'I want to steal them: Heartless neighbors let their cats "become outdoor cats" just as the cold weather gets bad, forcing the person next door to return them over and over, to no avail

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Dec 28, 2025 9:00 AM EST

Outdoor cats vs. indoor cats - there has been a debate forever about which is better. Those who say that keeping cats indoors all the time is better explain it by saying that these cats live longer, safer, healthier lives. Those who support the opposite say that keeping cats indoors takes away their freedom, reduces their instincts and keeps them generally sadder. But whichever side you are on in the debate, we think that every cat owner can agree on the fact that letting your cats become outdoor cats for the first time just as winter hits the hardest… that's not okay. 

And that is exactly what these cat owners did to their two cats. Unsurprisingly, the cats didn't take well to suddenly being allowed outside for hours, so they looked for shelter, and the only place that made sense was for the cats to go to their neighbors. These are cats who do not derive happiness from being outdoors, not the same as cats that were adopted from the streets. They didn't need to be let go. That was the owner's choice, and it was a bad one, something forced on the cats. And by consequence, it was forced on the neighbors as well. It's a good thing these kind neighbors took the cats in and gave them shelter. Not everyone would have. But what now? 

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  • 01

    "Neighbors s*ck"

    Cheezburger Image 10589807616
    via JessieMarie81
  • 02
    ENTERTAINING CE USG
    via JessieMarie81
  • 03
    These two technically live next door. Their people suck. Decided to make them outdoor cats just as the weather started getting bad. Now they live partially out of my garage. I want to steal them. But I already have two indoor cats, and I don't want to fight the neighbors anymore.
    via JessieMarie81
  • 04
    I've already taken them home multiple times. I told them, your cats are to loving to be strictly outdoors. They'll be killed or stolen. Now I just settle for giving them a warm place to sleep in the garage.
    via JessieMarie81

  • At a certain point, we feel like it is a fair question to ask… when does it stop being “stealing” and turn into “rescuing”? Do we have to wait until the cats are officially sick, on the verge of freezing, because their neglectful owners let them wander when it's snowing outside? Or do we go preventative and straight out tell the neighbors that they're neglecting their cats? IF it worth the confrontation? Seems to us like it probably is. Seems like the cats' lives might depend on it. 

  • 05
    bluboomR can you make them a warm bed in there? take a big box, tape the top closed, cut a big opening in the long side, stick a blankie inside. a decent makeshift house that'll keep their breath inside the box and keep them warmer than if the top was open.
    via bluboomR
  • 06
    maybe someone you know might want them. be a shame if they go missing. smuggle them out in the dark of night and never speak of it again. they look so sweet and vulnerable, not built for the outside in winter.
    via bluboomR
  • 07
    Jessie Marie81 OP My son and I have already made them both one. We used old plastic totes, cut a hole in one side, lined the inside with cardboard and put some old blankets in there. I also took a couple Costco boxes and lined them with old blankets to put on top of the tote. So they can nap when it's not cold, too.
    via JessieMarie81
  • 08
    They have a bowl of fresh water and I keep some treats out there. So they're warm, dry, safe and have snacks. But they are definitely NOT outdoor cats. I'm not ready to make them mine because vet bills to make sure they're healthy, fixed and won't make our indoor cats sick
    via JessieMarie81
  • 09
    bluboomR that sounds so cozy. at least they have you and your son to help them out, to take some of the harshness out of the situation. yeah, it's not the food, it's the vet bills that make it hard to take on more and more. seriously though, you could quietly look for a new home for them. doubt the jerk neighbors will even notice.
    via bluboomR
  • 10
    Jessie Marie81 OP It's my whole household. My mom, my spouse and my other kid. We all love on them, give them treats, and make sure the garage door stays open enough for them to come in. Last night was great, they weren't here when I got up at 430am, which means they were actually at home. It was 29° here last night. They showed up this afternoon though.
    via JessieMarie81

  • Now, this sounds like how “outdoor cats” should be treated. If you are going to be letting them outdoors, then a way back in should always be given to them. And it sounds like it wasn't in their original house, otherwise, they probably would have been going back in there for warmth and not into a stranger's house. Personally, we would much rather they end up with you, and quite frankly, it doesn't seem like their owners care either way. 

  • 11
    Material-Emu-8732 Do these cats get along with your cats inside? Very relatable post btw. My best friend is from next door, he visits. But we live in Canada and in winter they left him outside in -26 celcius... He was maybe 1.5 yrs old then.
    via Material-Emu-8732
  • 12
    He is VERY nice. Loves to nap on my lap. Gentle paws with me. Very smart. Gives me his paw, sits on command (I did train him). I joke I am like Ms. Honey and he is like Matilda (very smart) with a shitty family.
    via Material-Emu-8732
  • 13
    Jessie Marie81 OP I haven't allowed them in the house to test the waters with my cats. My older girl cat is old and bitchy. My little boy cat would probably love new friends.
    via JessieMarie81
  • 14
    Maple MooseMoney Thought it was the same cat. Must be siblings
    via MapleMooseMoney
  • 15
    Jessie Marie81 OP Mother and son
    via JessieMarie81
  • 16
    Key-Juggernaut3796 Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you. And thank you for first thinking of the buddies you have.
    via Key-Juggernaut3796
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    Jessie Marie81 OP Oh friend, it is absolutely my pleasure to have these rascals know I'm safe and they have a place to go
    via JessieMarie81
  • 18
    UnstablePotato69 I'd be tempted to name the first pic "Black Flame"
    via UnstablePotato69
  • 19
    Jessie Marie81 OP We call the first one Moo, because she looks like a sweet little cow. The second one boots because of his white boot-like paws.
    via JessieMarie81
  • 20
    Imdirt- Just let them stay in.
    via Imdirt-
  • 21
    maelstron You don't need to fight neighbors. Cars are indoors, if they are outside in the cold it's not their cats anymore. Give them shelter please
    via maelstron

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