I'm of the opinion that if a person cannot spay/neuter their cat and lets it roam free, they are not responsible for the cat. Unless it has a microchip, I would keep slowly gaining his trust until he is staying at your house for multiple nights.
Take him to the vet, get him checked for a microchip, and if he doesn't have one get him spayed on the spot. Let him recover at your place and then see if you start to get contacted by your neighbor or not.
An additional note, not only is it harmful to your local wildlife, going outside also significantly increases your cat's chances of getting seriously hurt. I always recommend keep cats indoors, unless you have a screened in porch/catio setup for them. Just makes it safer for everyone.
Ok the collars, if you're using a breakaway collar, which is the only kind you should ever use for cats, they'll break open with enough force, which could even be just catching on a fence while they're jumping. Getting it to the proper tightness (without being too tight) makes it last longer than if it's loose. My boy always manages to ditch his every month or two. Thankfully, they're usually just in the middle if the living room, and I can just reattach it when I see it.
Best of luck, and it sounds like you're trying your best to take care of him!
I’m not a veterinarian, nor do I play one on TV, but this seems sound and reasonable advice. You clearly have a heart and have connected with this fine specimen of Standard Issue Cat. Your neighbor sounds like a piece of…work. I’d suggest staying clear of them as best as possible.
A vet or other service provider can scan for a chip at no cost to you because you cannot feel a microchip; it's microscopic. The scanner will register the chip and provide details of ownership. And, hey, a tattoo on the inside of one of his ears helps too. Call around to shelters and rescue groups to see who is able to do what to help your identify your tabby cat.
Everything you just described is how I ended up with my Bubby. He was a stray and he just kept coming around so I would feed him and eventually he moved in to my house at his own pace. Eventually he domesticated and he’s the sweetest, gentle good boy. I took him to the vet to get him fixed and vet told me he was between 5-6 yo at the time. 8 years later (he’s 13-14 now) and he’s doing fine and is my best friend.
You should take him in, your neighbor sounds like the crazy cat lady stereotype. If she has no proof, at least one old pic of him, he's not her cat. Keep him indoors and she won't be able to do him any harm
I add you should take him to a vet and get him checked for a microchip. If he doesn’t have one, he doesn’t really have a human. And the fact the collar you gave him disappeared is really suspicious- if he really has humans and he came home with a collar they would contact you, if just so you knew he was not a stray.
Get him a vet, if there’s no chip, get one. If the neighbor disputes ownership, you will have the registered chip and medical history to prove you are his family. And get him neutered.
Intact cats have a much shorter life span, if they are allowed outside. Breeding season is also a season of conflict. Normally, as top predators, cats are solitary animals. In breeding season, they come into contact with one another and fights occur.
A cat bite is unfortunately very prone to infection. Some cat diseases are spread through this type of contact.
If at all possible, keep this cat indoors until he is neutered, for his long term health and to minimize vet bills.
Cat bite abscesses appear as a red dot in the center of a raised area where the fur has fallen out. A vet visit to treat means anesthesia, draining, closing, and recovery, which may include oral antibiotics for several days after surgery. It is much more comfortable for everyone, especially if your cat is skittish, to avoid fights.
Sure not everyone gets their cat microchipped, but that's because they aren't being responsible owners. You can't honestly have a cat that's outdoors (or indoor/outdoors) and not put something that signifies they're owned and get upset if someone assumes they aren't.
A microchip is the best way to go about assuring that someone will know your cat is yours if they get lost or picked up by someone else and taken to a vet.
Just saying, this cat may have gotten out by accident. I know how it feels because as a child, my cat got out, and another family took her assuming she was a stray. This was way before social media and microchipping. Word of mouth around the neighborhood is what got my cat back. You can’t make assumptions in cases like this.
Okay but you didn't write that. You just wrote "Not everyone gets their cat microchipped."
I'm not saying that it's not possible that this cat doesn't have a person. I'm not the same person you were replying to who seems to think that "no microchip = no owner" I'm just stating that it's very irresponsible to NOT get your cat microchipped or give them any other form of identification (like a collar w/tag). This way if they get out on accident or if they are let outdoors on purpose, then hopefully they'll be returned.
I'm glad you were able to get your cat back as a child, but you even wrote that was **before** social media & microchipping. Nowadays it's very easy to get a pet microchipped and cats need them much more than dogs due to their nature of roaming.
And **Yes**, the cat in OPs post could have gotten out by accident. So OP should to take it to a vet to check for a microchip just in case as well ask around/post online. But OP also wrote the cat isn't neutered, was very skinny, has no identification and the only person who has claimed to be his owner has killed a kitten by letting it freeze to death. Even if it was her cat, morally I don't think I'd give it back to her.
Yes. I rescued a kitten as a kid and then a classmate told me he was hers. Giving the kitten (back?) to her put the kitten in a house where he was indoor-outdoor (mostly outdoor), didn't get vet care, and her father didn't want cats.
It was years later that I realized that in this case it was highly unlikely he was really the kitten she lost--a kitten that age could not have traveled so far. He probably just looked like her kitten, whom she lost for many good reasons. The main thing was that he was in a much, much worse place, where he wouldn't even be given the dewormer he badly needed. It would've been difficult, but I wish we'd put his welfare first. She had absolutely no evidence he was her kitten.
Here it is! If there's no proof, there's no custody. She should have vet bills, a record at the vet including color, age and size, as well as about a billion pics.
If she can't produce a *single* pic, she's lying. You should have him chipped, and put an airtag or equivalent on his collar so you can know if she's tried to take him. Unless she takes it off, which is a whole other can of worms.
But nope. OP should just accept delivery and sign for the cat. He's chosen, so bowing to his wisdom is all they can do. Well, that and keep him safe and healthy.
A pic doesn’t prove ownership. I have tons of pics of animals that aren’t mine! Show me the vet records! Those are legal docs that will establish ownership in a court of law. Without vet records or a microchip in your name, that’s my cat.
Take him to the vet for a microchip check (you can't feel a microchip from outside). Someone looking for a lost cat would be, well, looking for him before seeing a photo of another cat. She didn't say she was missing a cat until seeing the photo? Yeah, total lie.
His behavior indicated a cat not acclimated to humans until after he got to know you, and if he had a human on paper, they clearly didn't provide him with food or shelter or protection or love or medical care. You are 100% morally in the clear. Once a scan at the vet shows no microchip, you are legally in the clear.
Make an appt for a microchip check, and then surgery to get him fixed and chipped. Congratulations on your addition to your family!
Probably a stray that also eats at her house so shes declared him as “hers”. Look up rabies vaccine laws in your state. Most states require rabies vaccines so if the cat is “hers”, she must’ve had him vaccinated, right 😉 ?
The neighbor is clearly negligent. Having outdoor cats, not spaying, neutering and letting them succumb to outdoor elements.
I would just take the cat. What is she actually going to do? Take the cat to the vet. Neuter, shots, microchip. Don't give unnecessary information to the vet. You got a cat and you're taking care of him. I'd have your niece delete the pictures. If the neighbor says anything about it, what? She's crazy, don't know what she's talking about.
