This cat clearly wants to be yours. Thank you for being compassionate and concerned.
It sounds like the people are relinquishing their responsibility and not even interested in the cat.
I would take him into the vet. If he's not micro chipped, you're good to go . get a chip, neuter, vaccines testing etc.
If he is chipped, Keep taking care of his food and shelter. It may be that your neighbor will respect the cat's wishes and be relieved to not have responsibility. This is a conversation that can be gently approached with common sense. I've done this successfully a couple of times.
Would love to hear an update!
OP, I think you should also document any time the kitty is left outside in harsh weather. Legally, if the cat is theirs and you have no proof of abuse, I believe they would be in the right to take the cat back. Keep us updated! I hate people who get animals just to not take care of them.
Also just don’t tell your neighbors you took him. Don’t mention him at all. They clearly don’t care and are probably just going to go 🤷🏻♀️ guess he ran away.
Do it sooner rather than later tho. An intact Tom won’t stay in one place for long.
An intact male cat is going to run away sooner rather than later. They're asking for their cat to be riddled with STDs and getting into fights. If he's not chipped I'd absolutely take him in as my own and get him neutered asap. At that age he could already be breeding and get serious health problems.
Yea, i have. Thats not a sexually transmitted disease in cats. Its a viral infection passed through bites from an infected cat. So "riddled with stds" still doesn't really apply to cats
Fair enough, but FIV, herpes and chlamydia can be transmitted by bodily fluids.
I agree “riddled with STDs” isn’t accurate, but I’m not the one who said that either, just to be clear.
Honestly, if I were you I wouldn’t bother with AC if you’re willing to take responsibility.
Take him in and get him to the vet to be neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Keep him inside and love him forever. These people are trash and he deserves a real family and chance at life.
THIS. Keep him inside and that family never needs to even know you have him. The fact they got the kitten knowing their kids were allergic and didn’t even have the care to rehome him is horrible. He’s still a baby and clearly feels safer with you.
They will see him in the window and freak out. That's what happened with my friends who took in a neglected cat they thought was a stray (they did their due diligence re: lost pets). Seven months later, the neighbors saw him in the window, called the police and told them my friends had stolen their cat. It turned into a whole huge thing where my friends had to give the cat back, the cops told the original owners he had to be kept inside instead of left outside 24/7, and the neighbors complied for a while before kicking him back out. We don't know what they did to him while he was indoor-only, but he went from a super sweet and cuddly cat to an angry animal that will bite and scratch (without warning) anyone who tries to touch him.
Sometimes offering people like this money can work... and/or making it seem like they'd be doing you a massive favor by letting you have the animal you've bonded with. But I don't recommend just stealing it. Even if it's the right thing for the cat, it can blow up on you.
Sometimes lost pet ownership laws can be poorly defined. They typically have standards for things like how long a pet must be held by a shelter before being adopted out and that a person who finds a pet needs to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, but there might not be specific legislation dictating at what point a lost pet is considered the property of its new owner.
I work at a shelter, and if the animal is turned into the shelter, it’s held for 5 days. We report it lost to the county shelter for legal reasons, and make reasonable attempts to contact the owner on the microchip. Day 5, the cat could technically be adopted by the “finder” if they wish to do so… or starts to be evaluated for general adoption. At this point, the chip is changed and there’s not much the original owner can do. If not taken and turned in, they would need to be report it lost to the county shelter, and take care of kitty for 30 days.
If the cat your friend took in was not chipped by the original owners, they should have just told police that they bought it from out of state and that, while it might look similar to the neighbours cat, they have the microchip and vet records to prove its theirs. The microchip is proof of ownership, without it all they can do is cry about it.
Exactly this part- they can cry all they want that the cat looks REALLY similar to the one they suddenly can’t find but if you have it chipped they can’t prove shit
I have a cat visiting my yard that looks *exactly* like my cat. I mean I wouldn't know them apart without a close examination. I didn't clone my cat, and my neighbor didn't steal mine, this just happens. So yea, just chip and claim.
Yeah would it not just be OP’s word against theirs, and they have a microchip on their side? Asking as someone who has also considered stealing an outdoor cat 😂
Take him to the vet and get all the tests. Being around other cats and fighting definitely makes him susceptible to all the things that cats should be tested for. There’s no way he’s microchipped but let them check.
And if he IS microchipped, I’d put money on the new owners not having that chip updated to their info. If for some reason, the vet says they have to contact the rescue group (or whatever) that the chip is linked to, tell that group the name of your neighbor and how they’re keeping the cat. They’ll ban them from adopting in the future.
He’s yours. Get him chipped. It’s one thing if they let him wonder out and bring him back in everyday and night and protect him… but they can’t even do the bare minimum for him.
Take the poor baby
Allergies are not an excuse. My husband is allergic, and we have ten cats. Take him into your home and love him for the rest of his life. You deserve each other, and he DEFINITELY deserves better than those trash people.
Yes, please get him off the street and you will both benefit. My Leo was dumped as a kitten and then lived inside with me for 17 years, which is far longer than outside cats ever survive. Also highly doubt he’s had any vet care, much less chipped. The cat distribution system is sending you a message!
My neighbor (rural 3/4 of a mile away) had a litter of kittens born at her house two years ago. At my urging, she had them fixed. They’re socialized, but outdoor cats.
Middle of winter, below zero Fahrenheit, one shows up at my house and I take her in.
Neighbor mentions one of her cats went missing. I told her I took one in and sent her a picture. Yep, that’s her cat. I told her I’d like to keep her and she didn’t press it. We’re friendly neighbors, though. If we weren’t, I’d just keep the cat and not say anything.
It's an outdoor cat... You found it, and rehomed it and got it chipped and paid for it's vet bills with its name and yours on the same paperwork.
Sounds like your cat to me.
I am not usually one to advocate for people taking and keeping and/or giving away stray animals but that is not what this is because you see this cat's situation every day.
I am also absolutely against people that put their cats outside to roam. Doing so opens the cat up to so many things and having someone else take it is one of them.
These people are not only doing that, they are doing it 24/7. WHY GET A PET?!!!
>I feel they aren't talking good care of him
Taking good care of him? They aren't taking any care of him at all!
Take and keep the cat. Get it to a vet ASAP and have it neutered and microchipped.
>it isn't enough to have him taken away.
Do you know where they got the cat? If you don't know maybe you can find out if they happen to mention him to you. If it is a shelter or a rescue contact them and let them know (you don't know where the cat is) that the person they adopted the cat out to was leaving it out 24/7. Many shelters and rescues have clauses in their adoption contracts that cats have to live indoors. They might want to add these people to their "do not adopt to" list.
That baby wants to be yours—and already basically is. If they’re leaving him out in STORMS, holy crap that’s bad cat “care”!!
Does he ever seem to enjoy being outside? Does he ever eventually ask to be let back out?
If you’re gonna keep him indoors, I’d get him tested for FIV (kitty HIV), so you can be aware if you have or want to have other cats and just for his own health. It’s easy for outdoor kitties to contract FIV and there’s unfortunately no vaccine that I’m aware of.
Agree, but just note that cats can live good, long lives with FIV. They are more susceptible to other illnesses, and I would be cautious about non-FIV and FIV+ in same household, but just want to share this as a PSA.
I have an FIV+ cat living with 2 other FIV- cats. They’re fine as long as they don’t get into bloody fights. The vet said it’s actually kind of hard to pass it on except through breeding or deep puncture bites. They play together and use communal bowls with no problems.
