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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to steal the cat

140 replies

ChilliNoodleGoodness · 20/10/2023 13:08

I know IABU and I would never do it but I feel so sorry for it.

A neighbour of mine has a few cats, one of which became pregnant and had kittens. One of the kittens she kept has gone on to have her own kittens - she is so small too.

She gave birth a few months back and is pregnant again! She is covered in fleas and worms and always crying outside peoples houses.

Have asked Cats Protection for advice and they have provided me with details of cheap neutering which I have anonymously posted through her door.

Part of me wants to just take the cat to the vets and get her treatment and have her speyed but I know in real life that is not the best thing to do :(

WWYD?

OP posts:
MidnightOnceMore · 20/10/2023 13:10

You can't do that.

Have you reported the poor care?

BlowDryRat · 20/10/2023 13:10

Nope, do it. Poor cat.

Coldinscotland · 20/10/2023 13:10

It actually is the best thing to do op.

WickWood · 20/10/2023 13:13

As the owner of 4 cats I wouldn't usually condone this, but you should definitely do that in this situation! Poor little thing.

44PumpLane · 20/10/2023 13:16

Honestly I would consider taking the cat to a shelter, if your neighbour cares so little for her cats I doubt she has them chipped.

Prescottdanni123 · 20/10/2023 13:19

I'd report to RSPCA. It's neglect and abuse. Sounds like a dodgy breeding business she has set up. I doubt the kittens are in good health when they are rehomed either.

BusterGonad · 20/10/2023 13:20

I'd take them all and be done with it.

EmpressaurusOfCats · 20/10/2023 13:21

People who can’t be arsed to get their cats spayed shouldn’t be allowed to have cats. I’d report too.

Jux · 20/10/2023 13:22

WickWood · 20/10/2023 13:13

As the owner of 4 cats I wouldn't usually condone this, but you should definitely do that in this situation! Poor little thing.

I hate to say it, but I agree. The poor thing needs a proper home.

How well do you know you NDN? Can you knock and exaggerate a bit, lots of people are asking about this poor little thing, they all think it's a stray etc (shame your NDN a bit) andn the course of conversation ask if the cat's theirs as otherwise you'd like to adopt it......

Good luck. Hope the poor little thing finds a decent loving home soon.

shittyshittysangbang · 20/10/2023 13:22

Rescue the cat. Get her sorted, keep her indoors as I sounds like she is grabbed by the toms outdoors anyway. Deny all knowledge. I am guessing that the toms are within the household. I’d be taking them for a little trip to vets too.

If they ask, tell them you didn’t know they had cats.
Thank you

BluebellsForest · 20/10/2023 13:25

Prescottdanni123 · 20/10/2023 13:19

I'd report to RSPCA. It's neglect and abuse. Sounds like a dodgy breeding business she has set up. I doubt the kittens are in good health when they are rehomed either.

The RSPCA don't come out for situations like this. Getting help from them is like blood from a stone, even in more extreme cruelty cases.

Myhusbandearns150k · 20/10/2023 13:25

That is 100% the right thing to do. If you treat animals so poorly you don’t deserve them.

Be that cats hero! And report the owner for the other cats sake.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 20/10/2023 13:27

Do it. She isn't looking after the poor cat.

I once stole a cat when I found out the owner had burned him with hair straighteners and sucked his tail up a vacuum. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

IDidntKnowMyOwnStrength · 20/10/2023 13:27

In this instance l think you should get her spayed and keep her somewhere safe and warm until healed. Then release her and act none the wiser. Your neighbour sounds totally irresponsible.

Universalsnail · 20/10/2023 13:28

I would steal the cat tbh.

Hipp0campus · 20/10/2023 13:29

Don't bother with RSPCA.

Find your local cat/dog rescue and contact them explaining the situation.
They may be able to offer the owner a surrender form which would then mean poor cat gets vet treatments and proper care and eventually spayed too.

LadyDanburysHat · 20/10/2023 13:29

I would do it. I know it is questionable. But that poor little thing, it is the best thing for the cat.

AFieldGuideToTrees · 20/10/2023 13:29

Steal the cat.

Intriguedbythis · 20/10/2023 13:44

Sorry yes I would steal it and treat it and rehome it with someone trustworthy. If you are one hundred percent sure of the cruelty then do it, perhaps they will learn from it and feel guilt she’s gone

please note I would never condone to steal a regular pet - only in cases of extreme neglect

lightinthebox · 20/10/2023 13:48

I’ll be amazed if they’re microchipped. If you can afford it please take them to be neutered and treated, poor things need someone to look after them. Let us know how you get on.

Bellabluea · 20/10/2023 13:52

Yes. They don’t deserve her - poor baby.

verdantverdure · 20/10/2023 13:57

Do it.

She won't be microchipped so there's nothing to stop you.

And try the RSPCA about the rest.

Pressure your local Cat's Protection to do more.

Tell the vet all about it. They may be able to help through their links with local cat rescues.

Rescues are horrendously under pressure but these cats sound truly neglected and suffering. .

Needeyebrows · 20/10/2023 13:59

That has made me so sad and angry too. Please help the little cat.

verdantverdure · 20/10/2023 13:59

Part of me wants to just take the cat to the vets and get her treatment and have her speyed but I know in real life that is not the best thing to do :(

No, it IS the best thing to do.

Sod the horrible neglectful "owner".

If they have a shit they'd take the help from Cats Protection.

Help the cat.

verdantverdure · 20/10/2023 14:04

I saw a skinny scruffy looking old cat wobbling down the pavement once and I when I stopped to check on him he cried, headbutted me, then got in the passenger footwell and went to sleep!

So I took him to the vets who found his chip and telephoned his owners to come and collect him. He was old and ill and about half a mile from home.

I have cats and I hope that if they ever need help somebody will notice and help them.

If in doubt help the cat.