Help - I found a cat!

[bensmum]

Last week a cat was found where I work and brought to me (as the resident cat lover!). I have advertised locally,reported him to local vets, cat rescue places, had him checked for microchip etc. I had a response yesterday from someone who told me that they had lost a 9 month old she-cat which it wasn't, then her dad phoned later to say they had lost a 5 month old boy (which he is!). There was a slight discrepancy but it could be me being over cautious. They had lost theirs the day before I found him about a mile, from where these people live, but he was full of fleas and worms when I looked at him. I have treated these successfully. My dilemma here- am I being judgemental and thinking that I can look after this cat better (he acts as if he'd been with me forever!) or should I take a chance that these people have really lost him? Obviously I don't want anyone to be missing their pet.

[divegirl]

Hi, that's a tough one! Did you advertise the fact that you had found a male kitten? If he had only been missing from them for a day, why was he in such bad condition? Have they given a good description of him to you? For example, my cat is jet black, but she has a tiny white patch on her belly that would make her identifiable to me. Mind you she is also chipped, tagged, wormed and frontlined!!! If you decide to let them take him I think a little chat on pet care might be in order. I understand that kittens, puppies etc can escape, but......

Good luck

Lisa x

[DJerba]

I'd keep the cat! Why send him back to a 'home' where they treat him like that, cat dont become worm and flea infested overnight!!! If he's happy with you and you're happy with him give him the home he deserves...and if the 'owners' call back say he ran away again!!!...hope that helps!

[drestie]

I would ask for photographs and vet records to identify him as theirs.

[garner]

I agree with Djerba, they cannot be good owners to have a kitten in that condition...go with it and let him stay

[wolf63]

offer to give them the cat and the bill for your expenses. Including boarding costs. You will see them run a mile.

[gilby]

keep the cat. like the others said, it takes more than a night for a cat to get flea and worm infested. a lot of rehoming places have waiting lists now for kittens as no one wants to take an older cat. it may be that they have seen a way of getting a free kitten without the wait. think of the little fella, they say that cats choose you and if he is loving and settled with you then that is a great sign!!!

[bensmum]

Thanks everyone - I am very reluctant to return him to someone when I'm not 100% sure if he's theirs (and they can't make up their minds what they lost!). I would agree that a cat does not become worm and flea infested in the space of 1 day. He is so well settled (and gorgeous!) and since I had to have one of my older cats put down just before Christmas there is a cat-shaped hole in the house.

[divegirl]

Oh s*d it !!!! Keep him :o]

Lisa x

[1rovert]

Anyone who loves cats will tell you, you DO NOT pick a cat, the cat chooses you. And it seems the cat HAS chosen you, if you can afford it, KEEP IT. It wiil make you both happy. good luck!

[cat woman]

I agree with everyone else on this matter, as a cat lover and owner myself it sound like this cat has had a rough deal and hasn't been looked after properly.

This poor cat has been given a second chance of caring and loving owner, he probably thinks he's died and gone to heaven in finding you. "KEEP HIM" This was meant to be, its fate after losing your other beloved cat before Christmas, sending you both lots of good luck, fun and happiness for the future X X X //// ^.-. ^ \\\\

[Athley]

k e e p h i m !!!!!!

[bensmum]

Sadly the owners came forward today - I couldn't dispute it as they have his twin sister and to see them together you can't tell the difference so I had to say goodbye (very reluctantly). The owner was in tears when I returned him and the other cat does seem to be very well fed and happy although I did have a word about the fleas and worms! I will miss him as he was so cute and affectionate but my other two are probably relieved.