We took in a cat for a friend who ended up having kittens but we dont want her to get them, do we ha

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this so if it isnt, im sorry. But we took the cat in because the girl said her uncle was trying to steal her and he was abusive towards her, and she said she might want her back when she would be able to keep her. We were told shes a very skittish cat because shes been abused and that she would hide all the time at their house. When we got her she had scabs all over her body & thin hair all over but especially her rear end & tail. They said it was from playing with her kitten. We switched her food & it cleared up. Plus she is now always present and loving on us both and playing with our two cats, she even tries to steal food off my plate. I have noticed though that if i go to shoo her away she flinches and runs, so im pretty sure she was hit for that with them. Either way she isnt anything like what they said, she was skittish the first week and since then shes been a great addition to the family.

Okay so they had plans to spay her & when we found out it was likely she was pregnant they said they didnt mind to terminate the pregnancy because 'they werent sensitive to that sort of thing'. I am pro spaying but for religious reasons i couldnt terminate knowing she was pregnant, so I decided against this & they never once asked about her, until a couple of days before she gave birth(she was at most 3 weeks along when we got her so this was a little over two months later) They were adamant about getting her back right then & I told them it wasnt a good idea because she didnt need to be stressed out(along with a few words about how awful she had been treating this poor cat). The next morning she woke me up because she was in labor, & had 4 little furballs. We took them all to the vet to make sure that was it & they were all healthy & they all checked out, the vet even commented on how much milk she had. Also this was her 2nd litter, & all but one of the previous litter died. They wanted to pick them all up after that & again i said no because i knew she was a bad pet owner & didnt trust her to try to save the kittens if any problems arose(like bottle feeding if necessary, one of my other cats is 7 months old and ive raised her from 3 weeks old because the mom was hit by a car and a vet office was trying to find homes asap) or take them to a vet, plus when they visited they said it was healthier for them to have a litter before being fixed which i know is absolutely ridiculous. So the kittens are 3 weeks old & all walking and healthy, after being told by them that 'not all of them would make it so be prepared for that'. They asked a few days ago what our plans were for finding them homes & she said she & some of her friends wanted one(one friend is known for not spaying her cats) & told my boyfriend that she wanted one because the kitten she had was so sick that it needed surgery that was super expensive & may not work so they were putting him down. He told her that the way i was doing it was to do an in-home inspection and have them fill out basically an adoption form and then sign a contract and pay us the cost of their vaccinations(for the contract to be legally binding) and then wait until we have them fixed to get them(which we arent putting into the fee for them). She never responded to that. So today my boyfriend got a call from the police department where she was claiming we stole the cats & wouldnt give them back. He talked to them for a bit(I was at work) and told our side of the story & basically they said for us to work it out when I got off. Ive told her she can take me to court over it if she wants to, and I'm wanting to know if I have a good case for it? We are financially better situated to care for them as well as more invested. I do plan to give her cat back when the kittens are old enough, but not the kittens. Shes shown no interest in the kittens until hers ended up fatally ill and has provided no help taking care of the pregnant mom or asked about the kittens except for wanting them when they were first born and now that theyre getting bigger. She doesnt ask about if she can visit and play with them or how theyre doing or anything, just if she can have them and give them to her friends, so I dont consider them hers. She hasnt been successful at keeping any of her two cats healthy while we currently have 2 cats who are 7 months old and healthy(glossy coats and all), hers who is a little over a year old and now has most of her hair back and no scabs whatsoever, and 4 kittens who all have clear, bright eyes and are nice and healthy. One of our own cats has even taken to mothering the kittens(helping them potty and bathing them) alongside their mom(who is more than happy for the help). Basically I just want to know what chance we have at keeping these babies from such an irresponsible person. Really I would love to keep the mommy cat as well but my boyfriend doesnt think its right considering we agreed to it being temporary when it was just her.

