The Reiki Cafe 

I find myself being presented with an interesting situation. I live in an apartment complex that allows pets. For a few months now there has been a cat wandering around outside. It is very friendly and loving, and obviously someone's pet. One night it was getting quite cold (winter is setting in) and when I came home from work the cat was pawing to get inside, so I let her into the hallway. She was out of sight for a few days, then showed up again when my sister in law saw her outside and brought her in. We put her back out, and again the next day someone else had let her in. This time I decided to take the cat in to my apartment and feed her (and kept her inside).

We posted a note on the door, and I called the rental agency who handles apartments in this complex, and the local humane society to see if the cat had been reported missing. The owners of the cat saw the note on the door and came and claimed her. Owner says the cat is always wanting/getting out, and won't come back in when called. Plus he also mentioned he has another cat, but it is always inside. (I'm wondering if he can keep one in, why not both??) Within less than an hour, there was a knock on our door. The neighbor who originally told us who the owner is, was there holding the same cat. (The 'owner' had put or let the cat outside not long after he claimed it from us.) This neighbors mother in law runs a cat rescue society and all of them are obviously very fond of cats. The neighbor said 'do you want it? We won't tell." And then also mentioned his mother in law will take it in if no one else can. We said no at this point, as the owner just lives on the main floor in the same building. The cat was returned to the owner once again.

Next day the lady from the rental agency called back and first thing she asked is 'does this cat belong to apt #___'. When I replied yes, she said they have had a lot of calls about this cat and she was going to speak to the owners. Humane society called back, and said yes they would help out. When I explained to them about 'finding the owners' she emphasized do not hesitate to call if you need help in the future.

Well a few days later the cat was again let into the hallway by someone else. When I got home from work, there she was curled up in the hallway. Once more I took her in and gave her food and water. She stayed with us overnight. Now this morning we have again put her back outside, hoping the owners will let her back in.

So this brings me to my dilemna... Do we claim the cat as ours, and care for it? We don't want it to end up at the humane society, since they end up in euthanizing most of the cats they get if they are not claimed or adopted. They had about 7,000 cats in their care over the course of 2001/2002. Only about 12% were returned to their owners, and a smaller percentage than that were adopted. The rest..... well it's very sad to say the least. Also there is a by-law in our city making it illegal to have cats running at large. So anyone could put a call in and animal services will be sent out to trap the cat. They will hold it for only a few months, and then euthanize.

It's obvious the cat will be facing a harsh winter if it's outside that much... the one night we let it in it had dropped to -22 (celcius) although it has been much nicer since then. Winter is just starting and those temperatures soon will be quite normal. This will definitely be neglect if the owners keep putting it outside at those temp's.(My imagination is running wild now, and I'm frightened I will come home one day and find the cat half frozen to death, if not dead)

If we don't have permission from the owners to keep the cat, is it stealing or is it doing what's best for the cat? I'm getting mixed feelings... this cat is so loving it seems like it comes from a good home, yet it's always being left outside to fend for itself...

I'd like to think I'm doing what's right for the cat, but I'm too involved in this, and my personal feelings are coming in to play. I love cats, and wouldn't mind keeping this one.

Can anyone give me any suggestions on what to do here? I could really use some unbiased opinions LOL!

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Featherpoint,

you asked:

f we don't have permission from the owners to keep the cat, is it stealing or is it doing what's best for the cat? I'm getting mixed feelings... this cat is so loving it seems like it comes from a good home, yet it's always being left outside to fend for itself...

My sister used to simply ask a cat she liked if it wanted to go home with her and walk away. If the cat followed her home she kept it.
(happened more often than you might think)

:-))

Seriously though, why not ask that question of the humane society?

If it were me (being a cat lover and often accused of being one myself :-)) I would probably quietly take the animal in the next time it showed up at my door.
If it likes where it is it will stay. It has been my experience that cats don't go where they aren't welcome and don't stay where they aren't wanted or aren't treated well.

It doesn't sound like the current 'owner' has much invested in the animal on an emotional level. There may be a financial investment that he would resent loosing. If you really like the cat or are worried about its welfare maybe you could offer monetary compensation? It likely wouldn't have to be much unless the cat is purebreed.

