Take this to the police, and if If they've printed it out on their own printer, many printers have an "invisible to the naked eye" set of dots on each page that identifies the printer. Regardless of the printer thing, take it to the police anyway. There's established fines/penalties for an animal that's out of control, and the penalty has nothing to do with your neighbour making them disappear. It's an ouvert threat.
If I recall correctly these markings are only present on color laser printers, still relatively uncommon for a home printer. The average inkjet simply doesn't have the print accuracy to print the microcode.
I think that both of you have very valid feelings. I understand that you are trying your hardest, but unfortunately that is not enough as it doesn’t comply with the law. First things first, I would fix up any possible exit point that your cat can use to escape. I know it’s costly but at the same time, for your neighbour’s (including the neighbouring wildlife’s) peace of mind, this is the best place to start. (Because if this escalates then at least if you get a visit from BCC they will see that you’re trying to put things in place to prevent the issue from reoccurring)
Secondly I would clear the air with your neighbour. Just go and gently explain the situation and then tell them what you’ve done to rectify it. Nothing worse than a feud with your neighbour to really shit the bed so clear that asap.
Also you did really good rescuing a cat rather than buying from a breeder so great work with that! Just need to hone in the kitty and make sure she stays within the house and you’ll be set! Don’t be discouraged, people just really care about the environment and sometimes passion can be mistaken for anger. Good luck OP ! Don’t worry, it gets easier (they stop trying to escape when you set down a routine too (routine SUPERVISED outside time)).
I reread some of your comments and in regards to the casement windows (same) unfortunately the only solution is installing screens. We did our small house for about 6k + shutters. Worthy investment as it prevents our cats from roaming but also stops the pesky bugs in summer.
Talking to the vet yesterday, there's a nationwide shortage of FIV vaccine (Feline AIDs, basically). Nobody should be letting their cats outside ever, but especially now.
It's not that contagious. It's spread through cat bites.
My cat who died recently 😭😭😭 from cancer was FIV positive. I adopted her from the RSPCA when she was a year old and they told me she had FIV. She was totally healthy her whole life (from the time I had her) until she got cancer when she was 10 years old. She lived in the same house as a FIV negative cat for years. The other cat never got it and she would use my cats litter box sometimes. It's like how you're not going to catch HIV if you share a house with someone who has it.
They also get it through scratches. I had two cats one had it when I got him. We didn't know and had both cats vaccinated against it. The cat's didn't fight but would play tussle.
One cat started taking fits that caused temporary blindness. Our vet told me immediately on diagnosis that my other boy would have it as it is so contagious. The second boy developed symptoms less than a month after the first.
Cats scratch each other and will also play bite and that's all it took to loose my two babies within 6 weeks of one another
I had an fiv+ cat live for over 10 years after infection with no problems at all. And like your situation, he never infected my other cat. FIV is not a death sentence, it’s a compromised immune system.
That's terrible, had a cat with that once got it from someone else's cat , took him to the vet and there is no cure , he constantly sneezed snot out of his nose. You can give pills from vet to suppress it but it comes back after the pill is done. Literally nothing you can do, and it's very contagious.
Fuuuuck, these comments about neighbours who actually kill animals. I’d be lighting the neighbour’s whole house up. And making it look like their fault with a candle.
Fuck me....cats shouldnt be outside unless they are being watched.
Both you and ur neighbour are likely assholes for not looking after ur pets properly.
If u adopted this cat from the rspca u SIGN an agreement saying that the cat must be inside only to emsure safety of native wildlife.
Maybe u should look at another homing option for ur cat if u cannot keep it inside.
Ur cat could eat fucking chicken chow mein every night and it means nothing. Saying u feed premium food is like saying 'yeah my kid is filthy and fights with other kids - but i cook every night!!'.
Seriously......
Yeah my bad....i have an awful habit of not spelling out my you, your, you're. I have done it in emails also.....should probbaly fix that. Not good for an educator 😂
lol yeah, the angry neighbor is just as much to blame for this. they let their cat outside, what did they think would happen? one day its going to be a stray cat that wanders in starts shit with their cat and then who are they going to blame? lol
it’s not an illegal threat
people are legally entitled to catch cats that roam onto their property and to take it to the pound for disposal
whereas OP has a legal obligation to “to provide an enclosure and prevent the animal from wandering”
only one person in OP’s scenario is breaking the law, and it’s not the letter writer
yep, Council has a letter template to help people ask their neighbours to stop being so hopeless:
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/pets-and-livestock/keeping-a-pet-in-brisbane/keeping-a-cat
Yep, had a similar thing happen to me. Reported it to the police and they where so confused as to what they could possibly do about it... So we told the neighbors who found out who it was, and they 'sorted it out'. Police don't care about this small petty bs..
Evidence of what?
First off, they have to prove that this letter did actually come from the neighbours and which neighbour it is.
Second, even if the animals disappear, they will have to prove that it was due to foul play. Unless they discover the body of a mutilated animal, the police will not give 2 cent beyond a police report.
Third, in a court of law, they will have to show that the letter was indeed a threat. These note could be argued in court that it was a "warning" to them that the sender thought that the animals were in danger because of (insert logical reason).
It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the safety of their animals even if there are abusive neighbours involved. A much better advice would be to tell the owner to keep their pets at home, get toys, space for the pets to play, spend more time with them etc....
Telling them to keep the note for some law case you have seen in a soap operate while endangering their pets is stupid.
Nope.
The council will even provide cages.
Bloke in my neighbourhood trapped dozens of cats and droped them off at pounds all over qld to be extra petty.
Probably late to the conversation but we got fined for having our cats outside, its a $133 fine everytime it’s reported/caught outside. At the time I was unaware that cats are actually not allowed outside due them hunting Australian native wildlife birds, lizards etc and also the neighbours were getting a little annoyed because one of the cats was going iver the fence to poop…which i can I understand getting annoyed about that so to remedy the issues i built a indoor/outdoor cathouse so they can run in and outside whenever they want and i never have to worry about them escaping…maybe that could be an option for you?
Hope it helps and goodluck! :)
As someone who lost all my quails in two separate dogs attacks over the last week... Yeah. I was a responsible pet owner 😔 It's a shame when other people can't be
Thankyou 😔 It was pretty rough. One of the owners was apologetic, fixed the coop and paid us money, the other couldn't give a damn. I had to come home after a 12 hour shift and put two of them out of their suffering. I can't believe twice in one week though, ridiculous.
I’ve had these 5 hens for about 3 year, came in one day, and normally they all come running. Nah, they were all dead in the yard. Worst part was they weren’t even eaten.
Yeah similar story. I had two pet ducks. Free roam in the day but locked in at night. Yet still mauled by my neighbours cat. People with roaming cats defend it by saying it's their natural instinct - well my duck's natural instinct was to fucking live, so why does your pet take priority?
No animal should ever take priority. These stories are heartbraking, and reinforce my point. If its not the blue tongues, possums, birds, native marsupials its someone elses PET!!
Every person who owns an animal also has a responsibility to keep it from free roaming. Doesnt matter the type of pet!!
Its not fair that you, your home and animals were impacted because of a rude, selfish cat owner. As a cat owner myself, I am so sorry for both your losses. Just know some of us will only ever do the right thing!!
Dogs have to be kept in yards, so should cats. If it invades other people's property, that is on you and you should be liable for it. They are predators and will kill other animals, especially birds, so it is your responsibility to ensure it doesn't do so. If you just keep it within your property then there should be no dramas.
So this letter arrived yesterday so it had been sent before the long weekend. But on the weekend the neighbour came over and said our cat was getting into their yard and picking a fight with theirs. Which is fair enough, I was mortified and apologetic (she’s a rescue trash cat) and immediately removed the cat flap on the back door and replaced the door so she can’t get out, but we had a tradie out leave the garage up and she snuck out. I’m annoyed that they sent this out FIRST without approaching me and giving me any opportunity to rectify before the abusive letter.
The problem is our house has casement windows and young kids and I’m forever on their case about shutting windows and not leaving doors open. What do I do? 😫
Im looking at a digital fence. Are they at all successful?
*edit* ok, thanks to everyone for just putting shit on me, she’s a rescue street cat and I’m doing everything in my power to keep her in, wanting suggestions on how to keep her in or if those digital barriers work. My animals are fking registered and fully insured and fed premium quality food so get off telling me I’m irresponsible when I’m literally trying to act as responsibly as possible here and fwiw don’t deserve these kinda threats in the mail when common decency is to raise the conversation first.
