What to do when your neighbour gets a new cat

Getting a new cat on the street can be an exciting but stressful experience. As such, there are some precautions you should take in the case of something going wrong. Here is what to do when your neighbour gets a new cat.

Speak to your neighbor

When your neighbour gets a new cat, a good action to take in order to prevent any future problems is to speak to them directly about what precautions you will take so that your boundaries and needs are met. You can say that you don’t want the new cat in your garden, and ask if there is any way on their part to prevent this. You could also ask if they plan to have it neutered or spayed to prevent issues with your own animals, such as aggression or reproduction.

Discourage it from coming inside your house

If your neighbour doesn’t give their cat enough attention, you might find that it comes inside your own home instead. Cats are drawn to households that provide attention and good food, so you should take their presence as a compliment. However, this can be damaging to the newcomer’s developing bond with their owner, as they can think that you are the better substitute instead. The best way to resolve this is by blocking off any entrances into your home, such as open windows and doors. If you have a cat flap for your own pet, replace it with one which responds to a microchip, so that only your cat can use it.

Protect your own cat

Getting a new cat in the neighbourhood might change the politics within your cat’s community too, particularly if he is a tom. If the new cat enters your garden through the fence, or worse, comes into your home, felines will need to re-establish dominance through fights and standoffs, which can lead to physical harm. In this circumstance, it might be best to ensure that your own pet has cat insurance from Petsure, taken out on them. This will mean that your vet bills are covered if there are any issues with aggression from your neighbour’s cat. You should also remember to take precautions with keeping your pet indoors more frequently, or at least, when you spot that your neighbour has their cat in your garden, to reduce any chances of further fighting. The most important aspect is to keep both cats safe and liaise with your neighbours when appropriate.