sprays that will probably work if you periodically re-apply them. They can be found at just about any pet store. But first you might want to try the cheap method of scattering some orange and apple peels (green apples would probably work best since they are more sour). My cat has an abnormal fear of bananas, although I don't think that's true of many other people's cats.
Also, fanciers.com recommends spraying plant leaves with bitter sprays, dusting leaves with cayenne pepper, and/or covering the dirt with aluminum foil. The aluminum foil isn't very practical for outdoors, but you could try it temporarily. You must be careful with the cayenne pepper, though. Make sure you lightly dust the leaves of your plants and never put it directly on a cat (or dog).
A quick search turned up some more ideas: toothpicks, black pepper, coffee grounds, and garlic.
If the cats do pee on your plants, they say to pour some vinegar in the soil to counteract the ammonium in the pee pee.
Taking your neighbors' cats to the pound would be a really rotten thing to do. Just talk to them. And as mentioned before, advise them to get their cats spayed or neutered. This is as much for their own health as for your solitude.
posted by crapulent at 11:04 AM on June 21, 2005
Also, fanciers.com recommends spraying plant leaves with bitter sprays, dusting leaves with cayenne pepper, and/or covering the dirt with aluminum foil. The aluminum foil isn't very practical for outdoors, but you could try it temporarily. You must be careful with the cayenne pepper, though. Make sure you lightly dust the leaves of your plants and never put it directly on a cat (or dog).
A quick search turned up some more ideas: toothpicks, black pepper, coffee grounds, and garlic.
If the cats do pee on your plants, they say to pour some vinegar in the soil to counteract the ammonium in the pee pee.
Taking your neighbors' cats to the pound would be a really rotten thing to do. Just talk to them. And as mentioned before, advise them to get their cats spayed or neutered. This is as much for their own health as for your solitude.
posted by crapulent at 11:04 AM on June 21, 2005
I once had a neighbor whose noise *everyone* complained about, but when the police came to our door after going to his once, he thought we were responsible for all the complaints. He responded by banging on our door at all hours of the day, and caulking our doors and locks one night while we were sleeping.
In other words, I completely understand why you want to try taking care of this on your own first.
Came in to give the orange peel/deer repellent/bitter apple type suggestion, but also to note: My cat was feral for two years, and she doesn't mind citrus smells at all -- so your mileage may vary. Don't give up if one tactic doesn't work.
Once cats start marking their territory, they don't leave unless they have a really good reason. Especially if they're not spayed or neutered.
posted by gnomeloaf at 11:06 AM on June 21, 2005
In other words, I completely understand why you want to try taking care of this on your own first.
Came in to give the orange peel/deer repellent/bitter apple type suggestion, but also to note: My cat was feral for two years, and she doesn't mind citrus smells at all -- so your mileage may vary. Don't give up if one tactic doesn't work.
Once cats start marking their territory, they don't leave unless they have a really good reason. Especially if they're not spayed or neutered.
posted by gnomeloaf at 11:06 AM on June 21, 2005
I know this is not your fault and it is certainly not your financial responsibility. But you might want to consider just taking the animals to a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and paying for it yourself. I know, I know. Please don't crucify me. But, seriously, the cats are just going to have kittens and by this time next year you'll have 5 or 6 cats hanging around and they will only multiply from there.
Forking out $40 bucks as a preventative measure might be your best option. Especially when you consider how much you're going to spend on chicken wire, sprays, sprinklers, etc.
I guess you'd need to ask your neighbors' permission and that could be tricky. But I think it could be done if you approach them in the right way. Maybe you could even split the cost. In this previous question there are some great links to low-cost clinics.
Okay. Well, I don't really expect you to do this, but I just wanted to throw it out there.
(And, yes, I realize that spaying/neutering doesn't directly solve the garden problem, but it really could improve a lot because cats that are spayed/neutered don't prowl around nearly as much and they also aren't as aggressive.)
posted by crapulent at 11:18 AM on June 21, 2005
Forking out $40 bucks as a preventative measure might be your best option. Especially when you consider how much you're going to spend on chicken wire, sprays, sprinklers, etc.
I guess you'd need to ask your neighbors' permission and that could be tricky. But I think it could be done if you approach them in the right way. Maybe you could even split the cost. In this previous question there are some great links to low-cost clinics.
Okay. Well, I don't really expect you to do this, but I just wanted to throw it out there.
