Entitled cat owner dumps cat on her ex-coworker after getting evicted, doesn't pay for the cat or show interest in it, now the coworker considers stealing the cat she's "cat-sitting": 'She may threaten to call the police on us if we don't return the cat'

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Aug 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

Life is hard. Sometimes things happen. And when you have a cat and these things happen, somehow, it's even worse, because you know that, no matter what, the cat is your responsibility and you have to make sure that it is okay. Sometimes, vet bills are high, and it's difficult to deal with that, and sometimes, even the basics are expensive. We're not upset with the person in this story for trying to find a better home for their cat while they are struggling, we're mad at them for pretty much everything else. 

If you ask a friend to cat-sit, then that is exactly what you are asking of them. It is still your responsibility to do whatever you can to provide for the cat, and even more than that, your most basic responsibility is continuing to call and check in on the cat, see how they're doing. None of that was done here, and apparently, the cat owner didn't take care of the cat much before giving it away either. 

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  • 01

    "[Would I be wrong] if I kept the cat I am cat-sitting?"

    picture of a cat with bright green eyes
    via Unsplash / Donna McL - ddmcl_

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
     

  • 02
    So I have been watching my former coworker's (Eva) cat since February, I'm watching the cat because she was evicted from her place and her new place doesn't allow pets. When Eva first asked me to watch the cat, she said that she planned on finding a new place by the end of the summer and would keep me updated as well as providing food and supplies for her cat.
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  • 03
    We had also agreed that she would come over regularly to visit the cat and to bring the supplies, however since February she has only come over once and has only sent me money for things twice ($100 in total)
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  • 04
    I haven't been reaching out to her as much as I should (due to unrelated issues) but at the same time she also hasn't reached out to me (we've probably facetimed less than 10 times and during the calls she's rarely asked about her cat)
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  • 05
    I live with my parents and recently they've been expressing their frustration with both Eva and the cat. The cat is 2 years old has never been to a vet before, and we have concerns about her health; she is NOT spayed, goes into heat twice a month and has extreme behavioural issues because of it. She often pees and poos in random spots, destroys furniture and howls constantly.
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  • 06
    The cat also has food allergies that we need to get her tested for, but I cannot afford the trip to the vet and Eva has made no effort to pay for the cat to be spayed, or taken to a vet (despite being asked and having the money to do so)
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  • 07
    The main issues I have with Eva is every time I have brought up these concerns she brushes them off, and every time I've made plans for her to come over, she cancels last minute. She seemingly has very little regard for this cat, and due to her housing situation, Im concerned for the wellbeing of the cat.
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  • 08
    Every time I have asked her what her plans are regarding housing, she has told me multiple times that she has no plans. Despite this, my roommate and I are doing the best we can to take care of her with our limited resources
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  • 09
    Recently my dad told me that if Eva does not come back for the cat by September, he will pay for her to be spayed and microchipped in my name. I am nervous to tell Eva because she may take the cat back and give her to someone else who will not take care of her or get these health issues taken care of. I do not want to return the cat unless I know for certain she will be cared for. Eva is extremely dramatic, and has issues with
    via Acceptable-Move-8430
  • 10
    taking accountability or criticism. I am worried that she does not care for this cat at all, and if she does, that she may threaten to call the police on us if we don't return the cat
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  • 11
    Most of the people I've spoken to have told me I wouldn't be in the wrongfor taking ownership of the cat, but I am worried that it could be wrong or unethical for me to do so Imk if any extra info is required, thanks!
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  • 12
    picture of a ginger cat with bright orange eyes
    via Unsplash / Wesam Aljuhani - wh27

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
     

  • It is very clear to us that this owner does not deserve this cat. If we had any doubts about that throughout reading this story, they vanished the second we read that the cat has not been to the vet once in two years. Whether you will keep the cat or not, it has no business being with an owner who doesn't care about it. 

  • 13
    valectronica Hello, It is very important to spay (and microchip) this cat as soon as you can. It's very painful for an unspayed female cat to go into heat. A vet visit should also help with the other health issues. You can ask nearby clinics if there are any resources to help low-income pet owners with more complex needs such as allergies. Cat ownership is generally determined in the US by payment of vet bills and who has been taking care of the cat and paying for their food and other needs. If
    via valectronica
  • 14
    Acceptable-Move-8430 OP Thank you! I know my city has a low income program for fixing pets, but I will definitely look into what kind of resources they have for allergy care/treatment.
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  • 15
    picture of a fluffy gray cat
    via Unsplash / Paul Fernandez

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
     

  • 16
    Peeling Mirthday NTA, but a cat is guaranteed to eventually need more vet care than a simple spay/microchip. If you can't afford annual exams, vaccines, and care in case of injury/illness (and/or insurance), consider re-homing the cat with someone who can.
    via PeelingMirthday
  • 17
    Acceptable-Move-8430 OP yes, I've been talking to my parents about what what they're willing to help out with (spaying/chipping for sure and definitely emergency care). As of right now I am still figuring out what I can afford on my own, but I actually already have had a few friends who have offered to take her in/ adopt her if need be
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  • 18
    picture of an orange cat resting on the floor
    via Unsplash / No Name - imagoloco

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
     

  • What matters here more than anything is the safety of the cat, and it sounds like you are right to be worried about it. You can't have a house cat if you don't have a house, you cannot be responsible for it this way. 

  • 19
    JenMcSpoonie Wait...do you live with your parents or do you have a roommate?
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  • 20
    Acceptable-Move-8430 OP both, i should've clarified. my parents own the house and my friend rents a room, we live in the basement along with the cat
    via Acceptable-Move-8430

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