Neighbours cats

We have a problem. Our French neighbours have 16 cats which they do not look after properly, We are totally fed up with these animals coming Into our garden to do their business and now it has gone to another level. They come into our house, make their poos where they can, the toms mark their scent and now I have just found one asleep in my laundry cupboard, This hot weather we have to leave doors open and these horrible cats take advantage. Outside they sleep on our car and have scratched with their claws and we have had enough.

We have tried speaking to our neighbours who are out at work all day and really couldn’t care less…is it time for an air gun? Suggestions please.

We have got a wonderful dog who we took from a refuge and she totally ignores the cats!! John suggested chilli powder so will try that today and see what happens. Thanks to you all for your replies.

A little outside the box but I'm like that (and I take every opportunity to plug the overcrowded refuges) - if you don't want a dog full time, why not foster one (or two) for a while from your local SPA? Unless you home one that is extremely cat friendly, your neighbour's cats will soon find alternative hunting/feeding grounds and detour elsewhere. It is only a suggestion, but think on it - it will help a lonely dog, have you playing 'fetch' around the garden and make the cats think twice.

Use some black pepper or cheap chili powder. Scatter it around the garden in the flower beds. It has worked well for us. Or you might try some small bangers the type they use for carnival. John

I am sorry that you have this problem. We had it in UK, but not so bad. We did use a high powered water pistol as well.

There are products available that you can spray everywhere to keep cats out (look in Gamm Vert) and you could also call the SPA if you think they are neglected - however that is difficult to prove with cats unfortunately as cats are considered pampered pets that never go out or semi wild if they go outdoors.

The water gun is very effective and probably your best bet after the spray as cats learn quickly - well eventually anyway.

Yes of course it was in jest…I actually love cats and brought three to France when we came in 1989 and wouldn’t hurt them but am so FRUSTRATED by this problem. If I were in uk, I would contact the RSPCA as these animals are neglected…they keep having kittens, they are thin and virtually feral. Not receptive at all to be stroked. These same people also have a Labrador that never leaves their garden, not once have we seen it go for a walk. Unfortunately are garden is too large to fence which would solve the problem…I have heard of products that deter cats…does anyone know what they are? The air gun comment was just facetious…don’t worry we don’t intend to hurt any of these cats but perhaps a high powered water pistol,would work?

Hi Annette,

I am sympathetic to your plight and I assume your suggestion to be in jest, but I politely request that you edit your post to remove the last question please.

Kind regards

James