Actually, considering the condition the mama cat was in when she came to you, I'd have no qualms about keeping her as well.  I think you have a pretty good case for keeping the kittens but to be sure, you might want to talk about this with a lawyer.  Many lawyers offer an initial one hour consultation for free in hopes you'll hire them for any case you might have.  

Do you have pictures of the condition mama was in when you got her and pictures of her now?  Also, do you have copies of all the vet bills?  

It seems to me that since the kittens are only alive because you didn't go along with the "owners" recommendation to abort them that these kittens should be yours. I don't know if that's significant from a legal standpoint, however.  In addition, you've cared for them and paid for their vet bills.  Do you have any emails or texts about the "owner's" willingness to have them aborted and do you have any that demonstrate a lack of interest in the kittens, up until the other cat got sick?   

Honestly, I would want to keep those kittens and mama as far away from this person as possible.  

Margd said:

Actually, considering the condition the mama cat was in when she came to you, I'd have no qualms about keeping her as well.  I think you have a pretty good case for keeping the kittens but to be sure, you might want to talk about this with a lawyer.  Many lawyers offer an initial one hour consultation for free in hopes you'll hire them for any case you might have.  

Do you have pictures of the condition mama was in when you got her and pictures of her now?  Also, do you have copies of all the vet bills?  

It seems to me that since the kittens are only alive because you didn't go along with the "owners" recommendation to abort them that these kittens should be yours. I don't know if that's significant from a legal standpoint, however.  In addition, you've cared for them and paid for their vet bills.  Do you have any emails or texts about the "owner's" willingness to have them aborted and do you have any that demonstrate a lack of interest in the kittens, up until the other cat got sick?   

Honestly, I would want to keep those kittens and mama as far away from this person as possible.  

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I do have copies of the vet bills and pictures of her but you can't see much, shes fully black and the scabs you could just feel everywhere especially on her neck. I might have some of her tail though because its a bit discoloured from the hair loss.
And there are texts if we can get them from the carrier. I'm not sure if they would do that or not but I'll make sure to call and ask. And I'll make sure I consult a lawyer too.

I agree with Margd. You didn't steal the cat, they willingly turned her over. Furthermore they violated the contract by not admitting they knew the cat was pregnant.

Keep the cat, and if they force your hand, ask them if they are willing to admit on public record in court that they have a relative who abuses animals, given that this information may put their relative on an FBI watch list.

That's so over the top, but it might work, because it might actually be true.

Get as much paperwork and pictures together as you can. This is not about you having more money than them, this is about a cat whose owners are just not apparently capable of keeping this cat happy and healthy. A court case could go VERY badly for them.

It's slander to accuse someone of stealing; you can go after them for that.

Can your vet swear on an affidavit as to the cats health?

Should they sue, countersue for every penny you spent on vet care, food, litter, and mileage to and from the stores and vet.

misterwhiskers said:

I agree with Margd. You didn't steal the cat, they willingly turned her over. Furthermore they violated the contract by not admitting they knew the cat was pregnant.

Keep the cat, and if they force your hand, ask them if they are willing to admit on public record in court that they have a relative who abuses animals, given that this information may put their relative on an FBI watch list.

That's so over the top, but it might work, because it might actually be true.

Get as much paperwork and pictures together as you can. This is not about you having more money than them, this is about a cat whose owners are just not apparently capable of keeping this cat happy and healthy. A court case could go VERY badly for them.

It's slander to accuse someone of stealing; you can go after them for that.

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I hadnt thought about that actually, thank you. That'll be really helpful with this lol

If they've never taken the cat to the vet, the cat is not legally theirs. If they have a rabies certificate and/or a city licensing certificate, it may turn out differently. I doubt she'll actually file a case though---it costs around $100 to file a small-claims case in most places so I think that weeds out most of the riff-raff.

Personally, I'd return the mama cat, after she's been spayed. If you don't want to pay for it, arrange with them to set up an appointment at the vet's, you drop her off, they pick her up and pay for it. If they don't want to do that, oh well. I would NOT let them have her back unspayed. I don't think they have any rights to the kittens, find appropriate homes for them as you see fit.

