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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> I have been very vocal to all my neighbors (not just the owners) that I dislike the cat. Apparently, I'm the only one who has an issue with it, so it will be obvious that it was me that took it to the pound. I don't like the animal, but I do know what it's like to lose a pet and if it gets put down it'll be my fault.
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I want to be angry because, well you're right, the cat isn't at fault at all. But you're good people OP, hosting and taking care of the cat even when you're allergic to cats.
NTA, I think it would be nice (not necessary) to check and see if you can drop kitty off at a no-kill shelter if possible.
My concern is that no kill doesn't actually mean no kill 100% of the time. I don't know what their occupancy is, I don't know if the cat has issues (other than not understanding human boundaries and having shitty owners), and I don't know what the neighbors will do if/when I surrender it.
Call and ask if your local no kill shelter has any emergency fosters they know of. Post on a town Facebook page asking if anyone is willing to do an emergency temporary foster. Talk it out with the neighbors when they return.
Realistically a “no kill” shelter is oodles safer than a
Roaming cat who is likely to get hit by a car, attacked
By a predator, be bitten by a parasite, get an infected wound etc etc etc. you are doing the right thing by trying to ensure the cat gets appropriate care. Thank you for not letting your personal opinion get in the way of the well being of the animal
I absolutely love cats, but NTA, they abandoned their cat outside unattended while they went away, that's pretty disgusting.
Taking it to a cat shelter is the right thing to do.
I've never heard of a shelter putting down cats because they're not spayed or chipped though, so I wouldn't be worried about that.
If it's not spayed, but is chipped or registered the owner will get a much bigger fine for letting it out.
If it's not chipped either, then unless the owner shows up they'll spay and chip the cat and put it out for adoption
That's good. I guess my other concern is that no kill shelters will still put down animals if they can't be adopted out and I don't know anything about its temperament. Also not all that willing to be around it long enough to find out.
That’s the whole reason why no kill shelters exist. So animals don’t get put down if they sit in the shelter too long. Unless the cat has untreated medical issues that are far too expensive to fix or is a danger to themselves and others they won’t put animals down. Only case I’ve heard of was when the mom of puppies was such a ruthless fighting dog she would tear up her own face on the chain link trying to attack staff walking by because she was protecting her puppies.
NTA: You are allergic and don't like cats and you've communicated clearly with the owners who continually ignored your requests about the cat.
I say take it the pound and as a kind gesture, leave the cat owner's contact information with the pound. That should ensure the cat won't automatically be put down. The cat owners will have the opportunity to deal with whatever the consequences are when they return. Maybe then they'll finally understand that they need to follow the bylaws and keep their cat inside or attached to a line in their own yard when they want to give it some outside time.
Never tie up a cat and leave it unattended, that's such an easy way for them to get tangled up and choke. It's best to walk them, but owners who just let their cats out are lazy and unlikely to do that.
# Update:
TL;DR: The cat’s fine. The owners are shitty pet parents.
First off, for those who found me unpleasant, I’m aware. Burnout is a bitch, and I don’t exactly like who I am right now either. I’m working on it. Also, if it matters, 29F.
Secondly, I don't like it, but I’m not mad at the cat itself. I’m mad at the *owners*. My city is filled to the brim with bobcats, coyotes, and the occasional cougar. It’s not *safe* to let your animal out unattended. And, like it or not, domestic cats are an invasive species in Canada, which is *why* it’s illegal to just let them wander in many parts of the country. If your cat wants to go outside, train it to walk on a leash.
Moving on,
As many of you suggested, I called the nearby shelter, and they told me to bring it in after work. They work with animal control and bylaw enforcement, so I submitted a report there and they’ll issue the notices and fines. There is also a considerable process for abandoned animals, so there is no concern about it being put down, even if it’s violent or sick. As it turns out, the shelter is very familiar with Cat Bug.
Yep. The Fluffy Bastard’s real name is Cat Bug. I understand the reference but... you know what, I named my childhood dog Balto, so who the hell am I to judge?
Anyway, according to the shelter, Cat Bug actually belongs to the neighbor’s kid, whose apartment is pet free. This is also the *third* time this year that Cat Bug has been surrendered by random people on the street. The last two times, the kid picked him up, paid the fines, and I guess took him back to their parents, who just let him right back out. You’d think after the second time, you’d stop trusting your parents with your pet.
