Can We Request Reimbursement for Cat Expenses Before Returning the Cat to Its Owner?

Question

My wife is in the military, and one of her coworkers went on international orders. She left her cat with us, and we believed she was giving the cat to us permanently. She also said that she would send money or set up a monthly subscription for food and litter, but she never did. Now she is back in the United States and is asking for the cat back. She is also threatening to sue us for the cat. We never said that we would refuse to return the cat; we are only asking her to reimburse us for the expenses we paid while caring for the cat. She even contacted her military command and told them her side of the story. We would appreciate some guidance on what to do. Thank you.

Answer

It is unclear why you thought the cat was given to you and your wife as compared to this being a fostering/boarding situation since you indicated that that the cat’s “parent” said she would send money for the cat’s care or set up a food and litter subscription. People who give away their animal do not typically agree to continue to pay for the animal’s needs, although there are exceptions.

If litigated, an argument can be made that the failure to send money or set up a food and litter subscription should be interpreted to mean that the cat was gifted or abandoned, although I cannot say how a court would decide any given case. Any other correspondence, such as emails or texts, which further explain the agreed upon arrangement may be helpful (to one side or the other depending on what they say).

People who believe they are owed money can sue to try to get compensated. Small Claims courts are user friendly and it is not costly to commence lawsuits in these courts.

I hope that you and your wife’s co-worker can agree on an arrangement that is in the best interests of this cat.