Cat damage help.

[Harry74]

Hi, I'm new here I hope I've put this in the right forum! My problem is yesterday my neighbour came round asking for my insurance details for my cat. I told him I don't have any and he said well you will be getting a letter off my car insurance as your cat has scratch my bonnet of my car. As there are many cats in the street I asked how he knew it was mine, he said he had it on cctv. I have had the cat for 6 years she doesn't go out much and I have never seen her on a car bonnet! Where do I stand? Will his insurance insist I pay for a respray? I have looked at the scratches they are just above the wheel on the corner of the bonnet. Am I going to get a big bill before christmas?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[little teacup]

First of all ask to see the cctv footage.

[callumsgran]

I think he's taking the mick to be honest!

I've never heard of such a thing, as teacup above says ask for evidence, it's very unlikely he'll be able to prove it was your cat that actually left any scratches.

I dont think he's even got a case, cats are free roaming animals and as such are a law unto themselves.

I wouldnt fret about it too much

[Harry74]

Thank you I think your right, I'm going to just ignore the issue and see if a letter comes. Thanks again

[callumsgran]

Thank you I think your right, I'm going to just ignore the issue and see if a letter comes. Thanks again

You're welcome, let us know if you do hear anymore about it

[little teacup]

Just had a quick look on the Cats Protection League website and this is what I found.

"An owner is not responsible for what their cat does outside."

As callumsgran says keep us posted.

LT

[callumsgran]

Just had a quick look on the Cats Protection League website and this is what I found.

"An owner is not responsible for what their cat does outside."

As callumsgran says keep us posted.

LT

Nice one

[Helford]

Even though you do not have cat insurance per se, you may have family liabilities cover under a contents and/or buildings insurance policy, IF you were held legally liable. However, I have previously heard that there is NO human responsibility for a cat's actions.

 

However, if you have such insurance, it's worth reporting the allegation in case something arrives on your doorstep in the future, but DO NOT mention anything to the aggrieved neighbour at all.

[hightail]

However, I have previously heard that there is NO human responsibility for a cat's actions.

 

This wouldn't always be true but it will be in this situation. With dogs owners are obliged to be in control of their animal at all times so if your dog jumps up on someone's car and scratches it then yes it's up to you to get it fixed. Cats, no chance though even if there were the 'damage' would be minimal and so would the cost of fixing it.

 

The sort of situation where you could be in trouble with a cat? Well if you don't bother to worm it regularly and it repeatedly uses next door's childrens' sandpit as a toilet you would be liable if those kids got infested. Not because you are expected to control your cat but because you would have been negligent and as a result of your negligence your cat became a health hazard.