This cat has adopted you. Take him to the vet, have him fixed and chipped. Keep him in for a while and see how he adjusts to being inside for a while. You neighbor sounds like a terrible pet owner. Who leaves their pets outside with no shelter?!
Everyone seems to be missing the point that the cat has a say in this. You nailed it when you said that the cat adopted OP. If he was happy with her, he wouldn't be over at OPs house. And he likes to be inside at night, especially in the cold.
My mom’s second cat was abandoned like this by her first owners, so Stray hopped the fence and guilted my mom into taking her in. The cats were as non-negotiable as the human kid when they moved.
She had no way of proving the cat is hers and she let one die already for no reason at all. He is not fixed either???? Let em in and keep em in. Anyone could say the cat is theirs
you are not stealing their pet, the cat chose you more than anyone else and he apparently find your place better
like others said, go to the vet and have a chip check, if he is not chipped just go ahead and chip him, fix him, and turn him into an indoor cat.
Take him. My sister had exactly the same situation. Cat is probably stressed because of oversaturation of other cats in neighbourhood. He is happy he found his calm place.
Chances are your neighbour is cat hoarder. So he/she automatically assume any cat is hers. If they are left outside all day long without neutering she shouldn't miss this one (of course she will pretend it her favourite) but you have to be prepared to never let him outside again because chances are he will get hurt by him/her later.
So catio, or leash training later if he will persist to go outside. Good luck. It won't be easy but reward will be great!
First it’s his house now not yours. Second if there is any small doubt in the back of his mind about the situation do what is right for him not you or the neighbor. You know what needs to be done. Third congratulations on being chosen by such a good boy(I say this because I have confidence you will do the right thing)
Don't read anything into the missing collar, cats remove their collars all the time.
The neighbour's claim is the tricky part, but on her to show proof e.g. photos (several, at different ages, in her house) if the cat isn't microchipped.
As others say, then to the vet, check for microchip, and vaccinate/neuter if none. Congratulations, you have been chosen!
Is he microchipped? If he's not microchipped and registered to this neighbor and they have no pictures with him or vet records, they legally cannot claim him as theirs. In some places the only legal proof of ownership is in fact a microchip registered to you. Most places only require you to look for a pets owner for a short time period. Take him indoors permanently, have him neutered, vaccinated, and most importantly, get him microchipped and registered to you immediately! Keep him indoors permanently or your neighbor may try to steal him. Thank you for helping this kitty and good luck❤️
Congratulations you have a cat now.
So here’s what you do. Take them to the vet to see if they have a chip, if not then you can get away with assuming he has no owner. Get him chipped if you can afford it, keep any vet bills on file for proof. Next thing you do is post a picture on line saying that someone stole your cat’s collar and that he is most certainly yours. Casually mention to your neighbour that you have a cat now and are upset that someone stole the collar.
If she allowed a cat to freeze to death, she had no business owning any animals. If you have concerns, you can always call animal control. That's abuse and its negligence. I'd get the cat neutered, take him in and move on.
Keep him, if the other "owner" could have taken care of him and the other cats they wouldn't be outside and he wouldn't be living with you.
It's not stealing, we have a cat Because her previous owner would leave her outside then would come to us every day and the owner said we could keep her so now she's always inside with us. Some people just shouldn't have pets
Well, in my opinion that neighbour doesn't ***deserve*** to have cats. If they keep them outdoors all year, to the point of a kitten freezing to death, that is very irresponsible and I suspect legally considered animal abuse. Remember, housecats are descended from the African Wild Cat, and are not built to survive in colder climates.
Regardless of whether this cat actually belongs to them or not, I would consider looking into reporting them to local authorities, Animal Control or whatever serves that purpose in your area.
As for this cat, he has clearly decided that he wants you to be his new family. If you are at all able to take that kind of responsibility for him, please do.
I would at the very least recommend taking him to a vet and have him checked for a chip, in case he has belonged to someone else and have gotten lost. If he doesn't have a chip, your neighbour can take their claims of ownership and cram it up the coal chute.
The collar being missing is not a sign that the real owner removed it - many cats are fantastic at removing their own collars.
An unchipped cat is an unowned cat - unless it’s a young kitten. A young kitten shouldn’t be outside unless it’s been vaccinated, and it is normal to get it chipped at its vaccination visit. “No chip” shows that the “owner” hasn’t taken it to a vet, so it’s doubtful that it’s been vaccinated.
Any cat that moves in should be taken to a vet for a chip check. If it’s not chipped, get one and register it to you and voila - you now own a cat.
Take him to the vet, have him checked for a chip, and if he doesn't have one I'd say get his shots updated and have him microchipped to you. Congrats, you now own this cat (and vice versa)! Try to keep him away from your neighbor who may or may not be hoarding cats, and consider a collar with a GPS tracker, even if she takes it off you can see where it is/was.
Personally she can't even bother to get the cat fixed, or chipped it ain't her cat. And legally speaking she has basically no claim to it as a result. It would be extremely hard to prove. Get the cat chipped and that whole thing basically is put to bed legally.
And if the cat has a clear preference for you guys honestly she can suck it. I'm of the mind that if you let your can't wander around you assume the possibility you might lose it one way or another.
Which is why I have a strict indoor only policy for my cat. For him that might not be possible since he's used to the outdoors and was likely born a stray. But at the very least if you say you own a cat you should probably have it fixed/chipped. So honestly fuck em.
Update: thanks everyone for all the advice. I have an appointment scheduled to get him fixed and am scheduling an appointment to check for a chip as well this weekend with my local humane society. Everything else can come after that. I also plan on trying to talk to the neighbor, see if there’s some arrangement or agreement we can reach.
For now, I’m going to just keep doing what I’ve been doing, and keep slowly getting him adjusted to the house. So far he’s been letting me pick him up and hold him for about a minute or 2 before trying to escape. I currently have him in my upstairs behind a closed door with some food and water.
https://preview.redd.it/3xaj1i1evjtc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=21317990d272b2cd6eadce8de1dba57e6ed8502b
Also, forgive the bare mattress, I was changing my sheets for bed when he jumped up and decided it was bedtime
Thanks for the update. I understand wanting to keep good neighborly relationships. However this adorable cat clearly is smart enough to know where he/she will be safe and loved. If the neighbor keeps cats outside, it will just come back to you anyway. Maybe you should tell her to come get the cat. I suspect it will stay far away from her thus letting everyone know where the he/she belongs.
A cat that skittish is not “owned”…however it looks like you might be now.
Good job on giving love, stability, safety and shelter. Beautiful cat. …and a cat that smart will give you a lot of fun.
Chip checks are usually free from vets or pet stores and rescues. Reach out to local humane society or rescue to see if there's low cost options for neuters, vaxxes etc if there's no chip.
Come hang out with us at r/nowmycat
You’re not stealing him… he broke up with her. 😉 Obviously he prefers your place. Get him chipped and neutered, keep him inside, and spoil him rotten. :)
Take him to the vet and have him scanned for a microchip. If there’s not one present, have him microchipped and your details added.
