Reader’s Question
We moved to a new house at the end of last year and about three months ago my cat started to wee in the house. I could not figure out what was causing this, but one night I got up and discovered a strange cat in our kitchen eating my cat’s food. I then realised that this ‘cat burglar’ was the cause of my cat marking its territory. What can I do to discourage or stop this cat from coming into our house? I have no idea who it belongs too, but would like everything to return to normal.

Kathy’s Answer
If you hadn’t found the strange cat in your house, this is what I would have suggested be the cause of the problem. Your cat is very unhappy about the strange cat coming onto its property. I usually tell people not to leave food out as this is what is making the other cat come into your house. Like dogs, cats can easily adapt to having two (or three) set feeding times. Once your cat has finished, remove the food until the next feeding time. Have a water-filled spray bottle handy and, if you do manage to see the other cat, give it a spritz. Do this a few times and it will soon realise that it isn’t pleasant to come into your house. However, the best plan is not to leave food out.

Words: Janine Nortje, Fairlady magazine
Image: Fairlady magazine