Conversational Theology

I have to say, I have a lot of sympathy for the person who has done this.

Not that I think abduction and threats of killing are the appropriate way to deal with the situation.  But I don’t see why non-cat-owners should be obliged to put up with their neighbours’ pets wandering freely through their gardens, leaving piles of faeces and unpleasant smells.  Cats can be pretty unfriendly in all kinds of ways and their owners should take responsibility.  Simply saying, ”That’s just what cats do,”  isn’t good enough.

The cat owner interviewed on the BBC suggested that her neighbours could have put up cat deterrents if they felt strongly about it.  But why should the neighbour have to do that?  If it’s your cat, it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re not causing a nuisance to others.  You could be the one to put up deterrents around the edge of your property.  Or offer to install them for neighbours who object to the cat.  You could also offer to clear up their mess – dog owners do it, why not cat owners?  And, you know, if it’s your cat, it’s your responsibility to ask the neighbours if the cat is causing a problem.

And if you really can’t control your cat and your neighbours object – then why not keep a house cat instead?  Or a goldfish.  I’ve never heard of irritated neighbours stealing anyone’s fish.