About 6 years ago I was in a relationship that ended badly. We had a dog together and she was pregnant when I left. After she had the puppies and were weaned I went to get one. When I got there they were in horrible shape. They had the mange, fleas, worms and looked pitiful. I didnt see the mom. I took both puppies and went straight to a pet store. Vets were not easy to come by there. Any way I got the stuff to treat them. A few days later he called saying I stole the puppies. I did one but he said I could have one. He said he was going to get me for doing that. 

I told them I took them to a person that said they were being neglected and that if he wanted to call the cops to do it. I had pictures and statements showing they were at the least neglected and they could get him for animal abuse. He backed off and I haven't heard from him again. 

If I was you I would not give her the Cat or kittens. I would get all my records and pictures and any statement from any one that would be willing to. Most of the time they will back off at just the thought of being charged. 

Willowy said:

If they've never taken the cat to the vet, the cat is not legally theirs. If they have a rabies certificate and/or a city licensing certificate, it may turn out differently. I doubt she'll actually file a case though---it costs around $100 to file a small-claims case in most places so I think that weeds out most of the riff-raff.

Personally, I'd return the mama cat, after she's been spayed. If you don't want to pay for it, arrange with them to set up an appointment at the vet's, you drop her off, they pick her up and pay for it. If they don't want to do that, oh well. I would NOT let them have her back unspayed. I don't think they have any rights to the kittens, find appropriate homes for them as you see fit.

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I know they had taken her to the vet before but I'm not sure when and I dont think she has been licensed or had a rabies vaccine. When we got her she didnt even have a collar with a name tag.

And she will be fixed before she goes back, I dont mind paying for it. I'm hoping with all of this she will make sure to take better care of her pets but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on her just in case. Id be more than happy to keep her here if it werent for my boyfriend thinking it was wrong, but if anything seems suspicious with her getting her back or if i think shes neglecting her i will definitely be notifying the police and anyone else i can to make sure shes safe, i dont mind paying $100 or more to make sure shes protected.

Then again though maybe she will just give up and not want momma cat back either once shes fixed.

Louann Jude said:

About 6 years ago I was in a relationship that ended badly. We had a dog together and she was pregnant when I left. After she had the puppies and were weaned I went to get one. When I got there they were in horrible shape. They had the mange, fleas, worms and looked pitiful. I didnt see the mom. I took both puppies and went straight to a pet store. Vets were not easy to come by there. Any way I got the stuff to treat them. A few days later he called saying I stole the puppies. I did one but he said I could have one. He said he was going to get me for doing that. 

I told them I took them to a person that said they were being neglected and that if he wanted to call the cops to do it. I had pictures and statements showing they were at the least neglected and they could get him for animal abuse. He backed off and I haven't heard from him again. 

If I was you I would not give her the Cat or kittens. I would get all my records and pictures and any statement from any one that would be willing to. Most of the time they will back off at just the thought of being charged. 

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I'm sorry you had to go through all of that, its tough knowing innocent babies would suffer if we didnt do anything about it.

We have pictures of her hair loss I found and one of her open mouth breathing from an upper respiratory infection(we cleared that up with some L-lysine and steaming her, our cat we got from the humane society had one when we got her so we just did the same thing the vet had us do with her and it cleared up pretty quickly) but not much else. We just know that none of the previous litter survived under her care but all of ours are doing great. She had one make it to around 8 months I think is what it is now but its so sick she has to put it down.

And I plan on getting statements from our vet as well as asking for her vet's name to get one from them as well if theyre willing, and of course from the humane society about the cat population and how its irresponsible not to spay and whatnot if they do decide to take it to court. I'm hoping she'll just back off as well but if I have to do some work to keep them safe I will.

I would certainly NOT want to give the cat back to an abusive situation where, as the girl told you, her uncle was trying to steal the cat and was abusive toward her.  That sounds like a pretty good reason for the kitty to be skittish and hide with her previous "owner"!!  