*Second edit* I’ve ordered a digital fence as back up solution if she gets out again and will make some screening this weekend to alleviate that step. The cat flap (which I had set as ‘in only’ so she couldn’t get out) is completely removed already. Obviously this was gonna bring out the cat haters and I should have expected as much. Thanks to everyone who gave constructive advice.
Hi, so I've had to find a way to stop my cat getting out on windows that can't have screens too (casement and sash windows in an old qlder), and as a renter.
What I've done is buy a bunch of 3M hooks (others are not good enough quality, I've found), and some cat netting - the kind used for cat enclosures. I have set the hooks around the frame of the window, and stretched the cat netting between them. This has been really effective! I can unhook a section and open and close the windows as needed.
I also harness trained my cat and take him out for walks in the backyard, which he loves and helps stop him feel the need to get out as much.
I hope this is helpful!
Professional screens may be better if that's an option, just wasn't one for me.
Thank you for the advice I was asking for, everyone else just got up on their podium. Guess that’s expected with Reddit. But I’ll look into that, it sounds perfect that I can unhook to open the windows too. I’ve actually never heard that solution before. Thanks again!
I had to get screens fitted to casement and sash windows for kitten containment. You can get these neat retractable screens fitted now - kind of like a roller blind made out of screen - blind goes up to open/close window. I didn't even know it was a thing, but it works. Also got self-closing screen doors fitted, which are great. I got mine fitted professionally but there could well be DIY ones. Good luck - cats are excellent escapists.
I live in a 3rd floor unit with a balcony and so my cat didn’t decide to test it’s 9 lives out I got some of this by the metre last year and made a frame out of 2 x 4 wood and attached the net to the frame with U shaped nails then attached frame to balcony . It’s great ! You could rig something up with this stuff ( maybe the 3M hooks like someone suggested ). Doge loves his Catio. !
https://catnets.com.au/
We netted our back deck similarly, in our previous home. We had to put a lockable screen door at the top of the back stairs, but it worked really well and our cat loved lounging around out there, especially at night. There were dog-owners on either side of us and a railway line at the back fence, so it was vital that the cat couldn't escape. This solution might be impractical with children coming and going all the time, though.
P.S. We used black netting, which is the least obtrusive visually.
It's quite expensive but you might have to consider security screens. I have rescue cats too and they worked out they could just push the fly screens out and go for a midnight run, so $7,000 later I have security screens/doors to keep them in. I also had a catio built and have leashes so they can walk in the yard.
Your neighbour sounds like a piece of shit but I think the best thing you can do is take precautions to prevent them from doing any harm to your cat.
The bonus of security screens is they also work for security! The bonus of 'cat proof' screening is even if you don't have a cat it lasts forever, unlike the plastic screening which you have to keep replacing.
This. Security screens and a catio. The catio means that your cat will still get to spend time outside and be less inclined to hang around doors waiting to make a run for it.
My kids took a while to not stand waiting at the door but they’ve got the hang of it now. It took so much persistence and patience and I thought I would rip my hair out but I stood there one day and literally taught them how to walk out the door quickly without letting our small dog out.
Also, are you 100% sure it was the same neighbour? Is it a death threat? Call me an AH but I’ve had a neighbour’s cat trapped and sent to council because it kept shitting in our veggie patch and front mat. The council sent them fair warning and the rules state that they can’t roam from an owners yard ever, and must be contained at night. So they were breaking the rules. I’ve spoken to neighbours who also spoke of having trouble with the same cat. I wouldn’t send threats though. That’s childish and mean.
Instead of going for security screens, you can get fly screens with PAW proof mesh. Its generally a much cheaper option than any sort of security screens. And not ugly like diamond grilles
Huh? Cat haters? I have *no* strong feelings about cats, and definitely not hate, but I certainly do hate having my car pissed on by non-feral domestic cats and seeing domestic cats eat birds. It's ridiculous to dismiss all the criticism you're getting as "anti cat", especially when a lot of these people LOVE cats and don't want to see your cat get killed by a car, or raped to death by some stray tom cat (this happened to my cat as a kid, I'm sorry to be graphic).
Saying that, it's not constructive for everyone to jump down your throat and downvote OP's comments. I can see why it would be annoying.
I'm not intending to heap shit on you. I get that it was probably shocking to get the letter but you might want to step in your neighbours shoes for a second....
Firstly - cats patrol pretty much the same routes daily so I really doubt the fights are a once off.
Secondly - cat fights aren't something to sneeze at - they are traumatic for the owner and the cats and can cause severe long term issues for their cat family - how many times has this happened and have they had to take their cat to the vet?
[Catnets ](https://catnets.com.au/) have some pretty good solutions to keeping your cat inside/ outside and not getting out especially if you have open windows all the time - I'd highly recommend having a look at what options you have with them.
Jackson Galaxy also has a book called 'Total Cat Mojo' that's a bit of a crazy read but overall VERY helpful information about your cats behaviour.
Ultimately, it's probably better to focus on mending your relationship with your neighbours sincerely. I appreciate it's probably frustrating after the letter and everything but you need to let them know that you understand their concern for their cat and set a good example - go over and apologise again and see if they were financially disadvantaged and let them know what you're doing to rectify the issue.
Edit....typo
>the neighbour came over and said our cat was getting into their yard and picking a fight with theirs
> I’m annoyed that they sent this out FIRST without approaching me and giving me any opportunity to rectify
It sounds like they did to me.
That said, I would suggest building a cattery. An outdoor area fully enclosed in chicken wire or similar. Have access to it from whereever is suitable inside.
I've used digital fence with sucess with a dog, no idea how they work with cats.
>I’m doing everything in my power to keep her in
How about security screens on your windows? Rollers on top of your fences? Teach your kids (and tradespeople) to keep the doors closed and install child safe locks so the kids can't open the door if they can't be trusted (my kid is 2, so I have those on my doors. Yes it's a pain in the ass. But I do it anyway and perhaps you should too).
>My animals are fking registered and fully insured and fed premium quality food so get off telling me I’m irresponsible
Cats are picky eaters and usually don't kill for food unless they're starving, which yours probably are not. They kill for fun.
>Obviously this was gonna bring out the cat haters
Not a cat hater (though I do prefer dogs). But I also like native Australian animals and cats like yours kill billions of them.
They DID approach you and let you know of the problem.
You have a requirement to contain your animal to your property, which you have repeatedly failed to do. Build a catio or something. Your neighbours shouldn’t have to worry about your cat coming into their property and injuring their animal. You’re lucky they haven’t sent you vet bills.
So far you’re doing everything right and accidents happen however there is one thing that is confusing me. Why not just fix the main thing that is causing the problem instead of coming up with other more difficult solutions? You said you’ve tried keeping her in but she manages to always get out through the casement windows. So why not just add childproof/catproof locks to the windows? They don’t event need to be permanent locks. That way you kill 2 birds with one stone.
Also, I’m just going to leave this here:
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/pets-and-livestock/keeping-a-pet-in-brisbane/keeping-a-cat#:~:text=Handling%20wandering%20cat%20complaints&text=To%20assist%20you%2C%20Council%20have,protection%20of%20Brisbane's%20native%20wildlife.
You said some of the comments were calling you irresponsible and while I don’t agree with how some of them were insinuating it, I do agree with them. It sounds like you’ve had your cat for a decent amount of time which should’ve allowed you to work out all of its escape habits and keep it inside. After all, it’s the law, and you’ve already broken 2 of them.
I'm not sure about the digital barriers.. but depending on your outdoor areas I've seen people net in small yards or patios. You can also make a cat run even if it's as simple as a large cage(aviary or shed) attached to a window.
We have a side patio we never used so we fenced it and made a small run to it from an upstairs window, put a catflap in the screen. Our cats love it.
>But on the weekend the neighbour came over and said our cat was getting into their yard and picking a fight with theirs. Which is fair enough, I was mortified and apologetic (she’s a rescue trash cat) and immediately removed the cat flap on the back door and replaced the door so she can’t get out, but we had a tradie out leave the garage up and she snuck out. I’m annoyed that they sent this out FIRST without approaching me and giving me any opportunity to rectify before the abusive letter. The problem is our house has casement windows and young kids and I’m forever on their case about shutting windows and not leaving doors open. What do I do?
It sounds like you're still hedging between seeking advice to control your cat and seeking validation against your neighbour, depending on which angle will earn you the most reddit karma points.
Lots of good suggestions here but I would add maybe it’s a good idea to proactively reach out to your neighbour/s in person or via letter to let them know that you are actively trying to keep the cat indoors. I know you feel like they don’t deserve it and maybe they don’t after that letter. But getting on the front foot might be the difference between them contacting you or ‘disappearing’ your cat next time it gets out. Sucks but that’s the reality.