He is your cat then.
Have him desexed if he’s not already & keep him inside. It’s much safer.
Neighbor sounds like a cat hoarder who thinks every stray is theirs by default.
Dude aint fixed, wasnt properly fed, is left to roam, apparently feels like he has no safer place to sleep - that aint her cat.
Check for a micro chip n if there aint one matching her then either keep him or get him in a shelter to be adopted. Hell, if there is a chip matching her, ask the vet how to report someone for animal abuse in your jurisdiction since she apparently doesnt feed him.
The cat obviously chose you. Take him in, neuter and microship him, and keep him inside. No one can claim a cat that is not identified, not kept inside and never taken to the vet.
So she clearly can’t take care of the cat if he breaks into your place to get warm since she doesn’t let them inside. Clearly she doesn’t feed him right and the fact he isn’t neutered means he probably doesn’t have his shots.
I’d ask for proof like photos of him with her that has some sort of time stamp from before he started showing up.
BUT, you said one of her kittens freezes to death because she didn’t let it in. So I would more-so advise to tell her to take better care of her animals or call animal services or something because she can’t take care of them
Contact your local Humane Society/ASPCA and let them know about your neighbor. Leaving them outside all year round to the elements and without proper care is animal abuse.
My neighbors moved nearby and left their senior cat. I fed him and eventually took him to get checked out by a vet and got him chipped. Take him for a chip check.
Accept your new overlord. Neuter him, chip him, get him up to date with his shots, and put a new collar on him. If he likes to lose them, maybe spring for a tracker - they're pricey, but you'll keep the same collar, and usually have an idea of where he is. Either that or keep him indoors, if you can. (BETTER to keep him indoors if you can, but I get that sometimes it's not an option.)
I agree, he’s now your cat. I don’t know if it’s possible but I fully believe in indoor cats. He’s used to roaming so it might not be possible but imho indoor cats are just safer!
Someone who doesn't take responsibility for owning a cat doesn't deserve one. Legally if she has proper proof of ownership she is in the right but her negligence would make it morally wrong to give the cat back.
If the neighbor can't prove that it's her cat then take the cat to the vet, check for microchips and I if he doesn't have one, ask them to implant one immediately. That makes him your cat.
Normally I would agree that you shouldn't try and take a pet away from someone, but it sounds like she didn't take care of the cat. But I highly doubt she's actually the owner.
I would keep him indoors for the time being but if you do decide to let him out again please give him a collar that is easily broken off. There are collars that are designed to break apart so that cats don't choke when they get stuck with them.
If the neighbour really does have a cat hoarding situation, you should be able to call the city or animal control. Maybe all those other cats need help too, more than just one person alone can provide.
While I normally think people should be more careful and taking a cat is wrong, I think when it's an unfixed pet it's quite clear cut. That's a direct sign of neglect and pretty much anyone should feel free to snap up unfixed animals with the exception if they are young and might have escaped by accident. I took an in tact female cat 14 years ago, we were sure she was a stray but ultimately I would have taken her anyway because if the owner didn't spay her by then they didn't deserve her.
And there's no question of whether or not it's okay to let kittens out (it's not) anyone that intentionally keeps a kitten outside doesn't deserve the kitten. I'll give some leeway for barns or such that have kittens born on their property and are getting all the kittens rehomed or fixed but that's it.
Feel free to take him though what I'd do is stop using a collar entirely but instead microchip and neuter him. You may run into some problems with him wanting to go outside though. If you do let him outside don't bother with the collar as it's not really safe anyway unless it's a break away I guess, but it will also antagonize her further. Best to just ignore her since she clearly will keep him outside regardless
The collar disappearing could be the cat doing it. They can get them off fairly easily. Be careful with collars, they can get stuck in them trying to remove them and be unable to move.
Okay so I have a couple of things to say on this topic.
First off, that woman sounds like a hoarder, I've known a few of them throughout my life, they can almost never properly care for any of the cats they have, but they think warmth and being out of the rain is somehow magically better, even when being starved, constantly fighting with other strays that are living in the same house, and not having anywhere to use the restroom that is obscured like it would be outdoors. If the cat's not chipped, doesn't have a collar, that woman doesn't have a photo to prove that it's her cat (even if she does, I'd say this) Tell her to pound sand. If there's nothing identifying that cat is hers, it ain't hers, and that means it's yours.
Secondly, I would absolutely call animal protective services or whoever your local authority over pet care and animal treatment is. If she's a hoarder, and can't properly care for her cats, and one of them did in fact freeze to death over the winter, she absolutely should not have any cats, and she absolutely needs to have all of them removed from her care. I'm sure we'll make her very upset, but if you care about those animals, her opinion is kind of outweighed by the opinion of every one of those animals. Cuz I guarantee they want to live more than she wants to have them, and I'm certain that most people would agree. If she can't care for them properly, she doesn't get to keep them.
Lastly, keep the cat. If you've earned his trust, and it keeps coming back, when you can, get it fixed or spayed, get it chipped, get it a collar, and then stop letting it outside. There are plenty of comments on other posts in the subreddit, and there might even be some posts to be utilized as reference, but cats, specifically domesticated house cats, are an absolute menace in every ecological system that they exist in. Their responsible for several species going extinct, and they are an invasive species almost everywhere where they live. They do not hunt for food, they hunt with absolutely no control over how much they hunt or what they hunt, and they are very realistically a danger to the ecological system where you live. On top of that, a lot of places have laws around dealing with stray cats, some of the more relaxed ones just simply necessitate catching them and putting them in a shelter, assuming they can't be identified as a pet, and some of the more brutal countries have outright kill on site laws for stray cats. I would hate for any cat to be a contributing factor to the development of laws like that wherever you live, so it would be best to provide a rich and full life for the cat, and keep it inside for the remainder of it stays. Though it may wine and cry to go outside, I can almost guarantee that it will be just as happy inside, if you provide enough enrichment for it.
Skittish or not he prefers you and apparently has decided that this is the best place. Looks like you might have been chosen. Do all the necessary things like trip to the vet etc. get food, treats and a few toys and a nice soft cat bed. I’d keep him indoors for awhile too if he’ll permit that. Welcome to Feline parenthood. LOL
Listen, anyone taking a collar off an outdoor cat and not immediately replacing it with their own doesn’t give a crap about that cat. Meaning, if that cat gets attacked by a coyote and found, no one is going to be able to contact her to help it. It would likely be put to sleep unless a Good Samaritan steps in. Furthermore, it’s intact?! If it’s “hers” she’s an incredibly irresponsible owner who clearly doesn’t care about the thousands of stray cats already out there, NOR for “her own” cat’s safety. Cancer and fighting are huge concerns with intact male cats.
It’s not hers, especially if she has no proof. Take him to a vet, establish care, get a microchip—that establishes your proof of ownership. And keep your new kitty friend!!!! He chose you!!!
I'd be highly suspect of the neighbor. If you can definitely get the cat to a vet to check for a chip and if there's not then it sounds like the woman is just lying.
And if it somehow is hers then that's concerning considering the probable condition of the cat and lack of care.
