'She spends more time with us than my neighbor at this point': Stray mama cat paws her way into family's heart, causing a cat custody conundrum as they prepare to move to a new furever home together

This pawsitively sweet stray saga starts with a charming little lady cat who began visiting one couple's apartment in March. Though initially cautious (especially the resident boy cats), she slowly made herself at home, snuggling, snoozing, and meowing her way into their hearts. Suspicions of pregnancy arose, and a post-vacation surprise confirmed it: the kitty had kittens! But the feline family wasn't revealed until a vet visit weeks later that showed she'd been nursing all along. Following her paw prints, they found the babies on a neighbor's patio.

The neighbor, who admitted to feeding the cat but had no vet involvement, casually offered them two kittens and seemed unfazed by the mama's well-being. Despite claiming the cat as "hers," she hadn't chipped, spayed, or planned long-term care. Meanwhile, the kitty kept curling up with her chosen family day and night.

So now the family has a dilemma: adopt the cat and move her with them out of state, or leave her behind in a questionable environment. If a cat keeps pawing at your door, spending all her time in your lap, and bonding with your household, she's probably already adopted you. Sounds like this kitty already picked her furever family.

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Keep the whole clowder together! She picked you, and those kittens deserve a purrmanent home too. Pack the toys, grab the treats, and move as one big happy furmily!
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The neighbor can’t just claim the cat like that. She’s an outdoor explorer with no chip or real care. Cats choose their humans, and this one’s clearly made her heart with you!
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It’s always smartest to keep things legal and have proof the cat’s yours like vet records or a chip. That way, no one can pawsitively dispute who really owns the fur baby.
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