Yes, legal about a cat.
We have four cats. The 4 year old male used to live three doors down with a family which had three boys. They previously had an additional cat which was tormented by the 4 year old boy so much which culminated in the child throwing the cat down the stairs so another neighbour across the road took her on.
The boy cat was always out and about, used to spend his time breaking into other houses (including ours) for food. Used to literally inhale cat food when he had access to it here. He was a pretty aggressive cat and used to growl, bite and scratch. Basically he was quite antisocial in the neighbourhood.
Three months ago this family were moving out. The woman asked my dp if we would feed boy cat for a week (leaving him outside in January) while they moved and settled in and then she would come back for him. She said that the new house did not allow pets and that it was going to be hard to keep him hidden. We tentatively agreed but agreed between ourselves that if it got too cold we would let him sleep in the porch.
The day of the move, she dropped off a box of cat food. We looked for the cat but he wasn't about. She later messaged me to say that she'd taken him with her.
Three days later she called me and asked me if we would take on the cat. She said the cat was miserable there and that they weren't allowed cats and that it was best if he was back where he knew. I discussed with dp and the kids (we already had 3 cats) and then agreed. She turned up the next day with the cat in a carrier. No bowl or food. We went out and bought him new bowls.
In the last three months he's a changed cat. He's sweet natured, affectionate, calm and happy. He no longer breaks into other peoples houses and has stopped attacking people in the street. He no longer inhales his dinner but eats slowly and calmly. I've given him worming treatment, flea treatment and taken him for vet treatment to have a tick removed.
Today I got a text saying she wants the cat back. I've said no. She is insisting the cat is hers, that it was only temporary and that she will give me money for his food for the last 12 weeks. I said that as far as I'm concerned this was a permanent decision and if it was only temporary why has she not offered payment for his upkeep before now.
I am terrified she is going to just come and take the cat. He is so happy here and we love him.
How can I sort this out? The microchip is not registered to us as she has never handed over paperwork. I have registered the cat at the vet with us via the chip but I am scared that this isn't enough.
Help! What do i do? Does she have a leg to stand on? I have all the text messages from when she asked me to take him.