I was given a cat and now the previous owner wants him back

I’ve just noticed something after clicking on your profile to see if you were male or female... You’re based in Belgium, it seems. The laws there might be a bit different from France on certain points, but I couldn't really say for sure. You’d probably need to have a word with a solicitor or a legal expert specialising in animal law. Having said that, it doesn’t change anything on the behavioural side of things. It’s likely to stress the animal out being shuffled around like that if there isn't a proper routine being followed... especially if they’ve been living with you for a while now.

Kelinda I've read your reply... Do you really think dogs don't cause any damage when they're messing everywhere?!... 😂 Not to mention the noise nuisance when an owner lets their dog bark... So a cat isn't any more of a nuisance than a dog or any other animal...

Good evening, I’ve read your original post and the replies you’ve received... I saw Kalou124’s response saying: "Normally, a landlord doesn’t have the right to stop a tenant from having a pet..." Well, it's not just "normally"... The law doesn’t stop a tenant from having a pet as long as the animal doesn’t cause any damage to the flat or house where the tenant lives and doesn’t cause a nuisance to the neighbours! The landlord has absolutely no right to ban a pet! I actually copied an article about this from a pet website in the "Animal Law" section and I can dig it out for you if you like... There is a limit on the number of dogs you can have—it’s no more than 8 or 9—but I’d have to double-check that. Though it’s not really an issue here since it’s a cat... there’s no limit for cats, on the other hand. Second point! ☝️ I can’t remember who said it, but I read a reply saying it might be stressful for the animal to be moved back and forth between homes. I agree that it might upset him if there isn’t a proper routine followed. I saw someone else ask you if he was happy at your place... I really think you can keep him if he’s settled with you. One last thing... You mentioned he isn't microchipped. Legally, he doesn't belong to anyone if he isn't identified! The other person might be having second thoughts, but they’ve got no reason to hassle you! Especially since that wasn't the original agreement, anyway! They might not know all this, but I’m telling you now!...

I know someone renting who wasn't allowed a cat because the landlord banned them. I think that's legal, though I’m not entirely sure. Given the damage a cat can do, I can see where they're coming from – I've got a few myself. As for taking the cat back, normally when you rehome a pet, it’s a well-thought-out decision, so you don’t usually take them back. Since he isn't microchipped, legally he doesn’t belong to anyone yet, but rather to whoever gets him chipped. But it’s also understandable that after rehoming him, she might be feeling regretful and missing him, which is why she wants him back. Try to put yourself in her shoes; if I ever had to give up my cat for whatever reason and realised a few days later that I’d made a massive mistake and could actually find a way to keep him, I’d try to get him back as well. Even though you should obviously think long and hard before rehoming, nobody’s perfect and people make mistakes. As for the phone calls and Messenger, just block her so you can have some peace and quiet. You aren't legally obliged to give him back since he isn't microchipped, but maybe try having a chat with her to understand why she’s had such a sudden change of heart?

I completely agree with the other two, both in terms of the advice given and the general tone. On the legal side of things: If the cat is microchipped, you can have a vet scan it for free without telling them it’s yours—just say you found it for now. If it’s registered to the previous owner, things could get tricky because you might be seen as having stolen the cat if they report it. In that case, it’s better to get back in touch with them because you’ll need their written consent (a transfer of ownership form) to change the details into your name anyway. If the cat isn’t microchipped, I’d suggest getting it done straight away as it’s now a legal requirement. Then, if you choose to, you can contact the person and point out that, as you said, a cat isn't just an object. If they do want it back, you could insist that everything is done properly. This might mean only agreeing to return the cat if they change the microchip details into their name and potentially reimburse you for what you spent getting it chipped (the vet fee plus roughly £60 to £80). If they refuse, then legally speaking, they would be the one in the wrong. On the other hand, like the others, I can understand someone regretting giving up their pet after the fact. Even if it should be a carefully considered decision, I think it’s possible to have second thoughts. So the question is: what’s the best solution? FOR THE CAT: I think after a three-week gap, either solution could work. It’s long enough for the cat to have started settling into a new home, but short enough that going back to the old owner wouldn’t cause long-term issues. The cat won’t fully understand what’s happening, but they’ll get over it. FOR THE OTHER PERSON: Obviously, they’ll be happy emotionally, provided they don't end up abandoning the cat again. FOR YOU: That’s for you to decide. Are you particularly attached to this specific cat, or would you be happy if you were offered another one—an adult or a kitten—if the situation suited you? Either way, if you don’t open up the dialogue again, there’s a risk that this person—who seems to know where you live—might come and try to take the cat back themselves. If this ever happens again in the future, it’s best not to give out your address or to go through a rescue centre. Sometimes owners are forced to give up their cats against their will, and the separation is often painful. A rescue usually handles things humanely and legally without giving out the new owners' address, which avoids the exact situation you’re in now.