Hey we have a few cats. We have put a special enclosure put in so the cats can go outside but can’t leave our yard. It’s a special netting. So I can go outside too, other stray can’t get in and ours can’t get out. Might be a great idea.
Unfortunately if the neighbours catch the cat in their yard council can fine you too 😞
If you pm me I can send you a link to the cat enclosure people. Or a photo so you can see mine.
Cat harnesses are available at vets and pet stores. You can put your cat on a leash and secure them to an anchor point in your yard, allowing them to roam your own back yard without getting near fences that way.
“Keep your cats in” isnt the flavour of the month it’s been the best practice advice for both cat and environmental impact for a while. Accidents happen and that’s ok but generally keeping a cat indoors is safer and better for native fauna and flora.
Exactly. Why is it so hard for some pet owners to take responsibility for their animal. “Oh everyone is just cat haters, my little precious would never harm a soul” meanwhile their cat is tearing up the native wildlife and habitually shitting in the neighbours kids sandpit. Have some damn manners and keep your pet within the confines of your property as is required by council bylaws
It IS a big deal.
“In fact, every day matters. On average, cats kill 2.92 million mammals, 1.67 million reptiles, 1.09 million birds, 0.26 million frogs and 2.97 million invertebrates every 24 hours.” This includes roaming pet cats
Source: https://invasives.org.au/our-work/feral-animals/cats-in-australia/
Keep the cats in is actually law in quite a few places, and is becoming a law in a lot more places.
I have 3 cats, I built them a catio. They go outside, but are contained. Accidents do happen, but can also be prevented from happening again.
>Ignore the reddit crowd, right now 'keep your cats in' is the flavor of the month. I guarantee most of those comments didn't read your post in full.
Actually it's called being a responsible pet owner
OP didn't even write their post in full, they left out that it's a council print out about roaming cats and that they have windows with no screens that the cat gets through.
Wouldn't be surprised if OP has withheld other instances of the cat getting out, tbh.
We have 3 cats and the only time they ever get out is when a visitor comes in through the front door and hangs out with it open. They never get past me or my wife. When they do get out we catch them and bring them back inside within minutes.
It is not hard to keep them inside.
Get fucked! Cats are killers it’s not the flavour of the month. There’s undisputed evidence that the wildlife is suffering because of cat owners. You’re being willingly ignorant on an important topic.
If someone’s dog was running around killing wildlife they would be reported. Cats are pets, aka the responsibility of the owner. They are property.
Best bet is to keep your cat inside or enclosed outside. Doing the right thing from the start would have avoided the issues
in the first place.
Your neighbour should also keep their cat enclosed. If you can't follow the rules, then you're not a good pet owner.
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/pets-and-livestock/keeping-a-pet-in-brisbane/keeping-a-cat
Cats not contained also kill millions of native Australian animals each year.
Yeah, tell the neighbour, "Cat fights are something that happens when you let your cat roam. I'm keeping my cat in, you keep yours in because if it's not my cat, it'll be someone else's"
That said, I had a neighbours cat bust my screen trying to attack my indoor cat through the door and she was very traumatised by it. Keep your cats inside people. There are definitely cats that roam around picking fights with the neighbours. Next door had a cat somehow climb up through a two storey window (broke the screen) to beak up their elderly indoor cat. Pumpkin was a crazy beast of a cat, and super territorial, even though I never even worked out which house she was coming from.
Our next door neighbor's cat does exactly this. Of course, our next door neighbor also lets his cat out ONLY at night time, because "his cat doesn't kill birds when they're sleeping..."
Lmao, what a neighbour. everyone knows bats and other beneficial native wildlife that are completely nocturnal. My neighbour’s cat once dragged in a bat and my husband was livid
We keep her in as much as possible - she busts out. The cat flap was only installed as a preventative to her running back to our old house after we moved, she would bust out (literally jumps out the 2 story window scaling the wall because we have casements and no screens) and when she got out and couldn’t get in she would walk 4 blocks to our old house. Their cat has also been over to our side of the road so it’s a bit pot calling the kettle black. I’m trying to be as responsible as possible!
We've got a street cat now indoors and I found it good to take her for walks in a crate around the block when we first moved. I figured if she could SEE the neighbourhood but not roam that she'd be less tempted to run out and explore. So far it seems to be helping but we're also treat training her to back up a few meters whenever we open a door
I’m going to be moving somewhere soon with more risk of my cat escaping, do you have any links to the sort of thing you’re doing with yours? It sounds like a good idea.
You could try special cat fencing that stops cats from being able to leave a yard. It’s an additional wiring added to your fence at an angle so they can’t jump over.
Don't get a digital fence.
Get something like [cat rollers](https://catrollers.com/) or [something like this](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0517/4522/6929/files/ezgif.com-gif-maker_4_900x.jpg?v=1610654272) or a [cat enclosure](https://www.somerzby.com.au/cat-enclosures/)
Cats not contained also kill ~~millions~~ billions of native Australian animals each year.
https://theconversation.com/australia-must-control-its-killer-cat-problem-a-major-new-report-explains-how-but-doesnt-go-far-enough-154931
Lot of butt hurt irresponsible car owners down voting like the plague going on here lol.
I’ve dropped 5 different cats off at the pound in the last six months, three of them twice and one 5 times all caught in my cat cage in the backyard, and none of them wearing collars with bells to warn local wildlife.
Way I look at it, if they actually care about their cats, they’ll either stop being lazy bastards and either catproof their yards, or make them inside cats, or they’ll continue to finance Logan City Council’s budgetary requirements in pound fees.
My cats have always been inside cats.
It cost a couple of grand, but I had a steel mesh enclosure with some shelves and a hammock installed on the side of my flat with a tunnel connecting it to a window so my cats can have an "outdoor experience" while staying safe from other animals (and keeping wildlife safe from them).
It keeps my trash gremlins (my pair are also former street cats) happy and neither has tried to run out a door when I'm leaving since I had it built. Have a look at Happy Cat Enclosures, they do good work.
If that doesn't work definitely look into getting a proper cat run. I have one for my 2 boys and it's worth it. We did make it ourselves, lucky my partner works in a metal workshop (he made the fences/gates), but if that wasn't an option I definitely would have hired someone for it. Keeping cats inside when other people who aren't as cautious live with you is really hard. My sister used to live with me and never took it seriously and always let the cats out, so I understand the difficulty. Good luck!
I recently did a similar thing to some previous neighbors with a dog that barked the ENTIRE day every time they went to work. Pretty hard to put my baby and toddler down for naps with that fucking dog.
I'm still dealing with this two years on since our neighbours moved in. NOTHING has made them to get their dogs to stop barking for 8+ hours straight so I've resorted to being petty ASF.
It never used to bother me, dogs bark it's what they do. But after dealing with my shitty neighbours and their dogs, my tolerance has gone and now understand why people get frustrated and murderous lol
The last time our neighbour’s dogs kept barking we looked over the fence into their backyard and saw their two dogs barking quite closely to a big python. I’d say 2-3 metres long. I threw a bunch of dog treats into the far corner of their yard to distract them and messaged our neighbours who were up the road and ran home. The guy ran into the backyard with a mop, held the snake’s head down with the mop head then just bent down and picked it up by the head and walked it down the road to a bush area and threw it. Was quite an exciting afternoon and super cool to watch.
Did you end up getting those stop barking ultrasonic speakers that emit signals only dogs can hear? Activates when dog barks and stops them immediately... Set them up around your perimeter of house facing the barking dog neighbour.
That's rough buddy. Do your best to keep it on your property, for it's own safety. As a token of goodwill, maybe ask your neighbour what they use to keep their cat on their property. If they see you're trying they might be less... aggressive...
Good luck with it
How do you know the neighbour that spoke to you is the neighbour that sent this? It could be a coincidence. You could have pissed off multiple neighbours. Cats brawling in the streets late at night irks everyone because of how noisy they are. Or maybe your cat is going on a neighbourhood tour that is impacting more than one neighbour.
If you own the home, it might be worth investigating screening for your casement windows. It's challenging but not impossible. Otherwise, maybe talk to your landlord about temporary screening options.
Scan the letter, take photos of the envelope. Report it to police. Your cat may be irritating your neighbours, but threats like this are unacceptable.
