Josesharlo
578
17
5
Tl/dr: neighbors are neglecting a cat that can’t defend herself
New neighbors moved into the next building over. I haven’t met them, but I know they have a three-legged cat. They seem to keep her outside during the day, and inside at night, but there have been nights where another neighbor heard her crying on her doorstep at 3am when the temp is in the 30s. She is missing her front right leg, so she can’t really run or climb.
This cat is a total sweetie but has no business being outside. There are coyotes where I live despite being downtown. The neighborhood cats eat her food out of her dish and she can’t defend herself again then. She’s at such high risk to just get eaten by a coyote at worst, and spend long nights freezing outside by herself at best. I hate these people so much for neglecting their vulnerable cat.
Another neighbor ended up taking the cat to the shelter, but unfortunately the owners got to her before she went up for adoption. I was so hopeful she would get taken into a loving home. I may or may not have taken down the signs put up by whoever took her to the shelter.
Now I just have to accept that I can’t control the situation and that I will help as I can, bringing her food, and possibly building her a little shelter so she can at least keep warm. I’ll make one that’s designed so that the sleeping area will be down a “hall” so that the coyotes can’t get in.
It just sucks I can’t do more for her. I’m considering writing a letter to her owners but I feel like they’re not going to take kindly to it.
Ok rant over. Thanks for listening.
asdykeasadutchdam
Fuxxsake. There's probably homeless and desperate people in your town and THIS is what you're fucking worried about?
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jellyonrooster
I'm not rustling up 20 barn cats
PrinceAsh1taka
Are there coyotes in every town except mine? Errybody always talking about gorram coyotes and im like wtf I got no coyotes ever.
JustBoone
You'd be surprised, they are a wide spread species that range pretty much all across the usa. Might have seen one and thought it a weird dog
bloodyyanks
A cat getting left out at night is not neglect.
Josesharlo
It’s neglect if the cat is disabled and unable to fend for itself.
bloodyyanks
False.
mksu
Cats simply are not outdoor pets, no matter how much irresponsible pet owners insist otherwise.
Omnimorph2112
Cats have different personalities. Some are absolutely fine with going outside and t'would be cruel to keep them inside all the time.
bloodyyanks
Better keep it indoors and then get it declawed when it won’t stay off the leather sofa.
Josesharlo
Maaaaaybe you have no business owning pets if your convenience comes at the cost of cruelty to them.
mksu
I think pets are like children in that if you aren't willing to make space for them to live a good life, you shouldn't have them.
bloodyyanks
I’d agree with that, but then what’s your basis for not allowing a cat to go outdoors in that case?
mksu
It's dangerous to the cat, the environment, and public health to let them roam wherever. If you want to let them out, have an enclosure.
bloodyyanks
Counterpoint: starlings are an invasive species and my Maine Coon slaughters the fuck outta them.
I0VE525P00GE
Cats are both indoor and outdoor pets. You just have to let them come and go as they please. Never letting them out is cruel.
mksu
Letting them run around outside unsupervised is ecologically disastrous, a public health hazard, and unfair to the cat.
Josesharlo
Especially if the cat is fucking disabled and doesn’t stand a chance against predators.
bloodyyanks
Bud, cats don’t stand a chance against coyotes whether they have 4 legs or not.
I0VE525P00GE
Please explain how letting a cat go outside is ecologically disastrous.
bloodyyanks
They kill birds, like, constantly. Some people don’t understand that cats are predators.
I0VE525P00GE
Then let them be predators! Birds kill birds, some spiders kill birds, some birds kill spiders. Getting a cat just to lock it up is the1/2