Walk in beauty,
Rebecca

Featherpoint,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- I would say it is theft if you claim the cat as your own knowing it belongs to someone else

>:-}}

- can you feed it?? let it come in your house? I sure.

- can you keep it??

- I would say no.

- maybe ther eis a laywer who will give you a free phone consult on the matter

- maybe local legal aide society

reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Hi Featherpoint

I have 3 cats, and they are all free to wander in and out of my house, via a catflap. Sometimes they eat the cat next doors food and sleep on someone else's sofa but they know they are loved at my house and always come back.

The grey cat sounds to me like it doesnt like being at its owners place, and they don't seem to be that bothered where it spends its nights.

However I would be annoyed if someone hijacked one of my cats - does Grey look thin or flea-ridden or ill? If it doesnt then I dont think you could claim it on the grounds of ill-treatment (mine often stay out in all weathers and refuse to go out in the sunshine, they are strange creatures).

What I'd do would be to let the cat in but to keep taking it back to the owners at uncivilised times of day. Being repeatedly woken at 2am to take their cat back in might make them decide whether they want it or not. Since I get the impression that Grey would be welcome in your home, you could eventually mention that you could take him off their hands if they'd prefer. At the moment they seem to have no conscience, and this might wake them up - literally!

I hope this helps.

Sal
xxx

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I have talked with quite a few people about this, and general concensus is everyone thinks the cat is unhappy and this is why it is always 'away' from home.

I'm pretty sure the cat is not a purebreed and that money compensation is not an issue here.

The suggestion of asking this question regarding 'stealing' is a good one, and I will try to follow up on that.

Thank you!

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Firekeeper,

Yes, we are thinking along the same lines here. Just as in Reiki, it is a matter of permission, is it not? LOL!

But if I take it in from the cold from time to time, and the cat when given the option ends up spending all it's time with me, has the cat given it's permission for me to take it then? I have a feeling the owners may not care too much what the cat's opinion is.

I'll have to keep pondering the situation, and see how it all plays out.

Thanks for your input.

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Sal,

Yes, I too would be very upset if someone took one of my pets without permission, even if they thought they were doing it for the animals best interest. That is very much a part of the considerations bouncing around in my head right now LOL!

As to the appearance of the cat, it could use a good bath and brushing, it is a little thin, and it's coat doesn't have that natural shiny, healthy glow to it. Whether that's from illness, malnourishment or just from being out of doors a lot is really hard to say.

I certainly won't leave it outside or unfed and without water. But your suggestion of talking with the owners and offering to take her off their hands is a good one. I will keep that in mind, and if the opportunity presents itself, go from there.

Thank you for your help!

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Featherpoint,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- I would say that unless the neighbors in question specifically relinquish "ownership" the cat is theirs

- animals, as far as I know, do not have any legal right to choose an "owner" - people "own" animals (for better of for worse)

- perhaps ask the neighbors if you could "officially" adopt this cat?? Tell them it is spending lots of time coming to your house.

- of course, some would say that if the cat comes into your property on its own and does not leave that it is thus a stray and one may claim such an animal

- I suspect different states have different laws about this and I am sure many people would take strong issue with an attempt to claim their pet as a stray in such a manner

- not likely to build neighborly relations

- hope this helps

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Well it does not sound as though the owners of the cat are giving it the proper attention that it does need - some cats just do not live well in an apartment, but if its a choice of this cat being put down or you taking it in, then I suggest taking it in. At least see how it works out for a while, if this cat does like you in return. Perhaps it shall stay put, once it finds the right person. :)

Featherpoint,

After I posted about how my sister used to get new pets I realized I didn't say the cats she 'talked' to were always strays. I'm afraid I made her sound as if she just went around asking anyone's cat if they wanted to go home with her. :-))

You have had some good suggestions here. Rather liked Sal's idea. :-)))

Cats do sometimes 'move out'. My daughter had one who did a couple of years ago. (we worried for a long time that someone had picked it up and abused it since it was a black cat and disappeared around halloween) She had several cats and this one didn't get along well with the others and one day just moved out. Several months later she saw it in a yard a couple of blocks away. When the people who lived there came out and talked to her they asked her if she wanted her cat back and she told them no, that the cat was obviously happy and well taken care of and hed left of its own accord.

I wouldn't go around 'hijacking' them but if one moved in I would have no objections, though my husband might since he puts a lot of effort into attracting birds.