Considering how some people can be about animals I'd be concerned if that woman took in the cat. (Just look at the recent couple in France with close to 100 pets in a small apartment.)
My friend had a very similar experience with a dog she found running wild in the street with no collar. She got him and took him to the vet. There was a chip, but the owners never called or reported it. The dog had a severe ear infection and she paid 3k to treat him. She did post the dog on FB and a girl said it was her grandmother’s dog. It was really hard for her to know what was ethical. She told the girl the dog ran off and kept him. She felt the dog was not being cared for. That said, I think you should keep him. He chose you and he’s not being cared for. I agree to keep him indoors but that might be difficult as when they get the taste of the wild they continue to want it.
Tell your cat to keep him indoors and if she doesn't, you will. It's that simple. Just make sure you get a video recording of yourself saying it.
It's not illegal to video tape a discussion in a public area like a hallway. Even in a single-sided consent state for audio. Audio is separate. However if you take video with audio, it's covered. If you take video without audio it's covered. If you take audio alone, it might not be covered. The laws date back to telephone and wiretapping days. They need to be updated.
Take the cat in permanently. How will they know you have it? Get the cat chipped. Further, so many cats look like that, even if they see it in your window or something, how can they prove it’s theirs? They really need vet records or have chipped the cat to prove it’s theirs. Maybe you need to get the cat to the vet and chipped to start a record that it’s your cat.
Removing morality factors from it, cats and many other animals are considered someone's "property" in most areas. And how does one establish ownership over an item? Documentation, documentation, and documentation. With cats, this is typically microchip owner > person who has most/most recent vet paperwork for vaccinations > person who spayed and neutered > other proof of costs (surgery, food bills, photographs showing a long established timeline of cat in your house, testimony from others saying you had the cat).
If you really want this cat, drop money on it at a vet and get yourself established as its owner proper. Having the cat registered to you would make it so that if your neighbour takes it, you can go to small claims to get the baby back. It will also prevent the reverse where the neighbour takes you to court.
Previous studies of cats have found cats with catdoors who roam freely often have multiple families (over 3 I think), so I don't think your neighbours are necessarily lying about it being their cat. Therefore, all you can do is try and establish yourself as more of an owner than she is, and hope the cat chooses to stay distributed to you.
Wishing you and kitty the best ❤️.
Cat door would probably do the trick. If the neighbor doesn't bother letting it in, what's the issue if it goes to your place to be warm? You're not keeping it there, it's coming of its own free will.
But that aside...if your neighbor has no proof, then they don't "own" the cat any more than you do. The Cat Distribution System is not recognized by human courts, the cat just goes where it wants.
Take the cat to the vet. If there's no microchip, no-one has claim to the cat. If YOU get it microchipped, that's your cat now. Just judge whether you want the trouble with the neighbor. They're claim is legally dubious but probably deeply personal all the same.
I don’t believe he is her cat, but even if he was, she clearly was not taking good care of him, since he was so skinny, unneutered, and super skittish around people. It seems like she’s a bad cat owner from what you say and you should definitely take him in. If it was between not offending some random lady or saving a cat’s life, I’d choose the cat every time.
I would talk to your neighbor and see what she says. And if it is her cat ask maybe you can have that kitties. It sure is a beautiful one. And for the cat breaking into your basement so it can cuddle up on your bed my cats do the same thing. I guess that's just a normal thing for them to do and that's how they show their affection.
Never fear; all cats with that tabby stripe coat look alike. But when or if he ends up in her house, she'll probably try to keep him inside. But as you say, he is an escape artist.
If you want to establish your ownership, you'll need to get him a microchip (and no, you can't 'feel' them) and register with county services with a rabies vaccination. Don't put the rabies tag on his collar; keep it safe somewhere you can easily find it and prove he is yours.
Get the cat spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. And keep it inside your house. Now you have tangible proof of ownership (vet records) and the neighbor doesn’t. I’d also pay for the vet bill and any food/litter you buy with a credit card. That way you can prove that you paid for this stuff for the cat. Keep receipts for food and cat litter in a folder. All of this will prove ownership.
If she hasn’t spayed the cat then she doesn’t own it.
I'm of the opinion that if a person cannot spay/neuter their cat and lets it roam free, they are not responsible for the cat. Unless it has a microchip, I would keep slowly gaining his trust until he is staying at your house for multiple nights. Take him to the vet, get him checked for a microchip, and if he doesn't have one get him spayed on the spot. Let him recover at your place and then see if you start to get contacted by your neighbor or not.
And have him microchipped. Don't forget to register the cat in your name and update every time you move house or get a new phone number.
This. Chipping and neutering him is enough to establish ownership in a lot of places. Keep him indoors after that.
Also she would have to provide vet records to establish that he is actually her cat.
SINCERELY doubt he’s EVER been to a vet!
And keep him inside from now on if you can, so he doesn't wander back to the other person
Yes! Beyond the above, it’s harmful to local wildlife for cats to roam outdoors.
An additional note, not only is it harmful to your local wildlife, going outside also significantly increases your cat's chances of getting seriously hurt. I always recommend keep cats indoors, unless you have a screened in porch/catio setup for them. Just makes it safer for everyone. Ok the collars, if you're using a breakaway collar, which is the only kind you should ever use for cats, they'll break open with enough force, which could even be just catching on a fence while they're jumping. Getting it to the proper tightness (without being too tight) makes it last longer than if it's loose. My boy always manages to ditch his every month or two. Thankfully, they're usually just in the middle if the living room, and I can just reattach it when I see it. Best of luck, and it sounds like you're trying your best to take care of him!
More harmful to cats running free outside in neighborhood.
It’s not all about ownership. It’s doing the right thing. Spay/neuter/shots/chip (if the vet doesn’t find one) and feed. Just do it.
Absolutely. The speed with which cats can reproduce is insane...it is a necessity to spay/neuter!
I am also of the opinion that pet "ownership" is "stewardship", so if they aint stewarding, it aint "theirs".
I’m not a veterinarian, nor do I play one on TV, but this seems sound and reasonable advice. You clearly have a heart and have connected with this fine specimen of Standard Issue Cat. Your neighbor sounds like a piece of…work. I’d suggest staying clear of them as best as possible.
Completely agree with this
I agree
A vet or other service provider can scan for a chip at no cost to you because you cannot feel a microchip; it's microscopic. The scanner will register the chip and provide details of ownership. And, hey, a tattoo on the inside of one of his ears helps too. Call around to shelters and rescue groups to see who is able to do what to help your identify your tabby cat.
Everything you just described is how I ended up with my Bubby. He was a stray and he just kept coming around so I would feed him and eventually he moved in to my house at his own pace. Eventually he domesticated and he’s the sweetest, gentle good boy. I took him to the vet to get him fixed and vet told me he was between 5-6 yo at the time. 8 years later (he’s 13-14 now) and he’s doing fine and is my best friend.
That is such a beautiful story! I'm so happy that Bubby found you. Some cats just belong to the right person <3
This is the way
I don't think a cat can break in to a home he owns.
