I have lived in my apartment for 3 years- when I moved in a little stray cat would hang around my apartment, I'd feed him and watch t.v and pet him...Like he was MY cat..
A few months ago, a middle aged couple moved next door- and they took the little cat - they lock him inside and rareley let him out. I see him sit by the screen door and peep out at me- and Meow.
( now, technically I do not OWN him- and neither do they - by 'own' I mean we do not pay the additionall 'pet deposit.' )
But when the little guy gets out- he always comes in my house
I'm moving this week- everything is already boxed up...
Am I a horrible person If I take my cat?
2006-08-12 13:27:29 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
TAKE IT!!! sounds like he likes you!! take him and run!!
2006-08-12 13:29:54 · answer #1 · answered by ♥cutemamma♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
G'day Love and Kisses
Thanks for the question.
You are not an immoral person as you are thinking of the best interests of the cat.
However, you might also want to take into account the feelings of the couple next door as they have also cared for the cat. You might want to discuss it with them or at least send them a note saying where the cat has gone.
If it were you, you would worry if he or she were to disappear with them and they will probably do the same so I'd let them know what has happened either before or after the move.
Best wishes to you and the cat on your move. I hope you are going somewhere nice.
Regards
2006-08-12 13:40:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to make it an indoor ONLY cat you are the best owner for this guy. And you must also be able to afford and pay any pet deposit required in your new digs.
I would tell the landlord that you have taken the cat so that he can inform the other tenants that the cat is gone and has a safe home. The landlord does not have to tell them WHO took the cat (though they may guess if you are the only tenant who leaves).
I would do this as a courtesy to them so they don't have to worry that the cat has been killed or run off somewhere.
2006-08-12 13:36:53 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did something similar. A couple owned a small orange tabby and had him outside to be a mouser - so they didn't feed him much. He would always come over to eat out of our cat's food dish. Poor guy would sneak inside through the cat door and curl up next to my head.
I was moving out into my own apartment and - yes - I took the little guy. Still have him - he's 12 years old. I don't think he would have lasted long as a mouser - he licks everything to death - no killer instinct at all.
Long story short - sorry - at first I felt bad. Overall, I do feel like I did the right thing.
2006-08-12 13:37:25 · answer #4 · answered by justme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've raised this cat, you should have the right to take him. If he was a stray it IS legal for you to take him to your new home. You should wait until the cat comes to your door, and then leave. Or, you could even talk to the people and explain, so that they don't get worried. I wouldn't worry about it because like you said, nobody "owns" the cat. So, take "your" cat with you and don't worry about the other people, just be nice and explain everything to them. Have a great move!!!
2006-08-12 13:34:58 · answer #5 · answered by Emily C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, if the people are mistreating the cat, and you can afford to take care of it responsibly and you love it and will give it a good, safe home, then I see no problem with it. If it was a stray, and they just picked it up, they could do ANYTHING with it! Who knows, they may be using it for animal testing! Sounds crazy, but I know from experience that stuff like that happens. I say, take the cat...but maybe I'm wrong. I'm a Christian...I don't believe in stealing, etc., but, well...go for it, girl. Hahaha.
2006-08-12 13:31:55 · answer #6 · answered by renaissance_amy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the cat with you. You have prior ownership rights over the animal. If they could keep your cat without asking who the owner was, they do not deserve a second consideration. But...did you have considered a chat with the couple explaining this matter?...May be they are good people, thinking the cat has no owner, and since you haven't claim the animal, they could asume the cat is free.
2006-08-12 13:51:51 · answer #7 · answered by Alexira 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough one- could be the couple fell in love with the cat as much as you did. I suggest talking to them to see how much they really want him, letting them know that you've adopted this stray cat and he now thinks of you as his owner, though he still likes to go outside. Maybe they'll be understanding and let you take him, and you won't feel guilty about taking the cat on the sly.
2006-08-12 13:31:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, this stray cat belonged to no one and if you like that cat, take him/her with you. There's no reason to leave the cat behind. It's not like your next door neighbor is taking good care of it or anything close. If I was the cat, I would love to go with you and move to your new place instead of sticking around with the creeps of your soon to be ex-next door neighbor.
2006-08-12 13:34:53 · answer #9 · answered by Bobcat9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hate to say this, but is the kitty electronically tagged? If not, AND you are the primary caregiver for this stray - take him.
I rescued strays all of my adolescence and would scrape $$$ together to pay (chores for neighbors) to have said animal spayed or neutured only to have that same neightbor set out food and entice the animal over and take it.
If you love this animal and will be resposible for it - save it's live and take it. Your neighbors already did this to you and they benefited from your kindness, get your pet back.
2006-08-12 13:31:46 · answer #10 · answered by Lilith 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you would not be a horrible person for taking the cat b/c it sounds as though he likes you so much better than the other couple.
2006-08-12 13:30:17 · answer #11 · answered by RainCloud 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