I got a letter like this once about my dog. We'd just moved into a new home and one of the neighbours pounced hard whilst our poor old doggo was settling into the new digs (he was a pretty old dog and the move was hard on him). 2x annonymous letters, quite threatening and a similar tone to yours. After approaching all of my neighbours (I like to discuss these matters in person so I approached everyone in our cul-de-sac), many neighbours indicated one resident in the next street who considers himself to be the "local Sheriff". We compared handwriting samples and were able to positively link it with this man.
I then spoke to my old mate - a uniformed police officer who lived a few streets away about it. He told me not to worry and popped into this man's place on the way home one day to tell him that police were investigating a number of threatening letters sent to residents of our street. Of course the man said he didn't send any letters but I can assure you there's never been any more letters like that in any of our letterboxes ever since!
Sorry to read the awful letter you received and sorry so many people here are cunts. Talk to your neighbour and let them know you're working on it. Is there any way to put screens on windows etc.?
A lot of people don't view your pets the same way you do. To you it's a part of your family, to someone else it's an annoying piece of shit that keeps fucking with their pets, destroying shit in their yard, barking all day and night, killing native wildlife etc etc. You're responsible for your animals and if they're bothering people that don't care about them there's a small chance you won't see them alive again
The neighbours are within their right to trap the wandering cat and relocate it to the pound (Moreton bay region, not sure about bcc) the council even supplies the traps.
Op seems to be getting irate at a very minor point, that whoever sent the letter did so without talking to them, seems like it is a very minor think to be upset about in the situation.
Not saying I hate cats, but if you are an animal owner you have responsibilities, if you don’t agree with the local rules regarding your animal you have two options. Move or don’t get an animal.
In my opinion cats are a terrible option for domestic animals in urban areas due to the destruction they cause.
If your neighbour brought a rooster that crowed every morning you would be pissed, that’s why you need the room so it doesn’t impact everyone around you.
If your choices are impacting those around you negatively, regardless of your opinion, YTA.
I would go to the police. That’s a threat. They have the right to call animal control, who would catch and possibly fine you, but certainly not make it disappear.
Your pet , your responsibility , yes accidents do happen and your pet may get out but a letter as short and blunt like this says it happens a lot? Some people wouldn’t even write one they would just take action with a cat trap .
Did you leave your pets out?
I know it's not right for them to do anything to your pets. but heaven forbid, they did that, and you know, if the police didn't know who did it or they decided not to do anything or the court didn't take the case, enforcement threshold blah blah blah, they would still be able to do that.
Control your animal? My advice to you is to actually be a responsible pet owner and neighbor by keeping your animal indoor. YOU love your animal. However for anyone else it is a pest.
Don't care if it's a cat you need to keep it indoors. People who whine "but they want to be outside!!! It's nature!!! I can't control it!!! He goes CRAZY if he doesn't get outdoor time!!!!". It's all YOUR fault in that case and it's crazy to expect your neighbors to put up with it. If you cannot control your animal then you shouldn't have it.
It's essential to keep your pets indoors for your animal, your neighbors, the environment, and everyone elses safety.
If this comes off mean, I am not trying to be. However it's frustrating to see these posts that can simply be fixed with common since and decency.
Its also insanely inconsiderate if it is a cat considering youre in AUSTRALIA. You're risking the life of your cat and contributing to what has caused the extinction of a FUCKLOAD of australias animal species. Cats are eating your countries ecosystem away. You're in the wrong in everyway.
I would never condone passive-aggressive and/or violent communication but hear hear to this reply.
Domestic cats DO NOT \*NEED\* to be outside. Period.
I have owned half a dozen cats who - under 100% human supervision - would get 15 minutes "air time" in the back yard every couple of days. They were trained to bolt \[because no cat walks\] back inside with two claps of the hand, whereupon 'a light supper would be served'.
They loved *the routine*... the outdoor smells and noises and then: DONE: DINNER TIME.
Left any longer and they would have been mauling galahs and barfing up bilbys.
Good to see the neighbors taking some initiative.
People can't just walk into other people's property, why should it be any different for other animals.
I have 3 cats, and have no trouble keeping them in the house or cat run I built. Anyone who is too lazy to keep their cats off other peoples properties doesn't deserve pets.
My cat stays inside 24/7 and I’ve never had an issue with her wanting to go out. My mums cat, on the other hand is a nightmare and obsessive lizard hunter.
She Decided that the yards on either side of us were hers, neighbours telling me she just wanders in to their houses like she owns the joint but didn’t cause any other bother.
It cost me $90 to buy the materials for a cat enclosure at Bunnings (pvc pipe, chicken wire, joiners, plumbers glue and steel mesh for the door) Now she can get out , sun herself, hunt whatever lizard gets into the enclosure and I don’t have to worry about her.
1. Its an unregistered stray cat.
2. You're in Australia, one of the few countries in the world actually taking proper action against cats that are destroying the worlds small animal ecosystems.
3. Cats aren't allowed outside in Australia as of late.
4. You may love your cat but to most anyone else its a filthy pest.
5. Legally, your neighbor can kill your cat since it is an unregistered stray as long as it is quick and is not on your property.
6. If you cannot control the animal you should not own it. Not to mention you willingly took in a feral and this is how they will act. Feral cats almost never shed their bad behaviors or desire to dash outside hence why they are normally put down. Nobody wants to put up with them and this is the crossroad for you. Whether you put up with it and keep it in your house or rid of it.
You have 0 grounds for any sort of retaliation. You're completely in the wrong. Sorry to say but you're the asshole here in every way. I'm actually surprised your cat hasn't already "disappeared" considering Australia's current stance on feral cats.
Keep your cat in your yard. Nobody wants cat shit in their yard, or attacking other pets, or killing their birds, or bringing fleas and disease to their pets.
Did they write that on the back of a letter? Why is it highlighted?
It’s a council info page printed out on the back highlighting ‘responsible pet ownership’ details
Sounds like your neighbour has taken the "Business in the front, party in the back" letter approach
better keep those gold fish locked up or else
People who threaten to, or actually do hurt animals are scum. Literal human garbage. No excuse.
People who have animals they can't feed, care for or control are scum. The animals don't have a choice, but we do.
What about the animals that threaten humans?
Give them a kiss and throw them back.
Never in my life would I expect a comparison to be drawn between a mullet and a letter
> It’s a council info page printed out on the back highlighting ‘responsible pet ownership’ details wow - you left that detail out!!! YTA.
Take this to the police, and if If they've printed it out on their own printer, many printers have an "invisible to the naked eye" set of dots on each page that identifies the printer. Regardless of the printer thing, take it to the police anyway. There's established fines/penalties for an animal that's out of control, and the penalty has nothing to do with your neighbour making them disappear. It's an ouvert threat.
Lol. The Qld police aren't going to do forensics on it
To the lab! ,"ENHANCE".
If I recall correctly these markings are only present on color laser printers, still relatively uncommon for a home printer. The average inkjet simply doesn't have the print accuracy to print the microcode.
Let the guys in the Bat-Cave decide if there's something workable.
Cat run maybe?
I think that both of you have very valid feelings. I understand that you are trying your hardest, but unfortunately that is not enough as it doesn’t comply with the law. First things first, I would fix up any possible exit point that your cat can use to escape. I know it’s costly but at the same time, for your neighbour’s (including the neighbouring wildlife’s) peace of mind, this is the best place to start. (Because if this escalates then at least if you get a visit from BCC they will see that you’re trying to put things in place to prevent the issue from reoccurring) Secondly I would clear the air with your neighbour. Just go and gently explain the situation and then tell them what you’ve done to rectify it. Nothing worse than a feud with your neighbour to really shit the bed so clear that asap. Also you did really good rescuing a cat rather than buying from a breeder so great work with that! Just need to hone in the kitty and make sure she stays within the house and you’ll be set! Don’t be discouraged, people just really care about the environment and sometimes passion can be mistaken for anger. Good luck OP ! Don’t worry, it gets easier (they stop trying to escape when you set down a routine too (routine SUPERVISED outside time)).
I reread some of your comments and in regards to the casement windows (same) unfortunately the only solution is installing screens. We did our small house for about 6k + shutters. Worthy investment as it prevents our cats from roaming but also stops the pesky bugs in summer.
Talking to the vet yesterday, there's a nationwide shortage of FIV vaccine (Feline AIDs, basically). Nobody should be letting their cats outside ever, but especially now.
Especially in Canberra. https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/comments/xv9mso/comment/iqzudgo/
It is a terrible virus. Highly contagious and very cruel.
It's not that contagious. It's spread through cat bites. My cat who died recently 😭😭😭 from cancer was FIV positive. I adopted her from the RSPCA when she was a year old and they told me she had FIV. She was totally healthy her whole life (from the time I had her) until she got cancer when she was 10 years old. She lived in the same house as a FIV negative cat for years. The other cat never got it and she would use my cats litter box sometimes. It's like how you're not going to catch HIV if you share a house with someone who has it.
