Standing up to a rude neighbor

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This evening, I went outside to play with a neighborhood cat who loves people and loved being petted. Anyway, I went outside to talk play with him for a little bit, and one of the neighbors came outside of his apartment and told me that he was probably scared me of because I pick him up all the time and doesn't want to be messed up. I know that is not true because I called him, and he came up to me and let me pet him.

The next time that happens, how do I politely tell him to knock it off without being rude ?

Smile and say 'nah, I think he likes it- he comes up to me all the time'. It's not his cat, and whilst he is entitiled to his opinion, you are also free to discount it.

If you stay polite, you will be in the right. Let him moan and complain if he wants; he's either being over-vigilant against animal cruelty, or just enjoys sour grapes.

(there's a semi-stray cat near us too- friendly as hell & loves being stroked. If your cat is anything like our one, your neighbour's a fool)

I am tempted to tell him to mind his own buisness..

Two wrongs don't make a right. Remember, you still have to live near this guy.

If you are polite, then he is more likely to listen to your point. Even if he doesn't, you come out of it looking like a calm reasonable person.

His comments, whilst unwelcome, were probably partially motivated by caring about the animal, so I think you should cut him some slack for that. If you respond by being rude, then you will come across as defensive and callous, which will make him even more likely to think you are mistreating the cat.

Or, using a friendly tone, you could say, "Nah, he and I are buddies. Do you have any pets? (or ask him another question to try to change the subject)."

I suspect the cat doesn't come within 10 feet of the neighbor. Animals seem to tolerate me more than expected. I think it's because I don't project a strong presence; some people even accuse me of "sneaking" up on them. My neighbor has a strong presence and opinion about everything and none of the animals, domestic, feral or wild. She's always complaining about the wild rabbits eating her expense plants, Me, I just plant clover for them and they leave my other plants alone.

^ Distilled Win, in it's purest form.

i guess i would try to avoid conflict the way i always do: i (try to) smile, and say 'ok'.