Question:
My neighbor has captured two of my cats, and I don't know whether he has killed them or dumped them somewhere far away. I know it is my neighbor who has done this because we saw a trap with bait in his yard. Although these neighbors have complained about cats entering their yard in the past, they have absolutely no reason to believe it's my cats that are entering their property, especially since there are several feral cats that roam the area around here. They are literally luring cats into their yard so they can do away with them.One of my other neighbors who owns cats is also missing three of her four cats. We have confronted the neighbor, and he admitted he has the trap and intends to use it to capture cats in the area, but he denied having anything to do with the disappearance of our cats.I contacted the police and animal services, but neither was willing to do anything. I find it incredible that someone could get away with stealing five pets from the neighborhood! I feel that if some other personal property had been taken, I would have a better chance of getting the police involved, which is disheartening since my cats are like family and mean more to me than mere property. I am writing to you in hopes that you can give me some ideas or suggestions as to what I can do. Please help!
M.S., Miami, FL Aug 13, 2006
Answer:
I sympathize with your situation. You should call your local humane society or animal shelter, give the neighbor's name and see whether they have any records on file of him bringing in cats for adoption/euthanasia. They may even have descriptions or photos of your cats in their files.Some municipalities have laws prohibiting people from allowing their cats to roam off their property. I wish, for cats' and wildlife's sake, that this was the rule for all communities across the United States, and that cat owners would never let their cats leave their property.There are fence manufacturers whose products vary in price but are generally effective when attached to the top of an existing yard fence to keep resident cats in -- and all other cats out. Alternatively, build a chicken-wire wood-frame enclosure for your cats so they can enjoy the outdoors safely. Some people attach a "cat house" to the main house, with an enclosed catwalk accessed via a flap-door or windowpane.
Subscribe