AITA for not giving up the cat I adopted from the person who migrated to another country and recently messaged me that he’s willing to take the cat back?
A Reddit user (further referred to as “I”) adopted a cat, Kenai, two years ago after the original owner was unable to take him when migrating to another country. The user took Kenai in after the cat was left in the care of a family that didn’t want him.
The original owner recently contacted the user, asking for the cat back, but the user is reluctant to return him after having formed a deep attachment to the cat.
Despite not hearing from the original owner for two years, the user is ignoring his messages and refuses to share their new address. The user is asking if they are wrong for not returning the cat. Read the full story below.
‘ AITA for not giving up the cat I adopted from the person who migrated to another country and recently messaged me that he’s willing to take the cat back?’
I rescued this lovely three-year-old Scottish fold cat named Kenai (now five years old) from a family after the “owner” left him in their care. This lovely family had twelve dogs, the most of which were medium-sized.
As I arrived to their house, the unfortunate cat had been kept in a room where no dogs could approach him since they were concerned about what would happen to him. They said they aren’t fond of cats. To my surprise, they offered me if I could adopt the cat as my own since they knew I recently lost my cat at that time.
Before I accepted their generous offer, I asked the whereabouts of the owner. They told me he couldn’t bring Kenai with him upon migrating since it was beyond his “expenses” and also assured me.
They won’t give Kenai back to his owner since they made it clear the cat was already given to them by the owner and they’re planning to give Kenai to me. (Owner also adopted Kenai from his friend who also migrated to another country, poor kitty) Now, 2 years after, the owner messaged me that he’s planning to get the him back.
The former owner also knew Kenai was in my care but didn’t even bother messaging me about how he was doing or shared expenses if he had plans getting him back lol (vaccine, vitamins, food, litter, treats, & toys) for 2 year. Here’s the thing, I’m afraid I’ve grown attached to the cat.
I love him and I can’t afford losing him. I’m afraid he might bring the cat with him to the country he’s currently staying. I am ignoring his messages and kept him on delivered.
I also won’t be giving him away my new address where I am staying so he couldn’t go where near to this sweet boy. I even got Kenai a partner at March so he wouldn’t feel lonely whenever I’m at work. So, Reddit, AITA of a furparent? 🙁
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
Apart-Ad-6518 − NTA. ” and also assured me, they won’t give Kenai back to his owner since they made it clear the cat was already given to them by the owner.
The *former owner* also knew Kenai was in my care but didn’t even bother messaging me about how he was doing or shared expenses if he had plans getting him back lol (vaccine, vitamins, food, litter, treats, & toys) for 2 year. Emphasis on **former**.
Kenai is yours now. You love & care for him/ensure he has enrichment. He’s happy with you. No way the previous owner has any claim. Block him on everything.
OdoDragonfly − Please make sure that Kenai is chipped and registered to you. Also, tell your vet that the people who abandoned your cat are trying to assert ownership.
And that you would appreciate having a copy of your records to show that you have been the owner of this cat and the person who has been providing all appropriate care for him. These things will put you in the best possible legal light if the abandoners try to push the issue.
naisfurious − The former owner also knew Kenai was in my care but didn’t even bother messaging me about how he was doing or shared expenses if he had plans getting him back lol (vaccine, vitamins, food, litter, treats, & toys) for 2 year.
**NTA**. You already summed up the crux of the issue here. The original owner abandoned the cat. Continue enjoying your buddy.
GuyFromLI747 − NTA .. he wasn’t concerned for 2 years and now suddenly he is? Nahh he can find a new cat .. it’s also unfair to the cat to be passed around.. it’s abuse..keep the cat ..you’ve gave him a loving home and a partner
PFyre − Leave him on read: if it ever escalates, work out how much 2 years of boarding plus vet care adds up to, and send a bill.. NTA
Healthy_Meal1485 − NTA. The nerve of this guy. The cat is yours. And if you were to be willing to return him, it should be contingent on reimbursement for veterinary care and 2 years of boarding.
Wonderful-Star6302 − get him chipped and keep receipts.
WillLoveCoffee4Ever1 − NTA! Your cat is yours, fair and square. This person decided not to go the extra mile and bring them with when they moved, so they essentially abandoned the cat. Too bad for them. Block everyone! How did this person end up getting your number anyway?
I’d have a word with the person who gave away your private information. Change your number, actually. It’s a bit of a pain, but it’s a three minute process for a lifetime of peace. Congrats on the kitty! Love him like he loves you unconditionally!!
shikakaaaaaaa − Do not give *your* cat away to people who will not treat him well, who cannot afford to care for them, and who will abandon him when he is no longer convenient to keep. NTA
No_Cockroach4248 − Total all the money you spent on Kenai in the last two years, if his previous owner, who abandoned Kenai, continues to bother you, tell him he owes you X amount and you would take Kenai in lieu of payment. Get Kenai chipped or whatever means that applies to prove you are his owner now. NTA
Is it unfair for the user to keep Kenai after taking care of him for two years, or is it understandable to feel attached and protective after such a long time? Do you think the original owner has the right to claim the cat after so long? Share your thoughts below!