My Neighbour's Cat Keeps Coming Into My Garden And House, What Can I Do?

It’s a common and frustrating issue for many tenants — a neighbour’s cat that treats your garden (and sometimes even your home) as its own. While cats are naturally curious and territorial, unwanted feline visitors can cause mess, damage, or distress — especially if you have pets of your own. So, what are your rights, and how can you deal with it respectfully and effectively?

1. Understand Why Cats Wander

Cats are free-roaming animals by nature. They’ll explore their surroundings, mark territory, and look for food or shelter. Some cats are drawn to other people’s homes because:

• They smell food or another animal.
• They can enter through open windows or doors.
• They’re curious about new scents and spaces.
• They’re seeking comfort or company.

While this behaviour is normal, it’s reasonable for you to want to protect your space.

For a clear explanation of cat behaviour outdoors, see the RSPCA’s guide on cats and gardens, which covers why cats roam and how to manage feline visitors humanely.

2. Speak to Your Neighbour First

Start with a calm, friendly conversation. It’s possible your neighbour doesn’t realise their cat is causing a nuisance.

Tips for approaching the conversation:

• Choose a time when you’re not annoyed — stay polite and factual.
• Explain what’s been happening (“Your cat often comes into my home/garden, and it’s becoming a problem.”).
• Mention any specific issues (e.g. fouling, scratching furniture, upsetting your own pets).
• Ask if they can take steps to prevent it, such as keeping doors shut, installing a cat flap lock, or feeding the cat indoors.

Most neighbours will want to be considerate once they know there’s a problem.

3. Practical Steps to Deter Cats

If talking doesn’t resolve it, there are humane ways to discourage cats from entering your property.

🏡 Outdoor deterrents:

• Scent repellents: Cats dislike citrus and strong smells. Try sprinkling natural cat-repellent granules around flowerbeds or along garden borders, or use citrus peels and coffee grounds.
• Ultrasonic devices: These emit a high-frequency sound that cats find unpleasant but humans can’t hear. The CATWatch Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent is RSPB-endorsed and made in the UK. Another affordable option is the Pestbye Motion-Activated Cat Repellent.
• Motion-activated sprinklers: If you’re dealing with persistent feline visitors, a Gardigo Water Jet Animal Repeller uses a quick water burst to keep them at bay.
• Physical barriers: You can install fence toppers or prickly garden mesh to make it harder for cats to climb in. These are inexpensive and easy to remove if you move out.

🏠 Indoor precautions:

• Keep windows and doors closed where possible.
• Install flyscreens or pet-proof mesh on open windows.
• Avoid leaving food out or catnip-scented items near entrances.

Always use humane deterrents — harming a cat, even unintentionally, can lead to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
For more on responsible and legal deterrent use, visit the RSPCA’s advice page.

4. Check Your Tenancy Agreement

If you’re renting, review your tenancy agreement. While it’s your neighbour’s cat causing the issue, your own actions (like installing deterrents or garden barriers) may have limits.

You might need to:

• Get permission from your landlord before making any structural changes (e.g. fencing or motion-sensor devices).
• Ensure that your actions don’t breach noise or nuisance clauses (for instance, some ultrasonic devices can bother dogs or other animals).

If the problem persists, and your neighbour isn’t cooperating, your landlord or letting agent may be able to mediate — especially if both tenants rent from the same property owner or housing association.

5. When It Becomes a Legal Issue

In most cases, cats are treated as “free spirits” under UK law — meaning their owners aren’t automatically liable for trespassing or damage caused by their cats. However, there are some exceptions.

You may have grounds for complaint if:

• The cat is causing damage to property (e.g. scratching doors or fouling repeatedly).
• The cat’s behaviour is persistent and causing distress or a health hazard.
• The neighbour refuses to take reasonable steps after you’ve raised concerns.

In these situations, you can:

• Keep a log of incidents (dates, photos, what happened).
• Contact your local council’s environmental health department if there’s persistent fouling or nuisance.
• Speak to your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free legal guidance.
• Review Cats Protection’s “Cats and the Law” guide to understand owner responsibilities and your rights.
• Check Contend Legal’s guide on neighbour pets for up-to-date information on tenant rights and how to handle pet-related disputes.

As a last resort, you could consider mediation or civil action, though this is rarely necessary.

6. What Not to Do

Avoid any actions that could harm or frighten the cat. This includes:

• Using chemicals or physical traps.
• Throwing water or objects at the animal.
• Feeding the cat to “lure” it elsewhere — this can make it visit even more often.

Any deliberate harm to a cat can result in fines or criminal charges under UK animal welfare laws. The Cats Protection charity also highlights how these laws protect cats and their owners.

Final Thoughts

Having a neighbour’s cat wander into your garden or home can be frustrating — but it’s a situation best handled with patience and communication. By combining polite discussion, humane deterrents such as CATWatch or natural repellents, and a clear understanding of your rights through resources like the RSPCA and Cats Protection, you can protect your space without creating conflict.

For tenants seeking legal clarity, Contend Legal’s neighbour disputes guide offers straightforward advice on what to do next.