Person rescued a stray, unneutered starving cat from the street, gets a shady response from someone online claiming the cat is theirs, but now they don't want to give the cat back: 'I’m just really nervous about his safety'

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Oct 2, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

Adopting a cat means taking on all of the responsibilities that come with having a cat. A cat is not a toy, a cat is not there just to look cute and for you to pet every once in a while. Cats, relatively to other animals, are low maintenance, but they still have needs. There are still many things that you, as their owner, have to do once you have them. The most obvious of the list is keeping your cat healthy and well-fed, but even that requirement wasn't met by the "owner" of the cat in this story.

When this person found this unneutered, hungry cat, they had no doubt in their minds that it was a stray, because what else could a cat in this condition be? Them posting about a missing cat on FB was just a precaution, because they are good people, but they did not expect to get an answer like that one. Someone claimed this cat under their post - but that someone was shady. 

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  • 01

    "A stray followed me home. Someone on Facebook claimed him but I’m nervous to give him back."

    picture of a fluffy cat in a shirt
    via Unsplash / Tien Vu Ngoc

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

  • 02
    He followed me home. He's very clearly got something wrong with his eye, I suspect an infection of some sort. He's covered in fleas, ate the food I gave him like he was starving, was incredibly dirty and not neutered.
    via Top_Reaction_4215
  • 03
    I posted him on facebook because he was very friendly and didn't know what to do, and someone claimed him saying to just drop him off in their yard he's one outdoor cat of many and they had noticed a few missing.
    via Top_Reaction_4215
  • 04
    I'm nervous about returning him because it doesn't seem like he was receiving basic care and like I said he's not neutered so he's just gonna reproduce out there. What would you guys do? I'm just really nervous about his safety
    via Top_Reaction_4215
  • 05
    picture of a fluffy cat in a shirt
    via Unsplash / Tien Vu Ngoc

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

  • Oh, the number of red flags in this story. “One of many”, “unneutered”, running into your arms like they finally found the kindness that they were looking for. Keep the cat away from that place at all costs. We don't care what you say. The cat is clearly so, so much better off with you. 

  • 06
    CorpseF ckeer Some people will claim free/stray pets to use as bait. How long ago did the person lose the cat? And can you stalk their Facebook to see if they seem like a decent person? Were they even looking for the cat prior to you making a post? Trust your gut though, I don't think he would be in that bad of condition if he just recently got lost. Thank you for helping the poor kitty
    via CorpseF*ckeer
  • 07
    Top Reaction_4215 OP They didn't say and nothing on their facebooks seems like they were missing a cat. All they said is they noticed a couple of their cats missing. I was thinking about telling them he escaped when I got home and ask them for more photos to make a missing cat sign for them so I can see if they even have pictures of him. Then taking him to the vet to get checked out. And have them scan for a microchip. It's weird to me that they didn't seem more invested in finding the cat becau
    via Top_Reaction_4215
  • 08
    AnonRay I'd say he accidentally escaped from you and you're sorry.
    via AnonRay
  • 09
    Top_Reaction_4215 OP Yeppp I accidentally left my window open and he must be a runner cause I can't find him anywhere In other news just took this #completely# different cat I found to the vet and he is not microchipped, and has a uri. The didn't charge me anything just checked him out for me briefly. Im either gonna take him to a shelter if it's no kill or I'm gonna just have to have another cat, I haven't decided yet as we also have dogs and he seems very freaked by them. I'll call my vet and
    via Top_Reaction_4215
  • 10
    Alohafarms I wouldn't return him. I foster and so often this kind of situation has nothing to do with love for the animal, just "it's mine." Clearly neglected and will go back to neglect and maybe worse. I would lie and say he got away and then take him to the vet asap. Bless you for caring so much.
    via Alohafarms
  • 11
    Top Reaction_4215 OP Slight update as idk how to edit a post Imao. I just messaged the "owner" asking for a pic of the cat so I can verify it's theirs they haven't responded so we shall see. Also, he doesn't necessarily look like he's underweight but I only have one cat and she's tinyyy so I don't have the best comparison for it He's a tabby and pretty small too, but like I said he's filthy and his eye is leaking ooze and all squinty. If they respond with a picture for me I'm gonna ask about his
    via Top_Reaction_4215
  • 12
    picture of a fluffy cat in a shirt
    via Unsplash / Tien Vu Ngoc

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

  • And it's not that we don't appreciate people taking care of stray cats, even claiming them… but there is a way to do it. You can be neglectful even of a stray cat. And in this case, it seems like they want the cat back. Sort of. But they don't deserve him. 

  • 13
    marylambino Anyone can claim an animal is theirs but without proof, it's meaningless. You can ask for proof (l.e. vet records). Or, if you truly believe this cat was being n*glected in their care, you could say it escaped but you'll "keep an eye out."
    via marylambino
  • 14
    Allie614032 Do not return him. I agree, say he escaped back outside again. Then either take him to be neutered and microchipped, or take him to a shelter. Either way, he'll be better off than in that person's backyard.
    via Allie614032
  • 15
    LightRealmsYT They clearly do not care about that poor cat. New family member for you!
    via LightRealmsYT
  • 16
    Peeping Tara Just say nothing and keep him. If they contact you tell them you dropped him off in the front yard like they asked and haven't seen him since. Chances are they won't recognize him when he's healthy anyway if they ever see him. I'd keep him as an indoor cat from now on though.
    via PeepingTara
  • 17
    Crystal Lake1 First of all, people can't just claim a cat. They have to show proof like vet records, adoption papers, etc. Has this "owner" provided any evidence of ownership? Is kitty microchipped? Judging by the cat roaming outside unfixed and covered in fleas, he's never been taken to the vet.
    via CrystalLake1
  • 18
    Since he also has an eye condition, he clearly needs vet care. In my state, it's illegal to deny vet care to your pet. The "owner" is clearly negligent and unfit to have pets. What you could do is take cat to vet to address everything, so your name is on the vet records. The person whose name is on the vet bills is often considered the owner. Tell the "owner" the cat had to be treated at the vet, and if they want him back, they must provide proof and reimburse you for vet costs. They'll likely d
    via CrystalLake1

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