What do you do if someone takes your cat?

If you suspect someone's stolen your cat, file a report with the police straight away. Afterward, put up fliers with your cat's photo, register your cat as missing with local authorities, check with animal shelters and vets, and start posting your stolen cat's face on social media.

What do you do if someone won't give you your cat back?

People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned and can contact the police (although the police tend not to get involved in pet custody disputes between “friends”).

How do I stop someone from taking my cat?

What do you do if you think your neighbor stole your cat?

Is it illegal to steal someones cat?

The penalty for conviction under this statute is imprisonment in county jail for 60 to 90 days and/or a fine of $50 to $100. In states where animal theft is not specifically addressed, stealing an animal is usually encompassed within the state's theft or larceny laws.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CAT BETTER

Who owns a cat legally?

If the cat is microchipped or ID of some kind, it legally belongs to its owners, and they can claim their cat at any time. However, if you've made every attempt to locate the owner without success, you could keep the stray.

What happens when someone steals your pet?

Call your local police, sheriff, and/or animal control and file a report. Be proactive and persistent. Make a flier with your pet's name, color, markings, and breed. Include the location where your pet was last seen, and a contact or 24-hour phone/message number.

Can someone take back a cat?

Answer. Generally when a person gives away his/her animal, such person has no further rights to that animal. Although adoption papers can help to demonstrate ownership, they don't always prove ownership.

Why would someone steal a cat?

Mostly it is all about money. Dog fighters will grab up cats as bait animals. People will lift a full breed animal to breed or sell. Cats are stolen by animal “flippers”, that want to sell the animal.

Is it okay to let a Neighbours cat in?

When You're Home. should make them leave and will indicate to them it's not an area they should be visiting. You should never pet cats that enter your home or garden. It can be tempting to be affectionate to friendly cats but it will only encourage them to hang around and return.

Do cats get kidnapped?

If you live in a more rural or suburban area, it's more likely that your cat may meet up with a predator, such as a coyote, and could be killed as a result. Around Halloween, many cats go missing, particularly black cats, because they are kidnapped or killed by humans.

Can pets be stolen?

Pets are stolen for a number of reasons. Convictions of pet thieves have revealed motivations include financial gain and breeding (including puppy farming).

How do I stop pet theft?

How do you prove a cat is yours?

Proof of ownership can be as simple as your adoption record from the local shelter or as complex as the AKC registration record. Try to find something formal and have it notarized to avoid any concerns that may arise in the event of a dispute.

Can I get my cat back from my ex?

You can file suit in small claims court since the cat is your property. I suggest that you gather any evidence that proves that you own the cat. Did you adopt the cat at a local shelter? If so, you or the shelter may have documentation that shows that...

How do I ask my cat back?

Explain your reasons for why you'd like the cat back, and ask if they'd be willing to return it. In some cases, offering to repurchase the cat will help cajole the new owners into agreeing. You should emphasize what has changed about your situation, not just your guilt.

How can I find my stolen cat?

What cats are most likely to be stolen?

How common is cat stealing?

It has been estimated that up to 360,000 cats are stolen a year, although over half of these are eventually returned. With a greater understanding of the risks of cat theft, cat owners are in a much stronger position to keep their pets safe.

Do cats miss their previous owners?

Also, cats often miss their previous owners when rehomed and try to find their way back. If you've just moved or taken in a new cat, keep a sharp eye on him for the first three weeks or so until he gets settled in his new place.

Will my cat be sad if I give her away?

When a cat loses a companion, whether animal or human, she most certainly grieves and reacts to the changes in her life. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play.

Is it wrong to take a cat back to the shelter?

Don't Blame Yourself for Returning a Pet to the Shelter

In most instances no, it's not. Unless you're returning the pet for unprovoked aggression or an untreatable illness, they are probably going to find a new home where they fit right in. Even knowing that they'll be adopted again, you're still going to feel crummy.

Can the police help me get my cat back?

Call the police and file a report.

In most states, pets are considered property, and if your property has been stolen, the police can be an essential line of defense in your pet's recovery.

Are pets considered property?

Animals are considered property under the law, which limits their protections.

Which animal can be used to find thieves?

One of the most common “thieves” is the raccoon. Dressed in appropriate garb for burgling, these masked bandits seem to know no boundaries.