HOW TO DETER CATS THAT INVADE YOUR HOME

The most effective idea to install a PetPorte (www.PetPorte.com)  or SureFlap (www.SurefFlap.co.uk) which will only open in response to the microchip of your own cat. Check that the models are big enough if you have a large breed cat. This is usually much more effective that the collar and magnetic key which used to be the only way. Cat that don't like collars (and owners like me who don't) could not use the magnetic flap.

One reason why cats invade other homes is to steal cat food - often placed in the kitchen not far form the cat flap. Place the food elsewhere - on a kitchen surface or upstairs on a tea-tray. If the invading cat looks like a stray - thin -- or a feral (balls at the back), then see if you can trap it and rehome it with the help of charities like Cats Protection. All these charities are overworked and short of money so help them with a donation.

IF YOUR CAT BULLIES NEXT DOOR CATS

If you are the owner of an invading cat, arrange a time share so your neighbours know what time of day your cat will be out, and can keep theirs in. Neutered cats are less likely to be bullies. If your cat has not been neutered, get him fixed quickly. Finally, give information above to your neighbours to help them take precautions such as not leaving food down and keeping the cat flap closed at night.

DETERRING INTRUDERS - MAKING A GARDEN LATRINE FOR YOUR CAT

A series of cat latrines round the edge of the garden may help establish a safe core territory for your cat. It is also the responsible way to stop your cat leaving cat poo in your neighbour's garden - a cause of neighbour rage! Dig a two foot deep hole, fill with one third gravel and then top up that last third with soft playground sand. You can flush away urine but you will have to pick up poo regularly. Put your own cat's poo there first to establish whose territory it is.
Other latrine ideas not as a deterrent but so as to spare your neighbour's seedbeds - a sand heaped under a dry hedge, a generous layer of composted bark under shrubs, a litter tray undercover in a verandah, a litter tray with a cat flap into the garage or shed.