Key signs that intruder cats are entering your garden

18th September 2019

Generally, cats do not get on with other cats outside of their own social group, so neighbouring cats or stray cats entering your garden can upset your cat. Here are some key signs that you have other cats coming into your garden.

Keeping watch

If your cat sits looking out of the cat flap or window, this could be a sign that they are looking out for other cats in the garden. Try closing the curtains to help your cat feel more comfortable and place your cat’s food, water and litter tray away from the cat flap so that they feel less vulnerable.

Staying indoors

Your cat may become reluctant to go outside as often as they usually do if there is a new cat on the scene entering your garden. Therefore, they may choose to stay indoors more. If you have a SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect or a SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect you will be able to see how much time your cat is spending indoors vs outdoors. These doors are app-controlled and store historical data on your cat’s comings and goings.

Cat flap behaviour

If your cat leaves the cat flap tentatively, they might be afraid that an intruder cat will ambush them. To alleviate their fears, place objects around the cat flap, such as plant pots, for your cat to hide behind as they exit the cat flap.

Inappropriate toileting

Cats prefer to toilet in privacy. If another cat is in your garden, your cat might start to go to the toilet in other people’s gardens, which could upset your neighbour. They might even go to toilet in your house if they are afraid to go out into the garden.

Deterring other cats

Cats coming into your garden might be doing so in order to access your house, so it’s a good idea to install a Microchip Cat Flap. To keep intruder cats out of your garden, you could install ProtectaPet fencing around the perimeter, which would also keep your own cat safely in your garden.