Freaking Out!

It’s cool you have an HOA, as long as there is no dumb cat-on-leash policy there, they should offer you something, some guidelines. Maybe some sort of official neighbor mediation? Even if he is a complete a$$, publicize what was said, spread it around the neighborhood, other people have cats, lots of people have outdoor and semi-outdoor cats. He can feel the pressure from more than you. And gods help him if someone has had a missing cat, even if he wasn’t involved, that’s a neighborhood feud that will never end.

If he is willing to listen to reason (but what reasonable person walks to a neighbor’s and says btw I’m gonna kill your cats?), recommended pepper sprays for his yards and other commercial animal deterrents and encourage him to spray the cats with a hose if they trespass.

Call the police and report this incident, cat murder is felony animal abuse in most places. Also try to catch his threats on your cell phone, just turn on your record before approaching him. You might want to test it beforehand and see how long it will run in your pocket. Turn off auto lock. And save that stuff. If he is a cat killer, he won’t stop at 2. Protect now but also think about building enough against him for future prosecution. I would go see him ASAP and ask him to clarify what he meant the previous day, ask for details, and record it. Let him talk himself into trouble, lead him: “What do you mean by that? Have cats disappeared here before? Why would these cats die? What would kill them? How would that happen? Why would that happen?” Don’t worry about defending yourself to him, be calm and sneaky, he is a crazy person and you can beat him. Hand him the rope. And if he obligingly hangs himself with his own words, post it. Everywhere.

I have a dozen plus ferals now that I’ve fixed these last few year from my neighborhood, though they are not all here every day. I do trap, neuter and release, and explain, very patiently and then very loudly, to any neighbor who comments, that these are not my bloody cats. I am using my own money to fix a neighborhood problem. It’s community service. I ask them how many nuisance cats they have paid to have fixed. I also lie my pants off and say they are all micro-chipped. But I have also started putting out litter boxes, which some of the cats do use. But the neighbors see the boxes, and that is something. But how many loose dogs, how many birds, how many raccoons and squirrels are crapping in their lawns? They aren’t allowed to kill them, cats are no exception.

Look for a feral group in your area too, they might have more information about dealing with this and support they can offer you; they usually exist in addition to a SPCA and focus on feral colonies. Some places let you register a colony.

I haven’t had any proof in my area yet, but I find ferals with round wounds sometimes with missing hair. I assume it’s a pellet gun and I stand on a stool on my side of the fence and watch and wave at my suspected neighbor sometimes. Creepy, yes, but I want them to know they will get caught eventually.

Good luck to you and the fur babies, be safe.

My dad hated cats too.When we were little he wouldn’t let us have any kind of pet.He never hurt anyone’s cats that would,naturally,go where they pleased but he would pop them with some cold water every time they would come close.Especially if they walked on his car.ooooo…After a few drenches they would learn to stay away.They didn’t like the water but it didn’t hurt them.Maybe that might be a peaceful solution without having a neighborhood war which could be much worse than kitty trespassing.

Oh dear…. I do hope he has calmed down and becomes cooperative. I love all animals, and would never go out of my way to harm one. That being sad, I also hate the smell of cat pee and what-not, and used to have male cats spraying my front door in an old house I used to rent…. was not nice :/ And I did used to have a garden there, and cat poo in it… well… ugh… I didnt have that issue luckily.

There are deterrents, and I see you got some to give to him to use. How so very thoughtful of you !!! I hope he realizes what a nice gesture this is, and that your trying to help, and that he respects that ! Hopefully those items work, and if not, maybe try to google some more types?

Anywho, I was going to suggest, that maybe try putting a litter box in YOUR back yard? Maybe out near where you see them, or near where you feed them? Maybe they would start using this and leave his garden alone more. It may help ! I know litter isnt cheap, and maybe you wouldnt have to clean it often, since they likely have other places to go as well, but still, for their safety, and his sanity (LOL!) it may be worth a shot? Since they may not enter a covered litter box since they are feral, you may want to avoid the clumping type, since rain or dampness may clump it all up. Maybe like a little sand box in your back yard? Like one for little kids, but instead now for the cats? Maybe you could even use sand, instead of litter? Is there room in your back yard for such a thing ?

Just an idea ! Good luck !