Question
Last year in December I gave my cat away to my co-worker. I recently found out that the cat is not being taken care of properly and want her back so that I have peace of mind that the cat is safe in my care. She’s offered to let me cat sit at my house while she goes on vacation, legally, could I just keep the cat at that point, with the concerns I have? Neither of us have documentation of ownership but I have the cat’s shot records while my co-worker has no papers.
Ohio, USA
Answer
People who sell or give their animal away generally have no further rights to that animal unless there is an agreement stating otherwise. It would NOT be legal for a pet-sitter, even a person who formerly was the animal’s “parent,” to take the animal without the permission of the animal’s current “parent.”
Offering to purchase an animal sometimes works to get the animal returned, as unfair as that may seem under certain circumstances. People who suspect that an animal is being neglected or otherwise mistreated should contact the police, sheriff, animal control, and local humane societies.
I hope this works out well for the cat who should have a loving and stable home.
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