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Original poster

I think my neighbour stole my cat, now he's at death's door

30 replies

StickSeason · 01/10/2024 10:01

We found our 12 year old tom cat last night after being missing for six months, freezing cold and skeletal, unable to walk.

I've warmed him up, fed him.and cleaned him and am now waiting to see the vet to see if he stands a chance of making it. I can feel every bone in his body and the poor love can barely stand.

We have a neighbour who has quite blatantly stolen another of our cats (yes I know the cat is complicit). She now keeps him in and despite several conversations isn't getting the point he's not hers to feed.

She has some learning disabilities and has a partner or son , not sure which who has been quite threatening in the past so I'm being careful. But I think she may have stolen both cats and left this one it a terrible state. Really not sure what to do. I'm furious and incredibly sad because he's a daft old tom and we've had him and his sister since they were kittens.

RSPCA so far has been useless. Anyone got any advice please?

OP posts:
Allergictoironing · 01/10/2024 11:28

RSPCA are almost completely useless I'm afraid. Great at publicity and prosecuting (especially high profile), pants at actually doing what they were formed for.

I don't know if there's anything you can do regarding your poor skinny boy, but if they are chipped then what's the possibility of a theft accusation against your neighbour? Usually I would say make sure all the local vets know the chip number and that the cat is yours and stolen, but by the sounds of it she doesn't seem the type to bother with vets 😑

ginasevern · 01/10/2024 11:28

I've always found the RSPCA useless too. The only advice I can give is to call the Police - you are within your rights to do this - but if the son/husband is threatening I can understand this would be problematic. Do you know the condition of your other cat?

coffeesaveslives · 01/10/2024 11:37

Your neighbour is breaking the law (cats are property in the UK) and the police can be called.

However, I'm not sure there's a huge amount they can really do if she refuses to let them in. They'd need proof of ownership and a warrant etc. to access her home and retrieve the cat.

Unfortunately this is one of the downsides of letting cats out to roam (not a criticism as mine go out too). It may be worth cat-proofing your garden in future though so that they can't wander and she can't entice them anywhere.

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 01/10/2024 11:44

RSPCA made it pretty clear to me that they'll help a wild/feral animal in distress but not a domestic one; maybe that's something I should have known before ringing.

In your case, OP, I too would call the police. Cats are our legal property. Read about the Pet Abduction Act 2024 which will really support you in your case against your neighbour. Are both cats chipped? A daft question, I know, but I imagine they are.

In the meantime, sending you love and strength as you work on getting your older boy's health back with vet support and input. I feel so angry on your behalf. People like your neighbour just don't understand the emotional toll the robbery of a pet takes on a family. It's the height of selfishness. We all know cats are Six Dinner Sids. I know my cats go and have sleepovers at other people's houses (well, one of mine does. The other one is scared of his own shadow.). But there's a big difference between neighbours being kind to your cat while fully respecting your cat has an owner and neighbours just stealing a family pet.

coffeesaveslives · 01/10/2024 12:08

Unfortunately the RSPCA have practically no powers when it comes to actually doing anything about neglected animals - strays are one thing but animals with owners are protected to an extent by law and the RSPCA can only intervene with police back up.

Breadcat24 · 01/10/2024 12:09

How awful of them to trap a cat and neglect it. I hope you can build him back up

caringcarer · 01/10/2024 12:13

If your cat is microchipped you can call police to get the other one back. With the cat you do have feed small amounts every 2 hours and keep it in.

Original poster
StickSeason · 01/10/2024 12:30

My boy didn't make it. The vet found a large mass on his stomach and said there was nothing that could be done for him.

Going to calm down and speak to the neighbours in the next few days - taking one of my lads with me when I do it.

OP posts:
SisSuffragette · 01/10/2024 12:51

I'm so sorry.💐

Blusterydaytodaypoohbear · 01/10/2024 13:00

Police can get involved now. Dcat snatching is a crime.. At last. Speak to the neighbours and tell her to expect a knock at her door. Might be enough to scare her. Also dcat must be microchipped.. That's the law.. Insist she hands over the surviving dcat and tell her the vet bill for pts will be coming her way... Op I can lend you a big dh and 4 ds's to assist if need be...

ginasevern · 01/10/2024 13:08

@StickSeason I'm am so sorry. Sending love.

FuzzyCaoraDhubh · 01/10/2024 13:17

I'm really sorry @StickSeason
Hugs for you..

Esgaroth · 01/10/2024 13:45

I'm so sorry, your poor cat.

MissMoneyFairy · 01/10/2024 13:49

So sorry you have lost your dear cat, he was with you at the end, I don't know what to do about your ndn except tell them what's happened and that cat snatching is a crime and if it does happen it will be reported to the Police

BruceAndNosh · 01/10/2024 13:50

She's obviously been keeping him in but let him out to return home once she realised he needed a vet visit and she didn't want the bill. Sadly I doubt you'll be able to prove anything.
But I hope you can get other cat back

MissMoneyFairy · 01/10/2024 13:51

Has ndn actually got your other cat in her house. You need to get him back, keep him in, microchip and if she kicks off then the police.

Trebol · 01/10/2024 15:30

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at the poster's request

Unicorn34 · 01/10/2024 15:35

I am so sorry to hear this. Poor boy. Are you able to have an enclosure so your cats get some fresh air but your neighbour can no longer help herself to them? I have a "catio" next to my kitchen. It's not massive but my cats get to spend all the time they like in there and it's so much safer for them. Be kind to yourselves today, you've done all you can x

peppermintteacup · 01/10/2024 16:59

I'm so sorry. Poor thing.

Thekormachameleon · 01/10/2024 17:02

Are you sure she has your other cat ?
I wouldn't be popping round for a word if someone took mine, I'd be Notting their door off and taking it back

Wtf is wrong with people

Pudmyboy · 01/10/2024 18:22

StickSeason · 01/10/2024 12:30

My boy didn't make it. The vet found a large mass on his stomach and said there was nothing that could be done for him.

Going to calm down and speak to the neighbours in the next few days - taking one of my lads with me when I do it.

So sorry, what a sad end to his story, but I hope him going peacefully at the vets brings a crumb of comfort. 💐

BirthdayRainbow · 01/10/2024 18:27

I am so sorry to hear this. RIP your lovely boy. It won't be a consolation but there is a peace in that you got him back and know what happened.

I really hope that you can get your other cat back.

Original poster
StickSeason · 01/10/2024 19:09

Thekormachameleon · 01/10/2024 17:02

Are you sure she has your other cat ?
I wouldn't be popping round for a word if someone took mine, I'd be Notting their door off and taking it back

Wtf is wrong with people

Yes. She actually took him to the vet who told her he had a chip. And we have photos of the cat sitting in her window.

OP posts:
MissMoneyFairy · 01/10/2024 19:20

It would be safer to keep your cat in now

AutumnalCosiness · 01/10/2024 22:15

Tell her you're calling the police unless she gives you your cat back!