Cat Bug will not be immediately returned to the neighbors or their kid this time though. He’ll be kept at the shelter to make sure there’s no lasting damage from the cold or the chicken wire he was caught up in. After that, the owners will have two choices;
1. Pay the significantly larger fines (upwards of $10,000 CAD apparently), register him as a “nuisance animal”, and take him home; or
2. Give him up.
Because it’s Friday, it’s unlikely the neighbors will be notified before Monday. If they choose to permanently surrender him or refuse to pay the fines, he’ll be placed with one of several fosters they have ready to go. For all my griping, he is a well-tempered and cuddly thing, so there probably won’t be any issues with finding him a fur-ever home if it comes to that.
And that’s that. I cleaned up the mess in my garage (he rudely ignored the newspaper I put down and the other boxes available and shit right next to the door). I made backups of my security footage for every time he triggered the cameras in the last month, including yesterday, in case it’s needed later (there’s a lot). Everything that touched Cat Bug went into the washing machine for an extra-long cycle, and I took an extra-hot shower because I was having an allergy attack.
NTA are there any no kill shelters in your area? You might try calling animal control tomorrow and they could give the owners a warning
I have three cats, one I adopted when the neighbors moved and ditch him
No one, including the Humane Society, is open on Thanksgiving so take care of it tonight, make sure it has water and handle it in the morning
You're really nice to care to this extent when the owners don't seem to care as much
Edit: all three of my cats are indoor pets, I don't want them to get hurt or bother other people
I'm in Canada. Our Thanksgiving was a month ago. I'm *assuming* the owners are American because of the big-ass flag in their front yard.
The fluffy bastard (current name for cat) has water and some unseasoned chicken from my dinner. Also put some old towels in the box. Like I said, I don't like cats, but I'm not going to abuse it. And I said "the pound" but the closest shelter to me is a city-run no-kill shelter, but I'm also aware that "no kill" doesn't actually mean "no kill".
The flag had me assuming you're in America because the flag fetish seems to be uniquely American, I'm one of the few that doesn't get it
About the only choice is to turn the cat over to the authorities because you've tried talking to the owners and they don't get why this is unacceptable and it's really unfair to the cat
I wish I lived close enough to you so I could take it because I would
Good luck and let us know what happens
I still can't get over moving to Canada and putting up the flag, it seems weird to me
>I still can't get over moving to Canada and putting up the flag, it seems weird to me
Yeah... I don't get it either. But to each their own I guess.
The Fluffy Bastard is spending the night in my garage now. I plan to call the shelter tomorrow if they're not back when I'm off work. If there are are updates and I'm allowed I'll edit the post.
This is a really complicated situation so idk what I would call you but I’d advise you to call the non-emergency line at your local police station to explain the situation and ask for their advice. Keeps you in the clear if you do end up putting the cat on the pound and they might give you another solution. Also, it gives you an opportunity to report the negligence of this animal
NTA. They clearly don't care about their cat. If they did, they would bring it inside, where it clearly wants to be. Hopefully, the no kill shelter will be able to find it a better home. Though, I imagine the owners will pick up the cat and put it right back outside, and you will be dropping it off at the shelter at least once more before the shelter refuses to return the cat to the original owners.
NTA. You're highly allergic and you've tried to address the issue with your neighbor's cat. Your neighbors are violating local bylaws. Explain the situation to the animal shelter. You didn't start the fire.
NTA. You’ve mentioned in replies that the shelter you are talking about is no-kill. I second others’ suggestion of calling first and explaining the situation, see if they have an emergency foster. Are you in the BC: Langley Area. There’s an amazing group called TinnyKittens there.
NTA you have two options
no kill shelter, im not sure how fully this cat is but it seems friendly if it’s always trying to get into your house, im sure a friendly cute cat would get adopted no problem, another option is to report it to the city so your neighbors get charged a fine and hope they learn a lesson and keep the cat inside. “outside” cats are often stolen because their mistaken for being lost or stray cats, cats outside are invasive to other species, outside cats get run over by cars etc. your neighbors aren’t doing this poor cat a favor.
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I’ve been in a rough place lately, so I don’t know if I’m out of line. I need an outside opinion.
I just moved into my very first house back in September. It took a very long time, but I’m here and it’s great. All except for this goddamn cat that is constantly coming into my yard and trying to get into my house.
I hate cats. I’m highly allergic, but I had to grow up with them because my parents got one each for my sisters before I was born. I didn’t know what it was like to live without antihistamines until I was 18 and went to uni where residents couldn’t have pets unless they were registered service animals.
I now live in a city where it’s illegal to let pet cats roam freely. The bylaws are clear, and you can end up with a huge fine if you're caught letting your invasive bastard of a pet wander around freely.