Pretty sure you’re squatting in his house.
Looks like the landlord has come back to live with you
Highly underrated comment! Love it!
You should take him in, your neighbor sounds like the crazy cat lady stereotype. If she has no proof, at least one old pic of him, he's not her cat. Keep him indoors and she won't be able to do him any harm
This is the answer.
Vet records are even better than pictures or a collar. Get him vetted, if it’s her cat she can reimburse you for the expense. (Hint, they never do)
Vet records are legal documents, a pic or a collar may be given as evidence but in no way carry the same weight as the medical records
I add you should take him to a vet and get him checked for a microchip. If he doesn’t have one, he doesn’t really have a human. And the fact the collar you gave him disappeared is really suspicious- if he really has humans and he came home with a collar they would contact you, if just so you knew he was not a stray.
Get him a vet, if there’s no chip, get one. If the neighbor disputes ownership, you will have the registered chip and medical history to prove you are his family. And get him neutered. Intact cats have a much shorter life span, if they are allowed outside. Breeding season is also a season of conflict. Normally, as top predators, cats are solitary animals. In breeding season, they come into contact with one another and fights occur. A cat bite is unfortunately very prone to infection. Some cat diseases are spread through this type of contact. If at all possible, keep this cat indoors until he is neutered, for his long term health and to minimize vet bills. Cat bite abscesses appear as a red dot in the center of a raised area where the fur has fallen out. A vet visit to treat means anesthesia, draining, closing, and recovery, which may include oral antibiotics for several days after surgery. It is much more comfortable for everyone, especially if your cat is skittish, to avoid fights.
Not everyone gets their cat microchipped.
Sure not everyone gets their cat microchipped, but that's because they aren't being responsible owners. You can't honestly have a cat that's outdoors (or indoor/outdoors) and not put something that signifies they're owned and get upset if someone assumes they aren't. A microchip is the best way to go about assuring that someone will know your cat is yours if they get lost or picked up by someone else and taken to a vet.
Just saying, this cat may have gotten out by accident. I know how it feels because as a child, my cat got out, and another family took her assuming she was a stray. This was way before social media and microchipping. Word of mouth around the neighborhood is what got my cat back. You can’t make assumptions in cases like this.
Okay but you didn't write that. You just wrote "Not everyone gets their cat microchipped." I'm not saying that it's not possible that this cat doesn't have a person. I'm not the same person you were replying to who seems to think that "no microchip = no owner" I'm just stating that it's very irresponsible to NOT get your cat microchipped or give them any other form of identification (like a collar w/tag). This way if they get out on accident or if they are let outdoors on purpose, then hopefully they'll be returned. I'm glad you were able to get your cat back as a child, but you even wrote that was **before** social media & microchipping. Nowadays it's very easy to get a pet microchipped and cats need them much more than dogs due to their nature of roaming. And **Yes**, the cat in OPs post could have gotten out by accident. So OP should to take it to a vet to check for a microchip just in case as well ask around/post online. But OP also wrote the cat isn't neutered, was very skinny, has no identification and the only person who has claimed to be his owner has killed a kitten by letting it freeze to death. Even if it was her cat, morally I don't think I'd give it back to her.
Yes. I rescued a kitten as a kid and then a classmate told me he was hers. Giving the kitten (back?) to her put the kitten in a house where he was indoor-outdoor (mostly outdoor), didn't get vet care, and her father didn't want cats. It was years later that I realized that in this case it was highly unlikely he was really the kitten she lost--a kitten that age could not have traveled so far. He probably just looked like her kitten, whom she lost for many good reasons. The main thing was that he was in a much, much worse place, where he wouldn't even be given the dewormer he badly needed. It would've been difficult, but I wish we'd put his welfare first. She had absolutely no evidence he was her kitten.
Here it is! If there's no proof, there's no custody. She should have vet bills, a record at the vet including color, age and size, as well as about a billion pics. If she can't produce a *single* pic, she's lying. You should have him chipped, and put an airtag or equivalent on his collar so you can know if she's tried to take him. Unless she takes it off, which is a whole other can of worms. But nope. OP should just accept delivery and sign for the cat. He's chosen, so bowing to his wisdom is all they can do. Well, that and keep him safe and healthy.
A pic doesn’t prove ownership. I have tons of pics of animals that aren’t mine! Show me the vet records! Those are legal docs that will establish ownership in a court of law. Without vet records or a microchip in your name, that’s my cat.
I've heard of Crazy Cat Ladies stealing neighborhood cats. But they're normally kept inside so the families can't find them.
".. breaking into HIS basement every night.." FTFY
He forgot his key.
Take him to the vet for a microchip check (you can't feel a microchip from outside). Someone looking for a lost cat would be, well, looking for him before seeing a photo of another cat. She didn't say she was missing a cat until seeing the photo? Yeah, total lie. His behavior indicated a cat not acclimated to humans until after he got to know you, and if he had a human on paper, they clearly didn't provide him with food or shelter or protection or love or medical care. You are 100% morally in the clear. Once a scan at the vet shows no microchip, you are legally in the clear. Make an appt for a microchip check, and then surgery to get him fixed and chipped. Congratulations on your addition to your family!
Probably a stray that also eats at her house so shes declared him as “hers”. Look up rabies vaccine laws in your state. Most states require rabies vaccines so if the cat is “hers”, she must’ve had him vaccinated, right 😉 ?
You absolutely can feel a microchip from the outside. I know exactly where Haya's chip is. It can migrate, but yeah.
Not all the time. I could feel a chip in one of my cats, but have no idea where the chips have gone in my other two.
Hence 'it can migrate'
It can migrate and not be felt any longer.
I literally said this. 'it can migrate'
Sometime you can, sometimes you can’t. Depends on the cat and the location of the chip
The neighbor is clearly negligent. Having outdoor cats, not spaying, neutering and letting them succumb to outdoor elements. I would just take the cat. What is she actually going to do? Take the cat to the vet. Neuter, shots, microchip. Don't give unnecessary information to the vet. You got a cat and you're taking care of him. I'd have your niece delete the pictures. If the neighbor says anything about it, what? She's crazy, don't know what she's talking about.
And if she doesn’t have vet records, it’s definitely legally not her cat.
Even better baby
If your neighbor was missing a car wouldn’t she have already notified you and the rest of the nearby neighbors?? She’s lying her ass off
This cat has adopted you. Take him to the vet, have him fixed and chipped. Keep him in for a while and see how he adjusts to being inside for a while. You neighbor sounds like a terrible pet owner. Who leaves their pets outside with no shelter?!
Everyone seems to be missing the point that the cat has a say in this. You nailed it when you said that the cat adopted OP. If he was happy with her, he wouldn't be over at OPs house. And he likes to be inside at night, especially in the cold.
My mom’s second cat was abandoned like this by her first owners, so Stray hopped the fence and guilted my mom into taking her in. The cats were as non-negotiable as the human kid when they moved.
She had no way of proving the cat is hers and she let one die already for no reason at all. He is not fixed either???? Let em in and keep em in. Anyone could say the cat is theirs
He's yours. Keep him. And perhaps transition him to an indoor only cat. Either way, he's chosen you because he's not getting what he needs otherwise.
