A couple in Johor has been forced to sell and leave the home they lived in for 20 years after enduring years of distress caused by their neighbour’s cats.
In a Facebook post that has since gained attention, the couple said their corner-lot house was meant to be their retirement home. Over the years, they spent tens of thousands of ringgit renovating and landscaping the property, hoping to grow old there in peace.
However, for the past five years, the couple said their home compound had been repeatedly soiled by cat urine and faeces, turning their once-cherished residence into a source of constant stress and exhaustion.
Because their home sits on a corner lot with a larger outdoor area, it became a frequent spot for cats fed by a nearby neighbour to relieve themselves. The problem reportedly occurred almost every day and showed no signs of improvement.
The couple said they made several attempts to resolve the issue amicably. They approached the neighbour politely but were allegedly met with indifference, with the person claiming no responsibility as they were “only feeding” the cats and did not own them.
In an effort to find a solution, the couple spent their own money on litter boxes and cat litter, placing them outside in hopes the animals would use them. They also tried relocating the cats elsewhere, but new cats continued to appear as feeding persisted.
Even installing additional fencing around the property failed to keep the cats out.
According to the couple, the ongoing situation took a significant emotional and financial toll. They had to hire cleaners almost every month to remove faeces and scrub urine smells from their yard. The exterior walls were frequently stained with urine, requiring repeated repainting and causing long-term damage.
They were also forced to discard slippers, shoes, clothing, carpets, flower pots and outdoor furniture after the odour became impossible to remove.
Beyond the physical damage, the couple said the situation affected their peace of mind and daily routines. Stepping on cat urine before unknowingly tracking it into the house became a frequent occurrence, requiring repeated cleaning and causing anxiety, particularly when performing acts of worship.
Coming home no longer felt restful, as they were often greeted by foul smells and the need to clean the compound before they could relax. Mornings were also disrupted when work shoes and slippers were found soaked in urine.
After five years of enduring the problem, the couple said they made the difficult decision to sell their home. They are expected to move out by the end of the month, leaving behind a house filled with memories and years of effort.
The couple said they plan to lodge an official complaint under the Local Government Act for public nuisance. They also warned that stricter pet management guidelines are expected to be enforced starting January 2026, urging animal feeders to take responsibility for the animals they care for.
According to the post, the couple has collected CCTV footage, photographs and other evidence to support their complaint, which could result in fines of up to RM1,000.
They ended their post by thanking supportive neighbours and expressing hope that their experience would serve as a lesson, so others would not be forced to leave their homes due to irresponsible behaviour.