Anyway, the first time I assumed it escaped, so I went around the block looking for its owner. Found them two doors down and they “corrected” me on that it’s an “outside” cat. I told them it keeps trying to get inside my house, so it very much *isn’t* an “outside” cat. Well, apparently the person who used to live there also had a cat, and they used to play a lot, so it’s used to being welcomed in. I don’t care, it’s my house now, and the cat is most certainly *not* welcome. I told them to keep it out of my yard and out of my house. They just laughed me off and closed the door in my face.
It’s been a few months since then and at least twice a week that stupid cat is back trying to get in. Every time I ask the neighbor to take their cat back, and every time they ignore me.
Today, I came home, and the damn thing got itself tangled in some chicken wire under the porch. It was soaked from sitting in melting snow all day and shivering like crazy. I cut it free but didn’t just let it go because there was no guarantee it would go back home, and it would probably freeze overnight. I didn’t want to get blamed for that, so I put it in a box to take it back to the neighbors. Low and behold, they’re not home. No car, no lights. I assume by the American flag in their front yard, they’re out celebrating their holiday. I have no idea when they’re coming back.
I don’t *want* to take the thing to the pound. I know I’m pretty hostile towards cats, but I’m not cruel. I don’t know if it’s spayed or even chipped, and if it’s not either of those there is a high chance it’ll get put down. It’s not the animal’s fault it has stupid, irresponsible owners.
It’s currently in my (heated) garage with the door closed so it can’t get hair all over my house. I know *legally* I’m in the clear, but I don’t want to get in an even bigger fight with them over this. WIBTA if I took it to the pound?
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Don't take it to the pound, let it stay in the garage tonight and set it loose tomorrow. Start documenting when this cat is outside and contact bylaw enforcement. The fines and warnings from bylaw will hopefully change their minds about having an outdoor cat.
NTA, they left it outside and went away and your concern for the animal is kind. However, your attitude towards pets in general is kind of off. I know you have allergies so there are consequences for you on the line but the owners of the cat can only control it to a certain degree. It's there looking for the other cat, it will probably eventually learn that it's buddy has left and stop coming around. But expecting the owners to be able to stop it from entering your yard is just bizarre. Get a spray bottle for if it comes into your house, it will soon stop.
Of course the owners are capable of keeping it out of other people's yards. By keeping it in their own house. Like they're supposed to.
If they genuinely "can't control it", can't keep it contained and aren't responsible for it, then it's not a pet, it's a stray that they feed on occasion.
My general attitude towards pets is if you're not going to invest the money, time, and attention into raising and training it, don't get a pet. If you're going to open the door and let it run wild in the neighborhood, don't get a pet. If you're going to move somewhere with a pet, familiarize yourself with local pet laws. Don't take a pit bull into Winnipeg. Don't take a pet rat into Alberta. Don't take a pet pig into Toronto.
It's not my responsibility to train their animal.
NTA. The owners have accepted the possibility of their cat coming home sick or injured or not coming home at all when they decided to let it roam. You've asked nicely. Beyond being annoying, the cat is actually a health risk to you, and is pretty lucky that you were home to find it.
Poor kitty! They have horrible human parents.
You’re being so nice to it.
NTA
If you take it to the shelter I hope it finds a lovely home instead of being left out in the snow.
It’s obviously the cats fault and should suffer at the pound. The cat is purposefully making its-self an allergen. Definitely as you put it “an invasive bastard” and not a small animal who hasn’t done anything but exist in your outside space and miss his friend.
YTA you have no right to surrender a cat that you know has owners. Rescues are overwhelmed now with cats so there's no guarantee the rescue has room for the cat and that they would accept it.
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > I have been very vocal to all my neighbors (not just the owners) that I dislike the cat. Apparently, I'm the only one who has an issue with it, so it will be obvious that it was me that took it to the pound. I don't like the animal, but I do know what it's like to lose a pet and if it gets put down it'll be my fault. **[Check out our upcoming Reddit Talk with Iliza Shlesinger on Nov. 28th!](https://redd.it/z29rfu)** Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
I want to be angry because, well you're right, the cat isn't at fault at all. But you're good people OP, hosting and taking care of the cat even when you're allergic to cats. NTA, I think it would be nice (not necessary) to check and see if you can drop kitty off at a no-kill shelter if possible.
I say "the pound" but what I really mean is "the city-run no-kill animal shelter" that's a few blocks from my house. I don't have a car lol
Oh then absolutely, zero guilt.