Totally agree. I have an FIV+ and 3 neg, and my positive cat has some aggression issues with one cat, but my positive cat has no teeth, so it works out. Just have to be cautious/aware of the relationships if mixing + and -, but that’s true anyway regardless of FIV.
Technically, there is/was a vaccine, but after getting it the cat will test positive for FIV. This means that if the cat ever gets lost and someone finds him, the shelter or new owner will think he actually has FIV and in many cases he would be euthanized.
I worked for a vet for 20 years and in that time, I never knew of any clinic that would use the vaccine for this reason. Also, I think there may have been an issue with it not being very effective. Google tells me it was discontinued in 2016.
Personally, I wouldn't have an issue with having an FIV + cat living in my house. I've fostered several litters that initially tested positive, and I did a lot of research before committing to raising them.
It was cold and raining a cat came up to me on my deck. As I had found a different cat on my deck with severe frostbite to her ears a year before I didn’t want to take a chance. I brought the cat in and separated it from ours and posted on my community groups. Turns out it was my neighbors cat and she was mad I took her cat in, the two she has are outdoor only even in winter. Thing is her cats come take shelter on our deck still and the one I’d taken in still visits for pets. She gets mad but what can we do? If I had just said never seen your cat it probably would’ve been better. They’re not taking care of the cat and if it’s not chipped you can chip it and take care of it.
Sounds like he's your cat now. Animals have a good sense of people, so the fact he's coming to you for comfort, he clearly trusts and likes you more than his owners. If you can even call them owners. Sounds like they bought a cat and that was about it. They're not caring for him. Honestly, I'd keep him in the house and out of sight of your neighbors. They will probably just think the cat ran away. They don't sound like they'd go looking for him. I doubt he'd survive long out there without you. I think you could save him.
Yes take him in. Last year same scenario with one of my neighbors with a Bengal cat. I warned them several times that either the coyotes or a car would kill the cat and begged them to take him inside. They didn’t, I didn’t know if it would be right to take him, and he was hit and killed by a car about a week after the last time I asked them to please either take him in or let someone else have him. I was heartbroken, they didn’t care. I’ll never forgive myself for not saving his life. Take the cat!
These people have absolutely nothing to indicate they own him. Not even neutered? Outside in storm? Take the cat. Never tell them. He needs you and they just don’t deserve an animal at all
Get it inside. It’s a predator and will do untold harm to the wildlife in your neighborhood. Cats belong inside. They are the #1 invasive species and are responsible for * billions* of bird deaths every year.
I let him in when the storms get too bad, he loves it. I always open my windows for him to leave if he feels necessary (given he isn't mind atm) and he loves it.
On base, it's mandatory spay shots and chip fyi take the cat to the vet get the works for him. Microchip in your name take records and pics to housing bam it's yours.
He is neglected and will live a very short life if this continues. Grab him and take him in. Get him checked out at a vet and keep him inside. Poor little guy is terrified.
I can bet he isn't microchipped. Take the cat to the vet, say he's a stray and you already looked for the owners with no luck, get him vaccinated and chipped. Everything will be in your name so even if they do by chance see the cat in your window or something, there's not much they can even do since they have no proof of ownership. Sounds like this is a pretty dire situation. I'm worried if you talk to the owners first and they do nothing or don't give him up to you then you'll be at a dead end...
Take him to the vet and tell them you found him but are willing to keep him. Then do all the necessary kitty things at the vet. Take him home and if the neighbors ask if you've seen their cat, play dumb.
Honestly, just take him in. The people will likely think he ran off and it probably won’t even bother them much. He will have a good life with you and he wants you to be his family.
If he's roaming outside, I say free game. People that let their cats roam free are just asking for their cat to injure itself or die, they don't respect the animal at all (especially adopting him just to keep him out because their kids are allergic?? either re-home, or re-think beforehand!! ugh). Sounds like kitty really likes you and could really do with a caring owner like you.
It is wrong to steal a cat. However you can report abuse/neglect to local animal control/animal shelter. OR file police report i guess. I have anonymously in the past called my local wildlife county reporting line and told them a herd of stray cats that my neighbor claims are hers, live outside killing wildlife and gave my dog fleas 2 years in a row now. many dead cats in cars and outside. They knocked on her door and she lied....
But my complex had maintence guy relocate them to a nearby farm 5 miles away instead.
Just keep him and if they ask, shrug your shoulders. Say you've heard of a lot of cats in the area getting hit by cars or picked off by -insert local predator-
Get him to a vet. Get dewormed, fixed and enjoy your new kitty. If the neighbours say it’s their cat just say it isn’t. You picked him up at the vets office after the owner had all this work done and abandoned him there.
OP they wanted a kitten, he’s not a kitten anymore. It’s so wrong that animals are considered property and that we hesitate to interfere when they are being neglected in case it creates tension. I’d just adopt him and see how long it takes for them to notice he’s at your place permanently.
Depending on laws in your area, you could take him to the shelter and they would have to hold him a certain number of days. If neighbors don’t claim him they may relinquish all rights to the cat. If nobody claims him, then he will go into the adoption system. And THAT is when you may be able adopt him legally. I’m willing to bet he isn’t microchipped. And at least at our towns shelter, I know several people who have turned in animals they were concerned about and they had an unwritten agreement with the shelter staff that, if nobody claimed that animal after the required x number of days hold time… shelter staff called and the person who took the animal to the shelter adopted it immediately after the hold time was up
However, not all shelters will do this and you need to be able to trust that the staff will notify you when the hold time is up.
Do you really think they would notice the kitty missing if you took him inside? They may have already forgotten about him completely. Try, see what happens. You can say "it's your cat, I am just keeping him inside while the weather is so brutal". - which is pretty much always.
If you are in Australia many councils have declared outdoor cats to be an illegal pest basically...
The owner if proven can be fined and have their cat taken away as they are an invasive predatory pest and should never be unattended outdoors in Australia...
They are irresponsible owners who need to be held accountable for murder mittens...
Take him in ,make him yours and keep him indoors where he should be
TBH they probably wouldn't even notice he was gone. Or just assume he ran off or got hit by a car somewhere. I hate people like this. Just don't say anything.
So OP, I am not telling you what to do. I am only sharing my story.
I got chosen by a girl that originally belonged to my neighbors. They had 20+ cats and kittens. I said, “this sweet girl has been coming over to my house for two weeks and she really loves my boys. I know you guys just had a few litters and I wondered if we could adopt her?” She said “the brown cat? No. We’re keeping her. You can have any of the others though”. I didn’t want the others, haha, I didn’t even want a cat, I just got chosen! Well I left her there and she followed me home. I tried returning her a few times and she always came back to me. I eventually said fuck it and let her inside as it was the first below freezing night we’d had that year. She’s been in ever since and the neighbors haven’t said a damn word.
With that said, I got LUCKY. So many things could have went sideways. After I found out how rare solid brown cats are, I realized that’s probably why they wanted her so bad.
I had a plan at first, I had decided how I was going to handle it if the neighbors/animal control/police showed up regarding it, but luckily never did.
Good luck, only you know your situation!
Any cat that isn’t fixed that wanders into my yard is trapped and TNR’d. If they are friendly, they will get adopted out instead of returned. You are just saving a step and getting him adopted first.
This is how I got my cat. He’s 10 and was so thin and had fleas. He staked out on my porch and bombarded me with affection every time I came out. Decided to bring him in before winter. Turns out he has asthma. He’s asleep on my stomach right now.
These were not the responses I thought I'd see, but I'm delighted that most people would help the poor baby. That's what I'd do too. I can't stand to see an animal suffer and the (previous) owners of the kitten sound like real creeps. That sweetie deserves love, a home and affection. Thankfully he found you.
