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Ask Anna & Ellie: My Neighbor's Cat Is Destroying My Garden
 Dear Anna and Ellie: My neighbor, "Mary," and I have been friends for twenty years. We have always watched out for one another's homes when we are on vacation, shared visits by the mailbox, and have never had any trouble - until now. Two years ago, Mary and her husband got a cat. They had two dogs already, but wanted a cat for their grandchildren to enjoy when they came to visit. We have never had any trouble with their dogs, but their cat climbs their fence and comes over to our backyard all the time and uses our garden as her private bathroom area. I have mentioned this to Mary because it stinks so badly in the springtime, and in the summer she digs up my plants and makes a complete mess. I was very polite and just asked what we can do. Mary looked at me like I had insulted her and muttered back that she didn't think it was her cat. I told her that I had seen her cat in my garden numerous times, but she just shook her head and said that I must be mixing her cat up with someone else's. This has gone on too long. My husband wants to call animal control, but I don't want to start a whole war with the neighbors. I just talked to her about it again yesterday and she just closed up. What should I do? I really like Mary and want to live in peace, but our backyard smells so badly and our garden is nearly ruined. Please help!! --I Want My Backyard Back Dear I Want My Backyard Back: You have to decide what you want more: your garden and the use of your backyard or your neighborly friendship with Mary. For us, the decision would be pretty easy: We'd follow your husband's advice and call animal control. While we completely understand your desire to be on good terms with Mary, you have already given her the benefit of the doubt by going to her first. However, since her only response has been denial (even though you know it's her cat destroying your garden), she has basically left you with no choice but to contact animal control if you want her cat out of your backyard. You have a right to enjoy your property, and your neighbor's cat should not be allowed to dig up your garden and use it "as her private bathroom area." Mary is treating you and your husband disrespectfully by not making sure that her cat is under control, and if you don't have peace in your neighborhood, Mary is the one to thank. Mary may have been a good neighbor in the past, but in this instance, she is being a bad neighbor, plain and simple. Call animal control, and start enjoying your backyard. If she gets angry, that's her problem. On the other hand, if she realizes her poor judgment and starts treating you respectfully, put this behind you and move on. --Anna & Ellie Do you have a life or relationship question for Anna and Ellie? Do you want to know how Magna Sententia applies to your situation? Submit your question here! Disclaimer
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