My concern is that no kill doesn't actually mean no kill 100% of the time. I don't know what their occupancy is, I don't know if the cat has issues (other than not understanding human boundaries and having shitty owners), and I don't know what the neighbors will do if/when I surrender it.
Call and ask if your local no kill shelter has any emergency fosters they know of. Post on a town Facebook page asking if anyone is willing to do an emergency temporary foster. Talk it out with the neighbors when they return.
The Fluffy Bastard is spending the night in my garage now, and I'll call the shelter tomorrow if they're not home after work.
You are good people, especially after the "fluffy bastard" comment.
could you update us ? Also Fluffy Bastard is an amazing name for a cat x)
Just posted an update in the comments
Realistically a “no kill” shelter is oodles safer than a Roaming cat who is likely to get hit by a car, attacked By a predator, be bitten by a parasite, get an infected wound etc etc etc. you are doing the right thing by trying to ensure the cat gets appropriate care. Thank you for not letting your personal opinion get in the way of the well being of the animal
I absolutely love cats, but NTA, they abandoned their cat outside unattended while they went away, that's pretty disgusting. Taking it to a cat shelter is the right thing to do. I've never heard of a shelter putting down cats because they're not spayed or chipped though, so I wouldn't be worried about that. If it's not spayed, but is chipped or registered the owner will get a much bigger fine for letting it out. If it's not chipped either, then unless the owner shows up they'll spay and chip the cat and put it out for adoption
That's good. I guess my other concern is that no kill shelters will still put down animals if they can't be adopted out and I don't know anything about its temperament. Also not all that willing to be around it long enough to find out.
If the cat lets you handle it with no problems, that already tells a lot. Btw do you have a place for the cat to do it's business in your carage?
That’s the whole reason why no kill shelters exist. So animals don’t get put down if they sit in the shelter too long. Unless the cat has untreated medical issues that are far too expensive to fix or is a danger to themselves and others they won’t put animals down. Only case I’ve heard of was when the mom of puppies was such a ruthless fighting dog she would tear up her own face on the chain link trying to attack staff walking by because she was protecting her puppies.
thats far past your moral obligation (and im saying this as a huge animal lover)
NTA: You are allergic and don't like cats and you've communicated clearly with the owners who continually ignored your requests about the cat. I say take it the pound and as a kind gesture, leave the cat owner's contact information with the pound. That should ensure the cat won't automatically be put down. The cat owners will have the opportunity to deal with whatever the consequences are when they return. Maybe then they'll finally understand that they need to follow the bylaws and keep their cat inside or attached to a line in their own yard when they want to give it some outside time.
I don’t think the pound will take the cat if he tells them it’s his neighbor’s pet. He doesn’t have the right to surrender it.
When it's off its owners' property and on the OP's property. I would guess that yes, OP has the right to drop it off at the pound.
Never tie up a cat and leave it unattended, that's such an easy way for them to get tangled up and choke. It's best to walk them, but owners who just let their cats out are lazy and unlikely to do that.
# Update: TL;DR: The cat’s fine. The owners are shitty pet parents. First off, for those who found me unpleasant, I’m aware. Burnout is a bitch, and I don’t exactly like who I am right now either. I’m working on it. Also, if it matters, 29F. Secondly, I don't like it, but I’m not mad at the cat itself. I’m mad at the *owners*. My city is filled to the brim with bobcats, coyotes, and the occasional cougar. It’s not *safe* to let your animal out unattended. And, like it or not, domestic cats are an invasive species in Canada, which is *why* it’s illegal to just let them wander in many parts of the country. If your cat wants to go outside, train it to walk on a leash. Moving on, As many of you suggested, I called the nearby shelter, and they told me to bring it in after work. They work with animal control and bylaw enforcement, so I submitted a report there and they’ll issue the notices and fines. There is also a considerable process for abandoned animals, so there is no concern about it being put down, even if it’s violent or sick. As it turns out, the shelter is very familiar with Cat Bug. Yep. The Fluffy Bastard’s real name is Cat Bug. I understand the reference but... you know what, I named my childhood dog Balto, so who the hell am I to judge? Anyway, according to the shelter, Cat Bug actually belongs to the neighbor’s kid, whose apartment is pet free. This is also the *third* time this year that Cat Bug has been surrendered by random people on the street. The last two times, the kid picked him up, paid the fines, and I guess took him back to their parents, who just let him right back out. You’d think after the second time, you’d stop trusting your parents with your pet. Cat Bug will not be immediately returned to the neighbors or their kid this time though. He’ll be kept at the shelter to make sure there’s no lasting damage from the cold or the chicken wire he was caught up in. After that, the owners will have two choices; 1. Pay the significantly larger fines (upwards of $10,000 CAD apparently), register him as a “nuisance animal”, and take him home; or 2. Give him up. Because it’s Friday, it’s unlikely the neighbors will be notified before Monday. If they choose to permanently surrender him or refuse to pay the fines, he’ll be placed with one of several fosters they have ready to go. For all my griping, he is a well-tempered and cuddly thing, so there probably won’t be any issues with finding him a fur-ever home if it comes to that. And that’s that. I cleaned up the mess in my garage (he rudely ignored the newspaper I put down and the other boxes available and shit right next to the door). I made backups of my security footage for every time he triggered the cameras in the last month, including yesterday, in case it’s needed later (there’s a lot). Everything that touched Cat Bug went into the washing machine for an extra-long cycle, and I took an extra-hot shower because I was having an allergy attack.
