Woman Can’t Take Her Cat With Her And Rehomes It, Gets A Reality Check When She Wants It Back

Cats are one of the most popular pets for many people. In fact, about 370 million cats are kept as pets globally. Responsible pet owners know that every pet needs a forever home. A place where they can live out their best days without having to worry about moving or new owners.

This woman got a surprise when a friend who asked her to adopt her cat suddenly demanded that she give it back. When the woman refused, she was called a “cat thief” and was threatened with legal action. So, she asked people online whether her stance was really so unreasonable.

To know more about the specifics of rehoming cats, Bored Panda reached out to Amy Shojai, CABC, a certified animal behaviorist. She explained how cats form strong bonds with their territory and how they handle frequent owner changes. Read her expert insights below!

More info: Amy Shojai | Amy Shojai books

A woman agreed to take in her friend’s cat, but was asked to return it some months later

A woman smiling while holding a tabby cat, showcasing pet rehoming.

Image credits: AnnaStills (not the actual photo)

When she refused, the ex-owner branded her a “cat thief”

Text reads: "AITA for refusing to return a rehomed cat I adopted?" discussing rehoming a cat due to relocation.

Text detailing a woman's effort to rehome her cat, Mina, as it becomes social.

Text discussing a woman's breakup, moving plans, and request to retrieve her rehomed cat, Mina.

Text describing challenges of rehoming a cat and adjusting to a new environment.

Sleeping ginger cat on a green bed, curled up peacefully after being rehomed.

Image credits: Dương Nhân (not the actual photo)

Text screenshot about rehoming a cat named Mina and the emotional attachment involved.

Text conversation about rehoming a cat and facing family conflict.

Text excerpt about rehoming a cat and feeling like a "cat thief.

Text explaining a cat rehoming, clarifying there's no agreement for its return.

Text explaining confusion about a cat rehoming situation, mentioning Mina the cat and H as the previous owner.

Image credits: unilateralcats

Moving can be very stressful for cats

Humans might feel attached to their homes for sentimental reasons. Cats, on the other hand, find it hard to adapt to a new home for different reasons. According to pet expert Amy Shojai, cats bond very strongly with their surroundings. When they’re away from their home territory, they typically feel stressed.

Shojai says that the effect rehoming can have on a cat depends on the circumstances. She invites owners to consider things like how long the cat lived with their previous people and whether it was a good, bad, or indifferent experience. Whether the cat was used to living with other cats, pets, and children matters, too. If they will be introduced to them for the first time, that might be stressful.

“Most cats bond very strongly with their home/territory,” Shojai explains. “Any change in routine (especially a move to unfamiliar surroundings) increases stress. It can take cats many days, more often weeks, and, sometimes, months to feel comfortable in a new home.”

“Once they adjust, cats become more accepting of close contact and interaction. They may go from hiding under the bed or avoiding people/other pets to spending more time with new owners and soliciting pets,” the pet expert points out.

Cat sitting on a wooden table in a cozy kitchen, surrounded by wooden chairs and shelves filled with dishes.

Image credits: Paul Hanaoka (not the actual photo)

Cats form attachments to their owners, but in a different way than people might expect

The new owner of Mina in this story worries that the sudden change of owners will throw the cat out of balance. She feels like the cat got used to the household and considers herself Mina’s new owner. Pet expert Amy Shojai claims that cats do indeed grow attached to their owners, but in a slightly different manner than people think.

“Cats are social creatures,” she explains. “They like routine. And many cats want to control interaction. Like many creatures, cats form attachments with other people and pets when they feel safe in their presence and derive a perceived benefit from the interaction. Benefits include food, play, acceptable interaction (like an interactive game or snuggling).”

“It takes about two weeks or so for a cat to accept and adapt to a new routine – eating at a certain time, playing chase-the-feather at a certain time, snuggling during TV watching, or sharing the owner’s pillow. When a cat learns that they get wonderful benefits from interacting in these ways with the person or other pet, the bond grows stronger over time,” Shojai says.

