Many of us have been there. We’re trying to catch some z’s, and suddenly, we hear a loud meowing sound – it’s our neighbor’s cat!
While we may love cats, trying to sleep while they’re making noise outside our window is an entirely different story.
Here are some tips on how to effectively deal with a noisy neighbor’s cat.
1. Understand Cat Behavior
Cats are naturally crepuscular creatures.
They’re most active during sunrise and sunset, resulting in them making noise during your sleeping hours.
Understanding this behavior can help you approach the situation with empathy.
2. Use Noise-Canceling Devices
Consider investing in noise-canceling devices or earplugs to block out the noise. Soundproofing your bedroom might also be an option worth exploring.
With noise-canceling devices, you’ll have the peace and quiet you need to get some rest.
3. Create a Barrier
If the cat is entering your property and causing disturbances, consider creating a barrier that discourages the cat from crossing into your property.
This could be as simple as closing a gate or installing a cat deterrent in your garden.
Ensure any measures taken are non-harmful to the cat.
4. Communicate with Your Neighbor
It’s crucial to maintain open and respectful communication with your neighbor.
They might not be aware of the issue. Politely explain the situation and how it’s affecting you.
Ask if they could perhaps keep their cat indoors during the night or provide their cat with a designated play area that’s far from your bedroom window.
5. Suggest Possible Solutions and Offer to Help
You could suggest your neighbor use a cat enclosure or ‘catio’ for their pet during the night.
This will give the cat its own space to play without disturbing anyone.
Alternatively, they might consider adjusting the cat’s sleep schedule by keeping the active during the day so it’s more likely to sleep at night.
Suggest ways you can help your neighbor’s cat feel more comfortable at night.
For example, you could offer to play with the cat during the day to tire it out or offer to give it a comfortable place to sleep.
6. Install Motion-Detection Lights
Installing motion-detection lights outside your window will deter the cat from coming near your property.
Cats are afraid of bright lights and will avoid them whenever possible.
7. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Practice good sleep hygiene to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom by removing any distractions, such as electronics.
Get into a healthy sleep routine, and avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol before bedtime.
8. Involve a Mediator
If talking to your neighbor doesn’t resolve the issue, consider involving a neutral third party.
This could be another neighbor, a homeowners association representative, or a local mediation service.
They can help facilitate a conversation and come up with a solution that works for everyone.
9. Consider Contacting Animal Control
If all other peaceful measures have failed, contacting animal control may be the only option left.
Try to avoid this step as much as possible, but if you’re being seriously disturbed, animal control may have to intervene.
When dealing with a noisy neighbor’s cat, be patient. Remember, your neighbor’s cat is not intentionally trying to disturb you.
The cat is very innocent in this situation, and it’s important to keep that in mind while trying to resolve the issue.
Cats are wonderful and truly deserve all of the love we can give them, even if they’re our neighbor’s cats.