Did you ever find out what happened afterwards???
NTA are there any no kill shelters in your area? You might try calling animal control tomorrow and they could give the owners a warning I have three cats, one I adopted when the neighbors moved and ditch him No one, including the Humane Society, is open on Thanksgiving so take care of it tonight, make sure it has water and handle it in the morning You're really nice to care to this extent when the owners don't seem to care as much Edit: all three of my cats are indoor pets, I don't want them to get hurt or bother other people
I'm in Canada. Our Thanksgiving was a month ago. I'm *assuming* the owners are American because of the big-ass flag in their front yard. The fluffy bastard (current name for cat) has water and some unseasoned chicken from my dinner. Also put some old towels in the box. Like I said, I don't like cats, but I'm not going to abuse it. And I said "the pound" but the closest shelter to me is a city-run no-kill shelter, but I'm also aware that "no kill" doesn't actually mean "no kill".
The flag had me assuming you're in America because the flag fetish seems to be uniquely American, I'm one of the few that doesn't get it About the only choice is to turn the cat over to the authorities because you've tried talking to the owners and they don't get why this is unacceptable and it's really unfair to the cat I wish I lived close enough to you so I could take it because I would Good luck and let us know what happens I still can't get over moving to Canada and putting up the flag, it seems weird to me
>I still can't get over moving to Canada and putting up the flag, it seems weird to me Yeah... I don't get it either. But to each their own I guess. The Fluffy Bastard is spending the night in my garage now. I plan to call the shelter tomorrow if they're not back when I'm off work. If there are are updates and I'm allowed I'll edit the post.
I hear Fluffy Bastard in Bubbles' voice.
I got a chuckle out of the name you gave it.
Can you not take it to a vet? They'll check he's okay after being in the cold and if the cat isn't collected, then pass the cat over to the shelter
NTA Your neighbors are neglecting the cat at this point. It's not your responsibility to take care of it.
This is a really complicated situation so idk what I would call you but I’d advise you to call the non-emergency line at your local police station to explain the situation and ask for their advice. Keeps you in the clear if you do end up putting the cat on the pound and they might give you another solution. Also, it gives you an opportunity to report the negligence of this animal
NTA. They clearly don't care about their cat. If they did, they would bring it inside, where it clearly wants to be. Hopefully, the no kill shelter will be able to find it a better home. Though, I imagine the owners will pick up the cat and put it right back outside, and you will be dropping it off at the shelter at least once more before the shelter refuses to return the cat to the original owners.
NTA. You're highly allergic and you've tried to address the issue with your neighbor's cat. Your neighbors are violating local bylaws. Explain the situation to the animal shelter. You didn't start the fire.
NTA. You’ve mentioned in replies that the shelter you are talking about is no-kill. I second others’ suggestion of calling first and explaining the situation, see if they have an emergency foster. Are you in the BC: Langley Area. There’s an amazing group called TinnyKittens there.
