What is my obligation?

[allcrackedup]

motion sprinkler a++++++

 

[MandyH]

Catch the cats, do whatever you're going to do with them and don't tell anybody anything. Period.

 

[babylady4]

You get my vote for the motion sprinkler!

As for not allowing cats outside? Ever hear about a little thing called bubonic plague???????

 

[Dar]

Quote:
or

Toxoplasmosis
Helicobacter pylori (can cause ulcers in the intestine)
Cat Scratch Disease (Cat Scratch Fever, Bartonellosis)
Ringworm


so there is just as much of an argument for her to keep the cats out of her yard...

 

[pinkyglory123]

I have had a problem with my neighbors cats. She must have at least 1/2 dozen. They never go in her house, "they are her babies". She does feed them. Unfortunately they spend ALL their time snatching birds off my three bird feeders. Except for the day two of them where on the tree trunk and one on the ground with an unfortunate chipmunk in between.
Drove me nuts.
My solution-an electric fence. I used metal posts, yellow plastic insulators, two strands (when only one low one was present they jumped it). It makes it look like the birds are in a maximum security prison but the cats don't go anywhere near the feeders anymore. I have left the fence in place but it is no longer even connected to power. Worked with my barn cats when they were too interested in my young pullets too. Get the strands the right height and they will stay out of your yard and garden.

 

[debilorrah]

Heather every responsible cat owner has a cat box. His house must be gross

Every responsible cat owner also spays and neuters their animals. Since he not proven himself to be responsible, taking them to the Humane Society, where they have a chance to be adopted out ALTERED, they already have a chance at a better life. Cats are highly adoptable. I have always adopted adult cats as well as kittens.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
I agree with mommyofthreewithchicks.

 

[PotterWatch]

Thanks everyone for your opinions! I think I will trap cats this week as there are a lot of strays in our neighborhood. Frankly, I would rather a feral cat who isn't fixed be euthanized at humane than be allowed to keep breeding and produce more feral cats to run around my area. That may sound hard-hearted to some but that is how I feel about it.

If I do catch the neighbor's cats, I will give him one freebie and give it back to him with a warning that any further cats of his that end up in my trap will be taken to the shelter. He will have to pay a fine as well as pay to have them licensed (that is required in our area but he hasn't licensed any of them), if he wants them back. Hopefully that will convince him to keep them inside after that but I doubt it. After trapping for a week, I will probably put in a motion sensor sprinkler. I would rather not have to use a sprinkler simply because it will be a inconvenience to me as I will have to go out and turn it off every morning so it doesn't get kids walking to school, the mailman, or any other people walking by the house.

I think I will also print out something that shows him the various harmful bacteria and parasites that his cats could transmit into my garden soil so that he fully understands why I am taking this so seriously. I don't know if it will make any difference to him, but at least I will have tried!

 

[Mattemma]

The neighbor war starts the moment you complain to a neighbor,and they do nothing to resolve the issues you have with them. My feeling is to catch the cats and take them to a distant shelter.

Cats seem to like to pee up the foundation area of a home.Had that issue in 2 homes so far.Ugh,the smell on a summer day or just after a rain is horrid.

You are kind to give so many chances. I used to as well,but got tired of spending my money trying to deter pets from my yard.People know what they are doing when they let their pets outside.Many cities have laws about being responsible if your pet damages the property of another,but getting that money in court is impossible.I would rather just get rid of the problem.

I think large cat enclosures are an accepteble alternative to letting cats roam.Neuter and release programs are atleast lessening the kittens born into the wild.

Best wishes whatever you decide to do!

My friend has neighbor cat issues.She finally starting trapping them,and the neighbor has to pay to get them out of the pound.BUT sometimes the neighbor just sneaks over and gets the cat out of the trap before AC gets there.

 

[Lifesong Farm]

Quote:
or

Toxoplasmosis
Helicobacter pylori (can cause ulcers in the intestine)
Cat Scratch Disease (Cat Scratch Fever, Bartonellosis)
Ringworm


so there is just as much of an argument for her to keep the cats out of her yard...

Cats are more dangerous than dogs. A cat can KILL with one little scratch. The parasites from the feces can infect you throught the veggies. I do love my cats but if they do go off property they can and do disappear. At least while they were in my barn they got food and medical care which they prob didn't get before they were dumped.
I also volunteer at the local shelter and keeping a cat or dog contained is the law. It is also the law that all dogs and cats be vaccinated and licensed.
Trap them and take them to the shelter. When he asks say due to the health risk they pose they have been taken to the shelter. They could be carrying contagious diseases that can kill other cats and if they are not neutered then they are also part of the overpopulation problem. I wouldn't want some stray cat making my dogs, cats or family sick.