However, every cat is different, and many other variables can determine their behavior. Most cats who have been living in a shelter or rescued won’t behave in a “normal” way, for example. “Think of it as a form of PTSD – uprooted without explanation from [a] familiar home and dumped in a scary place with strangers who might be dangerous ([in] the cat’s way of thinking),” Shojai explains.

“So, above all, have patience when rehoming cats,” she urges all cat owners. “Building positive relationships rarely [means] ‘love at first sight,’ but with care, love can grow.” For those who’d like to learn more, Amy Shojai has many cat care books available. You can find more detailed information about cat behavior and how to overcome challenges with your favorite feline there!

Cat peacefully sleeping under a white blanket, illustrating themes of rehoming and pet care.

Image credits: Kate Stone Matheson (not the actual photo)

It’s possible to sue someone for stealing your cat, just like with any other type of property

To some people, it might seem silly to threaten legal action over a cat. “It’s just a pet!” many might say. But precisely because it’s a pet – a pet that they loved, doted on, and spent copious amounts of time with – an owner might be ready to do everything to get it back. 

It’s hard to say whether such legal action would be successful. The North Shore Animal League claims that it’s possible to sue someone over wrongfully withholding an animal. The principle is the same as with any other personal property: people can use replevin action to get their possessions back. Calling the police is another option; however, they might not want to meddle in disputes between “friends.”

The best way to prevent cases like in this story is to have the rehoming agreement in writing. Then there’s written proof of who is giving temporary ownership of the cat to whom and who is the true owner. Documents like veterinary records, microchips and other registrations, pet adoption records, and sales agreements can help to prove ownership to a court or police.

Orange cat napping peacefully, representing a rehomed pet.

Image credits: Ludemeula Fernandes (not the actual photo)

“The cat is yours,” many netizens pointed out, “Enjoy the kitty”

Text exchange about rehomed cat, highlighting owner's absence and decision consequences; mentions bad cat mom.

Text expressing opinion on a woman rehoming her cat and wanting it back.

Comment discussing rehoming a cat and the owner's entitlement.

Comment discussing a woman rehoming her cat, calling it selfish when she wants it back after a breakup.

Text exchange about rehoming a cat and issues with ownership and communication.

Text comment suggesting microchipping a rehomed cat and using a camera for proof to prevent theft.

Text comment about rehoming a cat and legal rights, emphasizing ownership and planning.

Comment discussing rehoming a cat and the emotional impact of wanting it back.

Reddit comment about a woman rehoming her cat and the implications of cat ownership responsibilities.

Comment about a woman rehoming her cat and wanting it back, discussing relationship dynamics and advice.

Reddit comment discussing a woman rehoming her cat and facing challenges when wanting it back.

Reddit comment about cat rehoming, saying, "NTA but we demand the cat tax!

Reddit comment discussing concerns about rehoming a cat named Mina with sad emoji.

Comment discussing cat rehoming decision and its implications.

A comment discussing rehoming a cat and the meaning of rehoming.

Text comment discussing a woman's cat rehoming decision and priorities for the pet's well-being.

Comment suggests microchipping a cat named Mina with owner info.

Reddit comment discussing permanent cat rehoming and challenge of reversing the decision.

Text from online discussion about rehoming a cat, emphasizing new ownership responsibility.

Comment discussing rehoming cats, suggesting adoption from shelters.

Reddit comment discussing ownership and costs related to rehoming a cat.

Reddit comment discussing pet rehoming, emphasizing the cat's attachment and urging caution in returning it.

Screenshot of a comment discussing a woman's decision to rehome her cat and the consequences of wanting it back.

Text conversation about rehoming a cat and considering the implications of getting it back.

Text comment about rehomed cat and ownership debate.

Text exchange about rehoming a cat and wanting it back, with user suggesting a time share for cat ownership decisions.

Although some believed that the cat is more attached to her original owner

Comment discussing the rehoming of a cat and attachment issues, emphasizing the importance of updates.

Text discussing a woman rehoming her cat and wanting it back.

Reddit comment discussing rehomed cat and owner's request to get it back.

Comment about rehoming a cat and not adopting, emphasizing temporary help.

Comment discussing rehoming a pet, suggesting the original owner should get the cat back if requested.

Text exchange about rehoming a cat and discussing if it should return to its original owner.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!