Our Neighbor's Cat- Visits Us!

Continue enjoying the cat. We have a very social cat that the neighbors enjoy and we don't mind that our cat visits them. I would be upset if my cat was bothering another neighbor, but not if he is welcome and he is bringing them joy and play. The cat seems to only go to the neighbors that like him and has not intruded on the neighbors that don't. My neighbors are pretty outspoken so if our cat was bothering anyone, I am sure I would hear about it.

If you don't like the cat hanging out, you can make a loud noise or gently squirt him with a squirt gun when he comes to your yard he will eventually get the message.

I think the cat enjoys the attention it gets from you and your son, and that it probably doesn't get from your neighbors. I think it's perfectly acceptable to pet the cat when it comes over, and you don't need to chase it away, but I wouldn't let it get comfortable with coming into your house, and I wouldn't feed it without permission. You could just ask them if it's okay if your son gives the cat a treat when it comes over to play with him, that way they would know that it comes over and that you don't mind...

I wouldn't have a problem with the cat roaming in the yard, or playing with the cat out in the yard - like you said, it's an outdoor cat and you can't expect it to know that fence = end of territory, and if it likes socializing with you I don't think that's doing any harm. But I don't think I'd let it in to the house (if for no reason other than that cats have a knack for finding small out of the way spots to quietly hide themselves and it's quite possible for the cat to end up shut in one of your closets, under a bed, etc., without you knowing where it went!).
I'd guess that your neighbors wouldn't be surprised by their cat wandering in other peoples' yards and wouldn't mind as long as it's not causing trouble, so I don't know if I'd go out of my way to tell them. But if I happened to be passing by and saw them I might just say something like how's Fluffy, he seems like a friendly kitty and our kids enjoy playing with him when he wanders in to our yard. who knows, they might be relieved to know that Fluffy isn't being a pest and that there's someone nearby who might be willing to make sure Fluffy's fed and his litter box changed if they have to go out of town.

Hi Susan,
Some cats are very social. They love to be petted to "visit and explore" other homes.

I would mention it to the neighbors if you ever have a chance. They need to know that their cat is expanding its territories.

IF it does bother you that is fine, but I would make sure the cat has all of its immunizations. Also do not feed the cat or it will think you are always going to feed it and it will want to move in.

If you do not want the cat at your home, spray it EVERY time with a water hose. It will not hurt the cat, but will teach it, that it is not welcome in your yard.

I have four cats. They got a lot of attention until we had kids and a dog. We thought we could introduce the dog and they would get along...not! Now they are outdoor cats. We feed them and take care of their needs, but attention is a need. Cats love attention. I know my neighboor lets our cats into his house and it make me happy because they are getting attention we don't have time to give. I feel kind of sorry for the cats, but 2 kids and working full time just doesn't leave free time. If the cat isn't bugging you, I say enjoy it. Don't worry that your neighbors might think you are catnapping.