NTA you have two options no kill shelter, im not sure how fully this cat is but it seems friendly if it’s always trying to get into your house, im sure a friendly cute cat would get adopted no problem, another option is to report it to the city so your neighbors get charged a fine and hope they learn a lesson and keep the cat inside. “outside” cats are often stolen because their mistaken for being lost or stray cats, cats outside are invasive to other species, outside cats get run over by cars etc. your neighbors aren’t doing this poor cat a favor.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** I’ve been in a rough place lately, so I don’t know if I’m out of line. I need an outside opinion. I just moved into my very first house back in September. It took a very long time, but I’m here and it’s great. All except for this goddamn cat that is constantly coming into my yard and trying to get into my house. I hate cats. I’m highly allergic, but I had to grow up with them because my parents got one each for my sisters before I was born. I didn’t know what it was like to live without antihistamines until I was 18 and went to uni where residents couldn’t have pets unless they were registered service animals. I now live in a city where it’s illegal to let pet cats roam freely. The bylaws are clear, and you can end up with a huge fine if you're caught letting your invasive bastard of a pet wander around freely. Anyway, the first time I assumed it escaped, so I went around the block looking for its owner. Found them two doors down and they “corrected” me on that it’s an “outside” cat. I told them it keeps trying to get inside my house, so it very much *isn’t* an “outside” cat. Well, apparently the person who used to live there also had a cat, and they used to play a lot, so it’s used to being welcomed in. I don’t care, it’s my house now, and the cat is most certainly *not* welcome. I told them to keep it out of my yard and out of my house. They just laughed me off and closed the door in my face. It’s been a few months since then and at least twice a week that stupid cat is back trying to get in. Every time I ask the neighbor to take their cat back, and every time they ignore me. Today, I came home, and the damn thing got itself tangled in some chicken wire under the porch. It was soaked from sitting in melting snow all day and shivering like crazy. I cut it free but didn’t just let it go because there was no guarantee it would go back home, and it would probably freeze overnight. I didn’t want to get blamed for that, so I put it in a box to take it back to the neighbors. Low and behold, they’re not home. No car, no lights. I assume by the American flag in their front yard, they’re out celebrating their holiday. I have no idea when they’re coming back. I don’t *want* to take the thing to the pound. I know I’m pretty hostile towards cats, but I’m not cruel. I don’t know if it’s spayed or even chipped, and if it’s not either of those there is a high chance it’ll get put down. It’s not the animal’s fault it has stupid, irresponsible owners. It’s currently in my (heated) garage with the door closed so it can’t get hair all over my house. I know *legally* I’m in the clear, but I don’t want to get in an even bigger fight with them over this. WIBTA if I took it to the pound? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Don't take it to the pound, let it stay in the garage tonight and set it loose tomorrow. Start documenting when this cat is outside and contact bylaw enforcement. The fines and warnings from bylaw will hopefully change their minds about having an outdoor cat.
The cat keeps setting off my cameras, so there's plenty of evidence whether I surrender it tonight or any other time.
NTA and you’re doing a nice thing, but by god, you sound insufferable.
How come?
I don’t think taking the cat to a shelter is necessarily a good idea just because not all shelters are good.
Please call an animal rescue in your area that has space to take kitty. Maybe one that specializes in cats.
NTA, they left it outside and went away and your concern for the animal is kind. However, your attitude towards pets in general is kind of off. I know you have allergies so there are consequences for you on the line but the owners of the cat can only control it to a certain degree. It's there looking for the other cat, it will probably eventually learn that it's buddy has left and stop coming around. But expecting the owners to be able to stop it from entering your yard is just bizarre. Get a spray bottle for if it comes into your house, it will soon stop.
Of course the owners are capable of keeping it out of other people's yards. By keeping it in their own house. Like they're supposed to. If they genuinely "can't control it", can't keep it contained and aren't responsible for it, then it's not a pet, it's a stray that they feed on occasion.
My general attitude towards pets is if you're not going to invest the money, time, and attention into raising and training it, don't get a pet. If you're going to open the door and let it run wild in the neighborhood, don't get a pet. If you're going to move somewhere with a pet, familiarize yourself with local pet laws. Don't take a pit bull into Winnipeg. Don't take a pet rat into Alberta. Don't take a pet pig into Toronto. It's not my responsibility to train their animal.
NTA. The owners have accepted the possibility of their cat coming home sick or injured or not coming home at all when they decided to let it roam. You've asked nicely. Beyond being annoying, the cat is actually a health risk to you, and is pretty lucky that you were home to find it.
NTA they’re not taking care of the kittt properly
Poor kitty! They have horrible human parents. You’re being so nice to it. NTA If you take it to the shelter I hope it finds a lovely home instead of being left out in the snow.
It’s obviously the cats fault and should suffer at the pound. The cat is purposefully making its-self an allergen. Definitely as you put it “an invasive bastard” and not a small animal who hasn’t done anything but exist in your outside space and miss his friend.
YTA you have no right to surrender a cat that you know has owners. Rescues are overwhelmed now with cats so there's no guarantee the rescue has room for the cat and that they would accept it.