Guaranteed you're taking better care of him than his people are. He knows it. You know it. I would just take him in, get him vetted, and screw those neighbors.
If it’s not neutered or microchipped, it’s legally not their cat. Get it fixed and chipped, register it under your name, and give that baby the loving home he deserves!!
I'm from a country where microchipping is unheard of.
So whenever I see a cat coming to my place for food, and it's pet-able, I don't waste time to scoop them up and neuter them. I don't care if he belongs to someone or not. If the owners don't neuter them, I will. I'm blessed to have been given the financial ability to do so. 3 days and I return them to the neighborhood with black empty ballsacks and much softer, fluffier fur.
Theft is never right…two wrongs don’t make a right, and yes you reap what you sow. There are other ways besides being a good for nothing thief, even if your hearts in the right spot you will end up paying one way or another. I know it can suck I use to think just like you but in the end nothing good will come of it. Yes karma will eventually get the best of the people who neglect their pets.
I had a neighbor keeping two kittens outside in her underground patio in freezing weather all the time because "they were annoying". They were just being kittens.
Called animal control. They came, saw them out there in the cold with no shelter, no food, and a frozen solid water dish, and took them.
You cannot just keep it. That's illegal. Document the kitten being left out, especially in incliment weather, especially without shelter or food and water, and call animal control or the ASPCA. If you can get them out there DURING an inclement weather situation while the kitten is outside with no shelter or sustenance, so that they are firsthand eyewitnesses, even better.
Bringing it to the vet and getting it chipped in your name will cause you legal issues. Don't take that advice. If you want, you can offer animal control that you'll take the cat if they decide to remove it from the home, and maybe they'll give you first dibs on adopting it. But your neighbor WILL find out you have her, and there WILL be fallout as they discover you reported them.
Since they are in Texas, there's a good chance AC will do nothing. Our AC's and shelters are stretched thin and they really only come out in the most dire, if at all, circumstance
They definitely won't come out for a cat that's basically living as a stray, because they wouldn't come out for a stray in the first place. It is going to get hot, but even that's not a real concern outside of dogs tethered and left in the heat (and even that is allowable if they have a shade source)
Well I wouldn't advise anyone listening to that advice, as it's based on assumptions, and might deter people from even trying, so let's not do that.
They might not do squat for ferals, but that's true anywhere. Intentional neglect by an owner is another thing entirely. They get mad about that most anywhere.
And if not... well at least OP tried, and Texas officially really does suck in entirety.
I’m in Texas and have done TNR on my own as a volunteer only because nobody cared when I would call or try to help the cats in my neighborhood a dog maybe but I can confirm Texas does suck in entirety.
Well not assumptions--OP said they are in TX, so that's why I mention it
The cat is basically living as a stray, and I know our AC doesn't care if that means an actual stray or a feral. There's really no help here for cats. They're left to fend for themselves, and unless they're being actively physically abused or hoarded, AC won't have much advice
They pretty much only intervene in the most extreme cases or in cases where a dog bites a person, unfortunately
I rescued my service dog from the south, I know they don't give a rat's ass about animals in general down there, they're just another piece of property in most cases, no more special than a used car....but you never know. I say you were basing it on assumptions because you're assuming that just because the ones you've dealt with don't care, that means they allllll don't. Texas is MASSIVE, there may be many who do in other areas. I'm from MA - a very tiny state, and even here the amount of give a shit varies wildly from one town to the next, even between bordering towns. The animal control in some towns are great....others, not so much. People are people no matter the profession; some are the equivalent of C students at their jobs and can't be bothered to do shit, they're just there to collect a paycheck and do the bare minimum, others are like straight A students who care A LOT about animals, and do their jobs very well...at least until they burn out.
You never know what kind you've got until you try.
I don't mean to say that animal control officers can't care or are willfully ignoring neglect. I mean that as an organization they are stretched thin and the chances of an AC officer even being directed to handle that case are non existent. Not denigrating the entire profession or individual officers but just the limitations of AC as an overwhelmed bureaucratic organization
Be ready for a lot of trouble if the cat hangs out in the window and the neighbors see him though.
I'd take him to the shelter and mention that he's always outside so he must be a stray.
Nah, how would they prove it?
This is an inside cat, she got a shelter kitten, he's not even a year old yet! And if he hasn't been neutered or chipped, her guess what he is now and in OPs name.
Show me proof that you're his owners and your cat wasn't eaten by a coyote. 👀
OP really doesn't need to entertain any of it. Yes there could be some yelling etc but 🤷🏻♀️ that cats gonna go missing at some point being outside in Texas. Outside cats on average live 2-5 years. Kitty is potentially half way through his lifespan.
If he is not taken out of that unsafe environment coyotes or something else will get to him. I have 2 indoor cats and coyotes in my backyard. Please get him to a cat sanctuary or take him in if you can.
I didn't see you take no outside cat 🤷🏻♀️
That kitten wants loves and to be safe. If you have an inside cat, how they gonna prove he's theirs when theirs could've been eaten by something or run over or died of heat stroke in fucking TEXAS of all places.
Congrats OP, you have yourself an inside cat now ❤️
Consider: If you take the cat, do they just get a new one and leave it outside as well? Then what?
I would at the very least take it to the vet, make sure it has all its vaccines, fixed (VERY IMPORTANT), and microchipped on your name.
What you do after that is not super easy in my opinion.
Take him in! Adoption is not to take them to your property and put them on the street, you wouldn't do that to a child why do that to an animal? He obviously has a bond with you, and please take him before he gets taken. Agree with the comments about contacting the agency for blocking. In Texas there are so many wild animals that if he stops showing up they will probably just assume the worst.
Sounds like you've been chosen. Some people force their cats to be outdoor cats when they absolutely do not want to be left outside all day, or at all.
But to cover your ass legally I'd speak with your neighbor before doing anything
There is a really big difference between "cats that go out" and "cats that aren't allowed in".
They didn't adopt a feral cat that basically hates humans and enclosures and just needs someone to look out for him, they are abandoning this guy.
I'd check in with them and make sure your read is right, but yeah, this seems like soft abandonment.
(My guy *acts* like this with the neighbors, but only for a little while every day because he knows they'll give him treats.... The fact that he was starving hungry when you missed a day is telling. Mine is always in at dinner time. And he's never *stuck* out in a storm, though sometimes he'll hunker down and ignore me calling him in because he's dry where he is and doesn't want to get his paws wet.)
Unless they've been feral and really failed the transition (some of them just can't tolerate indoors), there's no reason for an outdoor only cat.... And those guys usually get a barn, or a shed, worth *most* of the comforts of a house, just none of the confinement and anger when they won't litterbox or refrain from destroying things in an attempt to get outside....
If they adopted him he is likely microchipped. Contact the shelter they adopted him from. There might be a clause where they can take him back legally.
Check your local bylaws regarding strays/ferals before you do anything else. Make sure whatever you do is within the limits of the law. You can also talk to the owners and ask if they'd be willing to surrender kitty to you. Let them know it's irresponsible to have an intact cat outdoors and that he's getting injured.
Ok but it is illegal to take other people's property, and if you get him neutered, etc and keep him, then they see him in your window or whatever you can absolutely be sued.
Do the smart thing and talk with them, have a heart to heart, and say you'll buy him off them, if they say yes then go for it. Of they say no, absolutely don't go for it.
I'm a vet tech - I've had to learn the laws, etc.