(And, yes, I realize that spaying/neutering doesn't directly solve the garden problem, but it really could improve a lot because cats that are spayed/neutered don't prowl around nearly as much and they also aren't as aggressive.)
posted by crapulent at 11:18 AM on June 21, 2005
I say this as a cat owner- you need to nip this behavior in the bud, fast. Not the cats', but your neighbors'. Unless you live out in the sticks (which it doesn't sound like you do), it's inexcusable to let feral cats roam around other people's property. This is not your problem to solve. The various suggestions that have been offered (powders, sprays, etc.) require ongoing maintenance on your part, which is, IMHO, not the way to go.
Before you do anything, have a civil conversation with your neighbor. Hopefully they'll be sympathetic to your situation and act accordingly. Then again, people who keep feral cats anywhere but a farm or breeding area are probably not paradigms of sensibility.
IANAL, but should that fail, crapulent is spot on. I suspect you may be well within your rights to capture a stray cat that roams onto your property, have it spayed, and return it to its owner.
posted by mkultra at 11:39 AM on June 21, 2005
Before you do anything, have a civil conversation with your neighbor. Hopefully they'll be sympathetic to your situation and act accordingly. Then again, people who keep feral cats anywhere but a farm or breeding area are probably not paradigms of sensibility.
IANAL, but should that fail, crapulent is spot on. I suspect you may be well within your rights to capture a stray cat that roams onto your property, have it spayed, and return it to its owner.
posted by mkultra at 11:39 AM on June 21, 2005
The motion activated Scarecrow pracowity mentioned above works GREAT. And if you're able to witness it working on a cat, it is hi-larious.
I had a cat using my backyard as a litterbox for a couple months. One day I installed the Scarecrow sprinkler and sat on my porch and waited for the cat. When that thing went off, I swear, I have never seen a cat move that fast in my life. It was amazing.
I think he set off the sprinkler 3 or 4 times over the next week and I never saw him in my yard again.
posted by evoo at 11:42 AM on June 21, 2005
I had a cat using my backyard as a litterbox for a couple months. One day I installed the Scarecrow sprinkler and sat on my porch and waited for the cat. When that thing went off, I swear, I have never seen a cat move that fast in my life. It was amazing.
I think he set off the sprinkler 3 or 4 times over the next week and I never saw him in my yard again.
posted by evoo at 11:42 AM on June 21, 2005
You know, spikes in the garden, not in the cats. And I have found my neighbors to be quite complacent that their cats are no trouble to anyone. Ther is at least 1 cat that was abandoned and is fed by several neighbors.
posted by theora55 at 12:09 PM on June 21, 2005
posted by theora55 at 12:09 PM on June 21, 2005
You can get cayenne pepper in bulk at Indian spice stores, if there's one of those in your area. That's what we used to keep the neighbor's dog out of our garden, even after we spread dried blood fertilizer.
posted by MrMoonPie at 12:21 PM on June 21, 2005
posted by MrMoonPie at 12:21 PM on June 21, 2005
Lee Valley Tools sells both a motion-activated sprinkler and spikey cat-mats.
posted by five fresh fish at 1:19 PM on June 21, 2005
posted by five fresh fish at 1:19 PM on June 21, 2005
Pieces of chicken wire, which you can get by the roll at Home Depot, will keep cats from digging in your beds. You don't have to cover the whole bed--just put it down in more open the spaces between plants. I've found the cats are most likely to go where I've just planted things or where I've disturbed the soil, so that's where I'm most careful about getting chicken wire down. You can put a thin layer of mulch down over it and no one will see the chicken wire, but the cat will feel it.
posted by lobakgo at 2:38 PM on June 21, 2005
posted by lobakgo at 2:38 PM on June 21, 2005
Talk with your neighbors. If you think they'll make your life miserable just because you request that they get their cats spayed or neutered, you have no idea how bad it could get if you take their pets to the pound. Yes, yes, you can argue if they were truly attached to the animal they'd get it fixed, but it really doesn't occur to some pet owners.
So look at your options. Some SPCAs offer free spaying/neutering (at least the Maryland SPCA did until recently, though they still offer reduced-cost certificates). There are mobile spay/neuter clinics like this Neuter Scooter thing here.
