Shooting Cat's

[dustypuss]

My next door neighbour has threatened to shoot my cat's if they go in to his garden and do their business ! .he says they are trespassing ! I am now afraid to let my cats out as I know has a gun which he shoots squirrels with it . What should I do?

[catswhiskas]

Phone the police , and or RSPCA, failing that move. He is obviously not a nice person to live next door too.

[Old_Geezer]

You could train your cats to go in their own garden.

As for the threat, I suspect it is bluff, but you could report it to the police. You don't have evidence but they may wish to visit. Or ignore it, but there is obviously a slight risk.

I understand your neighbour's frustration. Owners seem to have no idea what stress and damage their untrained cat causes.

[jomifl]

Keep your cats out of his garden until you resolve the problem by obtaining legal advice.

[murraymints]

I would phone rspca or police..how on earth can a cat trespass ?

[gness]

I dislike the neighbour's cats using my garden but to threaten to shoot them is a step....more than a step...too far.

Report him if you can and the first thing I'd do is fit a camera viewing your garden....which will "accidentally" take in his garden too......x

[wolf63]

He probably doesn't mean it but I would err on the side of caution if I were you. I love cats but they must be a gardeners worst nightmare.

It is possible to secure your garden with cat-proof fencing - bit like an aviary.

If he is shooting squirrels then the police might be interested.

[chiaroscuro]

..........balls off?

[gness]

The cats or the neighbours?

[viv41]

He can't legally shoot them, but I understand your fear. As others suggest, the police and the RSPCA should be informed. Can he also shoot squirrels legally? Glad I don't live next door to this moron !!!

[jomifl]

Having just found a pile of cat excrement in my garden shed I think I can safely say that I sympathise with him. Shooting pet cats is illegal though.

[anotheoldgit]

Yes it is most strange why cats never leave their deposits in their own gardens.

Your neighbours best bet is to buy a ultrasonic cat scarer.

Some are also effective against Dogs and Foxes.

[hc4361]

wolf63, it is legal to shoot grey squirrels in your own garden

[Old_Geezer]

Electronic cat deterrents aren't brilliant. Batteries run out and you don't notice. I'm unconvinced solar powered ones charge enough. Cat's can sit right by them and carry on as usual. And all too soon they stop doing what they should and give you an audio tone as you get close instead. Either the cat knows not to do it, or it doesn't.

[gordiescotland1]

Report this that is appalling thing to threaten. Does he not know that cats have a roaming commission ?

[wolf63]

gordie ~ I agree that they are much more free than dogs but as owners we have to respect the fact that they annoy many people.

Using a neighbour's garden as a toilet, they break into people's houses, scratch car paintwork and sometimes the just stare at people and freak them out.

There has to be a compromise.

Shooting cats is never acceptable. They are loving family members and I would be very angry if someone shot either of my two little 'darlings'.

[Cloverjo]

I am an ex cat owner. Why not offer to come and pick up your cats' poo whenever they do it in his garden?

[mikey4444]

Contact the Police, if you can find a Police Station open and they are not busy doing something else more important, which may be difficult in itself !

[DTCwordfan]

Cat Burglars are a big thing though, mikey. PC Plod will respond, especially if dustypuss purrs in front of them.

Call the Rspca as well, on the guise of advice and then let it lead from there.