My cat is not my cat

[kerijeanbean]

They guy we bought our house from had a cat.  We noticed while we were moving in that the cat was still here.  No biggie we have two other cats.  They will all learn to get along.  A couple days after we moved in I found out that they guy left the cat for the little boy next door, but they didn't seem all that interested in the cat and I considered him my cat.  After all he lives in my house 

The other day I made a comment about the cat and was informed that the cat belongs to the family next door.  Excuse me!?  If it is your cat why am I feeding it?  Why am I letting it bring fleas into my house?  Why am I treating it and now my indoor cats for fleas?  Why does it sleep on my bed?  They don't allow the cat in their house.  It fights with their other cat.  I am confused.

So now the lady next door who has been friendly if not actually a friend isn't talking to me.  You never said it was your cat.  You don't seem to mind that I feed it and take care of it.  So is it your cat as long as you don't have to tend to it, except to put food out for it once in a while?

That does explain some things.  Why he only comes into the house for a couple of minutes and goes right back out.  Why he wasn't staying in long enough to actually eat most of the time.  Why he hangs out in the neighbors yard all the time.  I guess I just won't worry about it.  I just want to know if I have to keep paying for the advantage.  Do I have to take him to the vet if he gets hurt?  I don't know.  The whole thing is so very confusing.  Who's cat is it?

[rmmom801]

Aug. 21, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Ask that question - next time the neighbor says it's her cat - give her the vet bill and grocery bill and tell her you only take cash and when will she be paying her bill?

[ErikaRobin]

Aug. 21, 2009 at 9:48 AM

Whomever takes financial responsibility owns that cat, Keri, and if that's you, then you need to take it inside and KEEP it.  If they want it back, they can reimburse you the cost.  I can't think that the humane society would side with the other family, considering that they don't take any responsibility for it.   They just like to call it theirs. 

Change its name.  ;)  

[Nehalennia]

Aug. 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM

It's your cat. Could be drawn to you or the house. Regardless, he prefers your family's energy vs. staying next door and I imagine it will stay that way.

And I agree with Smurfette. If they want the cat back, they can reimburse you.

[kerijeanbean]

Aug. 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM

The neighbors don't allow the cat in their house.  I can't leave him out when it is 100+ or 20 degrees outside, or raining for days on end, so he will always have a home here.  I I don't want to change his name, I am kind of partial to Tigger.  Besides he has had it for at least 8 years we think.  Unless things get real bad and we can't afford to feed the cats he can stay.  If we ever gets to a point where feeding the cats is taking away from our food they can have him.

(Original Poster)

[Rachael]

Aug. 21, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Most cats in a neighborhood jump from home to home.  We just do not ever really think about it.  It is not uncommon for them to have 2 or more places that they snack and rest, lol.  They are spreading their kitty cheer all around.  As for cat bills(aside from food) I would have that discussion with her.  Let her know that what you have done for the kitty but that you need to get the extraordinary bills assigned so that there is no confusion later.  In fact you could get it in writing just to cover yourself, just in case.