That won't take care of the bed-digging, but I implore you to try the other non-pound options suggested here before taking your neighbors' pets and throwing them in the pound. If they find out they will seriously hate you, and it's a pretty cruel thing to do when the cats aren't doing more than dig in your garden and make noise.
posted by Anonymous at 3:10 PM on June 21, 2005
So look at your options. Some SPCAs offer free spaying/neutering (at least the Maryland SPCA did until recently, though they still offer reduced-cost certificates). There are mobile spay/neuter clinics like this Neuter Scooter thing here.
That won't take care of the bed-digging, but I implore you to try the other non-pound options suggested here before taking your neighbors' pets and throwing them in the pound. If they find out they will seriously hate you, and it's a pretty cruel thing to do when the cats aren't doing more than dig in your garden and make noise.
posted by Anonymous at 3:10 PM on June 21, 2005
Response by poster: Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try putting some of the things out like the cayenne, orange peels, and mothballs and maybe set up the sprinklerlight.
I'm considering talking to the neighbors, at least to ask if the cats are fixed. Some of the suggestions make it sound like talking to the neighbors is the reasonable and respectful thing to do. But in my mind, people who let their pets roam off their property aren't deserving of respect, at least with this issue. I also think a real concern is by talking with them about the cats at all they are going to be aware I have some issue with them. This would make any future measures a more iffy proposition.
posted by 6550 at 3:57 PM on June 21, 2005
I'm considering talking to the neighbors, at least to ask if the cats are fixed. Some of the suggestions make it sound like talking to the neighbors is the reasonable and respectful thing to do. But in my mind, people who let their pets roam off their property aren't deserving of respect, at least with this issue. I also think a real concern is by talking with them about the cats at all they are going to be aware I have some issue with them. This would make any future measures a more iffy proposition.
posted by 6550 at 3:57 PM on June 21, 2005
But in my mind, people who let their pets roam off their property aren't deserving of respect, at least with this issue.
Well, they are well within their legal rights in your jurisdiction, and there are many perfectly intelligent, loving people who consider letting their cats outside a reasonable thing to do. (For example, in the UK it is generally considered very odd not to let your cats outdoors some of the time, and this is true in many circles in the US as well.) It would not be within your legal rights to do something nasty to their cats, so you your concern about the things that will be off limits to you if you talk to them strike me as somewhat beside the point.
posted by redfoxtail at 4:54 PM on June 21, 2005
Well, they are well within their legal rights in your jurisdiction, and there are many perfectly intelligent, loving people who consider letting their cats outside a reasonable thing to do. (For example, in the UK it is generally considered very odd not to let your cats outdoors some of the time, and this is true in many circles in the US as well.) It would not be within your legal rights to do something nasty to their cats, so you your concern about the things that will be off limits to you if you talk to them strike me as somewhat beside the point.
posted by redfoxtail at 4:54 PM on June 21, 2005
Response by poster: Hey, let's not get too dramatic here. It would seem that if these measures fail, trapping them might be my best choice. Also, what does the UK have to with cats in my yard?
redfoxtail, do you have any actual suggestions for keeping cats out of my yard? I really don't like them in the plants or outside my window yowling for a fuck at six thirty when I would still like to be sleeping.
posted by 6550 at 6:19 PM on June 21, 2005
redfoxtail, do you have any actual suggestions for keeping cats out of my yard? I really don't like them in the plants or outside my window yowling for a fuck at six thirty when I would still like to be sleeping.
posted by 6550 at 6:19 PM on June 21, 2005
...there are many perfectly intelligent, mainly uninformed, loving people who consider letting their cats outside a reasonable thing to do...
Once you learn how devastating housecats are to the local bird and rodent populations, how many parasites and diseases they're likely to pick up, and how dangerous it is for them out there, you'll likely figure responsible, intelligent, and loving owners should choose to keep their cat indoors.
posted by five fresh fish at 7:24 PM on June 21, 2005
Once you learn how devastating housecats are to the local bird and rodent populations, how many parasites and diseases they're likely to pick up, and how dangerous it is for them out there, you'll likely figure responsible, intelligent, and loving owners should choose to keep their cat indoors.
posted by five fresh fish at 7:24 PM on June 21, 2005
It would seem that if these measures fail, trapping them might be my best choice.
