August 19, 2026 at 1:21 pm

Her Neighbor Refused to Adjust Their Cat Scarer—So Gardening Became Miserable for Her

by Heide Lazaro

Woman sitting alone outdoors and feeling sad

Magnific/Reddit

Neighbors should be able to enjoy their own gardens without constantly disturbing each other.

In this story, a woman was bothered by a high-frequency cat scarer installed in her neighbor’s garden.

She politely asked them to adjust the frequency because she could hear it whenever she sat outside.

But her neighbor refused to change it, leaving her wondering whether she could take legal action against it.

Read the full story below to find out more.

How do I get my neighbours to switch off a cat scarer because I can hear it?

My neighbours have got a cat scarer in their garden.

That’s absolutely fine, however, I can hear it.

For those of you who can hear high frequency sounds, you know exactly how it sounds and how bad it is.

I can’t sit in my own garden because I can hear the frequency of it.

This woman asked her neighbor to change the frequency, but they refused.

I have politely asked her if she can change the frequency of it, so I can’t hear it but the cats still can.

She’s basically told me that she won’t adjust the frequency and said to get over it.

I have reported it to the council.

I don’t find it fair that I have to listen to a horrible, irritating noise every time I sit in my own garden.

The best part is no one else can hear it.

Now, she’s unsure how to deal with the situation.

Where do I stand legally with the situation?

Is it classed as anti-social behaviour even though I’m the only one that can hear it? 🤔

Ugh! That sounds incredibly frustrating. Poor OP.

Just because other people can’t hear it doesn’t mean the annoying sound doesn’t exist.

The neighbor could have easily adjusted the frequency to solve the problem without getting rid of the cat scarer altogether.

Hopefully, OP can find a fair and reasonable way to solve the problem.

Let’s read the responses of other people to this story.

This person shares their personal thoughts.

Screenshot 2026 08 17 at 8.27.33 AM Her Neighbor Refused to Adjust Their Cat Scarer—So Gardening Became Miserable for Her

This user offers a suggestion.

Screenshot 2026 08 17 at 8.27.53 AM Her Neighbor Refused to Adjust Their Cat Scarer—So Gardening Became Miserable for Her

Here’s another idea…

Screenshot 2026 08 17 at 8.28.25 AM Her Neighbor Refused to Adjust Their Cat Scarer—So Gardening Became Miserable for Her

Here’s an interesting fact.

Screenshot 2026 08 17 at 8.28.53 AM Her Neighbor Refused to Adjust Their Cat Scarer—So Gardening Became Miserable for Her

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about neighbors who have to set a firm boundary with neighbors who ask too many child-related favors.

And finally, this one shares their personal experience.

Screenshot 2026 08 17 at 8.29.32 AM Her Neighbor Refused to Adjust Their Cat Scarer—So Gardening Became Miserable for Her

Alone time in the garden isn’t very relaxing when an annoying high-pitched sound keeps ruining the peace.

Enjoyed this story?

Readers who liked this also read this story about annoying neighbors who end up regretting their request for a property survey.
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Heide Lazaro is a veteran human-interest writer and digital culture expert with over a decade of experience in editorial strategy. Specializing in lifestyle, social dynamics, and the internet's most compelling stories, Heide has authored and published more than 10 books online. Beyond her daily reporting, she is a dedicated motivational speaker who helps audiences connect through the power of storytelling. When she isn't sifting through the web's wildest real-life drama, Heide is an avid runner, painter, and novel-enthusiast fueled by a truly excellent cup of coffee.