is it legal to bring an owned outdoor cat to the vet that does not belong to you?

Question

also, is it legal to administer meds prescribed by that vet.

My neighbors cat is sick and not well cared for.

Answer 1

Okay, here's what you're up against. Yes, taking the cat to the vet "technically" is illegal.....because....this is not simply a stray, you know where the cat belongs and you do not consult with the owner prior to seeking treatment for this animal.
Here's a for instance.You took the cat to the vet, didn't tell the owner, and for whatever reason due to the vets negligence the cat died. Somehow the owner finds out. Guess who's going to get sued? Ding Ding Ding....very good. The vet would be sued obviously, but you would also be held liable and in order to do so, criminal charges would be filed against you for petty larceny (you stole something from the cat owner ie: the cat, who's value is under $250).
Your crime is in knowing who the cat's owner is. That shows intent to deceive the owner and ignore the law. What you're willing to do is a remarkable thing and you are to be commended for that, but the law isn't always as fair and just as we'd like for it to be. The cat owner neglecting the cat will have more rights than you will. If you intend to help this cat then you need to develop a serious case of amnesia and completely forget that you know where this cat belongs.
I'm psychic..watch.... "Hey, I know you don't own a cat but I bet if you go look outside there's this cute lil STRAY running around out there who doesn't look so good and seems to need help. You don't know who it belongs to? What a shame, maybe he got dumped here. Then I guess it's perfectly okay for you to be a good samaritan and help this lil guy out!" That's your story. Stick to it.
People get posessive over their animals. Especially the ones who are neglectful. They automatically get defensive when questioned about the health and welfare of the animal because they KNOW they are neglecting this lil beast. Offering to take this cat to the vet could backfire rapidly in your face and create an even bigger problem.
Take him to the vet if you feel it's necessary. He's a stray afterall, where's the harm in that? Call your local chapter of the SPCA. They will provide you with a certificate for a 'well baby' check-up free of charge if you've got yourself a STRAY. ;) The only thing you'll have to pay is medications if any are warranted. The SPCA will also provide you with a discounted rate certificate for spay/neuter fee's if by some chance you elect to keep this STRAY or find him some other loving home.
I wish there were more people in the world like you. You're just the type of person that makes rescuing these animals a reality. God Bless you for being so selfless and kind.

Answer 2

No, this would not be legal. I suggest speaking to your neighbor. If they aren't willing to let you take the cat to the vet for free and they refuse to do so either- then they obviously don't care about the cat. I would then call your local animal shelter and report a suspected case of animal cruelty. Depending on how sick the cat is they will probably not charge your neighbor with cruelty and will offer free vet services or offer to take the cat off their hands/ask them to surrender the animal so she can get the care she deserves.

Answer 3

I would say sorry but there was no proof that the cat even had an owner. Also, at least the cat was spayed for free and cannot contribute to the overpopulation of stray and unwanted cats. Next time make sure any outside cats that you own have the proper identification so they can be returned. I doubt this would be the type of person who is happy to keep raising litters of kittens anyways.

Answer 4

I don't see why it would be a problem. Unless it's microchipped or something. I would just say it's a stray.

Also, is there any way you can go talk to the neighbor and ask to keep the cat for yourself? She may be relieved that you want the cat since she clearly cannot take care of it.

Good for you for being so sweet!

Answer 5

I'd say, because you're not the owner, that it would be wise to talk with your neighbor first. Just to be sure that the cat really isn't being taken care of. Ask for previous records if they have them. You wouldn't want him/ her being treated twice, that could cause major complications. I'm sure your neighbors won't mind some free vet visits. Good luck.

Answer 6

No. I'm pretty sure it's not illegal. Because, how would you find out a lost cat's ID (chip inside it's body) without bringing it to the vet? Humane society, maybe, but you have the right to bring your neighbour's cat to the vet if they are not taking good care of him/her.

Answer 7

Is calling the animal control an option? In my area they will come out and evaluate the animal and if the owner won't take care of it then they will take possession of the animal and get it to a vet.

Answer 8

Yes it is. The cat isn't getting care on it's own, so you can provide it.

I've done it for three of the cats around us, and didn't know if the owners knew or not.

Answer 9

i think in this case it's more important to make sure the animal is cared for and as to any legal issues, i don't think any one will try to arrest or ticket you for helping the cat. unless the meds or care it recieves results in it's death.

Answer 10

I had the same dilemma 4 years ago. My neighbor kept adopting cats, but let them roam the neighborhood and did not take care of them. Needless to say, 4 of them started hanging around my house and interacting with my own. One in particular, a brown himalayan was so sickly (eyes encrusted with excretion, his long coat badly matted, infeasted with fleas and ear mites) that the neighbohood throught he had mange and wanted to dispose of him. I approached my neighbor who said that she was told that cat had been a show cat, was abused and did not allow anyone, including her, to pick it up.

I decided to take matters into my own hands: it took me months to coax him closer, with catnip, kindness and food. I eventually was able to pick him up long enough to place him in a carrier and take him to the vet, where they cleaned him up, shaved him, medicated, and gave him shots. I put her name as the owner on the bill and paid for it, then told her about it after the fact (she was willing to repay me , but I refused, since it was my choice to take him there to begin with). As it turned out, with time, that cat allowed me to caress him, and after seven years, when I was ready to move, she told me to take him, that it would not be fair to him not to have the love and attention he deserved. My Coco lives a happy life with me. I'm still the only one that can pick him up. Needless to say, my duty was to God and to that cat. In the end the cat chose me. So my advice would be to listen to your heart. Do the right thing and release him back to his owner. You will have saved a live. I thank God everyday for being able to save Coco's life. The fact that I ended up with him is secondary. Good luck..and may I commend you for even considering this kind deed.

One final note: all four cats became mine in the end; mainly because their owner really did not care for them; her ego was stroked in knowing I was no threat and did not attempt to adopt them, but in the end, she really did not devote the time or attention to really make them stay. Cats choose us, we don't choose them. They hang around one household until a better solution presents itself. You will probably find out that deep in his heart , the cat's owner really doesn't care; his ego might want to own him, but I'm sure he could care less whether the cat's helped or not. To those type of people, animals are disposible.Good Luck!!