I have a problem ... Advice?

[moosmom]

Well, considering the age of the kitten and the fact that her irresponsible owners seem to care less whether or not she gets hit by a car OR pregnant (I assume she's not spayed), I would say take her in. You'd be doing her a great favor and even possibly saving her life!!

Good luck and keep us posted.

[carole]

This certainly is quite a dilemma.

I am in agreement with PAYITFORWARD, but as an indoor\outdoor kitty owner, I would never allow a kitten to be outside, that is just plain DUMB.

To take the kitten would in fact be stealing, as I see it, and I don't know the laws in U.S.A, but here I am sure you could take someone to small claims court in order to get the kitten back, if that is what they wished to do.

However, leaving it, knowing its outside, and that it more than likely will be squashed by a car or eaten by some predator seems inhumane as well , its kinda a catch 22 situation.

What was the owner's response to your comments,?

Honestly I am unsure as to what I would do in these circumstances, I would be torn as to which is the right thing.

Perhaps talking with the owners more would be a sensible thing to do, and if you do decide to take the kitten, well good luck and don't leave your decision for too long , or it may be too late.

[Miss Meow]

The kitten's welfare is of most importance, so I'd do whatever's best for the kitten (but probably ring the animal welfare people first to see what the penalty is for taking the kitten ...) Maybe animal welfare could talk to the owners first about responsible pet ownership, then you could take matters into your own hands?

[Lirathal]

hmm.....

I woke up this morning and had my shower as usual. I was looking out my front door waiting for my ride, when what should I see, a little grey cutie crying. She wanted in her house, and the only thing that her parents were willing to do was leave a second story window open. I'm sorry folks but this little one can NOT jump that high. She cried and cried and cried. I opened my door and her little ears pointed to my directions and *bounce bounce bounce* across the road she came (thank god no cars). I scooped her up and held her close as she purred and kneeded my arms with her tiny paws. I held on to her until my ride showed up then I had to set her down. She looked at me as I drove off and I went to work.

*sigh*

She shouldn't have to go through this and neither should I. I am at a moral crossroads. This family cares enough about the animal to spend $6.99 on a collar, and write down their address on it. Does that mean the kitten deserves to not beable to get back in the house to it's food and litter? How about lack of affection? certainly a cougar or coyote wouldn't be as loving as me.

I'll level with you all. I'm looking for approval to break the law. I don't want this kitten to die, and I don't want her to be alone. I wasn't a cat lover until I met Naomi and even now I just "like" cats. For what ever reason this kitten just tugs at my heart, I don't know why. Does that give me the right to break the law? No, does anything give me the right? No. Can I call by-law enforcement? No, there is nothing on the books for felines, only canines.

*sigh*

I know the difference between right and wrong, but commiting a wrong to make a right is an oxymoron at best. *sigh*

Regards,
A/V Dept.

[Soledad]

I'll level with YOU. This kitten is out and far too young to be so. She may not be fixed, she may not be vaccinated. Cars are only one of many worries, especially in an area inhabited by coyotes and cougars.

This kitten is not out and about in an area free of predators, disease and traffic. It's out and about in a danger zone, despite your intervention.

In my heart and mind, there is no doubt that you taking her would be anything short of heroic.

[Lirathal]

a·ban·don ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-bndn)
tr.v. a·ban·doned, a·ban·don·ing, a·ban·dons
To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert: abandon a friend in trouble.

Where I live it is against criminal code to "Abandon" and animal of any type. By leaving the kitten outside, with not access to her food, littler, water and protection overnight, is that considered abandonment in your opinions. Her owner is breaking the law. That would ease my worries, because rescuing an abandoned kitten is not against the laws.

*sigh*

A/V Dept.

[Soledad]

Sounds like abandonment to me...

[Fluffy'sMom]

I would keep her.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Yes, this does sound like her owners are abandoning her. I would try to talk to them again if possible to try to find out more info. They sure don't sound very responsible to me so I'd also be tempted to take the kitten in too. I don't want to tell you to do something illegal because I'd hate to see you get in trouble. Please keep us updated. Good luck.

[Lirathal]

I just talked to a cat shelter in my local area, and the bottom line conclusion they gave me was thus: Steal the cat.

The humane society will not do anything and rest assured the police won't either (even though there is law against what they are doing). Now the second part of my dilemma. If I got through the process of rescuing the cat, my parents will not let me have it. I am currently living with my Grandmother, and she 'doesn't care for them'. I'm currently between a rock and a very hard place. I can't in good conscience stand idly by and watch this kitten get pregnant, or worse die. I would feel responsible for that because I didn't prevent it.

What do I do?

[Soledad]

Take her anyway, those things likely work themselves out. If need be, you can rehome her. But leaving her on the street is just too awful.

[Cataholic]

Wouldn't your grandma let the kitten live with you, in your room, until you relocate ? I think if you tell her the way it is, ask for her blessing in rescuing this, act sad, morose, cry (oh, wait, you are male)....get her to see your tough dilemna.

[PayItForward]

I would talk to the owners once again and explain that this kitten should always have access to their house and about the vacs/spaying operation she needs before she is let outside.

Sometimes people just need to be educated.

If they are not forthcoming, tell them that if you see the young kitten unsupervised outside again, you'll be taking her to the local shelter.

But it is only fair to give them a chance to be educated, who knows they could learn to be good cat owners.

If you have tried to educate the owners and they let her out again, they have been fairly warned. Take her.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Lirathal
I am currently living with my Grandmother, and she 'doesn't care for them'.

Ok, so it sounds to me like this kitty is coming home with you, one way or the other. (yippee!!!) As for your Grandmother "not caring for them" well, I wouldn't worry to much about that because I know a lot of people who "didn't care for cats" or considered themselves "dog people" who are now adamant cat lovers - Noahsmommy for one (if I remember right, it was her husband's idea to get the first cat. She fell in love with them and now not only has 6, but works at a vet's office). So if what Cataholic describes doesn't work (because you're male and might not know how to pull it off right, ) tell your Grandmother you will only keep her as long as it takes to find a good home for her. By the time that day comes, your Grandmother will have fallen head over heals for the little one, and will probably not let you take her with you when you decide to move out.

If she had come right and said "No, I will not allow a cat in this house." then you'd be between a rock and a hard place. The way I see it right now, "doesn't care for them" means bring the kitty home already!

If anyone ever questions you, tell them the kitty was abandoned - matter of fact, too bad you didn't have your video going this morning when she was crying at the door and they ignored her. That would be all the evidence you'd need to support your case.

[Lirathal]

When my grandmother says "I don't care for them" that is her old country way of saying politely "No."

So between a rock and a hardplace I am. Nomilynn and me have been talking .. might beable to work out something temporarily there, or my sister might take it under the express agreement that it stays indoors and she does not declaw it.

I haven't seen kitten since yesterday night .. so we'll see when I get home if she is around.

A/V Dept.