Cats keep coming in my garden

Soot2006

I am at wit's end.

Several years ago my dog (40kg GSD x Rottie) got one and badly hurt it. Thankfully it was saved. Today, a really fat one jumped down off the fence right in front of my dog, and was then too fat to get away despite my dog now being 10 years old with bad hips! I've spent the last hour canvassing the neighbourhood to try to find it but no sign. I hope it's not too badly hurt It did scarper away along the fencetops with good balance so that gives me hope ...

We've tried special paint on the fence, a line of electic tape plugged into the mains, I spray them with the hose if I see them, I don't ever encourage them ... yet they seem to think they are entitled to this space.

I am terrified my dog will kill one. I don't know what to do. Dog is never outside unsupervised which is completely unfair because I spent a fortune on this house specifically for the garden 7 years ago and feel like I am trying to protect increasing number of cats whose owners don't seem concerned. But I love cats and would hate for the worst to happen.

Several people have told me to stop overthinking the situation. It's "natural" and the cats' fault. It IS the cats fault, but it's also a horrid thought and if there is something I can do to protect them that I have not yet thought of, then please tell me!

(they also !!!! in my vegetable garden which is not very appetizing, but my primary concern is for the animals)

anna42hmr

you may want to read this from the rspb as ways to keep cats out of the garden

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/community-and-advice/garden-advice/unwantedvisitors/cats/catdeterrents.aspx