See, I really don't think so. I do think that the measures discussed above are good ideas -- I just wanted to point out that there may be limits to what you can or should do. Sorry to annoy, and I do appreciate and agree that all the irksome things the cats are doing are genuinely stuff you shouldn't have to put up with.
posted by redfoxtail at 7:36 PM on June 21, 2005
See, I really don't think so. I do think that the measures discussed above are good ideas -- I just wanted to point out that there may be limits to what you can or should do. Sorry to annoy, and I do appreciate and agree that all the irksome things the cats are doing are genuinely stuff you shouldn't have to put up with.
posted by redfoxtail at 7:36 PM on June 21, 2005
I'll try putting some of the things out like the cayenne, orange peels, and mothballs and maybe set up the sprinklerlight.
Motorcycles are cat magnets and, if you've ever owned one, you soon become an expert in kitty control.
From experience, please DON'T go the citrus/cat spray/mothballs route. It is high maintenance, costly and the cats eventually get used to it. Also, what smells for kitty smells for you, too. Why would you want a flower bed that smells like mothballs?
Any method you use should be aesthetically pleasing - it should not detract from the beauty/scent of your flowers and should not require any maintenance on your part.
Also, any method that involves actively hurting/trapping/getting rid of kitty should be avoided unless you are prepared to:
1) do this for *every* cat that enters the neighborhood from now until the end of time, and;
2) live with the bad kitty karma.
Plastic cat spikes are the way to go. Cat spikes are permanent, maintenance-free, harmless and neighbor-friendly. It will require a small investment up front but the ongoing peace of mind will be worth it.
Get plastic spikes that are dark green - they look natural and are hard to notice unless you are looking for them. Put them around the plant beds out front and, if possible, around the back yard. If it would be not be practical to cover all paths of entry, strategically place cat spikes on likely paths of entry (between shrubs, bushes, etc).
The cat spikes may not be as fun to watch as the scarecrow sprinkler system, but they will be cheaper and just as effective.
posted by cup at 11:22 PM on June 21, 2005
Motorcycles are cat magnets and, if you've ever owned one, you soon become an expert in kitty control.
From experience, please DON'T go the citrus/cat spray/mothballs route. It is high maintenance, costly and the cats eventually get used to it. Also, what smells for kitty smells for you, too. Why would you want a flower bed that smells like mothballs?
Any method you use should be aesthetically pleasing - it should not detract from the beauty/scent of your flowers and should not require any maintenance on your part.
Also, any method that involves actively hurting/trapping/getting rid of kitty should be avoided unless you are prepared to:
1) do this for *every* cat that enters the neighborhood from now until the end of time, and;
2) live with the bad kitty karma.
Plastic cat spikes are the way to go. Cat spikes are permanent, maintenance-free, harmless and neighbor-friendly. It will require a small investment up front but the ongoing peace of mind will be worth it.
Get plastic spikes that are dark green - they look natural and are hard to notice unless you are looking for them. Put them around the plant beds out front and, if possible, around the back yard. If it would be not be practical to cover all paths of entry, strategically place cat spikes on likely paths of entry (between shrubs, bushes, etc).
The cat spikes may not be as fun to watch as the scarecrow sprinkler system, but they will be cheaper and just as effective.
posted by cup at 11:22 PM on June 21, 2005
Where do you get cat spikes? I've never heard of this before.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 11:44 PM on June 21, 2005
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 11:44 PM on June 21, 2005
Hi nakedcodemonkey,
I am sure that hardware/gardening stores in your area would carry them (or something a lot like them).
Here are some photos to help you in your search:
1) dark green plastic cat spikes
2) white spikes to stop cats, crows and pigeons
I know that the green spikes work but have not heard anything about the white.
Note: In Japan, the green spikes are available at hardware stores for about 60 yen per sheet and I have seen them at the "100 yen shops" in Tokyo (100 JPY = 0.92 USD). I have no idea how much they cost in the USA but I would imagine that they are much cheaper there. If they are not sold in the USA, please accept my apologies.
posted by cup at 12:28 AM on June 22, 2005
I am sure that hardware/gardening stores in your area would carry them (or something a lot like them).
Here are some photos to help you in your search:
1) dark green plastic cat spikes
2) white spikes to stop cats, crows and pigeons
I know that the green spikes work but have not heard anything about the white.
Note: In Japan, the green spikes are available at hardware stores for about 60 yen per sheet and I have seen them at the "100 yen shops" in Tokyo (100 JPY = 0.92 USD). I have no idea how much they cost in the USA but I would imagine that they are much cheaper there. If they are not sold in the USA, please accept my apologies.
posted by cup at 12:28 AM on June 22, 2005
If your neighbors' kids scampered through your yard and wrecked your flowers, you would talk to their parents and try to think of nonharmful ways to keep them out of your yard, you would not capture them and take them to the authorities.