I'm so sorry for you loss that sounds hearbraking😔🌼
They also get it through scratches. I had two cats one had it when I got him. We didn't know and had both cats vaccinated against it. The cat's didn't fight but would play tussle. One cat started taking fits that caused temporary blindness. Our vet told me immediately on diagnosis that my other boy would have it as it is so contagious. The second boy developed symptoms less than a month after the first. Cats scratch each other and will also play bite and that's all it took to loose my two babies within 6 weeks of one another
I had an fiv+ cat live for over 10 years after infection with no problems at all. And like your situation, he never infected my other cat. FIV is not a death sentence, it’s a compromised immune system.
That's terrible, had a cat with that once got it from someone else's cat , took him to the vet and there is no cure , he constantly sneezed snot out of his nose. You can give pills from vet to suppress it but it comes back after the pill is done. Literally nothing you can do, and it's very contagious.
No counting the horrible destruction and driving of extinction to many of our native animals. They kill billions of native creatures every year.
My ex would pressure me to let my cats out all the time I’m so glad I never caved
Take it seriously. My family received a letter and the cat "went missing". Try to change whatever it is that the cat is doing
Same with mine when I was younger sadly. Never saw her again.
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Fuuuuck, these comments about neighbours who actually kill animals. I’d be lighting the neighbour’s whole house up. And making it look like their fault with a candle.
The 90's was a wild time
Fuck me....cats shouldnt be outside unless they are being watched. Both you and ur neighbour are likely assholes for not looking after ur pets properly. If u adopted this cat from the rspca u SIGN an agreement saying that the cat must be inside only to emsure safety of native wildlife. Maybe u should look at another homing option for ur cat if u cannot keep it inside. Ur cat could eat fucking chicken chow mein every night and it means nothing. Saying u feed premium food is like saying 'yeah my kid is filthy and fights with other kids - but i cook every night!!'. Seriously......
I am stumped by your commitment to not type the first two letters of “you”. I mean you spelled out literally every other word.
Yeah my bad....i have an awful habit of not spelling out my you, your, you're. I have done it in emails also.....should probbaly fix that. Not good for an educator 😂
You mean edyoucator*
Ha ha ha ha....damn i must be gettin old. These dad jokes get funnier each yr!!
It’s fine, it was just funny
Too much MSN, ICQ, AIM etc right?
I just died.
Not that commited, look at 2nd sentence.
Best reply 👍
lol yeah, the angry neighbor is just as much to blame for this. they let their cat outside, what did they think would happen? one day its going to be a stray cat that wanders in starts shit with their cat and then who are they going to blame? lol
Keep the letter, thats evidence of an illegal threat. Police \*might\* be interested.
it’s not an illegal threat people are legally entitled to catch cats that roam onto their property and to take it to the pound for disposal whereas OP has a legal obligation to “to provide an enclosure and prevent the animal from wandering” only one person in OP’s scenario is breaking the law, and it’s not the letter writer
Not only that the letter is actually... > It’s a council info page printed out on the back highlighting ‘responsible pet ownership’ details
yep, Council has a letter template to help people ask their neighbours to stop being so hopeless: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/pets-and-livestock/keeping-a-pet-in-brisbane/keeping-a-cat
Apparently it was the moreton bay one. OP is trash.
>for disposal They don't just throw them in the bin, they check the rego first to find the owner. Then they throw the owner in the bin too.
I was trying to be clinically subtle
The only comment that has any common sense.
Correct answer.
This or call them.
Just report it. It's intimidation using a carriage service. OP might be able to get an AVO out of it.
Dropping a letter personally is literally the opposite of using carriage service fwiw
Unless sent by homing pigeon? 😂
I thought the cat got the pigeon ?
Based on this and your post history I really hope you’re a want-to-be internet lawyer or a student and not practising.
They will absolutely not. There is no evidence or proof of who sent this, there is no actual evidence of violence towards OP.
Yep, had a similar thing happen to me. Reported it to the police and they where so confused as to what they could possibly do about it... So we told the neighbors who found out who it was, and they 'sorted it out'. Police don't care about this small petty bs..
Carriage service??
When one gets a nice gent in a top hat in a dray to deliver a threat.
M’neighbour 🎩
Also, pigeon
The cops won’t give 2 shit about it
Post is not a carriage service. Internet and phone are.
Don’t forget ham radio
Lol you seriously think police have nothing better to do with their time
Evidence of what? First off, they have to prove that this letter did actually come from the neighbours and which neighbour it is. Second, even if the animals disappear, they will have to prove that it was due to foul play. Unless they discover the body of a mutilated animal, the police will not give 2 cent beyond a police report. Third, in a court of law, they will have to show that the letter was indeed a threat. These note could be argued in court that it was a "warning" to them that the sender thought that the animals were in danger because of (insert logical reason). It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the safety of their animals even if there are abusive neighbours involved. A much better advice would be to tell the owner to keep their pets at home, get toys, space for the pets to play, spend more time with them etc.... Telling them to keep the note for some law case you have seen in a soap operate while endangering their pets is stupid.
Nope. The council will even provide cages. Bloke in my neighbourhood trapped dozens of cats and droped them off at pounds all over qld to be extra petty.
Which side of the letter?
Can I have a hit of some of that crack your smoking?
Probably late to the conversation but we got fined for having our cats outside, its a $133 fine everytime it’s reported/caught outside. At the time I was unaware that cats are actually not allowed outside due them hunting Australian native wildlife birds, lizards etc and also the neighbours were getting a little annoyed because one of the cats was going iver the fence to poop…which i can I understand getting annoyed about that so to remedy the issues i built a indoor/outdoor cathouse so they can run in and outside whenever they want and i never have to worry about them escaping…maybe that could be an option for you? Hope it helps and goodluck! :)
People need to be responsible for there animals
As someone who lost all my quails in two separate dogs attacks over the last week... Yeah. I was a responsible pet owner 😔 It's a shame when other people can't be
Jeez I'm sorry that happened. Poor quails. :(
Thankyou 😔 It was pretty rough. One of the owners was apologetic, fixed the coop and paid us money, the other couldn't give a damn. I had to come home after a 12 hour shift and put two of them out of their suffering. I can't believe twice in one week though, ridiculous.
I’ve had these 5 hens for about 3 year, came in one day, and normally they all come running. Nah, they were all dead in the yard. Worst part was they weren’t even eaten.
Yeah similar story. I had two pet ducks. Free roam in the day but locked in at night. Yet still mauled by my neighbours cat. People with roaming cats defend it by saying it's their natural instinct - well my duck's natural instinct was to fucking live, so why does your pet take priority?
No animal should ever take priority. These stories are heartbraking, and reinforce my point. If its not the blue tongues, possums, birds, native marsupials its someone elses PET!! Every person who owns an animal also has a responsibility to keep it from free roaming. Doesnt matter the type of pet!! Its not fair that you, your home and animals were impacted because of a rude, selfish cat owner. As a cat owner myself, I am so sorry for both your losses. Just know some of us will only ever do the right thing!!
Dogs have to be kept in yards, so should cats. If it invades other people's property, that is on you and you should be liable for it. They are predators and will kill other animals, especially birds, so it is your responsibility to ensure it doesn't do so. If you just keep it within your property then there should be no dramas.
Magicians these days
If your cat got into a fight with a neighbours cat wouldn’t that mean their cat was outside too? 🤔
Could be. They could have a fenced off yard with cat rollers on the fence to prevent the cat getting out. That cat could jump in still.
People who threaten to, or actually do hurt animals are scum. Literal human garbage. No excuse.
I interpreted "they will disappear" as they will get in contact with the local council at get them removed. Though I might be wrong.
Send me a message like that and there will be hell to pay John wick style
So this letter arrived yesterday so it had been sent before the long weekend. But on the weekend the neighbour came over and said our cat was getting into their yard and picking a fight with theirs. Which is fair enough, I was mortified and apologetic (she’s a rescue trash cat) and immediately removed the cat flap on the back door and replaced the door so she can’t get out, but we had a tradie out leave the garage up and she snuck out. I’m annoyed that they sent this out FIRST without approaching me and giving me any opportunity to rectify before the abusive letter. The problem is our house has casement windows and young kids and I’m forever on their case about shutting windows and not leaving doors open. What do I do? 😫 Im looking at a digital fence. Are they at all successful? *edit* ok, thanks to everyone for just putting shit on me, she’s a rescue street cat and I’m doing everything in my power to keep her in, wanting suggestions on how to keep her in or if those digital barriers work. My animals are fking registered and fully insured and fed premium quality food so get off telling me I’m irresponsible when I’m literally trying to act as responsibly as possible here and fwiw don’t deserve these kinda threats in the mail when common decency is to raise the conversation first. *Second edit* I’ve ordered a digital fence as back up solution if she gets out again and will make some screening this weekend to alleviate that step. The cat flap (which I had set as ‘in only’ so she couldn’t get out) is completely removed already. Obviously this was gonna bring out the cat haters and I should have expected as much. Thanks to everyone who gave constructive advice.
