How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I will preface this by saying that my dog is incredibly loving and gets along with all other dogs (big, small, male, female) and loves people. He is very affectionate to my 2 month old DD and his biggest downfall is that he doesn't know his own strength/size. Other than that, he's an angel, except when it comes to cats. He hates them with a passion. My neighbor behind us has an indoor/outdoor cat that constantly comes into my yard and surrounding neighbor's yard. Sometimes the cat craps in our yard which is annoying, but I deal because I'm picking up dog shit anyways. Here's the potentially bad situation: the cat has been in my yard at times that my dog has been out, or sometimes walks along the top of the fence bordering our properties. My dog goes bizerk -- running, barking, jumping, etc. My dog is quick, but the cat is slightly quicker. He has almost gotten to her on more than one occasion. How do I politely warn my neighbors that if their cat continues to come onto my property and my dog catches it, he will likely kill it?!?! Would I be at fault in this situation? My dog is registered with the town and is on my homeowners insurance policy. I just fear that one day I'll go into my yard, and there will be a dead cat with my dog standing over it and I'll have to go over to my neighbors, break the news, etc. Ugh. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Message edited 7/7/2015 8:09:52 PM.

Re: How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I don't know, isn't that kind of the risk you take having an outdoor cat?

I would do the neighborly thing and make them aware of the danger their cat is in, and I'd try and avoid letting the dog out when the cat is around, other than that what can you do??

I also wanted to mention that a relative had a large dog that went after a cat once and although it was a large, strong dog the cat clawed at her and blinded her in one eye....it was so sad. So look out for your pup too.

Re: How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

Not sure what town you are in but in the town of Brookhaven you are not allowed to let your cat outside so its not really your fault if something happens to the cat....

How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I'm a cat owner and I don't let my cat out because I am afraid of a situation like this. I can't see how you would be at fault, especially if the cat is in your yard. I would just politely explain the situation and risks to your neighbor.

Re: How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I would tell your neighbors that your dog is very large and you are concerned your dog could harm their cat just due his size, if the cat gets into your yard. My previous neighbor directly told us that his dog has gotten small animals and killed them, to please make sure our small dogs do not enter his yard. We are very careful dog owners who never let our dogs out unattended and made sure to put a fence up that our dogs could never break out of (nor would they, since they are never left unattended). We appreciated the heads up, because if we WERE careless pet owners, our dogs could have made it into his yard and been harmed. So as long as your dog remains on your property, they need to make sure their cat does not get into your yard (however they need to do so). I would just be careful to not make it sound like a threat, kwim? Also, is there anyway, knowing your dog could harm a cat, etc, that you can never let your dog out unattended? Not sure you need to do this, but it would help I imagine if you told your dog to drop it, leave it, etc.

Message edited 7/7/2015 9:24:43 PM.

How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I think you should just tell them kind of matter of factly - you are not doing anything wrong and you are trying to help them avoid a bad thing happening to their cat. No reason for you to feel bad or "walk on eggshells". We had a cat that used to come into our back yard but ever since we got a dog, I'm pretty sure the cat doesn't come back there anymore so maybe the same thing will happen by you - if the cat gets chased by the dog a couple of times it'll probably learn to stay away. And as a pp mentioned, you want t be careful that your dog doesn't get hurt by the cat - maybe mention that to your neighbors as well.

Message edited 7/7/2015 10:04:48 PM.

How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I would be honest. I would (sortof) lie and say its not a problem for you (no use in telling them you don't like the cat).

but be honest. tell them you have seen the dog chase the cat and you don't want it to be hurt.

How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I would tell them the truth. Bu I agree with a previous poster, the cat will probably do more damage to the dog. I have a pitbull. We are living temporarily with my parents who have a cat. The cat has attacked the dog twice. And the dog has attacked the cat once. All 3 times the dog had the cat in her mouth but the cat walked away unscathed and my dog was a bloody mess.

How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I would tell them for sure. I signed a petition for a dog that got literally put on death row for killing a stray duck that wandered into the yard! They said the dog must be aggressive and a danger to all. Craziness.

Message edited 7/8/2015 12:27:09 AM.

Re: How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

Message edited 7/8/2015 8:47:50 AM.

Re: How do I handle this potetially bad situation?

I can't understand letting a cat outside.
It is just asking for trouble.
I woudln't be able to relax if either of my cats was outside.
But that's a whole other thread.

Just casually mention to your neighbor that your dog gets very riled up when he sees the cat and that you are just concerned for her cat's safety.

That's all you can do.

As a pet owner she should know better. Outdoor cats have shorter life expectencies ,are more prone to disease, fleas, ticks, predators. To me it's irresponsible.
When I adopted my cats I had to state that they would be indoor cats only

Re: How do I handle this potetially bad situation?