Invasion Of Cats

[suzecruze]

My cat is not very territorial (1 year old spayed) and her cat neighbours are invading the garden from both sides. They spray everywhere so I guess they are both boys. One is now getting in the house and having a free dinner during the night. I cannot use collar on her, she just won't have it. Any ideas?

[B00]

Keep her in during the night, and block of the cat flap.

[suzecruze]

Thanks BOO. Seemed so obvious when you said it. I hate keeping her in but guess I will have to.

[ladybirder]

Suze, the best thing you can do for your cat at night is to keep it in. It is more likely to come to harm at night than any other time. So sound advice from B00.

[andy-hughes]

Chances are, if your keep your cat in for a while, the other cat will soon realise that dinner is not avaialble at yours, and he will find an alternative dining venue.

After a few weeks, try letting your cat out again, and hopefully the interloper will not return.

[dustypuss]

Get your cat the right equipment
http://lewismct.wikispaces.com/file/view/irate-cat.jpg/44842829/irate-cat.jpg

[ladybirder]

andy, sorry but that is not good advice you have given. Here is a C&P from the Cats Protection website.

"KEEP IN AT NIGHT! There are many more reported incidents of cats involved in road traffic accidents at night. Cats are more likely to get into trouble with fighting, etc at night. Cases of cruelty are more likely to happen to cats in the street after dark. So often you can read of circumstances when cats go missing that they were let out at night as usual but never returned. This rarely happens during the day. You would of course need to provide your cat with a litter tray but surely that is a small price to pay for another way to keep your cat safe."

[Brinjal]

If you do start letting her out at might again don't leave food out.

[boxtops]

collars for cats are really bad ideas, you can get a catflap which responds to the code on a microchip - I hope she's chipped :-)

[woofgang]

Waterpistol.

[suzecruze]

Thank you for all posts. I love the microchip cat flap comment. I'm not keen to keep her in at anytime (except for firework nights) as I am in a rural setting although so many people say it's more dangerous at night with foxes and traffic. Will have a serious think on this one.

[ladybirder]

Quick release cat collars are fine Boxy and they have a nice big bell on them as well. Gives a warning to the birdies. Cost about £3.50.