Neighbor leaves a cat-rescuer on "read" for a month, then comes to claim 2 kittens after the kind stranger spends $400 in medical fees; they refuse to hand them over: 'I'm 100% sure they'll be outdoor only cats'

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Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Aug 14, 2025 9:00 PM EDT

Two kittens plopped into the lap of a cat-lover when they discovered the baby white felines in their backyard. After doing a widespread search for their owners, the kitty rescuers spent $400 tending to their injuries, getting them the medical assistance they needed, and bonding with the 2 kitten siblings. But after a month of cuddles and cute kitten afternoons, suddenly, a neighbor was coming to claim the kitties, despite leaving them on "Read" when they texted about the cats a few weeks ago. 

Hmm, why the sudden interest, buddy? Well, this cat lover wasn't about to go down without a fight, knowing that they cared for these kittens now more than this random neighbor ever would…

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  • "Double kittens found in my backyard, owner may have been found?"

    CYCLE
    via Defiant-Sandwich9897
  • So I posted 3 weeks ago about finding these two in my backyard. I contacted all my neighbors went door to door and posted them online. As well as checking the local vets and seeing if they had been cared for or chipped.
    via Defiant-Sandwich9897
  • We found nothing of any owners for them. Now almost a month has past and the neighbor next door (who left me on read) is saying that they are their cats.
    via Defiant-Sandwich9897
  • I'm conflicted because we've gotten both vetted and fixed one, scheduling the other soon. Overall we've spent about 400$ on them.
    via Defiant-Sandwich9897
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    via Defiant-Sandwich9897

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  • The issue is, had we left them outside, I am VERY sure Fred would have d d due to his leg (and later discovering him deaf)
    via Defiant-Sandwich9897
  • What would yall do in this situation? They haven't come to speak with me/texted me yet but the kids are all outside playing right now. I am 100% sure if they retake them they will be outdoor only cats and will di around here.
    via Defiant-Sandwich9897
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    via Defiant-Sandwich9897

  • After spending so much money on a cat, wrangling them into carriers, and adding your last name to their veterinary file, it's hard not to call a stray cat yours. This person bonded with a pair of kitten siblings so quickly that once a neighbor came out of the woodwork a month later, they refused to give them back. Especially since this neighbor spent a month without much interest in the cats, it was clear they'd found their furrever home. 

  • NyxNoxKnicks ⚫ Yeah, no. They couldn't be bothered to respond in 30 days? That means they really don't care about those sweet babies. Those are YOUR cats now. May you and your slightly larger family have a happy life together.
    via NyxNoxKnicks

  • “They are up for grabs”

  • ifalltopiecesbitch If you found them and there was no chip, reached out to your neighbours and no one contacted you back after you made a clear effort, I personally would keep them. Especially if it's clear they weren't being taken care of and
    via ifalltopiecesbitch
  • you already spent money on their care. I'm not sure where you are located but if they cannot provide proof that they are their's and you touched based with them, where I am they are up for grabs.
    via ifalltopiecesbitch
  • BKEDDIE82⚫ I would tell them I am keeping them. I got them care, and you didn't say anything for a month. Go get them chipped with your information.
    via BKEDDIE82
  • LilMissRoRo . If it took them a whole month to reply, they're your cats now. Keep them indoors and that way nobody can them and you'll keep them safe as well.
    via LilMissRoRo

  • “They are home”

  • 16v_cordero It took him a month to "answer". No way those babies are going anywhere. They are home.
    via 16v_cordero
  • hypoxiate. It's a shame you turned them over to a local rescue a couple of weeks ago. coughcough
    via hypoxiate

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adopt cuddly wholesome cat adorable adoption snuggles cuteness foster fail foster kitten cute adopted snuggly cuddles feline cat rescue Cat distribution system Cats
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