Neighbours feeding my cat – what should I do?

Noneko
Noneko Icon representing the flag French
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Hello,

For the past few days, my cat has been turning his nose up at his dry food, yet he’s actually putting on weight...

At first, I thought he might be ill, so I took him to the vet, but he got a clean bill of health. She did point out, however, that he’s got a bit of a pot belly for his age (18 months).

So, I did a bit of digging and noticed that the kids in my block of flats love playing with my cat, who is very – perhaps too – sociable with people.

While looking for him one evening around 7pm, I spotted a little girl from the estate who was desperate to take him back to her house.

I explained to her that he belongs to me and that she really mustn't let him inside or feed him, as he has a sensitive stomach and is on a special diet. I also told her that I get very worried and sad when he's taken away because I'm out looking for him everywhere.

She let him go, and I went home.

My cat didn't show up until about 11pm, looking absolutely stuffed; he didn't even touch his bowl and just went straight to sleep.

My talk with the little girl clearly hasn't changed anything.

He spends all day sleeping now, and when it's time for his dinner in the evening, he’d rather bolt out the door (presumably to go and eat elsewhere).

Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Is it better to have a word with the parents? Or should I write them a note?

Thanks

Translated from French
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    • M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
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    If your cat goes outdoors, aside from the neighbours and the fact that he might be pinching dry food, he could also be hunting and eating his prey.

    Mine does this, and he definitely eats less at home sometimes as a result.

    Translated from French
    Beaujabote
    Beaujabote Icon representing the flag French
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    Sometimes it’s not the neighbours you should be blaming, it’s the cat! My neighbour has a cat and she thought it was really strange that he’d suddenly gone off his food. She did the rounds of the neighbourhood and discovered that her boy has been raiding the bowls of dry food left out by a lady in the next street for the feral cats she feeds. He’s even bold enough to sneak into her house to help himself to the bowls in there. The lady has tried to shoo him away every time she sees him, but he’s acting like he owns the place and just keeps coming back. My neighbour recently suggested she try using a water spray bottle; hopefully, that’ll be enough to put him off.
    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
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    Oh dear... Please keep us posted. It’s possible that his bloated tummy wasn't down to him gorging himself at a neighbour's, but something else entirely.

    Translated from French
    Noneko
    Noneko Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m going to try putting a collar on him, hoping that people get the hint...

    Because my cat’s been really poorly for two days now (bouts of vomiting, diarrhoea...). I had to take him to the emergency vet last night thinking he’d been poisoned, but thankfully he hasn’t... Apparently he’s swallowed something that’s disagreed with him, but it’s still been two days since he last ate anything. I’m at my wits' end and I’m so worried about him 🤧

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    My mistake, I read that too quickly! You're right, you never actually said that the little girl was feeding your cat...

    Mind you, it doesn't change the fact that it's a real pain. Unfortunately, people who aren't acting out of malice but are just stubborn often do this sort of thing. At some point, once you find out who it is, you'll probably have to confront them directly, as these "well-meaning" types rarely get the message the first time round.

    In the meantime, it’s definitely worth leaving a note downstairs, but whoever's doing it might not necessarily live in this building!

    People who do this are either innocent (like children) or "lonely" in one way or another. That’s what I meant the first time—lonely or not, they can't keep doing it. Otherwise, your cat might get ill, or you might even "lose" your cat if they start spending more time at their place than yours.

    Just like with us humans, affection and food are very closely linked for cats...

    I hope you can get it sorted out peacefully. Have a good day.

    Translated from French
    Noneko
    Noneko Icon representing the flag French
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    Actually, I wanted to have a word with her parents just about the fact she wanted to take him back to her place, not necessarily to point the finger at her regarding the food. As for the pet-cam, he’ll never put up with that; it looks really uncomfortable and bulky. I think I’ll put a note up by the letterboxes for all the residents to see; that’s a great idea. Thanks for your replies!!
    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
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    Hi there, The thing is, you aren't 100% sure who is actually feeding him. It might be that the little girl has nothing to do with it. Sending a letter to the parents straight away could come across as a bit aggressive. It would be brilliant if you could fit a cat cam (like the ones you see on TV); you might find out it's not the person you suspect at all! There could even be several people feeding him. For now, have a chat with the neighbours without naming names, just explaining that the cat has a serious health condition and mustn't eat anything other than the food you provide. Leaving a little note in the communal entrance could also be a good idea.
    Translated from French
    M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
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    A quick note and a photo of the cat

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    M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
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    You can't be certain it's that little girl's parents.

    Put a little note on the main entrance doors of the block, explaining that he's your cat, his stomach issues and special diet, and ask people not to feed him.

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    It really is a pain! I think you need to have more of a chat with this little resident’s owners. But for sure, if things don’t change, you often end up having to put your foot down in this kind of situation..
    Translated from French

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