Cat ownership

[rightmove]

My ex lodger moved out and left his cat with me. He was an old family friend who had split up from his wife and then moved in with us while he sorted himself out.

He turned out to be abusive to myself and my children, and it came to light that he had been emotionally and physically abusive to his ex wife. Before this came to light he asked if we would be ok to keep the cat when he moved out as she is old and seemed settled. We agreed to this. We kicked him out 4 months ago, and even then he said that he was grateful that we would keep the cat, and that he would continue to pay the insurance.

About 2 months later he has started to send messages insisting that we return the cat to him. His ex wife has transferred the ownership on the microchip to me, and the vets have transferred her into my name. I have messages from him stating that he is happy for the vets to have her under my name.

Today we have received a message with a copy and paste of something to do with cat ownership, and demanding that we return her to him.

Does anyone have any idea where we stand regarding legal ownership of the cat? She is so lovely and settled here, and it would break my heart to have to give her back to him. There is far more regarding his awful behaviour.

This is just another way for him to continue his abuse of you.

Presumably the cat's microchip was previously in his ex's name if she's transferred it to you now?

I would call his bluff. Tell him to pick cat up on x date.

Not sure where you stand legally, but I would say that for the time being if the cat is in your name at the vet and the microchip is registered to you then he probably doesn't have a leg to stand on.
Hopefully someone will be along to give you more definitive answers.

Yes and say you're glad he's offered because the cat has now developed a condition where it's having to taking medication that is hundreds of pounds a month 🤣

(I'm just joking btw - don't do this!)

Thank you for the replies. Yes the cat’s microchip was originally in his ex’s name, and this is definitely his way to continue to abuse me.

If the cats microchip is in your name then that's that. I'd block him on everything and disengage. He is an abuser who is continuing to abuse.

Either block him. Or reply and say the cat now belongs to me and block him.

The microchip is under your name. You own the cat now. Block him. If he continues contact the police if you haven't already to report harassment and abuse. What a scumbag. Never a good fucking deed, eh?

These replies are so reassuring, thank you all.

Person listed on the microchip does not confer ownership ( it's a bit like registered keeper of a car), but the own us would be on him to provide proof ownership for example a receipt for purchase or transfer of ownership from a charity.
Honestly I would ignore him at this point and only take it seriously if he takes you to court.

That's now your cat, but just be careful when you let the cat out he's Not prowling around ready to snatch.
Legally you have a good case. This happened to us & we contacted the chip company as "other" owner had registered a complaint saying this was their dog.
We said she has medication, needs an operation & that saw them off.
BUT if he still pays the insurance this may give him a claim, so I'd take my own out & pay vet bills yourself as this is part of proof of ownership. It isn't just about who has registered the chip so they told me. It's maintenance, insurance, vets etc.

I’ve received a copy of the adoption certificate from the ex wife. It just has her name on it. I’ve been paying all the vets bills.

About 2 months later he has started to send messages insisting that we return the cat to him.

Why did you not?

Because he would send the abusive messages whilst drunk and then the next day send another one saying that he realises that she is in the best place.

He agreed to the name change at the vets and the microchip.

It’s difficult to explain but he is an abusive alcoholic who is not currently in a position to look after an animal.