[melysion]

Please note before I begin that I'm writing from a UK prospective. I don't know what country you are from or what environment you are living in, so I don't know how safe or otherwise it is to let your cat outside.

So, that being said, although (unfortunately in my view) there are a growing number of cats kept indoors in the UK, the vast majority are still allowed outside. And I've read that neutered cats tend to have relatively small territories near their homes and indeed often share territories on a 'timeshare' deal. In fact I've seen this in practice - different cats coming into my garden at my old flat at different times of the day. Cats are not confrontational by nature and will avoid fighting if possible.

I think the first thing is to check if the Tom is neutered. If not, maybe you could try to convince the neighbour to do so? (ok, this might be a bit scary but he ought to be neutered if he isn't). Then, ask when Mister is likely to be in his garden and maybe let your cat out when he isn't there. Its possible that they will gradually get a 'timeshare' going, but you should also be aware that there could be fights, at least initially. Just keep an eye out! Don't let her out with you not being there initially.

This may reassure you a little ... it may not. I used to live in a road where every second house seemed to have a cat in it. Most of them were outdoor cats. I got different cats in my garden at different times of the day (I knew which cats to expect when) and - never, ever,heard any fighting. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, only that I didn't hear it.

Its important that I say again that this is from a UK prospective. Cats have grown to expect other cats around in the UK. Cats in countries where the indoor cat is the norm may not, so you might get a different response. All the information I've given you is from a book on cat behaviour but its written by a British author who is observing cat behaviour in the UK.

And, if all else fails, you can always cat proof your garden and provide your little lady her own outdoor paradise with no risk of intruders (or her escaping)

Good luck.

 

[melysion]

Just watching my happy kitty inside makes me realise of course that it isn't cruel, I just never thought of it as an option. My plan for Hello Kitty was to keep her in at night (not a chance was she running around at night, I'd have nightmares) but I at least wanted her to sit in the sun with me or when I'm gardening, and enjoy being outside and 'free' instead of confined. I see that lazy ol Tom lying in the sun all day and I have silly kitty fantasies about how sweet the two of them would look napping together under the tree.. ridiculous?

I think thats a lovely idea. My cat loves his garden when its warm. Like your friend Mr Tom, Toby just lies around in the sun all day.

Personally, I hate the thought of cats being locked up in the house all the time - it doesn't sit well with me, but I understand its the norm in other parts of the world, which is fine. Its not cruel. Its just not something I want to do. So, seeing as I cant allow my cat out on his own, giving him supervised access to the garden is a great compromise. That way he doesn't get into trouble and he gets to smell and hear all the exciting outdoor stuff.

It all depends on your local environment and what you feel most comfortable with. I know some people on here will disagree, but unlike other debates (such a whether to neuter your cat or not), theres no definite wrong or right here.