So, for a few months now, on my way home from classes, I've been playing with my neighbour's cat in the street for a few minutes. Except for the last four weeks, her ladyship has well and truly moved herself in... And she really refuses to leave; I've already put her out "by force" four or five times, but she always finds a way to get back in. I'm very fond of her, but I'm starting to have some serious trouble with the neighbour, who is threatening to call the police... I'm honestly at my wits' end with her ringing my doorbell at all hours of the day and night to accuse me of stealing her cat and calling me every name under the sun... I've already asked around, but nobody knows how to make her leave, so I'm turning to you. If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it :)
Translated from French
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Ultimately, this situation is more than just a row over cats; it’s a proper neighbour dispute and a case of harassment. If she’s unhinged, we need to make sure she isn’t mistreating her cat, so there’s twice the reason to contact the police.
1. As one of the other members mentioned, your neighbour definitely has a screw loose. As the saying goes, she’s a few sandwiches short of a picnic...
2. I don’t think the idea of reporting it to the police to get it on the record is a bad move at all, just so they have her on their radar (the best defence is a good offence, after all). Plus, this business of her bothering you in the middle of the night is absolutely unacceptable.
When someone is that barmy, they shouldn't have a cat, or any other pet for that matter, but there we go...
She hasn't stopped pestering me, has she? :) Just yesterday she came and rang my doorbell at 2am even though the cat wasn't even here 😒 My partner is meant to be sorting it today, hopefully. And my parents know all about it, they couldn't care less x)
Yes, they do exist, but I wouldn't go to that much effort for someone who starts calling me every name under the sun in the middle of the night. I’ve done my bit, frankly; whether her cat stays or not isn't my problem anymore. If she wants to throw her little tantrums, let her. I'm not spending a single penny on her...
Lolz: You can get electronic cat flaps; some open using a 'tag' attached to your cat's collar and others (which are quite pricey) open by scanning your cat's microchip once you’ve programmed it in.
When I say 'I tried to block the cat flap but I can't bring myself to leave this little furball crying in the cold and scratching at my door...', it basically means we've ended up leaving it open. Firstly, because I don't see why I should stop my own cat from going out just because hers won't go back to its own home. And also, since she leaves her cat outside when she goes to work with no way for it to get back in, I'd find it far too cruel not to let it in to warm up...
The cat does indeed come in through the cat flap :) I’m aware of that, mine often goes over to the neighbour’s too, but for it to get to the point of not wanting to leave anymore... I’ve tried to block off the cat flap, but I just can’t bring myself to leave this little furball crying out in the cold and scratching at my door... :( I still haven't filed a report with the police, but my partner will probably do it tomorrow, otherwise I feel like things are going to get out of hand... Thanks again for your replies :)
Thanks for looking after the cat :) It’s so sad that your neighbour isn’t taking care of him.
I think you’ve got a Bengal, or more likely a Bengal cross. Is he very active? Does he like water? Is he very vocal? If so, I’d bet he’s a Bengal! :) Congrats if that’s the case... I paid about £800 for my Bengal. That might be why your neighbour was so cross, especially as you’re the one looking after him!
Either way, best of luck with your new family member :)
(Sorry for any mistakes, English isn't my first language.)