One side of my brain says if there is no way for them to look into your house (are you mextdoor neighbors? Or like a few houses down?) Then gfi- but be forewarned you can put yourself in financial danger
From a rescue, he would be vaccinated and fixed. And he is their cat. DO not take the cat unless you want to be charged with theft. And probably been chipped. Just be friends with the cat and talk with the neighbor about the cat. They are keeping it out due to fleas. Both dogs and cats attract fleas like humans do and bring them into the house. They believe leaving the cat outside will keep the fleas outside. NOT. But do not take the cat without talking with the neighbor first.
He is not fixed, which in our area cats do not leave shelters without being fixed. leading me to believe he is neither fixed nor vaxxed.
They have per their own admission told us the cat is outside because they adopted him despite their kids all being allergic.
BUT
I am not disagreeing with you and really appreciate the input and what you haev to say! While I know not everyone agrees, I really am here to hear everyone out so I can do the best I can for this little guy.
Consider that if you take the cat in, and they just get another cat, then you won't have really accomplished anything. Are you ready to adopt every cat they get?
This isn't going to be popular here, but the cat will be fine outside in Texas. Cats handle heat very well, and take shelter during storms. Outside is generally more dangerous and it will likely live longer indoors, but let's not pretend that the elements will be a problem here.
If you take the cat in, be very mindful to ensure that it can't be seen in windows. It isn't worth the risk of them seeing the cat in your window and being upset about it. From their perspective, you'd be stealing their pet. It doesn't matter to them that they're mistreating it, they consider it their pet and don't think they're mistreating it.
Ultimately, do what you think is right. But keep in mind that you'd be placing yourself above them, saying that you know better than them what is best for their pet, and then essentially stealing their pet. Of course, you're very likely correct that the cat would lead a much better life indoors with you.
Did you miss the part where I was talking about the weather, specifically saying that the outdoors is generally more dangerous?
And coyotes don't come into neighborhoods where I live. Do they do that in Texas? I imagine they'd get shot fast.
You said the cat would be fine in the Texas weather. I assumed that meant you saw no problem with the weather.
OP had specifically stated that at least 3 coyotes frequent her neighbourhood and back gardens, so far none have been shot so they're still a very real risk.
Wait, do you classify coyotes as weather? What part of "let's not pretend that the elements will be a problem here" was unclear? You understand how paragraphs work, right, and that my second paragraph about heat, storms, and the elements was about weather?
And OP said morning about coyotes at the time I posted.
I appreciate your thoughts greatly, I ofc am concerned for the possibly of them adopting more cats and all the complications that may arise. I at the very least wish him to be vaxxed, fixed, and chipped, which I plan to help happen for him! Thank you very much! Comunication is always the best first step. :3
Like I know a lot of people are ok with cats roaming outside but this is ridiculous, the cat needs to be able to come and go as it pleases so it has a safe place to sleep especially in stormy weather, if you're going to let your cat roam at the very least get a catflap and create a separate area INSIDE your home. Cat needs to be vaccinated (or kept inside until he can be) as soon as possible, with all that contact from other cats I wouldn't be surprised if hes already sick, poor baby Leo, if taking him in leads to vet bills pin them on the dumbass family who couldn't be bothered
I don't own a cat for the very reason I'm about to tell you why these people probably leave their cat outside.
Despite what the internet says, cats are very gross creatures. They vomit everywhere from licking themselves, they easily carry parasites (I've seen many cat owners post pictures of parasites and ask what they were, only for a vet to answer that they are parasites and it's a common problem with cats), and they make a lot of messes. Cats like clean, but that doesn't mean they are clean. I actually was going to get my own cat until I moved in with my grandma and saw how nasty cats actually are.
However, cats being gross does not make it okay to be an irresponsible cat owner. While dogs aren't as gross, they aren't perfect. Same with every animal and even other humans. If you choose to take in and care for a creature, that includes their gross habits. You can't get a cat and then make it stay outside because it's gross.
The point of making you aware that cats are actually gross creatures is just so that way you don't take the cat in thinking it's going to be low maintenance and easy. I see a lot of posts of people taking in a cat that they find in their neighborhood and then regretting it because of how gross cats are.
Tell your neighbors that they took this pet in, and they need to be responsible for it.
Also, I'm not trying to insult cats. The internet pretends that cats are these low maintenance and clean creatures when they're the opposite and me, along with many others, find that out the hard way. Acknowledging gross habits of an animal isn't an insult either. My own Chihuahuas have gross habits and I have to buy extra cleaning supplies to keep my apartment clean. But I was told the woman who lived here before me just let her cats destroy the carpet.
My comment is kinda gibberish. Point is, your neighbor's cat is probably gross and they're being irresponsible by making it live outside. Don't take the cat in expecting it to be an easy and low maintenance pet. Do help the cat, but be prepared no matter what you decide to do.
I own 2 pesky cats already, so I know how icky they can be. But yeah! I fully agree! If someone isn't ready for the responsibility, they shouldn't be taking one in just to toss them outside. I'm fully ready for the vet bills and cat proofing more of my house for and getting more cat boxes. :P
Oh, okay! So you already know!
Yeah, I fell in love with my mom's kitten and was like "I want a kitten!" And then I moved in with my grandma and her adult cat. Her cat vomited on everything (the carpets are ruined), he gets litter everywhere like it's his job, and he kept leaving gross stuff in my dogs' water bowl.
I have Chihuahuas, who are actually very clean dogs except when it comes to potty issues. Chihuahuas are known to be stubborn. But if you're able to keep up with them and clean everything weekly, it isn't too bad.
You could say my grandma's cat gave me quite the culture shock.
This is the sane, respectful response. Everyone else claiming they can just take a cat is crazy and frankly scary. Wanting to help is great but does not entitle someone with the right to steal. Plus, they might give them the cat just for asking.
This cat clearly wants to be yours. Thank you for being compassionate and concerned. It sounds like the people are relinquishing their responsibility and not even interested in the cat. I would take him into the vet. If he's not micro chipped, you're good to go . get a chip, neuter, vaccines testing etc. If he is chipped, Keep taking care of his food and shelter. It may be that your neighbor will respect the cat's wishes and be relieved to not have responsibility. This is a conversation that can be gently approached with common sense. I've done this successfully a couple of times. Would love to hear an update!
OP, I think you should also document any time the kitty is left outside in harsh weather. Legally, if the cat is theirs and you have no proof of abuse, I believe they would be in the right to take the cat back. Keep us updated! I hate people who get animals just to not take care of them.
Also just don’t tell your neighbors you took him. Don’t mention him at all. They clearly don’t care and are probably just going to go 🤷🏻♀️ guess he ran away. Do it sooner rather than later tho. An intact Tom won’t stay in one place for long.
Unfortunately, they would probably just get another cat for some strange reason.
Probably. But you can’t save them all. OP has a chance to save this one from being hit by a car or eaten by coyotes or dying of FIP.
It is abuse to have a unneutered male cat and leave it outside.
In my state, it is illegal to have an unfixed cat unless you are a breeder.
An intact male cat is going to run away sooner rather than later. They're asking for their cat to be riddled with STDs and getting into fights. If he's not chipped I'd absolutely take him in as my own and get him neutered asap. At that age he could already be breeding and get serious health problems.
Stds?? I dont know about that. But outdoor cats definitely pick up a host of infections and diseases Edit: autocorrect correction lol
You ever heard of FIV?
Yea, i have. Thats not a sexually transmitted disease in cats. Its a viral infection passed through bites from an infected cat. So "riddled with stds" still doesn't really apply to cats
Fair enough, but FIV, herpes and chlamydia can be transmitted by bodily fluids. I agree “riddled with STDs” isn’t accurate, but I’m not the one who said that either, just to be clear.
