Everyone who knows me, knows I am an animal lover and that cats are my number one favourite animal.
I recently saw a Facebook post on one the community groups, I won’t mention which one, where someone was complaining that there are cats fighting and mating in his/her yard. This person is not a cat lover and was irritated with the noises the visiting cats are making in the middle of the night.
This person also asked the owners to please stop their cats from roaming the neighbourhood and causing havoc. This is understandable.
But, please tell me how to stop cats from roaming? Cats are firstly, nocturnal animals and secondly, they can escape from almost any garden. Keeping them inside would just be cruel and tying them up is not an option.
Some of the suggestions that came through on the Facebook group included, spraying the cats with water or spraying vinegar in the garden. These suggestions were okay and I think they would help, but I am worried that some people who do not like animals will take it too far and actually hurt the wandering felines.
Yes, spaying and neutering animals (even dogs) prevents them from roaming around looking for a mate, but cats will most likely still have the urge to explore. Unfortunately, this is just one of those things you have to live with. Cats have a mind of their own and do not listen to their owners, like dogs do.
I would suggest that cat owners keep their cats inside at night. I do and at least I know my cats are safe at night and there are no moving fights with neighbouring cats.
During the day unfortunately, the neighbourhood is their playground. I do understand that other people’s pets are annoying, but I appeal to non-animal lovers to please find alternative solutions to keeping cats out rather than hurting them. And cat owners should try every possible way to make sure their neighbours can contact them and that their cats are locked up at night.