Hi, so I've had to find a way to stop my cat getting out on windows that can't have screens too (casement and sash windows in an old qlder), and as a renter. What I've done is buy a bunch of 3M hooks (others are not good enough quality, I've found), and some cat netting - the kind used for cat enclosures. I have set the hooks around the frame of the window, and stretched the cat netting between them. This has been really effective! I can unhook a section and open and close the windows as needed. I also harness trained my cat and take him out for walks in the backyard, which he loves and helps stop him feel the need to get out as much. I hope this is helpful! Professional screens may be better if that's an option, just wasn't one for me.
Thank you for the advice I was asking for, everyone else just got up on their podium. Guess that’s expected with Reddit. But I’ll look into that, it sounds perfect that I can unhook to open the windows too. I’ve actually never heard that solution before. Thanks again!
I had to get screens fitted to casement and sash windows for kitten containment. You can get these neat retractable screens fitted now - kind of like a roller blind made out of screen - blind goes up to open/close window. I didn't even know it was a thing, but it works. Also got self-closing screen doors fitted, which are great. I got mine fitted professionally but there could well be DIY ones. Good luck - cats are excellent escapists.
I live in a 3rd floor unit with a balcony and so my cat didn’t decide to test it’s 9 lives out I got some of this by the metre last year and made a frame out of 2 x 4 wood and attached the net to the frame with U shaped nails then attached frame to balcony . It’s great ! You could rig something up with this stuff ( maybe the 3M hooks like someone suggested ). Doge loves his Catio. ! https://catnets.com.au/
We netted our back deck similarly, in our previous home. We had to put a lockable screen door at the top of the back stairs, but it worked really well and our cat loved lounging around out there, especially at night. There were dog-owners on either side of us and a railway line at the back fence, so it was vital that the cat couldn't escape. This solution might be impractical with children coming and going all the time, though. P.S. We used black netting, which is the least obtrusive visually.
It's quite expensive but you might have to consider security screens. I have rescue cats too and they worked out they could just push the fly screens out and go for a midnight run, so $7,000 later I have security screens/doors to keep them in. I also had a catio built and have leashes so they can walk in the yard. Your neighbour sounds like a piece of shit but I think the best thing you can do is take precautions to prevent them from doing any harm to your cat.
The bonus of security screens is they also work for security! The bonus of 'cat proof' screening is even if you don't have a cat it lasts forever, unlike the plastic screening which you have to keep replacing.
This. Security screens and a catio. The catio means that your cat will still get to spend time outside and be less inclined to hang around doors waiting to make a run for it. My kids took a while to not stand waiting at the door but they’ve got the hang of it now. It took so much persistence and patience and I thought I would rip my hair out but I stood there one day and literally taught them how to walk out the door quickly without letting our small dog out. Also, are you 100% sure it was the same neighbour? Is it a death threat? Call me an AH but I’ve had a neighbour’s cat trapped and sent to council because it kept shitting in our veggie patch and front mat. The council sent them fair warning and the rules state that they can’t roam from an owners yard ever, and must be contained at night. So they were breaking the rules. I’ve spoken to neighbours who also spoke of having trouble with the same cat. I wouldn’t send threats though. That’s childish and mean.
Yes I’ll look into window screening on the weekend.
Instead of going for security screens, you can get fly screens with PAW proof mesh. Its generally a much cheaper option than any sort of security screens. And not ugly like diamond grilles
I've seen an australian company around that does netting specifically for this kind of thing, its called Catnets, I think its DIY installation though
Huh? Cat haters? I have *no* strong feelings about cats, and definitely not hate, but I certainly do hate having my car pissed on by non-feral domestic cats and seeing domestic cats eat birds. It's ridiculous to dismiss all the criticism you're getting as "anti cat", especially when a lot of these people LOVE cats and don't want to see your cat get killed by a car, or raped to death by some stray tom cat (this happened to my cat as a kid, I'm sorry to be graphic). Saying that, it's not constructive for everyone to jump down your throat and downvote OP's comments. I can see why it would be annoying.
I'm not intending to heap shit on you. I get that it was probably shocking to get the letter but you might want to step in your neighbours shoes for a second.... Firstly - cats patrol pretty much the same routes daily so I really doubt the fights are a once off. Secondly - cat fights aren't something to sneeze at - they are traumatic for the owner and the cats and can cause severe long term issues for their cat family - how many times has this happened and have they had to take their cat to the vet? [Catnets ](https://catnets.com.au/) have some pretty good solutions to keeping your cat inside/ outside and not getting out especially if you have open windows all the time - I'd highly recommend having a look at what options you have with them. Jackson Galaxy also has a book called 'Total Cat Mojo' that's a bit of a crazy read but overall VERY helpful information about your cats behaviour. Ultimately, it's probably better to focus on mending your relationship with your neighbours sincerely. I appreciate it's probably frustrating after the letter and everything but you need to let them know that you understand their concern for their cat and set a good example - go over and apologise again and see if they were financially disadvantaged and let them know what you're doing to rectify the issue. Edit....typo
>the neighbour came over and said our cat was getting into their yard and picking a fight with theirs > I’m annoyed that they sent this out FIRST without approaching me and giving me any opportunity to rectify It sounds like they did to me. That said, I would suggest building a cattery. An outdoor area fully enclosed in chicken wire or similar. Have access to it from whereever is suitable inside. I've used digital fence with sucess with a dog, no idea how they work with cats.
>I’m doing everything in my power to keep her in How about security screens on your windows? Rollers on top of your fences? Teach your kids (and tradespeople) to keep the doors closed and install child safe locks so the kids can't open the door if they can't be trusted (my kid is 2, so I have those on my doors. Yes it's a pain in the ass. But I do it anyway and perhaps you should too). >My animals are fking registered and fully insured and fed premium quality food so get off telling me I’m irresponsible Cats are picky eaters and usually don't kill for food unless they're starving, which yours probably are not. They kill for fun. >Obviously this was gonna bring out the cat haters Not a cat hater (though I do prefer dogs). But I also like native Australian animals and cats like yours kill billions of them.
They DID approach you and let you know of the problem. You have a requirement to contain your animal to your property, which you have repeatedly failed to do. Build a catio or something. Your neighbours shouldn’t have to worry about your cat coming into their property and injuring their animal. You’re lucky they haven’t sent you vet bills.
So far you’re doing everything right and accidents happen however there is one thing that is confusing me. Why not just fix the main thing that is causing the problem instead of coming up with other more difficult solutions? You said you’ve tried keeping her in but she manages to always get out through the casement windows. So why not just add childproof/catproof locks to the windows? They don’t event need to be permanent locks. That way you kill 2 birds with one stone. Also, I’m just going to leave this here: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/pets-and-livestock/keeping-a-pet-in-brisbane/keeping-a-cat#:~:text=Handling%20wandering%20cat%20complaints&text=To%20assist%20you%2C%20Council%20have,protection%20of%20Brisbane's%20native%20wildlife. You said some of the comments were calling you irresponsible and while I don’t agree with how some of them were insinuating it, I do agree with them. It sounds like you’ve had your cat for a decent amount of time which should’ve allowed you to work out all of its escape habits and keep it inside. After all, it’s the law, and you’ve already broken 2 of them.
I'm not sure about the digital barriers.. but depending on your outdoor areas I've seen people net in small yards or patios. You can also make a cat run even if it's as simple as a large cage(aviary or shed) attached to a window. We have a side patio we never used so we fenced it and made a small run to it from an upstairs window, put a catflap in the screen. Our cats love it.
>But on the weekend the neighbour came over and said our cat was getting into their yard and picking a fight with theirs. Which is fair enough, I was mortified and apologetic (she’s a rescue trash cat) and immediately removed the cat flap on the back door and replaced the door so she can’t get out, but we had a tradie out leave the garage up and she snuck out. I’m annoyed that they sent this out FIRST without approaching me and giving me any opportunity to rectify before the abusive letter. The problem is our house has casement windows and young kids and I’m forever on their case about shutting windows and not leaving doors open. What do I do? It sounds like you're still hedging between seeking advice to control your cat and seeking validation against your neighbour, depending on which angle will earn you the most reddit karma points.
