Me, a cat, and a moral dilemma?

Question

OK, so i just moved into a new house, and on the first day i came across a cat. This cat had adopted my neighbors the year before after they began feeding it and has lived outside there house ever since.

Recently, the cat followed me and my housemate into our house, we fed it ham and gave it a bowl of milk, and ever since it keeps coming back into our house, sleeping on our furniture until we make it leave.

I know the cat is only using us for the food and warmth, but we just cant bring ourselves to stop encouraging it. It is a playful companion and fun to sit with after work and a hard day at university.

I feel bad about the owners, particularly the old woman. However, when i first met her i was stroking the cat outside her house, and she took something of a low blow when she said 'Well, someone should stroke it who has TIME for it' which i felt was very demeaning, especially considering i had only just met the woman.

What should i do guys?

Answer 1

I think you are going to be the best judge as to what is to be done.

Do you like the cat? Would you be ok with it being there?

Personally, I like cats and I actually have one and I am fully aware of their nature of using you....my cat wakes me up at 5 am quite often and I have to give him fresh water (he likes it cold) and food. Cats are fun to have around and play with sometimes and they pretty much take care of themselves and their needs like cleaning, potty, etc.

My suggestion is...keep the cat. Let it hang around.....try and give it dry cat food....its fairly inexpensive and quite nutritious and since you are adopting an animal who obviously needs you and to an extent likes you for being kind to it in the beginning, it also helps your karma. I say...keep it.

Answer 2

The only ethical thing you can do, which is either adopt it, get it fixed and visit the vet, or call the ASPCA.  It probably is not adopted and is going anywhere where it can get the least amount of human kindness.

And tell your B*** of a neighbor thank you for welcoming you into the neighborhood.  LOL.

Answer 3

In my honest opinion, the owner of an animal is the one who takes it into their home, feeds it, gives it veterinary care, etc.  

I was just recently adopted by a cat that my neighbor's kid brought home.  The grandma really didn't want it anyway, and they can't really care for the animals they already have.  The cat kept hanging around our house and one morning it climbed up my leg, so I took it to work with me (I am a vet tech) and made sure it was healthy, then took it home and he has been inside our house very happy for the past couple weeks.  Luckily the neighbor didn't make an issue of it since they didn't really want the cat anyway; if they had I would have just said that as far as I was concerned it was a stray.

In your case, however, the neighbor sounds like she claims the cat.  However, to me, an outside cat sort of lives anywhere and with whoever takes care of it.  To me, the person who keeps the cat IN the house really owns it.  If the cat is outdoors and doesn't have any identification...it's 'up for grabs'.  It sounds like the cat needs some more companionship then it is getting or else it wouldn't be following you guys!  

Some people sort of 'share' a pet, by sharing food, vet bills, flea meds, and other expenses.  Perhaps you and your neighbor can come to some sort of agreement like this?

Good luck to you.  If it doesn't work out...visit the local shelter, there are always plenty of kittens and wonderful cats who need good homes.

Answer 4

I think you should keep doing what you're doing. (Except don't give the kitty any more milk or people food. It's really not good for cats--gives them diarrhea and digestive problems.) If they don't have time to take care of it, then someone who DOES have time should. That looks like you. I would just shrug off the comment and smile at your neighbor and let it go.

Take care of that kitty, though. And remember, that a cat who goes outdoors usually lives an average of two years, as opposed to cats who are kept inside (who can live into their 20's.)

Answer 5

I think the moral dilemma emerges from your guilt for having otherwise occupied the cat as a surrogate owner.  I feel that you should write a short note explaining your relationship with the cat to your neighbor.  Write it in a non-judgemental, non-accusatory manner; i.e. "We enjoy having your cat around, and we enjoy feeding your cat, but we feel that we should ask your permission...etc."   You should not imply that you want ANYTHING in return, just the company of what sounds like a very cool cat.  

In the meantime, continue to invite the cat into your home, but I would not feed it until you get permission from the owner.  Also, I agree with a prior poster, feed it healthy cat food, not table scraps, they are really bad for a cats digestive system.

Good Luck

Answer 6

NEVER FEED A CAT MILK... they are lactose intolerant and it gives them diarrhea

Read the book "six dinner sid"

You can Consider it a LOANER cat...

She may have not meant something AGAINST YOU... when she said "well someone should stoke it who has TIME for it" .... she may have meant YOU have time to pet it... so that is good.

Just enjoy the cat... don't' feed it MILK and If it seems to be well fed then don't feed it at all.   If skinny you may do her a favor.

I would level with the woman and tell her the cat has been coming over and you are enjoying it's company... ASK if it is alright for you to feed it too. (go buy some regular cat food/ dry will be cheapest but something that is good for urnary tract health)

this will clear the air and give you permission to pet/ feed it... OR NOT.

hope this helps...

NOT a guy!

Answer 7

I don't think the neighbor woman gives a hoot about the cat. Take it in, give it a bath and a home with a litter box and a proper feed. It already likes your home so do it and yourself a favor and make it a 24/7 indoor kitty.

But if you do that make sure and take it to a vet for a good well-cat exam and shots, ok? There is a responsibility to owning a cat and it extends to more than just feeding them and scooping their poo.

If you plan what you want to do and work your plan you will have a wonderful friend for about 15 great years!

Answer 8

Sounds like your neighbor either doesn't really care much about the cat or is cranky about being so busy. I don't think the cat is using you just for food and shelter if he is playing with you. I don't see a problem unless your neighbor wants to make one. But, if you are going to feed the cat buy him some cat food to eat.