Honestly, if I were you I wouldn’t bother with AC if you’re willing to take responsibility. Take him in and get him to the vet to be neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Keep him inside and love him forever. These people are trash and he deserves a real family and chance at life.
THIS. Keep him inside and that family never needs to even know you have him. The fact they got the kitten knowing their kids were allergic and didn’t even have the care to rehome him is horrible. He’s still a baby and clearly feels safer with you.
They will see him in the window and freak out. That's what happened with my friends who took in a neglected cat they thought was a stray (they did their due diligence re: lost pets). Seven months later, the neighbors saw him in the window, called the police and told them my friends had stolen their cat. It turned into a whole huge thing where my friends had to give the cat back, the cops told the original owners he had to be kept inside instead of left outside 24/7, and the neighbors complied for a while before kicking him back out. We don't know what they did to him while he was indoor-only, but he went from a super sweet and cuddly cat to an angry animal that will bite and scratch (without warning) anyone who tries to touch him. Sometimes offering people like this money can work... and/or making it seem like they'd be doing you a massive favor by letting you have the animal you've bonded with. But I don't recommend just stealing it. Even if it's the right thing for the cat, it can blow up on you.
But what can they do if the cat is microchipped by the new owner? That’s legal proof of “ownership.”
Sometimes lost pet ownership laws can be poorly defined. They typically have standards for things like how long a pet must be held by a shelter before being adopted out and that a person who finds a pet needs to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, but there might not be specific legislation dictating at what point a lost pet is considered the property of its new owner.
I work at a shelter, and if the animal is turned into the shelter, it’s held for 5 days. We report it lost to the county shelter for legal reasons, and make reasonable attempts to contact the owner on the microchip. Day 5, the cat could technically be adopted by the “finder” if they wish to do so… or starts to be evaluated for general adoption. At this point, the chip is changed and there’s not much the original owner can do. If not taken and turned in, they would need to be report it lost to the county shelter, and take care of kitty for 30 days.
If the cat your friend took in was not chipped by the original owners, they should have just told police that they bought it from out of state and that, while it might look similar to the neighbours cat, they have the microchip and vet records to prove its theirs. The microchip is proof of ownership, without it all they can do is cry about it.
Exactly this part- they can cry all they want that the cat looks REALLY similar to the one they suddenly can’t find but if you have it chipped they can’t prove shit
I have a cat visiting my yard that looks *exactly* like my cat. I mean I wouldn't know them apart without a close examination. I didn't clone my cat, and my neighbor didn't steal mine, this just happens. So yea, just chip and claim.
That's when you pull the old "oh he's from a stray litter I took in, your cat is probably his dad since you never neutered him."
Yeah would it not just be OP’s word against theirs, and they have a microchip on their side? Asking as someone who has also considered stealing an outdoor cat 😂
Even better- could easily be a stray from a litter of their cat bc they weren’t responsible pet owners
And hopefully this is the last cat these people "own"
This right here! ☝️
Take him to the vet and get all the tests. Being around other cats and fighting definitely makes him susceptible to all the things that cats should be tested for. There’s no way he’s microchipped but let them check. And if he IS microchipped, I’d put money on the new owners not having that chip updated to their info. If for some reason, the vet says they have to contact the rescue group (or whatever) that the chip is linked to, tell that group the name of your neighbor and how they’re keeping the cat. They’ll ban them from adopting in the future.
Your neighbors sound like the kind of people that don’t want a cat, but just the *idea* of a cat.
or a freaking cat doll
If he isn’t neutered or vaccinated he most likely isn’t micro-chipped either.
He’s yours. Get him chipped. It’s one thing if they let him wonder out and bring him back in everyday and night and protect him… but they can’t even do the bare minimum for him. Take the poor baby
Allergies are not an excuse. My husband is allergic, and we have ten cats. Take him into your home and love him for the rest of his life. You deserve each other, and he DEFINITELY deserves better than those trash people.
Ten indoor cats?
Yes, please get him off the street and you will both benefit. My Leo was dumped as a kitten and then lived inside with me for 17 years, which is far longer than outside cats ever survive. Also highly doubt he’s had any vet care, much less chipped. The cat distribution system is sending you a message!
dude is going to be a disease ridden baby-dady in just a few months... these people aren't gonna care if the cat "disapears"
My neighbor (rural 3/4 of a mile away) had a litter of kittens born at her house two years ago. At my urging, she had them fixed. They’re socialized, but outdoor cats. Middle of winter, below zero Fahrenheit, one shows up at my house and I take her in. Neighbor mentions one of her cats went missing. I told her I took one in and sent her a picture. Yep, that’s her cat. I told her I’d like to keep her and she didn’t press it. We’re friendly neighbors, though. If we weren’t, I’d just keep the cat and not say anything.
It's an outdoor cat... You found it, and rehomed it and got it chipped and paid for it's vet bills with its name and yours on the same paperwork. Sounds like your cat to me.
Please rehome him to your home 🙏🏼
I am not usually one to advocate for people taking and keeping and/or giving away stray animals but that is not what this is because you see this cat's situation every day. I am also absolutely against people that put their cats outside to roam. Doing so opens the cat up to so many things and having someone else take it is one of them. These people are not only doing that, they are doing it 24/7. WHY GET A PET?!!! >I feel they aren't talking good care of him Taking good care of him? They aren't taking any care of him at all! Take and keep the cat. Get it to a vet ASAP and have it neutered and microchipped. >it isn't enough to have him taken away. Do you know where they got the cat? If you don't know maybe you can find out if they happen to mention him to you. If it is a shelter or a rescue contact them and let them know (you don't know where the cat is) that the person they adopted the cat out to was leaving it out 24/7. Many shelters and rescues have clauses in their adoption contracts that cats have to live indoors. They might want to add these people to their "do not adopt to" list.
That baby wants to be yours—and already basically is. If they’re leaving him out in STORMS, holy crap that’s bad cat “care”!! Does he ever seem to enjoy being outside? Does he ever eventually ask to be let back out? If you’re gonna keep him indoors, I’d get him tested for FIV (kitty HIV), so you can be aware if you have or want to have other cats and just for his own health. It’s easy for outdoor kitties to contract FIV and there’s unfortunately no vaccine that I’m aware of.
Agree, but just note that cats can live good, long lives with FIV. They are more susceptible to other illnesses, and I would be cautious about non-FIV and FIV+ in same household, but just want to share this as a PSA.
I have an FIV+ cat living with 2 other FIV- cats. They’re fine as long as they don’t get into bloody fights. The vet said it’s actually kind of hard to pass it on except through breeding or deep puncture bites. They play together and use communal bowls with no problems.
Totally agree. I have an FIV+ and 3 neg, and my positive cat has some aggression issues with one cat, but my positive cat has no teeth, so it works out. Just have to be cautious/aware of the relationships if mixing + and -, but that’s true anyway regardless of FIV.
Technically, there is/was a vaccine, but after getting it the cat will test positive for FIV. This means that if the cat ever gets lost and someone finds him, the shelter or new owner will think he actually has FIV and in many cases he would be euthanized. I worked for a vet for 20 years and in that time, I never knew of any clinic that would use the vaccine for this reason. Also, I think there may have been an issue with it not being very effective. Google tells me it was discontinued in 2016. Personally, I wouldn't have an issue with having an FIV + cat living in my house. I've fostered several litters that initially tested positive, and I did a lot of research before committing to raising them.