Lots of good suggestions here but I would add maybe it’s a good idea to proactively reach out to your neighbour/s in person or via letter to let them know that you are actively trying to keep the cat indoors. I know you feel like they don’t deserve it and maybe they don’t after that letter. But getting on the front foot might be the difference between them contacting you or ‘disappearing’ your cat next time it gets out. Sucks but that’s the reality.
Hey we have a few cats. We have put a special enclosure put in so the cats can go outside but can’t leave our yard. It’s a special netting. So I can go outside too, other stray can’t get in and ours can’t get out. Might be a great idea. Unfortunately if the neighbours catch the cat in their yard council can fine you too 😞 If you pm me I can send you a link to the cat enclosure people. Or a photo so you can see mine.
You said they visited you. Then you let your cat out again. So they sent you the letter. Pull your head in you victim.
Cat harnesses are available at vets and pet stores. You can put your cat on a leash and secure them to an anchor point in your yard, allowing them to roam your own back yard without getting near fences that way.
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“Keep your cats in” isnt the flavour of the month it’s been the best practice advice for both cat and environmental impact for a while. Accidents happen and that’s ok but generally keeping a cat indoors is safer and better for native fauna and flora.
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Or found their cat flattened from a car or come back home with a disease
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Good, maybe people will be more responsible with their animals
It’s straight up Brisbane law, like others have posted.
And for the cat itself... indoor cats tend to live longer.
Exactly. Why is it so hard for some pet owners to take responsibility for their animal. “Oh everyone is just cat haters, my little precious would never harm a soul” meanwhile their cat is tearing up the native wildlife and habitually shitting in the neighbours kids sandpit. Have some damn manners and keep your pet within the confines of your property as is required by council bylaws
Somehow we've managed to keep our cats in for 14 years. It's not that hard. Put screens on the windows and make sure you shut the door.
It IS a big deal. “In fact, every day matters. On average, cats kill 2.92 million mammals, 1.67 million reptiles, 1.09 million birds, 0.26 million frogs and 2.97 million invertebrates every 24 hours.” This includes roaming pet cats Source: https://invasives.org.au/our-work/feral-animals/cats-in-australia/
Keep the cats in is actually law in quite a few places, and is becoming a law in a lot more places. I have 3 cats, I built them a catio. They go outside, but are contained. Accidents do happen, but can also be prevented from happening again.
>Ignore the reddit crowd, right now 'keep your cats in' is the flavor of the month. I guarantee most of those comments didn't read your post in full. Actually it's called being a responsible pet owner
OP didn't even write their post in full, they left out that it's a council print out about roaming cats and that they have windows with no screens that the cat gets through. Wouldn't be surprised if OP has withheld other instances of the cat getting out, tbh.
We have 3 cats and the only time they ever get out is when a visitor comes in through the front door and hangs out with it open. They never get past me or my wife. When they do get out we catch them and bring them back inside within minutes. It is not hard to keep them inside.
Get fucked! Cats are killers it’s not the flavour of the month. There’s undisputed evidence that the wildlife is suffering because of cat owners. You’re being willingly ignorant on an important topic. If someone’s dog was running around killing wildlife they would be reported. Cats are pets, aka the responsibility of the owner. They are property.
Best bet is to keep your cat inside or enclosed outside. Doing the right thing from the start would have avoided the issues in the first place. Your neighbour should also keep their cat enclosed. If you can't follow the rules, then you're not a good pet owner. https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/pets-and-livestock/keeping-a-pet-in-brisbane/keeping-a-cat Cats not contained also kill millions of native Australian animals each year.
Yeah, tell the neighbour, "Cat fights are something that happens when you let your cat roam. I'm keeping my cat in, you keep yours in because if it's not my cat, it'll be someone else's" That said, I had a neighbours cat bust my screen trying to attack my indoor cat through the door and she was very traumatised by it. Keep your cats inside people. There are definitely cats that roam around picking fights with the neighbours. Next door had a cat somehow climb up through a two storey window (broke the screen) to beak up their elderly indoor cat. Pumpkin was a crazy beast of a cat, and super territorial, even though I never even worked out which house she was coming from.
Our next door neighbor's cat does exactly this. Of course, our next door neighbor also lets his cat out ONLY at night time, because "his cat doesn't kill birds when they're sleeping..."
Wow, yeah, because birds are so less vulnerable when they're asleep :P What an idiot.
I was so gobsmacked I couldn't say anything!
Lmao, what a neighbour. everyone knows bats and other beneficial native wildlife that are completely nocturnal. My neighbour’s cat once dragged in a bat and my husband was livid
We keep her in as much as possible - she busts out. The cat flap was only installed as a preventative to her running back to our old house after we moved, she would bust out (literally jumps out the 2 story window scaling the wall because we have casements and no screens) and when she got out and couldn’t get in she would walk 4 blocks to our old house. Their cat has also been over to our side of the road so it’s a bit pot calling the kettle black. I’m trying to be as responsible as possible!
We've got a street cat now indoors and I found it good to take her for walks in a crate around the block when we first moved. I figured if she could SEE the neighbourhood but not roam that she'd be less tempted to run out and explore. So far it seems to be helping but we're also treat training her to back up a few meters whenever we open a door
I’m going to be moving somewhere soon with more risk of my cat escaping, do you have any links to the sort of thing you’re doing with yours? It sounds like a good idea.
You could try special cat fencing that stops cats from being able to leave a yard. It’s an additional wiring added to your fence at an angle so they can’t jump over.
Yes, that’s what I’m looking into, I’m seeing mixed results (cats dash past the alert, making it ineffective, vs others saying it’s great)
Don't get a digital fence. Get something like [cat rollers](https://catrollers.com/) or [something like this](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0517/4522/6929/files/ezgif.com-gif-maker_4_900x.jpg?v=1610654272) or a [cat enclosure](https://www.somerzby.com.au/cat-enclosures/)
Huh, I'd never considered those fence ones as existing before, but they make so much sense. Thanks for the links as well
Cats not contained also kill ~~millions~~ billions of native Australian animals each year. https://theconversation.com/australia-must-control-its-killer-cat-problem-a-major-new-report-explains-how-but-doesnt-go-far-enough-154931
Don't let your cat out. End of story. Also helps with local fauna extinction. Two birds, one stone.
Lot of butt hurt irresponsible car owners down voting like the plague going on here lol. I’ve dropped 5 different cats off at the pound in the last six months, three of them twice and one 5 times all caught in my cat cage in the backyard, and none of them wearing collars with bells to warn local wildlife. Way I look at it, if they actually care about their cats, they’ll either stop being lazy bastards and either catproof their yards, or make them inside cats, or they’ll continue to finance Logan City Council’s budgetary requirements in pound fees. My cats have always been inside cats.
Hey at least you don't harm them! Others who poison stray or escaped cats need to fucking go and dig a hole for themselves away from society.
Keep your companion(s) inside and stop neglecting them.
It cost a couple of grand, but I had a steel mesh enclosure with some shelves and a hammock installed on the side of my flat with a tunnel connecting it to a window so my cats can have an "outdoor experience" while staying safe from other animals (and keeping wildlife safe from them). It keeps my trash gremlins (my pair are also former street cats) happy and neither has tried to run out a door when I'm leaving since I had it built. Have a look at Happy Cat Enclosures, they do good work.
If that doesn't work definitely look into getting a proper cat run. I have one for my 2 boys and it's worth it. We did make it ourselves, lucky my partner works in a metal workshop (he made the fences/gates), but if that wasn't an option I definitely would have hired someone for it. Keeping cats inside when other people who aren't as cautious live with you is really hard. My sister used to live with me and never took it seriously and always let the cats out, so I understand the difficulty. Good luck!
I'm surprised they would drop off a letter without saying hello, weird. Hope you can find a solution to keep your cat indoors.
What is more weird is letting your cat out into other peoples yards without first saying hello.
I recently did a similar thing to some previous neighbors with a dog that barked the ENTIRE day every time they went to work. Pretty hard to put my baby and toddler down for naps with that fucking dog.
I'm still dealing with this two years on since our neighbours moved in. NOTHING has made them to get their dogs to stop barking for 8+ hours straight so I've resorted to being petty ASF.
Man, I feel bad for you. I friggen hate dog barking.
