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Have you thought about installing a motion sensor sprinkler? A motion sensor alerts the sprinkler which jets stream of water to frighten them away. The sprinkler is easy to set up using just a battery and garden hose. I've found these devices work pretty good. Do a search on "scarecrow sprinkler" and you'll see what I'm referring too.

Another option for a electric fence around the pond. Do a search on "Fi Shock".

Good luck
Steve

get a paintball gun and shoot them with pretty colors then the neighbor can't say there not hers. I've done it. On the other hand is the electric fence Steve has mentioned or the scarecrow water shooter that keeps animal away from the gardens. the paintballs won't hurt the fish in the pond as my kids have used them in the past and they wash of with water when fresh.

The local animal control in my area will loan you a trap. some charge a minimal fee. Bait it with something yummy like tuna fish.
This will let you decide if you want to discuss further with the neighbor or let animal control handle it...and who knows you might catch something else.

Murphj01 wrote:The local animal control in my area will loan you a trap. some charge a minimal fee. Bait it with something yummy like tuna fish.
This will let you decide if you want to discuss further with the neighbor or let animal control handle it...and who knows you might catch something else.

I would do the same as well cause if she sees her cats being taken then she will think twice about letting them run the street again.

You could lay a row of chicken wire around the perimeter of your pond. Not up-right, but flat on the ground, I've read that will deter cats from coming to your pond (they don't like the way it snags their paws) supposedly works on other critters, too. Or they sell spike mats in lawn and garden catalogues that do the same thing, hard plastic spikes about a 1/2" long, critters don't like stepping on them.

I had a similar problem with a "stray cat" whom I discovered having a early morning buffet (5 am). I went outside to go on a bike ride and discovered it swatting fish onto the bank of the pond. I had to treat the biggest fish for scratches. I believe I lost one of my large fish to this cat because it was missing with no sign of it's body anywhere. Luckly a neighbor decided to take the stray cat to a new neighborhood, since it seems to be a stray. A Relocation program of your own might work.... especially since the owner's aren't being responsible for their pet. Chances are they don't take care of it or play with it either.

I had a similar problem with a dog coming in my yard to eat my dog's food. This dog was not only eating the food, but taking her dish and moving it outside our invisible fence. So I know it wasn't my dog doing it.
I called and spoke with the neighbor, who denied it. This went on for weeks.
I took photos of the dog and then produced it to her. She still denied it.
Next time I called animal control.
Haven't had a problem since.
I like the paint ball gun idea. Perhaps you have a kid in the neighborhood that would let you borrow it for a day. They are creatures of habit, just like the owner. She probably let's it out the same time of day, like before or after work.
Good luck.

This may seem strange but what about one of those long range high powered water toy guns? I have 3 indoor cats and they say when they misbehave to squirt them with water from a spray bottle. It doesn't hurt them and if they get squirted a few times maybe they'll stay away. Of course, you can't guard the pond 24/7 but it might make you feel better.
Jeanne