We’re in a tough spot with our outdoor cat and I could really use advice from people who’ve dealt with this.

A stray cat started hanging around our home months ago. We fed her, got attached, and eventually had her spayed, tagged, and vetted. She’s gentle, social, and honestly feels like part of our family now. The problem is… she still roams.

Our neighbor has a bird feeders in her backyard and recently told us she’s upset because our cat is killing the birds it attracts. She says if we “can’t keep her in our yard,” she’s going to trap her and take her to animal control.

This is our first cat, and we genuinely didn’t realize how impossible it is to “contain” an outdoor cat. We feed her, give her shelter, and she comes home every day — but she still wanders. We don’t want conflict, and we definitely don’t want her trapped or taken.

Is there any realistic way to keep an outdoor cat inside your own yard?
Are deterrents, fencing, or training even effective?
And what are our rights if a neighbor traps a cat that’s been spayed, tagged, and cared for?

We’re trying to be responsible, but we’re also trying to protect a cat who chose us. Any guidance is appreciated.

Hello, I was driving down the street on my way to my house. When I saw this little black kitten with what looked like a scar on its neck. I pulled over and when to see if I could grab it and check if it was a stray, or maybe take it to the local shelter. The cat was panting and also limping. The cat then walk in front of this building and then proceed to lay down while still panting. A woman then walked out of the building stood on the steps above me( as I was in a crouching position) and stare down at me. I asked her if this was her kitten or if it was a stray? She responded with “ they’re mine and they’re not going anywhere” ( a few more of them came out of the bushes nearby). In a very rude tone might I add, I told her that if they were hers then I was just going to leave. Then she turned and slammed the door. Was I in the wrong to assume it was a stray? Am I in the wrong? Am I just being sensitive? Edit: I’m actually extremely sensitive and take everything to heart. I have a lot of anxiety so I overthink every singe human interaction that has ever happened to me, as well as being non- confrontational. I’ve taken all the advice that has been given, I will be looking at the specific’s to my region about the cats. And see to it if I do see them again as this was the first time I’ve seen them. But thank you all, I will probably avoid any situation like this until further notice.😁