my cat has been accused of damage

[charlie47]

My neighbour has got scratches on the bonnet of his car and is trying to get us to pay for the damage. He has seen our cat on his car once but says he wondered where scratches were coming from so he has added two and two together. Am i liable as the owner of the cat?

[LoftyLottie]

Well he would have to prove it first and how is he going to do that?

Personally, I think it is much more likely to be children than a cat, unless your cat is a lion or a tiger! See here

http://www.flippyscatpage.com/carpaint.html

[Bewlay Bros]

No you are not legally liable. But he may use reasonable and humane methods to destroy the cat if damage is occurring there and then.

If he is a nasty piece of work, he may lace some cat food with rat poison on his car.

A very difficult situation, of which will require a cool head and diplomacy.

[LoftyLottie]

Bewlay has said what I came back to add. Keep an eye on your cat for a while, even if it involves keeping him in. Your neighbour doesn't sound very sensible.

I agree a cool head and diplomacy is needed, but I certainly wouldn't pay for the damage.

[charlie47]

Thanks for answers. Would be difficult to prove if any harm came to my cat that it was him too wouldn't you say. mmmm cat......ch 22 i fear!

[Bewlay Bros]

Indeed Charlie.

Maybe what you can do is buy the man some anti-cat spray and spray it under his car.

You can do this yourself in the dark of night but make sure it is paint friendly or just spray it underneath the chassis.

[charlie47]

lofty have looked at the link in your email most informative thanks.

[charlie47]

Bewlay, this car is locked away behind gates, and also this neighbour has got cat deterents (apparently but not seen by myself and insists they do not deter him. He is also the unofficial neighbourhood watch if you catch my drift! Definately will need kid gloves to stop this from escalating.

[signsofgoing]

It sounds as if my EX Neighbour has come living next door to you !. He was an Out & Out LOUD MOUTH / BULLY until I snapped & gave him a lot more than he expected. Tell your nieghbour to "PROVE IT" & let the IDIOT waste his money trying to do so (He wont WIN I can assure you).. In the meantime TRY to keep your cat indoors as he could try to take it out on your pet (Poisoning, Shooting etc). I REALLY dont want to scare you but this is what has been known to happen in the past. I DETEST BULLYS...Good Luck, Kernny.