Woman Sends Neglected Cat To Shelter After Sister Leaves It Alone For Two Weeks With Minimal Supplies

"She argued that she loved Mittens and would have found a solution when she got back."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• August 9, 2023

Owning a pet is a privilege that comes with significant responsibility. While these animals often bring joy and companionship to our lives, they also have needs that require attention and care.

Sadly, some view pets more as property than as sentient beings with feelings and needs. This mindset can lead to neglect and oversight.

And in situations where someone else steps in to protect the animal, the "rescuer" can be perceived as overstepping or even committing theft. Such a scenario unfolded between two sisters, leading to familial tension and a burning question: Who is truly in the wrong?

OP had concerns about her younger sister Emily's history of neglecting her pets. When Emily adopted a cat named Mittens, OP hoped she would become more responsible.

However, Emily's patterns persisted, often leaving Mittens alone for extended periods. The situation escalated when Emily took a two-week vacation, leaving Mittens with just a bowl of food and water.

Unable to contact Emily and deeply concerned, OP arranged for Mittens to be temporarily cared for at a local animal shelter. When Emily returned and discovered Mittens' absence, she was furious, accusing OP of betrayal.

Now, the family is divided on whether OP's actions were justified or an overstep of boundaries. The incident raises questions about responsibility, consent, and the best interests of the pet.

OP asks:

OP had concerns about her younger sister Emily's history of neglecting her pets. When Emily adopted a cat named Mittens, OP hoped she would become more responsible. However, it never happened.

The situation escalated when Emily took a two-week vacation, leaving Mittens with just a bowl of food and water.

OP did what she had to do and helped the poor cat by leaving her in a shelter. Her sister was furious

Upon Emily's return, the discovery that Mittens was no longer at home led to an explosive confrontation. Accusations of betrayal and overstepping flew as Emily learned of OP's decision to place Mittens in the shelter.

Now, the sisters find themselves at an impasse, with their family torn over the issue. Some applaud OP's move to ensure Mittens' safety, while others criticize her for not waiting for Emily to resolve the matter.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

She remembered she had a cat? Surprising

The headlines never tell the whole story

The easiest kind of pet to find a solution for...

Getting another cat...

OP says that cat was boarded

OP is Mittens' hero

Pets aren't just property; they're living beings that deserve love, care, and attention. Leaving a cat alone for two weeks with just a bowl of food and water is not only irresponsible but inhumane.

While family ties are important, the welfare of an innocent animal shouldn't be compromised for the sake of avoiding conflict. OP's decision to ensure the cat's safety was not just commendable but necessary.

It's high time people understood that pet ownership is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. If one isn't prepared to provide the necessary care, perhaps it's best not to have a pet at all.

Damjan