Do I have the right to take my cats back?

Question

I moved overseas to be with my (then) wife. In doing so, I gave up my two cats to my aunt. The marriage didn't work out, and I've been back in America for a few months. My aunt's taken good care of them, and they've been good for her as she's a lonely person. I miss my cats terribly, though, and I want them back... do you think I have a right to take them back, though?

It will be tough to pick a best answer... many good thoughts and opinions.

I want everyone to know that I didn't just 'abandon' my cats--my marriage was on the line, and my wife, a foreigner, HAD to go back to her country... of course I went with her. So yes, I did choose my wife over my cats... sometimes we have to make very tough choices. That doesn't mean I didn't love my cats, and that I simply 'abandoned' them. You have all helped me to see more clearly, though, and I think I will let the cats stay with my aunt. Maybe I'll adopt a cat in time, when I'm ready. I will always sorely miss my two babies, though!

Answer 1

No, you can't take your cats back.
Oh, you miss them - what about your aunt?
Will you break her heart too?
You gave your cats to your aunt in the believe, you
will be gone for good. Married and living in a different country.

And your aunt was willing to keep them, take care of them and
love them. She did keep her promise to you and probably was
happy to have them in her life - now, that your life did not work
out the way you have planned, you want to make her life
miserable too?

***Why is every one saying he should try to get the cats back from his aunt?
No, no - he should not even ask her to give the cats back.
He should thank her for loving them!

Answer 2

First off, how long have you been overseas? You can do one of two things. You could get you another cat are there are plenty out there that need good homes. Or you can give your aunt two new cats to replace the ones you are wanting to take home. My personal opinion is that you should get yourself two new cats and in time you will love them just has much the ones you have given to your aunt. Remember she is older and lonely and the cats are a great deal of company for her.

Not only are there animal shelters to look for any new four legged furry friends you decided to bring into your home, but you could also look for animal rescues. If you wanted a particular type of cat say Siamese, Bengal, or Persian, you could research for those particular type cat rescue sites..

I know how much you will miss your babies, but you will still get to see them and love them when you go to visit your aunt, but this way you have two new babies to love. You have a fresh start in your life both personally and with new kitty cats.

Best of luck and I am sorry if anyone made you feel as though you abandoned your babies. I personally do not feel that way. Best of luck and I hope you find two beautiful new babies to grace your home.

Answer 3

I think you have the *right* to do it, but you need to consider whether it's the moral and ethical thing to do. Would you be happy starting over with two new cats from a local shelter? Would your aunt be just as happy with two different cats from a shelter?

I personally would let my aunt keep them and get two new cats. They can obviously never replace the cherished cats that you once had, but you can love them just as much in the long run. I'm assuming your aunt is older, and it can be difficult for older people to adjust to changes, whereas you as a younger person can make the change easier.

Also consider the cats. They have probably settled into life at your aunts house and consider it home now. It would be stressful for them to move again. You have the chance to give a great home to two new, needy cats whose lives are perhaps on the line if you adopt from your local shelter.

Answer 4

No. Anyone that just "gives up" their pet is being cruel to the pet, in my opinion. I work with an animal rescue organization and see this daily and it break my heart hearing excuses of "we have to because of where we're moving to" or "she is not a nice cat" or any number of other pathetic reasons. You don't toss aside a baby or even a child just because of these reasons - so why do it to a pet? All life is precious.

You surrendered your rights when you surrendered your pets. They are not toys or possessions - they are loving creatures that give love and need love back. You gave that up when you treated them like they were a possession.

Sorry I know that will sting and most will hate the answer - but it's true. People that abandon pets or give them away are just not good owners and should not have them in the first place. My pets have always been members of the family from day one until the final moment of life.

Answer 5

You are not really dealing with "rights" here. You are dealing with human beings with deep feelings and the cats too if they have become attached to your aunt.

It was very good of her to take them for you. Many people do not have a good, loving home in which to place their cats when the need arises.

I wouldn't disrupt a happy situation for the three involved - your aunt and the two cats.

Answer 6

I don't think it's right to ask for them back. You gave them to her, and she's attached. There are lots of cats that need homes, check out your local shelter and give two more cats a new lease on life

Answer 7

hello there return,

first i would ask your aunt about how she feels about the cats and if she is really attached to them. if so, then let her keep the cats and get a new one for yourself. cats can be so theraputic for lonely people...they can make all the difference in the world so if i were in your postition, i would seriously think about getting yourself a new cat......

i was going thru a really bad time in my life and i adopted an orange tabby cat and he ended up being mommy's boy...and when i was sad he knew it and was right there by my side to comfort me in my time of need or if i was sick he stayed by my side---his name was Rusty----and he ended up being my trusty Rusty. my point being,===let your aunt have the cats and get a new one for yourself.

i certainly hope this has been helpful for you...good luck and God bless.

Answer 8

If your aunt is happy with them leave them with her and get another cat. There are so many cats out there that would love to be someones pet.

Answer 9

That's hard. If she has become attached it will be hard for her to give them back. Did she know you would come back for them someday? If she did maybe you can help her through the process by going to the animal shelter and adopting a cat for her. It would show you care and would be a great way to say "thanks for watching my kitties while i was gone"

Answer 10

Call your local animal control agency and see what the local municipal code states. Most places have municipal codes stating that once someone cares for an animal for 30 consecutive days it becomes their property. Yes, animals are considered property. So legally you would have no avenues to pursue. Also morally it would probably be best to leave them where they are and adopt a homeless animal from your local animal shelter. Their are plenty of animals in need of homes that will be put to sleep if not adopted. You could save an animals life out of this. So look at the bright side.