:-))))

Good luck

Walk in beauty,
Rebecca

HI
I don't know if this will help. I have 2 cats, one loves to go outside and the other one does not. The one that loves it outside, even plays in the rain. But he always comes in at night. I wouldn't be able to sleep if I knew he was still out. He has such a free and loving spirit I would hate to force him to stay in. I think that would be death to him if I did. I feel for you, and hope that it all works out for the best of the gray kitty. When you take the cat back, are the owners glad to see him? Maybe observe that way, and just tell them you like him alot and would love to have him as your own and see what they say. Good luck, and blessings to gray.
Sherry

Namaste,

In my experience cats choose their owners. I had a similar experience some years back when a neighbouring cat came to live with us, she would sleep on my bed every night. her owners where away and she obviously didn't get on with the house sitters although they treated her very well, and were fond of her. In the end they locked her in and her meowing could be heard all down the street she would scratch and knock against the from window pain whenever she saw me walk past. When her original owners returned she was fine agin but would still come to say hello to me whenever she was out and about.

In my opinion she, as a living, sentient, being was choosing to be with us whilst her owners were absent, and that should have been her choice as long as she was safe.

I always view a visit from an animal a blessing, and an animal choosing me as a friend an honour. As for the legal situation, check with the humane society, i am sure they will help you.

Love and light

Shanta

Otoharo!

featherpoint, I can not advise you, but if I were in this situation, I would ask the cat. Simply ask if he wants to be your cat? If he does then keep him and make him ffel at home. The owner knows about you and will look you up if and when he wants the cat back. Then leave it up to him and the cat. We do not own any creature. We are only their stewards.

finality

Hi Snickers,

I often see the cat outside in the early morning when I leave for work. Whether he is outside all night or not I really can't say. Like you, I have had cats (in the past) who were real homebodies, and others who loved being out. Laff, even in the cat world - to each his own! I appreciate what you said about hating to force your free spirited cat to stay in. I have thought of this with the grey and realise how good intentions could actually be the wrong thing in this situation.

The first time the cat was returned, the owner did seem happy to see her. And as was said in a previous post, the cat is so loving! It wouldn't be this way if it was being mistreated. I think this kitty is much like yours and just likes to have it's freedom too. The subsequent times we'd had the cat stay, she was always put back outside in the morning.

Thank you for your good thoughts. I will pass them on to the cat next time I see her.

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Druid,

Yes, I will do what I can to ensure this cat is not put in a situation where it may be euthanized. That would be so sad.

I'm thinking that this little grey cat has a lot of people watching out for it. There are others in building also letting her in and doing what they can to care for her. Maybe she's just a social butterfly and likes a large family? LOL! If so, she won't be the first animal who has adopted many humans.

Thanks for your thoughts on this!

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Shanta,

What a lovely thought - I agree with you, a visit from an animal is a blessing, and and honour!

It sounds like you had a special connection with your neighbors cat, and that it liked spending time with you. Maybe that is a similar situation here. Perhaps the grey cat just wants different company from time to time.

I will keep an eye out for the safety and well being of my new four legged friend.

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Finality,

You are speaking thoughts very similar to which my co-worker said about her children. She said something to the effect of 'I am their guardian'. Don't get me wrong here, she really loves her children and would die for them, but she is just speaking the realisation that she does not 'own' them. She sees them as unique Spirits who have chosen to spend some time with her. How fortunate those kids are to have a mom like her.

When it is continually cold outside, and I see the grey cat, then I will ask her if she would like to come inside and warm up a while. She has let me know in her own way before when she wanted in. If in our time together she lets me know she would rather stay with me than going back to her current 'owners', then I will broach the subject with them. If she chooses to stay with me, I will care for her the best I can.

My big concern is with the approaching winter, and the possibility that there may be some neighbors who do not appreciate cats who will demand the landlords have the cat taken away. I have already talked with the landlord, and asked her to please let me know if it comes down to that. She is a wonderful lady and will advise me of what is happening.

I like your approach Finality. To let the cat decide what is best.

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Featherpoint

Only problem with that approach is that cats arent people, and I have no doubt mine would live with the person that could open a tin of pilchards the fastest. This isnt really the basis of a good decision, so I would keep an eye on her and the neighbours and do what you think is best.

