I saw my cat about to jump onto the chest of drawers (even though there was no room, it's covered in stuff) and no matter how much I shouted "no", it was too late. Everything fell off and, instinctively, I gave him a smack on the bum, quite a hard one though.
He ran off to hide. I feel so bad, I’m really upset and I’m scared I might have hurt him.
I’ve stroked him since then and played with him, but he wanted to go out. I’ve seen him climbing trees outside.
I really hope I haven't injured him.
I’m worried he’ll resent me and run away.
I’ve never hit him before because I know it doesn't achieve anything and I’m completely against violence. But seeing everything come crashing down, it was just a knee-jerk reaction. I’m so sad and I feel so guilty; I didn’t want to do it, especially not over some stupid objects. I don’t know why I did it.
If anyone has any advice... I have two cats and a dog and I love them so much that I usually let them get away with anything. It’s true that cats don't listen, but I’ve never laid a hand on them before. I don’t know why I did it this time.
Could you give me some advice, please?
Is he injured?
Will he hold it against me?
How can I make him understand he can't climb everywhere?
Sometimes it’s even dangerous; I’ve seen him tightrope walking on the first-floor balcony railing. If he fell, it would be a 5-metre drop onto the tiles; it stresses me out every time he does it.
Oh, I feel sick, I feel so guilty.
Thank you very much
Translated from French
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If you're looking after your pets properly, then you've got nothing to worry about. They need solid proof (videos, several witness accounts, and so on). Even if the RSPCA turns up at your door, they’ll see that your cats are well-fed and well-cared for; they’ll probably just advise you to make sure they're neutered and vaccinated. Be honest with yourself and with them if you're having any trouble (whether it's financial or just having too many cats). They know that pets are often used as a way for neighbours who don't get along to settle scores. You could, however, look into reporting your neighbour for defamation.
Hi everyone, a neighbour is accusing me of hitting my cats even though I’ve never once laid a finger on them. What am I facing? I really don’t want my cats to be taken away from me... Regards 😔
It’s actually really easy to make your own balcony guards. All you need are some wooden battens, a drill, wire cutters, a staple gun and some chicken wire—they're easy to find and cost next to nothing.
Oh, definitely not for me, thanks! He looks like quite a handful. So cute though, but I spend ages tidying my books as it is, so it would probably be a real struggle. He looks like a proper cheeky little thing! :)
Dyder,
So, ferrets don't actually gnaw on things; they aren't rodents. On the other hand, they climb absolutely everywhere. With his paws and snout, he clears all the books off my bookshelves, steals loads of little bits and bobs to hoard under the sofa, knocks over every bin, shreds the loo roll and the kitchen roll, and he’s very smelly (he’s a male).
He gets on famously with my neutered male cat; they're inseparable. My two female cats just ignore him.
So, there you go... Still fancy a ferret??
Ah right, I’ve always wondered what it’s like living with a ferret. Do they chew everything? Do they climb all over the place as well? It’s quite surprising that the cats don’t try to hunt them.
I really wanted a pygmy goat, but my gardener advised against it because apparently they eat everything in the garden and they’re real escape artists too.
It’s brilliant seeing all these different kinds of pets.
@Blue Cat Hi Blue, good to see you back with us! 👍
Hello Trifouillette!
Ah, our pets really do drive us round the bend... I’m discovering I have hidden depths of patience I never knew I had with my ferret, Ash, who lives for nothing but mischief. By comparison, my three cats deserve to be canonised by the Vatican.
Hi,
Sometimes they hide and wait for her to walk past, then they give her a little swipe with their paw, haha. It’s mostly just playing, but the poor thing doesn’t make a peep :)
I love my cats, but they can be a real handful sometimes. For instance, in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping, I’ll hear a noise and it’s just my cat having a great time knocking things off my bedside table.
When I first moved in, I used to hear this nibbling sound; it was my cat tearing up the cardboard boxes. Worse than a mouse – talk about ironic! ;)
Once, he was messing about with my glasses even though I kept telling him no. I don’t know how you lot manage to keep them from climbing on everything, but mine even get up onto the ceiling beams upstairs. Don't even get me started on the kitchen worktop – I've got paw prints everywhere. And whenever I’m using the hob, I have to put them out of the room because I’m terrified they’ll burn their paws by walking over it.
Still, I absolutely adore them, and all the moments we spend together bring me so much joy.