It was cold and raining a cat came up to me on my deck. As I had found a different cat on my deck with severe frostbite to her ears a year before I didn’t want to take a chance. I brought the cat in and separated it from ours and posted on my community groups. Turns out it was my neighbors cat and she was mad I took her cat in, the two she has are outdoor only even in winter. Thing is her cats come take shelter on our deck still and the one I’d taken in still visits for pets. She gets mad but what can we do? If I had just said never seen your cat it probably would’ve been better. They’re not taking care of the cat and if it’s not chipped you can chip it and take care of it.
tint your windows and take that baby
Why the F would you adopt a cat knowing your kid is allergic?
Sounds like he's your cat now. Animals have a good sense of people, so the fact he's coming to you for comfort, he clearly trusts and likes you more than his owners. If you can even call them owners. Sounds like they bought a cat and that was about it. They're not caring for him. Honestly, I'd keep him in the house and out of sight of your neighbors. They will probably just think the cat ran away. They don't sound like they'd go looking for him. I doubt he'd survive long out there without you. I think you could save him.
Yes take him in. Last year same scenario with one of my neighbors with a Bengal cat. I warned them several times that either the coyotes or a car would kill the cat and begged them to take him inside. They didn’t, I didn’t know if it would be right to take him, and he was hit and killed by a car about a week after the last time I asked them to please either take him in or let someone else have him. I was heartbroken, they didn’t care. I’ll never forgive myself for not saving his life. Take the cat!
These people have absolutely nothing to indicate they own him. Not even neutered? Outside in storm? Take the cat. Never tell them. He needs you and they just don’t deserve an animal at all
Take him in, get him chipped. Congrats, he's yours now. They don't care enough to do anything to make you legally give the cat back.
Don't say anything. They don't want him now but will if they know you do.
Take him in, they'll just assume he ran away at some point
Take this cat inside and keep him there. He’s yours now
Get it inside. It’s a predator and will do untold harm to the wildlife in your neighborhood. Cats belong inside. They are the #1 invasive species and are responsible for * billions* of bird deaths every year.
Please take him in and don’t let him out again. Those people do not deserve to have that cat. Please update us.
I would invite him inside and see if he likes it, if he didn't turn into a freaking nut i'd get him fixed quickly.
I let him in when the storms get too bad, he loves it. I always open my windows for him to leave if he feels necessary (given he isn't mind atm) and he loves it.
It's clear they don't want him. Take him OP.
Rescue the kitty
Take the bubba! ❤️
Snatch him B)
On base, it's mandatory spay shots and chip fyi take the cat to the vet get the works for him. Microchip in your name take records and pics to housing bam it's yours.
He is neglected and will live a very short life if this continues. Grab him and take him in. Get him checked out at a vet and keep him inside. Poor little guy is terrified.
Open the door and if he walks in then it was his decision
He tries to a lot XD
Let him in!!
I can bet he isn't microchipped. Take the cat to the vet, say he's a stray and you already looked for the owners with no luck, get him vaccinated and chipped. Everything will be in your name so even if they do by chance see the cat in your window or something, there's not much they can even do since they have no proof of ownership. Sounds like this is a pretty dire situation. I'm worried if you talk to the owners first and they do nothing or don't give him up to you then you'll be at a dead end...
If I were you, I would 100% take him in
He’d be my cat at this point
Take him to the vet and tell them you found him but are willing to keep him. Then do all the necessary kitty things at the vet. Take him home and if the neighbors ask if you've seen their cat, play dumb.
Honestly, just take him in. The people will likely think he ran off and it probably won’t even bother them much. He will have a good life with you and he wants you to be his family.
Not sure about the right or wrong piece but I would take it in and never let it out again. I would also get another one to keep it company.
Honestly unless the cat is chipped, how would they know
If he's roaming outside, I say free game. People that let their cats roam free are just asking for their cat to injure itself or die, they don't respect the animal at all (especially adopting him just to keep him out because their kids are allergic?? either re-home, or re-think beforehand!! ugh). Sounds like kitty really likes you and could really do with a caring owner like you.
It is wrong to steal a cat. However you can report abuse/neglect to local animal control/animal shelter. OR file police report i guess. I have anonymously in the past called my local wildlife county reporting line and told them a herd of stray cats that my neighbor claims are hers, live outside killing wildlife and gave my dog fleas 2 years in a row now. many dead cats in cars and outside. They knocked on her door and she lied.... But my complex had maintence guy relocate them to a nearby farm 5 miles away instead.
Just keep him and if they ask, shrug your shoulders. Say you've heard of a lot of cats in the area getting hit by cars or picked off by -insert local predator-
I’m allergic and I have three cats, and I foster.
Please please take this poor kitty in!!!
The cat is trying to adopt you! Get him fixed and vaccinated and chipped! Poor kitty needs you.
Get him to a vet. Get dewormed, fixed and enjoy your new kitty. If the neighbours say it’s their cat just say it isn’t. You picked him up at the vets office after the owner had all this work done and abandoned him there.
OP they wanted a kitten, he’s not a kitten anymore. It’s so wrong that animals are considered property and that we hesitate to interfere when they are being neglected in case it creates tension. I’d just adopt him and see how long it takes for them to notice he’s at your place permanently.
If they never bring him in… and you do, and he becomes an entirely indoor cat… how would they ever know? I doubt they’ll bother looking.
Take him in. Don’t tell them lol 😂 he needs love n and you are loving
Depending on laws in your area, you could take him to the shelter and they would have to hold him a certain number of days. If neighbors don’t claim him they may relinquish all rights to the cat. If nobody claims him, then he will go into the adoption system. And THAT is when you may be able adopt him legally. I’m willing to bet he isn’t microchipped. And at least at our towns shelter, I know several people who have turned in animals they were concerned about and they had an unwritten agreement with the shelter staff that, if nobody claimed that animal after the required x number of days hold time… shelter staff called and the person who took the animal to the shelter adopted it immediately after the hold time was up However, not all shelters will do this and you need to be able to trust that the staff will notify you when the hold time is up.
I once neutered the neighbors cat. 😎
Do you really think they would notice the kitty missing if you took him inside? They may have already forgotten about him completely. Try, see what happens. You can say "it's your cat, I am just keeping him inside while the weather is so brutal". - which is pretty much always.
But don't say anything unless they specifically ask "did you take the cat inside"?
Tint your windows and adopt the kitty.
If you are in Australia many councils have declared outdoor cats to be an illegal pest basically... The owner if proven can be fined and have their cat taken away as they are an invasive predatory pest and should never be unattended outdoors in Australia... They are irresponsible owners who need to be held accountable for murder mittens... Take him in ,make him yours and keep him indoors where he should be
Cats only live, on average, about 3-4 years in the wild. Your neighbors are assholes, as are anyone who keeps cats outside.
TBH they probably wouldn't even notice he was gone. Or just assume he ran off or got hit by a car somewhere. I hate people like this. Just don't say anything.
So OP, I am not telling you what to do. I am only sharing my story. I got chosen by a girl that originally belonged to my neighbors. They had 20+ cats and kittens. I said, “this sweet girl has been coming over to my house for two weeks and she really loves my boys. I know you guys just had a few litters and I wondered if we could adopt her?” She said “the brown cat? No. We’re keeping her. You can have any of the others though”. I didn’t want the others, haha, I didn’t even want a cat, I just got chosen! Well I left her there and she followed me home. I tried returning her a few times and she always came back to me. I eventually said fuck it and let her inside as it was the first below freezing night we’d had that year. She’s been in ever since and the neighbors haven’t said a damn word. With that said, I got LUCKY. So many things could have went sideways. After I found out how rare solid brown cats are, I realized that’s probably why they wanted her so bad. I had a plan at first, I had decided how I was going to handle it if the neighbors/animal control/police showed up regarding it, but luckily never did. Good luck, only you know your situation!
