bertman and janinepeters,
I respect and appreciate that you value the quality of life for your pet so much, and I do agree that getting outdoor time is very enriching for any animal's life. I do not deny this at all and make sure that all of my animals enjoy safe outdoor time myself.
I am only curious why you and so many others would not choose to give totally free range when there are alternatives? Dog owners, livestock owners, etc... must not allow their animals to roam 'at large', which is a respectful and responsible thing to do. I am trying to understand: Is it okay to let a cat wander where it will? Is it okay to let a dog wander where it will? A horse?
I understand that you and your neighbor(s?) have an understanding or that there is no problem with your cat being on their property. I think it's fantastic that you are sensitive to their wishes. But, and I mean no disrespect to you, it is nearly impossible to know where all your cat roams unless you are actively watching all day. Yes, cats and other animals are indeed creatures of habit. However, even individual animals I have known innately for decades, that I thought would 'never do this' or 'never go there' have surprised me sometimes.
Also, and I say this without knowing your neighbors, but I can only speak from personal experience... but there is a big social disconnect at play here, too. If I may use an example: we have an across-the-street neighbor family that I really adore. They are very nice people, really! We talk often and I am very happy to be friendly with them because frankly there is nothing like having a good neighbor. It makes life easier and gives you a bit more security, knowing that your neighbor will help look out for you and vice versa. They have a large dog, and because we live in the country they usually walk her without a leash. The dog sort-of obeys them, and is a friendly dog, and genuinely to date has not done anything wrong... but I have no doubt it would at least chase (if not kill, I don't know) my chickens. I have politely voiced my concern, and in a friendly manner she told me that her dog would never want to hurt the chickens, and she continues to walk her off-leash (and the dog often runs down into our yard, especially if we are outside, to greet us). She knows her dog better than I do, but I have seen the dog's body language when she brought it down to the coop (on leash this time) when they visited once, and that dog
wanted the chickens in a bad way. It really, really makes me nervous, especially since my chickens are loved pets. I could really press the issue and make a problem between us and the neighbors, which I hate to do so--
especially for a situation that shouldn't even be happening in the first place.
Why do I bring this example up? Because sometimes it is unfair to wait until you have a complaint. Now, bertman, I know in your situation your neighbor probably does not have chickens or animals to worry about and it seems you have already discussed the situation with them and it's okay, so I am not picking on you specifically!... I am just bringing this up for other readers to possibly consider.