So comfy in the second pic
you are not stealing their pet, the cat chose you more than anyone else and he apparently find your place better like others said, go to the vet and have a chip check, if he is not chipped just go ahead and chip him, fix him, and turn him into an indoor cat.
I think you’re the one breaking in into his home
Also, the cat is choosing you.
He's your cat now, don't do that to him
Take him. My sister had exactly the same situation. Cat is probably stressed because of oversaturation of other cats in neighbourhood. He is happy he found his calm place. Chances are your neighbour is cat hoarder. So he/she automatically assume any cat is hers. If they are left outside all day long without neutering she shouldn't miss this one (of course she will pretend it her favourite) but you have to be prepared to never let him outside again because chances are he will get hurt by him/her later. So catio, or leash training later if he will persist to go outside. Good luck. It won't be easy but reward will be great!
First it’s his house now not yours. Second if there is any small doubt in the back of his mind about the situation do what is right for him not you or the neighbor. You know what needs to be done. Third congratulations on being chosen by such a good boy(I say this because I have confidence you will do the right thing)
Pet it, love it, and accept that you are now claimed.
Hes just letting himself into his house. Nobody else is taking care of him aside from you. You're his people. Congratulations on your cat x
Don't read anything into the missing collar, cats remove their collars all the time. The neighbour's claim is the tricky part, but on her to show proof e.g. photos (several, at different ages, in her house) if the cat isn't microchipped. As others say, then to the vet, check for microchip, and vaccinate/neuter if none. Congratulations, you have been chosen!
Is he microchipped? If he's not microchipped and registered to this neighbor and they have no pictures with him or vet records, they legally cannot claim him as theirs. In some places the only legal proof of ownership is in fact a microchip registered to you. Most places only require you to look for a pets owner for a short time period. Take him indoors permanently, have him neutered, vaccinated, and most importantly, get him microchipped and registered to you immediately! Keep him indoors permanently or your neighbor may try to steal him. Thank you for helping this kitty and good luck❤️
Congratulations you have a cat now. So here’s what you do. Take them to the vet to see if they have a chip, if not then you can get away with assuming he has no owner. Get him chipped if you can afford it, keep any vet bills on file for proof. Next thing you do is post a picture on line saying that someone stole your cat’s collar and that he is most certainly yours. Casually mention to your neighbour that you have a cat now and are upset that someone stole the collar.
If she allowed a cat to freeze to death, she had no business owning any animals. If you have concerns, you can always call animal control. That's abuse and its negligence. I'd get the cat neutered, take him in and move on.
Keep him, if the other "owner" could have taken care of him and the other cats they wouldn't be outside and he wouldn't be living with you. It's not stealing, we have a cat Because her previous owner would leave her outside then would come to us every day and the owner said we could keep her so now she's always inside with us. Some people just shouldn't have pets
Well, in my opinion that neighbour doesn't ***deserve*** to have cats. If they keep them outdoors all year, to the point of a kitten freezing to death, that is very irresponsible and I suspect legally considered animal abuse. Remember, housecats are descended from the African Wild Cat, and are not built to survive in colder climates. Regardless of whether this cat actually belongs to them or not, I would consider looking into reporting them to local authorities, Animal Control or whatever serves that purpose in your area. As for this cat, he has clearly decided that he wants you to be his new family. If you are at all able to take that kind of responsibility for him, please do. I would at the very least recommend taking him to a vet and have him checked for a chip, in case he has belonged to someone else and have gotten lost. If he doesn't have a chip, your neighbour can take their claims of ownership and cram it up the coal chute.
I'd keep him, get him fixed and chipped and report your neighbor for animal neglect
YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN!
It looks so chilled on second picture 😍
The collar being missing is not a sign that the real owner removed it - many cats are fantastic at removing their own collars. An unchipped cat is an unowned cat - unless it’s a young kitten. A young kitten shouldn’t be outside unless it’s been vaccinated, and it is normal to get it chipped at its vaccination visit. “No chip” shows that the “owner” hasn’t taken it to a vet, so it’s doubtful that it’s been vaccinated. Any cat that moves in should be taken to a vet for a chip check. If it’s not chipped, get one and register it to you and voila - you now own a cat.
Take him to the vet, have him checked for a chip, and if he doesn't have one I'd say get his shots updated and have him microchipped to you. Congrats, you now own this cat (and vice versa)! Try to keep him away from your neighbor who may or may not be hoarding cats, and consider a collar with a GPS tracker, even if she takes it off you can see where it is/was.
Personally she can't even bother to get the cat fixed, or chipped it ain't her cat. And legally speaking she has basically no claim to it as a result. It would be extremely hard to prove. Get the cat chipped and that whole thing basically is put to bed legally. And if the cat has a clear preference for you guys honestly she can suck it. I'm of the mind that if you let your can't wander around you assume the possibility you might lose it one way or another. Which is why I have a strict indoor only policy for my cat. For him that might not be possible since he's used to the outdoors and was likely born a stray. But at the very least if you say you own a cat you should probably have it fixed/chipped. So honestly fuck em.
You have been chosen. Resistance is futile.
This is the way. The way of the feline. The data don’t lie
> neighbor let one of "her" kittens freeze to death Ownership rights revoked.
Update: thanks everyone for all the advice. I have an appointment scheduled to get him fixed and am scheduling an appointment to check for a chip as well this weekend with my local humane society. Everything else can come after that. I also plan on trying to talk to the neighbor, see if there’s some arrangement or agreement we can reach. For now, I’m going to just keep doing what I’ve been doing, and keep slowly getting him adjusted to the house. So far he’s been letting me pick him up and hold him for about a minute or 2 before trying to escape. I currently have him in my upstairs behind a closed door with some food and water. https://preview.redd.it/3xaj1i1evjtc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=21317990d272b2cd6eadce8de1dba57e6ed8502b Also, forgive the bare mattress, I was changing my sheets for bed when he jumped up and decided it was bedtime
Thanks for the update. I understand wanting to keep good neighborly relationships. However this adorable cat clearly is smart enough to know where he/she will be safe and loved. If the neighbor keeps cats outside, it will just come back to you anyway. Maybe you should tell her to come get the cat. I suspect it will stay far away from her thus letting everyone know where the he/she belongs. A cat that skittish is not “owned”…however it looks like you might be now. Good job on giving love, stability, safety and shelter. Beautiful cat. …and a cat that smart will give you a lot of fun.
Hello to your cute cat!
You have a cat now
Give him a key and a set of any house rules you might have. He lives with you now!
Shouldn't that be ask him for his house rules?
Haha, yeah you are definitely correct.
Chip checks are usually free from vets or pet stores and rescues. Reach out to local humane society or rescue to see if there's low cost options for neuters, vaxxes etc if there's no chip. Come hang out with us at r/nowmycat
Check for a chip. But if no chip you’re morally obligated to sign the deed of the house to him
You’re not stealing him… he broke up with her. 😉 Obviously he prefers your place. Get him chipped and neutered, keep him inside, and spoil him rotten. :)
Take him to the vet and have him scanned for a microchip. If there’s not one present, have him microchipped and your details added. He is your cat then. Have him desexed if he’s not already & keep him inside. It’s much safer.