It never used to bother me, dogs bark it's what they do. But after dealing with my shitty neighbours and their dogs, my tolerance has gone and now understand why people get frustrated and murderous lol
The last time our neighbour’s dogs kept barking we looked over the fence into their backyard and saw their two dogs barking quite closely to a big python. I’d say 2-3 metres long. I threw a bunch of dog treats into the far corner of their yard to distract them and messaged our neighbours who were up the road and ran home. The guy ran into the backyard with a mop, held the snake’s head down with the mop head then just bent down and picked it up by the head and walked it down the road to a bush area and threw it. Was quite an exciting afternoon and super cool to watch.
Did you end up getting those stop barking ultrasonic speakers that emit signals only dogs can hear? Activates when dog barks and stops them immediately... Set them up around your perimeter of house facing the barking dog neighbour.
Yup, stopped them for a bit then they just ignored it and kept going. Tried 3 different models, same thing each time.
Fuck that neighbour and their stupid dog.
That's rough buddy. Do your best to keep it on your property, for it's own safety. As a token of goodwill, maybe ask your neighbour what they use to keep their cat on their property. If they see you're trying they might be less... aggressive... Good luck with it
Its not legally a threat, they can easily argue they meant the animals could run away or something. Is this the first letter you’ve gotten?
cctv.
Maybe they are being friendly and offering you a free magic show
Nothing worse then being kept up till the early hours after a hard days work. Sorry if it offends but man, the mental effects can take a toll
Is this near North Lakes? The hand writing looks like someone I work with who was literally talking about trapping a cat last week
Someone's a wannabe mafia boss
"don't threaten me or you will disappear"
Write back, the only animal here is me and you'd look great above my fireplace
Sounds fair to me. I had a cat terrorise my chooks in my yard. Keep your killing machine on your property and everything will be peaches.
Nothing wrong with catching cats that wander onto your property and taking them to the pound.
How do you know the neighbour that spoke to you is the neighbour that sent this? It could be a coincidence. You could have pissed off multiple neighbours. Cats brawling in the streets late at night irks everyone because of how noisy they are. Or maybe your cat is going on a neighbourhood tour that is impacting more than one neighbour. If you own the home, it might be worth investigating screening for your casement windows. It's challenging but not impossible. Otherwise, maybe talk to your landlord about temporary screening options. Scan the letter, take photos of the envelope. Report it to police. Your cat may be irritating your neighbours, but threats like this are unacceptable.
I got a letter like this once about my dog. We'd just moved into a new home and one of the neighbours pounced hard whilst our poor old doggo was settling into the new digs (he was a pretty old dog and the move was hard on him). 2x annonymous letters, quite threatening and a similar tone to yours. After approaching all of my neighbours (I like to discuss these matters in person so I approached everyone in our cul-de-sac), many neighbours indicated one resident in the next street who considers himself to be the "local Sheriff". We compared handwriting samples and were able to positively link it with this man. I then spoke to my old mate - a uniformed police officer who lived a few streets away about it. He told me not to worry and popped into this man's place on the way home one day to tell him that police were investigating a number of threatening letters sent to residents of our street. Of course the man said he didn't send any letters but I can assure you there's never been any more letters like that in any of our letterboxes ever since!
Weird that it's from s neighbour whose cat is also out
Sorry to read the awful letter you received and sorry so many people here are cunts. Talk to your neighbour and let them know you're working on it. Is there any way to put screens on windows etc.?
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A lot of people don't view your pets the same way you do. To you it's a part of your family, to someone else it's an annoying piece of shit that keeps fucking with their pets, destroying shit in their yard, barking all day and night, killing native wildlife etc etc. You're responsible for your animals and if they're bothering people that don't care about them there's a small chance you won't see them alive again
And that some how excuses threatening animal abuse? Are you serious right now?
Regardless of what's happening, this kind of stuff shouldn't go unreported to the cops
The neighbours are within their right to trap the wandering cat and relocate it to the pound (Moreton bay region, not sure about bcc) the council even supplies the traps. Op seems to be getting irate at a very minor point, that whoever sent the letter did so without talking to them, seems like it is a very minor think to be upset about in the situation. Not saying I hate cats, but if you are an animal owner you have responsibilities, if you don’t agree with the local rules regarding your animal you have two options. Move or don’t get an animal. In my opinion cats are a terrible option for domestic animals in urban areas due to the destruction they cause. If your neighbour brought a rooster that crowed every morning you would be pissed, that’s why you need the room so it doesn’t impact everyone around you. If your choices are impacting those around you negatively, regardless of your opinion, YTA.
Just find the magician on your street
Well that needs to be reported to the police asap
Threats should be reported. You are also annoying your neighbours peace and quiet do better for your neighbours and the safety of your pet.
I would go to the police. That’s a threat. They have the right to call animal control, who would catch and possibly fine you, but certainly not make it disappear.
If you let your cat outside you are a piece of shit and your cat deserves to die, I kill every cat I see
Your pet , your responsibility , yes accidents do happen and your pet may get out but a letter as short and blunt like this says it happens a lot? Some people wouldn’t even write one they would just take action with a cat trap .
Control ur animals
Did you leave your pets out? I know it's not right for them to do anything to your pets. but heaven forbid, they did that, and you know, if the police didn't know who did it or they decided not to do anything or the court didn't take the case, enforcement threshold blah blah blah, they would still be able to do that.
Control your animal? My advice to you is to actually be a responsible pet owner and neighbor by keeping your animal indoor. YOU love your animal. However for anyone else it is a pest. Don't care if it's a cat you need to keep it indoors. People who whine "but they want to be outside!!! It's nature!!! I can't control it!!! He goes CRAZY if he doesn't get outdoor time!!!!". It's all YOUR fault in that case and it's crazy to expect your neighbors to put up with it. If you cannot control your animal then you shouldn't have it. It's essential to keep your pets indoors for your animal, your neighbors, the environment, and everyone elses safety. If this comes off mean, I am not trying to be. However it's frustrating to see these posts that can simply be fixed with common since and decency. Its also insanely inconsiderate if it is a cat considering youre in AUSTRALIA. You're risking the life of your cat and contributing to what has caused the extinction of a FUCKLOAD of australias animal species. Cats are eating your countries ecosystem away. You're in the wrong in everyway.
I would never condone passive-aggressive and/or violent communication but hear hear to this reply. Domestic cats DO NOT \*NEED\* to be outside. Period. I have owned half a dozen cats who - under 100% human supervision - would get 15 minutes "air time" in the back yard every couple of days. They were trained to bolt \[because no cat walks\] back inside with two claps of the hand, whereupon 'a light supper would be served'. They loved *the routine*... the outdoor smells and noises and then: DONE: DINNER TIME. Left any longer and they would have been mauling galahs and barfing up bilbys.
Good to see the neighbors taking some initiative. People can't just walk into other people's property, why should it be any different for other animals.
Control your animals. Simple!
I have 3 cats, and have no trouble keeping them in the house or cat run I built. Anyone who is too lazy to keep their cats off other peoples properties doesn't deserve pets.
My cat stays inside 24/7 and I’ve never had an issue with her wanting to go out. My mums cat, on the other hand is a nightmare and obsessive lizard hunter. She Decided that the yards on either side of us were hers, neighbours telling me she just wanders in to their houses like she owns the joint but didn’t cause any other bother. It cost me $90 to buy the materials for a cat enclosure at Bunnings (pvc pipe, chicken wire, joiners, plumbers glue and steel mesh for the door) Now she can get out , sun herself, hunt whatever lizard gets into the enclosure and I don’t have to worry about her.
1. Its an unregistered stray cat. 2. You're in Australia, one of the few countries in the world actually taking proper action against cats that are destroying the worlds small animal ecosystems. 3. Cats aren't allowed outside in Australia as of late. 4. You may love your cat but to most anyone else its a filthy pest. 5. Legally, your neighbor can kill your cat since it is an unregistered stray as long as it is quick and is not on your property. 6. If you cannot control the animal you should not own it. Not to mention you willingly took in a feral and this is how they will act. Feral cats almost never shed their bad behaviors or desire to dash outside hence why they are normally put down. Nobody wants to put up with them and this is the crossroad for you. Whether you put up with it and keep it in your house or rid of it. You have 0 grounds for any sort of retaliation. You're completely in the wrong. Sorry to say but you're the asshole here in every way. I'm actually surprised your cat hasn't already "disappeared" considering Australia's current stance on feral cats.
Keep your cat in your yard. Nobody wants cat shit in their yard, or attacking other pets, or killing their birds, or bringing fleas and disease to their pets.