The Weirdest NY Times Social Q's: You Can't Make This Shit Up

Cat Woman

My neighbor walks up to my window and talks to my cat. She doesn’t acknowledge my husband or me. She just stands there, speaking into our home. We took the cat in last year as a stray. We posted signs, and learned that neighbors had been feeding her but couldn’t give her a home. So we did, and had her spayed and vaccinated. Since then, this neighbor often says I “took the cat” she was feeding. I’m uncomfortable with her peering in. Any ideas? - Julie Foster Response:

Note to Robert Frost: It’s not just fences. Good drapes and Venetian blinds make good neighbors, too. It sounds as if you acted just right, Julie — at least from the perspective of Puss in Boots. And your neighbor sounds a little passive-aggressive. So why not help her out? Say: “I’m sensing some tension over the cat. I hope you agree she’s better off living with us than out doors. You’re welcome to come see her, too. Just knock, and we’ll answer. But can we leave the peeping to the gals on Wisteria Lane?” On the other hand, a restraining order probably does the trick, too. Meow.

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