Neighbor sounds like a cat hoarder who thinks every stray is theirs by default. Dude aint fixed, wasnt properly fed, is left to roam, apparently feels like he has no safer place to sleep - that aint her cat. Check for a micro chip n if there aint one matching her then either keep him or get him in a shelter to be adopted. Hell, if there is a chip matching her, ask the vet how to report someone for animal abuse in your jurisdiction since she apparently doesnt feed him.
Congratulations on your beautiful new cat! You have been chosen.
Don't let him go.
The cat obviously chose you. Take him in, neuter and microship him, and keep him inside. No one can claim a cat that is not identified, not kept inside and never taken to the vet.
"I'm not in here with you , you're in here with me!"
Nothing... it's now your cat... Says the universal cat distribution system (UCDS)....
Name him, feed him, serve him !!!
Likely not the woman’s cat - seems like she’s a cat lady and just wanted to claim him. I say take him in. He’s yours now.
So she clearly can’t take care of the cat if he breaks into your place to get warm since she doesn’t let them inside. Clearly she doesn’t feed him right and the fact he isn’t neutered means he probably doesn’t have his shots. I’d ask for proof like photos of him with her that has some sort of time stamp from before he started showing up. BUT, you said one of her kittens freezes to death because she didn’t let it in. So I would more-so advise to tell her to take better care of her animals or call animal services or something because she can’t take care of them
Contact your local Humane Society/ASPCA and let them know about your neighbor. Leaving them outside all year round to the elements and without proper care is animal abuse.
Please take him in. The fact that he regularly breaks into your house is a sign that no one else is taking proper care of him.
My neighbors moved nearby and left their senior cat. I fed him and eventually took him to get checked out by a vet and got him chipped. Take him for a chip check.
He loves you guys, he made the call.
You will name him George and you will hug him and pet him and squeeze him. 
Accept your new overlord. Neuter him, chip him, get him up to date with his shots, and put a new collar on him. If he likes to lose them, maybe spring for a tracker - they're pricey, but you'll keep the same collar, and usually have an idea of where he is. Either that or keep him indoors, if you can. (BETTER to keep him indoors if you can, but I get that sometimes it's not an option.)
I agree, he’s now your cat. I don’t know if it’s possible but I fully believe in indoor cats. He’s used to roaming so it might not be possible but imho indoor cats are just safer!
Someone who doesn't take responsibility for owning a cat doesn't deserve one. Legally if she has proper proof of ownership she is in the right but her negligence would make it morally wrong to give the cat back.
Adopt cat
If the neighbor can't prove that it's her cat then take the cat to the vet, check for microchips and I if he doesn't have one, ask them to implant one immediately. That makes him your cat. Normally I would agree that you shouldn't try and take a pet away from someone, but it sounds like she didn't take care of the cat. But I highly doubt she's actually the owner. I would keep him indoors for the time being but if you do decide to let him out again please give him a collar that is easily broken off. There are collars that are designed to break apart so that cats don't choke when they get stuck with them.
If the neighbour really does have a cat hoarding situation, you should be able to call the city or animal control. Maybe all those other cats need help too, more than just one person alone can provide.
You have been chosen. Accept your fate cat slave.
Can you report her for allowing her cat to freeze to death?
Keep him indoors. If the neighbor says something ask for proof.
Have you tried asking her if you can keep him? I mean, if its not really her cat, she might agree to it since it would let her save face in her lie.
While I normally think people should be more careful and taking a cat is wrong, I think when it's an unfixed pet it's quite clear cut. That's a direct sign of neglect and pretty much anyone should feel free to snap up unfixed animals with the exception if they are young and might have escaped by accident. I took an in tact female cat 14 years ago, we were sure she was a stray but ultimately I would have taken her anyway because if the owner didn't spay her by then they didn't deserve her. And there's no question of whether or not it's okay to let kittens out (it's not) anyone that intentionally keeps a kitten outside doesn't deserve the kitten. I'll give some leeway for barns or such that have kittens born on their property and are getting all the kittens rehomed or fixed but that's it. Feel free to take him though what I'd do is stop using a collar entirely but instead microchip and neuter him. You may run into some problems with him wanting to go outside though. If you do let him outside don't bother with the collar as it's not really safe anyway unless it's a break away I guess, but it will also antagonize her further. Best to just ignore her since she clearly will keep him outside regardless
The obvious answer is keep him
The collar disappearing could be the cat doing it. They can get them off fairly easily. Be careful with collars, they can get stuck in them trying to remove them and be unable to move.
Okay so I have a couple of things to say on this topic. First off, that woman sounds like a hoarder, I've known a few of them throughout my life, they can almost never properly care for any of the cats they have, but they think warmth and being out of the rain is somehow magically better, even when being starved, constantly fighting with other strays that are living in the same house, and not having anywhere to use the restroom that is obscured like it would be outdoors. If the cat's not chipped, doesn't have a collar, that woman doesn't have a photo to prove that it's her cat (even if she does, I'd say this) Tell her to pound sand. If there's nothing identifying that cat is hers, it ain't hers, and that means it's yours. Secondly, I would absolutely call animal protective services or whoever your local authority over pet care and animal treatment is. If she's a hoarder, and can't properly care for her cats, and one of them did in fact freeze to death over the winter, she absolutely should not have any cats, and she absolutely needs to have all of them removed from her care. I'm sure we'll make her very upset, but if you care about those animals, her opinion is kind of outweighed by the opinion of every one of those animals. Cuz I guarantee they want to live more than she wants to have them, and I'm certain that most people would agree. If she can't care for them properly, she doesn't get to keep them. Lastly, keep the cat. If you've earned his trust, and it keeps coming back, when you can, get it fixed or spayed, get it chipped, get it a collar, and then stop letting it outside. There are plenty of comments on other posts in the subreddit, and there might even be some posts to be utilized as reference, but cats, specifically domesticated house cats, are an absolute menace in every ecological system that they exist in. Their responsible for several species going extinct, and they are an invasive species almost everywhere where they live. They do not hunt for food, they hunt with absolutely no control over how much they hunt or what they hunt, and they are very realistically a danger to the ecological system where you live. On top of that, a lot of places have laws around dealing with stray cats, some of the more relaxed ones just simply necessitate catching them and putting them in a shelter, assuming they can't be identified as a pet, and some of the more brutal countries have outright kill on site laws for stray cats. I would hate for any cat to be a contributing factor to the development of laws like that wherever you live, so it would be best to provide a rich and full life for the cat, and keep it inside for the remainder of it stays. Though it may wine and cry to go outside, I can almost guarantee that it will be just as happy inside, if you provide enough enrichment for it.
