Real-life MMD: Should we pay vet's bill for the cat our neighbour stole from us?

ptrichardson

If someone knowingly took my cat into their home and turned up at my door 6 years later, I would be incredibly angry with them.

The idea of paying their vet bill wouldn't even come to mind. They've stolen your cat!

VandenPlas

Sounds like your neighbour wants all the perks of having a cat but not the big bills! She knowingly tempted your cat away from you, even when she knew you were looking for it and now decides she wants money? Funny, not wanting to legally own the cat!
Either:
a) get her to hand the cat back over you pay all bills and have ownership
b) get her to take ownership of the cat by giving her two weeks to change details voluntarily or do it yourself, and she pays all the bills
Don't give her any money! It sounds like she's pulling the 'little old lady trick'

missindecisive

i would'nt pay..she has got a cheek after 6 years!
HOWEVER. Having been in this situation myself, where by our neighbours knowingly took in our cat and tried to keep her there for their childrens amusement..it is annoying when a neighbour thinks its ok to do that. They assumed that because the animal was wandering freely that it was ok to let it enter their home.

When I was in this situation, I used to go round to the house and hammer on their door. I was PERSISTANT. I asked for my cat back. I did this quite a few times until they realised I was going to become a pain in the backside. It was only then that they gave up bothering.

catsbumfluff

I have 6 cats and I look after them myself. Over the years I've had cats literally stolen, ran over and a few up and move in with someone else. They really do choose you! But saying that I have turned away cats that have tried to adopt me as I've hated it when others have took mine in when they can clearly see it's not a stray. Offer the lady lifts if you can, transfer chip details and help her sort out PDSA or RSPCA, but I really wouldn't pay the bill. I know this sounds harsh...I really love cats, but you wouldn't of necessarily had two cats! She took it in and with that comes the responsibility of care and vets. She took over as owner. FULL-STOP.

pennypinchUK

Sounds like your pensioner neighbour needs to investigate a charitable veterinary service. In practice, the cat stopped being yours several years ago.

Murphybear

The cat definitely belongs to the neighbour. As others have said, it's really up to the cat who she lives with.

If one if my two moved house I would expect their new staff to pay their vet bills.

On a point of interest, the PDSA do not provide free veterinary treatment any more unless the owner is on a means tested benefit. For a pensioner this usually will be Pension Credit. If there is no centre close by they will usually nominate a local vet for which they will subsidise treatment. Further details on PDSA website