A cat burglar

Dear Connie,
I have a problem with one of my five adopted feral cats, a neutered male, about one year old.  He is breaking into neighbours’ houses and wrecking their flip-flops, shoes and slippers.

They have tried various sprays and gels to deter him but nothing seems to work.

Relations are now at an all time low and they have become quite threatening. Please can you offer any advice or help?

Many thanks, Margaret Harriott

Hi Margaret,

You do not say how he is breaking into the house. If it is through a cat flap, then you should buy the neighbours a microchip operated cat flap which will let in only their own cats.  Google SureFlap and PetPorte – to find stockists in Spain.

OR

Buy the neighbours a long distance water pistol and suggest they use it on the feral cat. It won’t hurt him and will deter him. More importantly it shows neighbourly concern.

IF you want to use it effectively, you would need to ambush him with it and let fly just as he is entering the house.

I would also work on making your own house more attractive to the feral. You can try feeding him closer and closer to the house, finally inside the house. If you make your house his home, he will break in next door a little less.

What is he doing with the shoes?

Cheers, Connie.