Neighbour’s Cat Keeps Coming In My House (Try This)

Having a furry friend stroll into your home unexpectedly can be both endearing and puzzling, especially when it’s your neighbour’s cat. If you have found this blog I imagine you have searched ‘my neighbour’s cat keeps coming in my house’ and if so keep on reading to find out what to do.

While some might find this unannounced visit charming, others might feel concerned that the cat could damage their property or start fighting with their cats.

A lot of people are scared of cats, so won’t be too pleased if they find their neighbour’s cat sleeping in their house.

If you’re a UK resident facing this delightful dilemma, fret not!

In this guide, I will explore effective and considerate ways to handle the situation when the neighbour’s cat keeps coming into your house.

What To Do if Your Neighbour’s Cat Keeps Coming Into Your House

Dealing with a neighbour’s cat that keeps coming into your house can be a tricky situation.

It’s important to approach the issue in a considerate and respectful manner, as it is very hard for your neighbour to control where their cat wanders and sleeps.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your neighbour’s cat keeps coming into your house:

Step 1 – Observe the Situation

Before taking any action, observe the cat’s behaviour and frequency of visits. Is the cat simply passing through occasionally, or does it seem to be seeking shelter or food?

Step 2 – Check for Identification

If possible, try to identify the cat and check if it has any identification, such as a collar with a tag or a microchip. This can help you find the owner and address the situation properly.

Step 3 – Talk to Your Neighbours

If you know who the cat’s owner is, have a friendly conversation with them about the situation. Explain that their cat has been coming into your house and politely ask if they can take steps to prevent it from happening.

These steps can include making sure the cat can get into its own house easily, they are fed enough and fussed enough. They might not be aware of their cat’s behaviour.

Step 4 – Use Cat Deterrents

How to stop neighbours cat coming in my house? There are various cat deterrents available that can help.

Some popular cat deterrents include:

1. Ultrasonic Repellents: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are uncomfortable for cats but are typically inaudible to humans. When the cat comes within range of the device, it activates and discourages them from approaching the area. Pestbye has good reviews.
2. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices use motion sensors to detect the presence of cats or other animals. Once triggered, they release a sudden burst of water, startling the cat and deterring them from the area.
3. Scent Repellents: Cats dislike certain smells, such as citrus, peppermint, lavender, or vinegar. Using these scents as natural repellents can discourage cats from entering specific areas. You can place cotton balls soaked in essential oils or scatter citrus peels around the targeted spaces.
4. Cat Repellent Sprays: These sprays contain natural or chemical ingredients that cats find unpleasant. You can apply them to areas where the cat tends to visit or mark as territory.
5. Cat-Proof Fencing or Barriers: Installing cat-proof fencing or barriers around your property can prevent cats from easily entering your yard or garden. These barriers are designed to prevent cats from climbing or jumping over them.
6. Scat Mats: Scat mats are thin, flexible mats with a harmless static pulse that cats find uncomfortable. Placing them in areas where the cat is not welcome can be an effective deterrent.

Step 5 – Secure Your Home

Make sure your home is not easily accessible to the cat. Close windows and doors when possible, especially in areas where the cat tends to enter.

Step 6 – Avoid Feeding the Cat

If you suspect the cat is coming in for food, avoid feeding it. Feeding the cat may encourage it to return more frequently.

Make sure there is no food left outside that will tempt the cat into your garden.

Step 7 – Create Noise or Disturbance

If you spot the cat trying to enter your home, you can make some noise or create a gentle disturbance to discourage it from coming in.

Don’t ever pet a cat that comes into your home as it will give them another reason to come back.

Step 8 – Consult Authorities

If the cat continues to be a problem and the owner is unresponsive or cannot be identified, you can contact your local animal control or the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) for advice on how to handle the situation. They will only get involved if there is evidence the cat is neglected or injured.

You could contact the council for advice if the neighbour’s cat is impacting the enjoyment of your property. This could be deemed as a ‘statutory nuisance’. You would have to gather evidence and record the impact the cat is having on your life.

Step 9- Install Cat Flap

If you are comfortable with the cat coming into your home but want to control when it can enter, consider installing a cat flap, so you can allow or restrict access as needed.

If you have a cat yourself then you can install a cat flap that is microchip activated. This should stop your neighbour’s cat from coming into your house.

SureFlap has very good reviews for microchip cat flaps. You can check out the current prices for SureFlap on Amazon.

Step 10 – Be Patient and Understanding

Remember, some cats are naturally curious and may wander into neighbouring homes. Try to be patient and understanding throughout the process.

Remember that the UK has specific laws and regulations regarding animal welfare, so always act in accordance with local laws and be compassionate when dealing with animals and their owners.

The following blogs might be of interest to you:

• Dealing with Neighbour’s Cat Pooping in Your Garden: Understanding UK Law
• Can I Throw Neighbours Cat Poo Back? Q & A
• Dealing with a Neighbour’s Barking Dog in the UK 2023

Why Do Cats Go Into A Neighbours House?

Cats may go into neighbours’ houses for various reasons, which can depend on the cat’s personality, the environment, and their individual experiences.

Some common reasons include:

1. Curiosity: Cats are naturally curious animals, and they may wander into neighbouring houses to explore new spaces and scents.
2. Seeking Shelter: If the weather is inclement or the cat feels insecure outdoors, they might seek refuge and safety in a nearby home.
3. Food: Some cats are opportunistic feeders and may visit other houses in search of extra food or treats.
4. Attention: Cats are social creatures, and they may visit neighbours who show them affection or offer attention.
5. Unfamiliar Territory: If a cat is new to the area or recently moved homes, they might accidentally venture into neighbouring properties while they’re still becoming familiar with their surroundings.
6. Social Interaction: Cats can be curious about other pets or animals living in neighbouring houses, leading them to explore those spaces.
7. Comfort and Familiarity: Cats are creatures of habit, and if they’ve previously found comfort or relaxation in a neighbour’s house, they might return to experience that again.
8. Unspayed/Unneutered Cats: Intact cats might wander into neighbouring homes while searching for mates during breeding seasons.
9. Escape from Stressful Situations: Loud noises, construction work, or other stressful situations in their own home or environment may prompt a cat to seek a quieter and calmer place nearby.

It’s worth noting that cats have individual personalities, and each cat’s behaviour might be unique.

If you encounter a neighbour’s cat in your home and find it to be a recurring occurrence, it’s best to communicate with the cat’s owner to address the situation amicably.

Final Thoughts on Neighbour’s Cat Coming Into Your House

Navigating the uninvited presence of a neighbour’s cat in your home requires a delicate balance of compassion and boundary-setting.

As UK residents, it’s essential to remember that these curious feline intruders are just as much a part of the neighbourhood as we are.

Engaging in open communication with the cat’s owner, using gentle deterrents, and securing your home will go a long way in resolving the situation, without falling out with neighbours.

Remember, it is very hard for your neighbours to stop their cat from entering your house and so a little empathy can go a long way in nurturing a purr-fectly happy living environment for everyone involved.