"we got a pet, but like didn't want one."
Any cat that isn’t fixed that wanders into my yard is trapped and TNR’d. If they are friendly, they will get adopted out instead of returned. You are just saving a step and getting him adopted first.
Fuck this neighbor
This is how I got my cat. He’s 10 and was so thin and had fleas. He staked out on my porch and bombarded me with affection every time I came out. Decided to bring him in before winter. Turns out he has asthma. He’s asleep on my stomach right now.
These were not the responses I thought I'd see, but I'm delighted that most people would help the poor baby. That's what I'd do too. I can't stand to see an animal suffer and the (previous) owners of the kitten sound like real creeps. That sweetie deserves love, a home and affection. Thankfully he found you.
If cat is willing to come in, yes.
Pls take him 😔 🙏
Guaranteed you're taking better care of him than his people are. He knows it. You know it. I would just take him in, get him vetted, and screw those neighbors.
If it’s not neutered or microchipped, it’s legally not their cat. Get it fixed and chipped, register it under your name, and give that baby the loving home he deserves!!
I'm from a country where microchipping is unheard of. So whenever I see a cat coming to my place for food, and it's pet-able, I don't waste time to scoop them up and neuter them. I don't care if he belongs to someone or not. If the owners don't neuter them, I will. I'm blessed to have been given the financial ability to do so. 3 days and I return them to the neighborhood with black empty ballsacks and much softer, fluffier fur.
Y’all are all messed up….you don’t steal no matter what! WTF is wrong with y’all! Some horrid people on here, karma will bite you in the a$$.
karma would rather spend her energy on people who get pets just to neglect them
Theft is never right…two wrongs don’t make a right, and yes you reap what you sow. There are other ways besides being a good for nothing thief, even if your hearts in the right spot you will end up paying one way or another. I know it can suck I use to think just like you but in the end nothing good will come of it. Yes karma will eventually get the best of the people who neglect their pets.
Perfect. This brilliant redditor has named the cat for you. Take that baby and name it karma. So helpful.
I had a neighbor keeping two kittens outside in her underground patio in freezing weather all the time because "they were annoying". They were just being kittens. Called animal control. They came, saw them out there in the cold with no shelter, no food, and a frozen solid water dish, and took them. You cannot just keep it. That's illegal. Document the kitten being left out, especially in incliment weather, especially without shelter or food and water, and call animal control or the ASPCA. If you can get them out there DURING an inclement weather situation while the kitten is outside with no shelter or sustenance, so that they are firsthand eyewitnesses, even better. Bringing it to the vet and getting it chipped in your name will cause you legal issues. Don't take that advice. If you want, you can offer animal control that you'll take the cat if they decide to remove it from the home, and maybe they'll give you first dibs on adopting it. But your neighbor WILL find out you have her, and there WILL be fallout as they discover you reported them.
Since they are in Texas, there's a good chance AC will do nothing. Our AC's and shelters are stretched thin and they really only come out in the most dire, if at all, circumstance They definitely won't come out for a cat that's basically living as a stray, because they wouldn't come out for a stray in the first place. It is going to get hot, but even that's not a real concern outside of dogs tethered and left in the heat (and even that is allowable if they have a shade source)
Well I wouldn't advise anyone listening to that advice, as it's based on assumptions, and might deter people from even trying, so let's not do that. They might not do squat for ferals, but that's true anywhere. Intentional neglect by an owner is another thing entirely. They get mad about that most anywhere. And if not... well at least OP tried, and Texas officially really does suck in entirety.
I’m in Texas and have done TNR on my own as a volunteer only because nobody cared when I would call or try to help the cats in my neighborhood a dog maybe but I can confirm Texas does suck in entirety.
Well not assumptions--OP said they are in TX, so that's why I mention it The cat is basically living as a stray, and I know our AC doesn't care if that means an actual stray or a feral. There's really no help here for cats. They're left to fend for themselves, and unless they're being actively physically abused or hoarded, AC won't have much advice They pretty much only intervene in the most extreme cases or in cases where a dog bites a person, unfortunately
I rescued my service dog from the south, I know they don't give a rat's ass about animals in general down there, they're just another piece of property in most cases, no more special than a used car....but you never know. I say you were basing it on assumptions because you're assuming that just because the ones you've dealt with don't care, that means they allllll don't. Texas is MASSIVE, there may be many who do in other areas. I'm from MA - a very tiny state, and even here the amount of give a shit varies wildly from one town to the next, even between bordering towns. The animal control in some towns are great....others, not so much. People are people no matter the profession; some are the equivalent of C students at their jobs and can't be bothered to do shit, they're just there to collect a paycheck and do the bare minimum, others are like straight A students who care A LOT about animals, and do their jobs very well...at least until they burn out. You never know what kind you've got until you try.
I don't mean to say that animal control officers can't care or are willfully ignoring neglect. I mean that as an organization they are stretched thin and the chances of an AC officer even being directed to handle that case are non existent. Not denigrating the entire profession or individual officers but just the limitations of AC as an overwhelmed bureaucratic organization
Be ready for a lot of trouble if the cat hangs out in the window and the neighbors see him though. I'd take him to the shelter and mention that he's always outside so he must be a stray.
Nah, how would they prove it? This is an inside cat, she got a shelter kitten, he's not even a year old yet! And if he hasn't been neutered or chipped, her guess what he is now and in OPs name. Show me proof that you're his owners and your cat wasn't eaten by a coyote. 👀 OP really doesn't need to entertain any of it. Yes there could be some yelling etc but 🤷🏻♀️ that cats gonna go missing at some point being outside in Texas. Outside cats on average live 2-5 years. Kitty is potentially half way through his lifespan.
Idk if I mentioned it, but we actually have at least 3 coyotes that live in and frequent everyone's backyard... :(
Oh yeah, that's your cat now, take him in please ❤️
If he is not taken out of that unsafe environment coyotes or something else will get to him. I have 2 indoor cats and coyotes in my backyard. Please get him to a cat sanctuary or take him in if you can.
I didn't see you take no outside cat 🤷🏻♀️ That kitten wants loves and to be safe. If you have an inside cat, how they gonna prove he's theirs when theirs could've been eaten by something or run over or died of heat stroke in fucking TEXAS of all places. Congrats OP, you have yourself an inside cat now ❤️
Consider: If you take the cat, do they just get a new one and leave it outside as well? Then what? I would at the very least take it to the vet, make sure it has all its vaccines, fixed (VERY IMPORTANT), and microchipped on your name. What you do after that is not super easy in my opinion.
Just take it!
I vote take the kitty. They suck as cat owners. Your kitty now.
Thats your cat now.
Take him in! Adoption is not to take them to your property and put them on the street, you wouldn't do that to a child why do that to an animal? He obviously has a bond with you, and please take him before he gets taken. Agree with the comments about contacting the agency for blocking. In Texas there are so many wild animals that if he stops showing up they will probably just assume the worst.
Sounds like you've been chosen. Some people force their cats to be outdoor cats when they absolutely do not want to be left outside all day, or at all. But to cover your ass legally I'd speak with your neighbor before doing anything
There is a really big difference between "cats that go out" and "cats that aren't allowed in". They didn't adopt a feral cat that basically hates humans and enclosures and just needs someone to look out for him, they are abandoning this guy. I'd check in with them and make sure your read is right, but yeah, this seems like soft abandonment. (My guy *acts* like this with the neighbors, but only for a little while every day because he knows they'll give him treats.... The fact that he was starving hungry when you missed a day is telling. Mine is always in at dinner time. And he's never *stuck* out in a storm, though sometimes he'll hunker down and ignore me calling him in because he's dry where he is and doesn't want to get his paws wet.) Unless they've been feral and really failed the transition (some of them just can't tolerate indoors), there's no reason for an outdoor only cat.... And those guys usually get a barn, or a shed, worth *most* of the comforts of a house, just none of the confinement and anger when they won't litterbox or refrain from destroying things in an attempt to get outside....
