The situation:
2 of my 3 cats go outside on leash and harness. There's an outside boy that has been in the neighborhood for over a year - he's no problem. He's friendly and if my cats aren't in the mood to interact with him - the most I've ever had to do is step between them for a second. Any hissing stops - we can continue our walk in peace. Oh, many times he will follow us around, but at a very respectful distance.
The problem:
There's a new cat in the neighborhood. He's uh.... more assertive ....... He doesn't back down, won't shoo away, will try to circle around to get to my cat, without me in the way.
The temporary solution:
Last night I did something that I've never done to any other cat. I sprayed him with water (a spray bottle that I use when I want to fix my hair nice). After initial difficulty I took Panda back in while I located the bottle. And I carried it around while I walked Panda and again when I walked Forest. To took multiple spray's as this was when he started circling and being sneaky. I've felt so bad since doing this though, because I feel like there has to be a better solution. But I and my pets should be able to enjoy our back yard. And this all started right at my door step.
Additional information:
Both outside cats are un-nuetered males and friendly when I don't have a cat with me. Panda is a spayed female, Forest is also female, but she's not been spayed yet.
The question is how to continue to enjoy the yard with my cats now that there's a new, persistent cat in the neighborhood?
Sorry it's so long.
2 of my 3 cats go outside on leash and harness. There's an outside boy that has been in the neighborhood for over a year - he's no problem. He's friendly and if my cats aren't in the mood to interact with him - the most I've ever had to do is step between them for a second. Any hissing stops - we can continue our walk in peace. Oh, many times he will follow us around, but at a very respectful distance.
The problem:
There's a new cat in the neighborhood. He's uh.... more assertive ....... He doesn't back down, won't shoo away, will try to circle around to get to my cat, without me in the way.
The temporary solution:
Last night I did something that I've never done to any other cat. I sprayed him with water (a spray bottle that I use when I want to fix my hair nice). After initial difficulty I took Panda back in while I located the bottle. And I carried it around while I walked Panda and again when I walked Forest. To took multiple spray's as this was when he started circling and being sneaky. I've felt so bad since doing this though, because I feel like there has to be a better solution. But I and my pets should be able to enjoy our back yard. And this all started right at my door step.
Additional information:
Both outside cats are un-nuetered males and friendly when I don't have a cat with me. Panda is a spayed female, Forest is also female, but she's not been spayed yet.
The question is how to continue to enjoy the yard with my cats now that there's a new, persistent cat in the neighborhood?
Sorry it's so long.
