Question
I moved out of my parents home for mental health reasons and they wouldn't let me take my cat with me because it would emotionally hurt the family dog. I left due to being mentally abused and I moved into a place where I could not have the cat, so I left him knowing he would be safe. Its been a couple of months and I finally moved into my own place that allowed pets and my mother still refuses to allow me to have my cat as he "no longer remembers me". I know they haven't been properly taking care of him as my vet continually calls me about getting his yearly shots since I am his owner, and I have paid all previous vet bills. What can I do to resolve this issue?
Answer
I hope that you and your parents can work out a cat custody arrangement that is in the best interests of the cat (and also his dog friend). People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned. Generally, the parents in a home “own” the family pet, not the child (although that depends on the facts of each situation when the dispute involves an adult child).
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