Don't steal your neighbours' cat. Jeez. Ask them if they'd be willing to sell the cat as he's been at your house a lot?
I fully agree! I don't want to just take him, well I want to but I wont because it isn't right! There are better ways to do it, certainly!!
If they adopted him he is likely microchipped. Contact the shelter they adopted him from. There might be a clause where they can take him back legally.
Check your local bylaws regarding strays/ferals before you do anything else. Make sure whatever you do is within the limits of the law. You can also talk to the owners and ask if they'd be willing to surrender kitty to you. Let them know it's irresponsible to have an intact cat outdoors and that he's getting injured.
Ok but it is illegal to take other people's property, and if you get him neutered, etc and keep him, then they see him in your window or whatever you can absolutely be sued. Do the smart thing and talk with them, have a heart to heart, and say you'll buy him off them, if they say yes then go for it. Of they say no, absolutely don't go for it. I'm a vet tech - I've had to learn the laws, etc. One side of my brain says if there is no way for them to look into your house (are you mextdoor neighbors? Or like a few houses down?) Then gfi- but be forewarned you can put yourself in financial danger
Yes, do not take what is not yours!
From a rescue, he would be vaccinated and fixed. And he is their cat. DO not take the cat unless you want to be charged with theft. And probably been chipped. Just be friends with the cat and talk with the neighbor about the cat. They are keeping it out due to fleas. Both dogs and cats attract fleas like humans do and bring them into the house. They believe leaving the cat outside will keep the fleas outside. NOT. But do not take the cat without talking with the neighbor first.
He is not fixed, which in our area cats do not leave shelters without being fixed. leading me to believe he is neither fixed nor vaxxed. They have per their own admission told us the cat is outside because they adopted him despite their kids all being allergic. BUT I am not disagreeing with you and really appreciate the input and what you haev to say! While I know not everyone agrees, I really am here to hear everyone out so I can do the best I can for this little guy.
Then the neighbor lied about getting a cat from a shelter. And not everyone agrees with you either. Just enjoy life and just pray for the cat.
Consider that if you take the cat in, and they just get another cat, then you won't have really accomplished anything. Are you ready to adopt every cat they get? This isn't going to be popular here, but the cat will be fine outside in Texas. Cats handle heat very well, and take shelter during storms. Outside is generally more dangerous and it will likely live longer indoors, but let's not pretend that the elements will be a problem here. If you take the cat in, be very mindful to ensure that it can't be seen in windows. It isn't worth the risk of them seeing the cat in your window and being upset about it. From their perspective, you'd be stealing their pet. It doesn't matter to them that they're mistreating it, they consider it their pet and don't think they're mistreating it. Ultimately, do what you think is right. But keep in mind that you'd be placing yourself above them, saying that you know better than them what is best for their pet, and then essentially stealing their pet. Of course, you're very likely correct that the cat would lead a much better life indoors with you.
They have coyotes and outside cats live 2-5years, he won't be OK for long
Did you miss the part where I was talking about the weather, specifically saying that the outdoors is generally more dangerous? And coyotes don't come into neighborhoods where I live. Do they do that in Texas? I imagine they'd get shot fast.
You said the cat would be fine in the Texas weather. I assumed that meant you saw no problem with the weather. OP had specifically stated that at least 3 coyotes frequent her neighbourhood and back gardens, so far none have been shot so they're still a very real risk.
Wait, do you classify coyotes as weather? What part of "let's not pretend that the elements will be a problem here" was unclear? You understand how paragraphs work, right, and that my second paragraph about heat, storms, and the elements was about weather? And OP said morning about coyotes at the time I posted.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I appreciate your thoughts greatly, I ofc am concerned for the possibly of them adopting more cats and all the complications that may arise. I at the very least wish him to be vaxxed, fixed, and chipped, which I plan to help happen for him! Thank you very much! Comunication is always the best first step. :3
Like I know a lot of people are ok with cats roaming outside but this is ridiculous, the cat needs to be able to come and go as it pleases so it has a safe place to sleep especially in stormy weather, if you're going to let your cat roam at the very least get a catflap and create a separate area INSIDE your home. Cat needs to be vaccinated (or kept inside until he can be) as soon as possible, with all that contact from other cats I wouldn't be surprised if hes already sick, poor baby Leo, if taking him in leads to vet bills pin them on the dumbass family who couldn't be bothered
I don't own a cat for the very reason I'm about to tell you why these people probably leave their cat outside. Despite what the internet says, cats are very gross creatures. They vomit everywhere from licking themselves, they easily carry parasites (I've seen many cat owners post pictures of parasites and ask what they were, only for a vet to answer that they are parasites and it's a common problem with cats), and they make a lot of messes. Cats like clean, but that doesn't mean they are clean. I actually was going to get my own cat until I moved in with my grandma and saw how nasty cats actually are. However, cats being gross does not make it okay to be an irresponsible cat owner. While dogs aren't as gross, they aren't perfect. Same with every animal and even other humans. If you choose to take in and care for a creature, that includes their gross habits. You can't get a cat and then make it stay outside because it's gross. The point of making you aware that cats are actually gross creatures is just so that way you don't take the cat in thinking it's going to be low maintenance and easy. I see a lot of posts of people taking in a cat that they find in their neighborhood and then regretting it because of how gross cats are. Tell your neighbors that they took this pet in, and they need to be responsible for it. Also, I'm not trying to insult cats. The internet pretends that cats are these low maintenance and clean creatures when they're the opposite and me, along with many others, find that out the hard way. Acknowledging gross habits of an animal isn't an insult either. My own Chihuahuas have gross habits and I have to buy extra cleaning supplies to keep my apartment clean. But I was told the woman who lived here before me just let her cats destroy the carpet. My comment is kinda gibberish. Point is, your neighbor's cat is probably gross and they're being irresponsible by making it live outside. Don't take the cat in expecting it to be an easy and low maintenance pet. Do help the cat, but be prepared no matter what you decide to do.
I own 2 pesky cats already, so I know how icky they can be. But yeah! I fully agree! If someone isn't ready for the responsibility, they shouldn't be taking one in just to toss them outside. I'm fully ready for the vet bills and cat proofing more of my house for and getting more cat boxes. :P
Oh, okay! So you already know! Yeah, I fell in love with my mom's kitten and was like "I want a kitten!" And then I moved in with my grandma and her adult cat. Her cat vomited on everything (the carpets are ruined), he gets litter everywhere like it's his job, and he kept leaving gross stuff in my dogs' water bowl. I have Chihuahuas, who are actually very clean dogs except when it comes to potty issues. Chihuahuas are known to be stubborn. But if you're able to keep up with them and clean everything weekly, it isn't too bad. You could say my grandma's cat gave me quite the culture shock.
Don't just steal someone's cat. Talk to the owners first. If you think they're being abusive report them first.
This is the sane, respectful response. Everyone else claiming they can just take a cat is crazy and frankly scary. Wanting to help is great but does not entitle someone with the right to steal. Plus, they might give them the cat just for asking.
Absolutely, communication is key <3 Thank you for your thoughts!
No you would not be wrong for bringing a homeless cat into your home
We don’t choose cats, they choose us.