You could also report her uncle for abuse based on the girl's statement along with pictures if you have them, or the vet's testimony that scabs were present all over her body without good reason (playing with her kitten?...come on!)  The fact that she has improved while with you is proof that she's being treated better.  

With an uncle like she has, she shouldn't have a cat.  He certainly shouldn't have a cat.  Why can't she keep him out of her house, anyway?  Or does she let the cat out?  

Rule number one. If you take in an abandoned, stray or can you keep it for a while pet take picture. Timestamp them. I did this with a horse that was dumped on me. They wanted it back after I fed him for 3 months. I showed them the pictures and told her to take me to court. Never heard from them again. Second take them straight to the vet. Get it documented. Modern age. Do not talk on the phone. Text or email.

Since she consented to spaying while the cat was pregnant she more or less abandoned the kittens. The kittens need their mother to survive. The mother cat is well adjusted to your living environment. It's likely a civil case. You could probably get 6 weeks even if she filed before the case was heard.

You can also ask them to produce veterinary records , Proof of rabies. ID chip. 

Kittens Mom said:

Rule number one. If you take in an abandoned, stray or can you keep it for a while pet take picture. Timestamp them. I did this with a horse that was dumped on me. They wanted it back after I fed him for 3 months. I showed them the pictures and told her to take me to court. Never heard from them again. Second take them straight to the vet. Get it documented. Modern age. Do not talk on the phone. Text or email.
Since she consented to spaying while the cat was pregnant she more or less abandoned the kittens. The kittens need their mother to survive. The mother cat is well adjusted to your living environment. It's likely a civil case. You could probably get 6 weeks even if she filed before the case was heard.
You can also ask them to produce veterinary records , Proof of rabies. ID chip. 

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Ive been making sure to only text her, she has called my boyfriend about it though but ill make sure he doesnt take it from now on.
And the scabs were gone before the vet ever saw them. We set up the appointment and I have a vet receipt from my other cat that shows the reason was for scabbing on the body for her in a couple of days but we changed it to seeing if she was pregnant since the scabs were almost gone by then. I'll get a statement from the vet though and see if they remember feeling any of the ones that were left. The only pictures I have show discoloration from hair loss on her rear end and her open mouth breathing. If I knew what a fuss this was going to be I wouldve made sure to take her to the vet over every little thing and the next time I agree to keep an animal for anyone I will definitely be more cautious.

6 weeks for what?

@Anafeicht   I can understand why your boyfriend feels it is wrong to keep Mama cat - your friend did say she might want her back someday.  However, there is another way to look at this, and that is from the perspective of the best interest of the cat.  Mama cat came to you in very poor condition and she is happy and healthy now.  If you return her, will she be neglected again?  Will she be as happy as she is with you?  It's a tough decision to make, I totally understand that, but I would be very reluctant to entrust this little girl with someone who didn't take proper care of her before. 

Ginny said:

I would certainly NOT want to give the cat back to an abusive situation where, as the girl told you, her uncle was trying to steal the cat and was abusive toward her.  That sounds like a pretty good reason for the kitty to be skittish and hide with her previous "owner"!!  

You could also report her uncle for abuse based on the girl's statement along with pictures if you have them, or the vet's testimony that scabs were present all over her body without good reason (playing with her kitten?...come on!)  The fact that she has improved while with you is proof that she's being treated better.  

With an uncle like she has, she shouldn't have a cat.  He certainly shouldn't have a cat.  Why can't she keep him out of her house, anyway?  Or does she let the cat out?  

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I'm going to ask for her vet name and vet records and all that to see what her vet thought of her condition and how long she had the scabs before we got her.
And they lived with her parents who let the uncle move in(he was in jail until recently) but now they say theyre getting the upstairs to themselves and they'll have a lock on the door but I'm still not okay with it.