Of course animals have sentience but they didnt choose to be our pets and to be dependent on us so we have a responsibility to them as well.

Sal
xxx

Interesting, indeed!

I would visit the owners again -- ever since other apartment dwellers, the Humane Society and the landlady got involved, the consequences for the grey cat have changed. The stakes are higher -- being 'im-pounded' is a threat as bad as freezing. They may not be fully aware of this. Knowing this, they might agree to give you the cat, if you can let it in and out more, or they themselves may begin taking better care of it.

Also, if you do obtain the okay to adopt the cat, its habits will likely not change. She's an outdoor cat who will continue trying to get out. If you want to keep her indoors, it takes about 2 years for a cat to accept this.

It strikes me that, like the cat's colour, the answer to the problem might also be grey. :) Does there have to be one owner? Can you work out a cat co-op, or time-share? Bet the 'owners' would love a hand in paying for food, litter, and vet bills.

Whatever happens, it might be very neighbourly and good for consensus to have somebody (you? landlady?) post the decision or proposition so everybody knows -- perhaps other unit dwellers are equally concerned about the cat's welfare and might be happy to let her inside, or get more involved. It would be lovely to have a cat that belongs to a whole building.

Lunarreikin

I think cats come to us when we need them, or they need us. My advice, when she comes around treat it like your own. Feed it, shelter it, love it. I wouldn't keep it from it's owners though. They probably care about it in a less possessive way than most people would like, but cats don't like to have strangleholds, so that is sometimes a good thing.

With all these calls about it it will probably be removed and killed, but perhaps if no one else calls the owners, managers or the killers at the animal shelter and just does what's in front of them, it will have two homes. And you will get the blessings from a cat who has chosen you.

Hi,
I love your approach to this. I agree that sharing the responsibility of caring for animals is a wonderful opportunity to build community. If you see an animal in need it is always in good taste to care for it. Animals will befriend people who do this. The friendship that is built is worth every moment and cent that goes toward caring for the animal. Think of feeding the birds and squirrels. We do not own them, yet we are blessed when they come around and communicate with us.

I hope all goes well with the grey cat. He would be lucky to have so many doting caretakers around.

Blessings,
Janet

Otoharo!

In my experience, they do choose. It is when they are not choosing us, that they cause us trouble. And we have trouble getting thier cooperation.

finality

Hi Lunarreikin

...ever since other apartment dwellers, the Humane Society and the landlady got involved, the consequences for the grey cat have changed. The stakes are higher -- being 'im-pounded' is a threat as bad as freezing.

Yes, the dynamics are quite varied due to everyone who is aware of this situation. Laff, that includes the landlady who knew of the cats situation before I did, it includes the many tenants (not just myself) who take the cat in at various times to care for it, and it also includes the neighbors who may not be quite so fond of cats. I can only hope that the group dynamics turn out to work in favor of the cats best interests.

Also, if you do obtain the okay to adopt the cat, its habits will likely not change. She's an outdoor cat who will continue trying to get out. If you want to keep her indoors, it takes about 2 years for a cat to accept this.

She does seem to like the outdoors, but oddly enough, the times we had her in our apartment, she wasn't in a hurry to be let out. We did have to physically put her out each time.

It strikes me that, like the cat's colour, the answer to the problem might also be grey. :) Does there have to be one owner? Can you work out a cat co-op, or time-share?

This made me chuckle. What a wonderful observation. I think we are well on our way to a kitty co-op here. There are quite a few who are putting out food and water for the cat, or letting her in and out as needed. This is one cat who has many, many homes to choose from! LOL!! Hopefully between all of us, we can ensure the cat is well taken care of.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and ideas on this situation. I certainly appreciate your help.

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Hi Leslie,

We certainly have received a blessing from this cat. It's amazing how much a few encounters with an animal, however brief can open up your heart!

We have pretty much accepted the title of 'surrogate' cat carers... LOL! It is not right for us to keep it from the owners, and I wouldn't do that unless I know it is being abused or terribly neglected. I really don't feel either of those have been happening as this cat is so loving, relaxed and trusting. Not common characteristics of an animal who is being mistreated, or dealing with stress in any way. It seems to be quite happy and content.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

With light and love,
Featherpoint