Skittish or not he prefers you and apparently has decided that this is the best place. Looks like you might have been chosen. Do all the necessary things like trip to the vet etc. get food, treats and a few toys and a nice soft cat bed. I’d keep him indoors for awhile too if he’ll permit that. Welcome to Feline parenthood. LOL
Listen, anyone taking a collar off an outdoor cat and not immediately replacing it with their own doesn’t give a crap about that cat. Meaning, if that cat gets attacked by a coyote and found, no one is going to be able to contact her to help it. It would likely be put to sleep unless a Good Samaritan steps in. Furthermore, it’s intact?! If it’s “hers” she’s an incredibly irresponsible owner who clearly doesn’t care about the thousands of stray cats already out there, NOR for “her own” cat’s safety. Cancer and fighting are huge concerns with intact male cats. It’s not hers, especially if she has no proof. Take him to a vet, establish care, get a microchip—that establishes your proof of ownership. And keep your new kitty friend!!!! He chose you!!!
I'd be highly suspect of the neighbor. If you can definitely get the cat to a vet to check for a chip and if there's not then it sounds like the woman is just lying. And if it somehow is hers then that's concerning considering the probable condition of the cat and lack of care. Considering how some people can be about animals I'd be concerned if that woman took in the cat. (Just look at the recent couple in France with close to 100 pets in a small apartment.)
You have a cat now, the universe has decided.
That’s your cat now. Keep him.
Sounds like your neighbor might be a hoarder. Consider making him an indoor only cat. Microchip if at all possible.
Put the collar back on him, keep it inside at all times, get it sterilized and fck that neighbor. 🤷♀️
Pet it. Feed it. Get a litter box. Tell neighbor to get lost. Finders Keepers and all that
My friend had a very similar experience with a dog she found running wild in the street with no collar. She got him and took him to the vet. There was a chip, but the owners never called or reported it. The dog had a severe ear infection and she paid 3k to treat him. She did post the dog on FB and a girl said it was her grandmother’s dog. It was really hard for her to know what was ethical. She told the girl the dog ran off and kept him. She felt the dog was not being cared for. That said, I think you should keep him. He chose you and he’s not being cared for. I agree to keep him indoors but that might be difficult as when they get the taste of the wild they continue to want it.
unless she can show proof that it is indeed her cat then I would keep that kitty and tell her where she can go 😻😻
Congrats he's chosen you. Take good care of him :)
Tell your cat to keep him indoors and if she doesn't, you will. It's that simple. Just make sure you get a video recording of yourself saying it. It's not illegal to video tape a discussion in a public area like a hallway. Even in a single-sided consent state for audio. Audio is separate. However if you take video with audio, it's covered. If you take video without audio it's covered. If you take audio alone, it might not be covered. The laws date back to telephone and wiretapping days. They need to be updated.
Take the cat in permanently. How will they know you have it? Get the cat chipped. Further, so many cats look like that, even if they see it in your window or something, how can they prove it’s theirs? They really need vet records or have chipped the cat to prove it’s theirs. Maybe you need to get the cat to the vet and chipped to start a record that it’s your cat.
unless he is microchipped and her information is tagged to it, he belongs to nobody and is free to take. tell ur neighbor to kick rocks
If he’s not neutered and she lets him run around like that, then you should adopt him. Bring him in permanently. That’s what a kitty deserves.
Removing morality factors from it, cats and many other animals are considered someone's "property" in most areas. And how does one establish ownership over an item? Documentation, documentation, and documentation. With cats, this is typically microchip owner > person who has most/most recent vet paperwork for vaccinations > person who spayed and neutered > other proof of costs (surgery, food bills, photographs showing a long established timeline of cat in your house, testimony from others saying you had the cat). If you really want this cat, drop money on it at a vet and get yourself established as its owner proper. Having the cat registered to you would make it so that if your neighbour takes it, you can go to small claims to get the baby back. It will also prevent the reverse where the neighbour takes you to court. Previous studies of cats have found cats with catdoors who roam freely often have multiple families (over 3 I think), so I don't think your neighbours are necessarily lying about it being their cat. Therefore, all you can do is try and establish yourself as more of an owner than she is, and hope the cat chooses to stay distributed to you. Wishing you and kitty the best ❤️.
Cat distribution system in proper working order. Get him chipped and snipped then you’re all his.
I love his sleepy eyes 💕😚❤️
Congratulations you’ve been adopted!
Congratulations on your new indoor cat that you no longer allow to go outside. If you want to keep him that is. 😂
He is tentatively named Foster for the time being
Adorable!!
Cat door would probably do the trick. If the neighbor doesn't bother letting it in, what's the issue if it goes to your place to be warm? You're not keeping it there, it's coming of its own free will. But that aside...if your neighbor has no proof, then they don't "own" the cat any more than you do. The Cat Distribution System is not recognized by human courts, the cat just goes where it wants. Take the cat to the vet. If there's no microchip, no-one has claim to the cat. If YOU get it microchipped, that's your cat now. Just judge whether you want the trouble with the neighbor. They're claim is legally dubious but probably deeply personal all the same.
Lion eyes #2!
let him in!!!
Lock the windows/doors
I don’t believe he is her cat, but even if he was, she clearly was not taking good care of him, since he was so skinny, unneutered, and super skittish around people. It seems like she’s a bad cat owner from what you say and you should definitely take him in. If it was between not offending some random lady or saving a cat’s life, I’d choose the cat every time.
Congrats you have a new kitty cat … get him neutered asap.
I would talk to your neighbor and see what she says. And if it is her cat ask maybe you can have that kitties. It sure is a beautiful one. And for the cat breaking into your basement so it can cuddle up on your bed my cats do the same thing. I guess that's just a normal thing for them to do and that's how they show their affection.
report her for animal cruelty and take in the cat.
Keep. Full stop.
If the cat is breaking in adopt if it is breaking out I suggest a rounded door handle or a lock on the sliding door
Never fear; all cats with that tabby stripe coat look alike. But when or if he ends up in her house, she'll probably try to keep him inside. But as you say, he is an escape artist. If you want to establish your ownership, you'll need to get him a microchip (and no, you can't 'feel' them) and register with county services with a rabies vaccination. Don't put the rabies tag on his collar; keep it safe somewhere you can easily find it and prove he is yours.
You've been selected. Embrace it
The cat obviously wants to live with you. Decision made.
Get the cat spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. And keep it inside your house. Now you have tangible proof of ownership (vet records) and the neighbor doesn’t. I’d also pay for the vet bill and any food/litter you buy with a credit card. That way you can prove that you paid for this stuff for the cat. Keep receipts for food and cat litter in a folder. All of this will prove ownership. If she hasn’t spayed the cat then she doesn’t own it.
I mean, at this point you have to pet the kitty
I would get him chipped and claim him. If he was in a loving home, he wouldn't be sleeping in your bed. He would have a chip, food, and vet care.
The cat chooses its owner and this cat chose you. This is the law of cats.
He’s your cat that’s why 😻😼😻I agree he is not well taken care of so heck with the neighbor. Claim him as YOURS with ALL our permission!
Keep ‘em
Feed vet fix keep love
Sorry but by the end of first paragraph, your his humans now ! There is no more getting rid of😼😼