Margd said:

@Anafeicht
  I can understand why your boyfriend feels it is wrong to keep Mama cat - your friend did say she might want her back someday.  However, there is another way to look at this, and that is from the perspective of the best interest of the cat.  Mama cat came to you in very poor condition and she is happy and healthy now.  If you return her, will she be neglected again?  Will she be as happy as she is with you?  It's a tough decision to make, I totally understand that, but I would be very reluctant to entrust this little girl with someone who didn't take proper care of her before. 

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I agree. Ive been having a lot of conflicting emotions about it because I dont think she should be allowed to treat her the way she was. Shes an amazing and adorable cat and she deserves to be treated the way she should be.

Anafeicht said:

I'm going to ask for her vet name and vet records and all that to see what her vet thought of her condition and how long she had the scabs before we got her.
And they lived with her parents who let the uncle move in(he was in jail until recently) but now they say theyre getting the upstairs to themselves and they'll have a lock on the door but I'm still not okay with it.

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You mean the uncle will still be in the house?  I wouldn't be okay with that either. 

Anafeicht said:

I'm going to ask for her vet name and vet records and all that to see what her vet thought of her condition and how long she had the scabs before we got her.
And they lived with her parents who let the uncle move in(he was in jail until recently) but now they say theyre getting the upstairs to themselves and they'll have a lock on the door but I'm still not okay with it.

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Yeah, I wouldn't be ok with Uncle Jailbird known cat-abuser living in the same house either!  He may know how to pick locks.  Poor kitty.  I hope she stays with you.  It is weird why her previous owner doesn't want to see her or come play, she just wants her back.  Why?  So she can neglect her again?  

Ginny said:

Yeah, I wouldn't be ok with Uncle Jailbird known cat-abuser living in the same house either!  He may know how to pick locks.  Poor kitty.  I hope she stays with you.  It is weird why her previous owner doesn't want to see her or come play, she just wants her back.  Why?  So she can neglect her again?  

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Thats what I'm wondering, why does she care so much about getting her back but only visited once for 10 minutes right after the kittens were born and then nothing since then or before. Shes only even asked about any of them once or twice but still never asks to come see them even when we were on good terms.

Anafeicht said:

Ive been making sure to only text her, she has called my boyfriend about it though but ill make sure he doesnt take it from now on.
And the scabs were gone before the vet ever saw them. We set up the appointment and I have a vet receipt from my other cat that shows the reason was for scabbing on the body for her in a couple of days but we changed it to seeing if she was pregnant since the scabs were almost gone by then. I'll get a statement from the vet though and see if they remember feeling any of the ones that were left. The only pictures I have show discoloration from hair loss on her rear end and her open mouth breathing. If I knew what a fuss this was going to be I wouldve made sure to take her to the vet over every little thing and the next time I agree to keep an animal for anyone I will definitely be more cautious.

6 weeks for what?

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For the kittens to nurse. Not optimal for anyone but better than handing them over. I might have got the age of the kittens wrong.

Your other option is to call AC on them and report the abuse. What kind of vet care did she provide her kitten that got sick and died ? What did it die of ? You may or may not win in court. Depends on how willing the original owner is to be honest and tell why she left you with the cat and why she is now able to care for it. I would tell she can have the cat back when she reports her uncle for abusing it. While companion animals are considered property it's not out of a judges reach to decide you now own the cat. However your actual financial status over hers would have little bearing. Also necessary vet bills would be her responsibility if she wants to pursue the claim. If she files a small claim you can countersue.

You could try making an offer to buy the cat and include the kittens.

I advise before you hand over the cat or kittens that you speak to an attorney. yeah I know costing you more money. It comes under the No Good Deed Goes Unpunished clause.

Anafeicht said:

Thats what I'm wondering, why does she care so much about getting her back but only visited once for 10 minutes right after the kittens were born and then nothing since then or before. Shes only even asked about any of them once or twice but still never asks to come see them even when we were on good terms.

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Does she think she can sell the kittens ?  Serous you would be surprised at the mentality of some humans.