Well, those cats probably feel like part of the family to your neighbors. You may not understand that position, but that's the way it often is with dog and cat owners. Therefore, you should not trap or injure the cats. You may be annoyed by the cats, but your neighbors might be heartbroken and very angry if you did those cats any harm. I have never been in such a position, but I think I might make sure awful things happened if anyone hurt one of my pets.
A squirt of water or a little repellant is the way to go.
posted by pracowity at 4:44 AM on June 22, 2005
Well, those cats probably feel like part of the family to your neighbors. You may not understand that position, but that's the way it often is with dog and cat owners. Therefore, you should not trap or injure the cats. You may be annoyed by the cats, but your neighbors might be heartbroken and very angry if you did those cats any harm. I have never been in such a position, but I think I might make sure awful things happened if anyone hurt one of my pets.
A squirt of water or a little repellant is the way to go.
posted by pracowity at 4:44 AM on June 22, 2005
Thanks cup!
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 9:10 AM on June 22, 2005
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 9:10 AM on June 22, 2005
I just think something pracowity has written bears repeating.
Well, those cats probably feel like part of the family to your neighbors. You may not understand that position, but that's the way it often is with dog and cat owners. Therefore, you should not trap or injure the cats. You may be annoyed by the cats, but your neighbors might be heartbroken and very angry if you did those cats any harm. I have never been in such a position, but I think I might make sure awful things happened if anyone hurt one of my pets.
This is precisely why many ideas offered by folks who don't understand this are terrible ones. And at least one seems to have been deleted. Don't get a BB gun. Don't kidnap the pets. If you get one of those squirty things, don't fill it with anything except water.
Do talk to your neighbors. If that doesn't solve the problem, keep them informed about other steps you're taking, and what these steps do and don't do (i.e. I'm putting down spikes. They're sold by X, and they're intented to dissuade entrance, not to maim or kill). This is important because a) they know what you're doing (and not doing) about the problem, so they'll be less likely to suspect you if something else happens to the cats (even easier if you've made it clear that your problem isn't with cats, it's with cats in your yard), and; b) should they be uncomfortable with some reasonable measure of yours, they may decide to act more responsibly with the cats.
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:19 AM on June 22, 2005
Well, those cats probably feel like part of the family to your neighbors. You may not understand that position, but that's the way it often is with dog and cat owners. Therefore, you should not trap or injure the cats. You may be annoyed by the cats, but your neighbors might be heartbroken and very angry if you did those cats any harm. I have never been in such a position, but I think I might make sure awful things happened if anyone hurt one of my pets.
This is precisely why many ideas offered by folks who don't understand this are terrible ones. And at least one seems to have been deleted. Don't get a BB gun. Don't kidnap the pets. If you get one of those squirty things, don't fill it with anything except water.
Do talk to your neighbors. If that doesn't solve the problem, keep them informed about other steps you're taking, and what these steps do and don't do (i.e. I'm putting down spikes. They're sold by X, and they're intented to dissuade entrance, not to maim or kill). This is important because a) they know what you're doing (and not doing) about the problem, so they'll be less likely to suspect you if something else happens to the cats (even easier if you've made it clear that your problem isn't with cats, it's with cats in your yard), and; b) should they be uncomfortable with some reasonable measure of yours, they may decide to act more responsibly with the cats.
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:19 AM on June 22, 2005
Response by poster: UPDATE! I acted maturely and talked to my neighbor. He said all his cats are fixed males and if I have any problems with them to let him know. Also, the fluffy gray co-conspirator is not his and may be the unfixed one but he doesn't know where it comes from other than down the street. He seemed to think the sprinklerlight was a good idea, at least for keeping them out of the back and away from my window.
Thanks for all who posted including the, at the time, unwanted suggestions for discussing this like adults. I'll try not to post grumpy in the future.
posted by 6550 at 5:41 PM on June 23, 2005
Thanks for all who posted including the, at the time, unwanted suggestions for discussing this like adults. I'll try not to post grumpy in the future.
posted by 6550 at 5:41 PM on June 23, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by theora55 at 10:05 AM on June 21, 2005