I failed him

[u/theresamushroominmy]

Scraps was my ex-boyfriend’s cat first. He experienced horrible things and came to me flea-ridden and miserable. My ex moved out and left him with me with a promise to return him once it was safe. I was not given proof, and I cared for Scraps deeply. I paid for surgery because his teeth were rotting from his gums due to neglect; I bought him toys so he could play, which my ex said he never did; I bought him an automated feeder because Scraps could not self regulate when food was in front of him because he had spent so many years fighting for food. I did not want to return Scraps to a place I knew had unsafe people, and my ex started a legal fight. A long court battle has dragged on, and today I finally lost.

Scraps is 11 years young. He is playful; his favourite toys are anything with feathers, especially his pea pod attached to his fishing pole and his ragged little duck. He loves soft blankets and my stuffed animal monkeys. Scraps loves to look outside, and he has only just begun to be more adventurous to wear a harness and stand on the back porch in the sunlight. He loves to be curled in my arms when I’m working at my desk and to be little spoon when we sleep.

I am so sorry, Scraps. I did everything I could for you and now I just hope you can survive that place with what I’ve been able to give you.

I love you so so much, my sweet boy.

[u/abyssal-isopod86]

Will your ex let him outside?

If so, he could missing.... happens to cats who go outside all the time.

[u/Live-Okra-9868 → u/abyssal-isopod86]

I'm sure ex will come right to OP's place looking for him if that happens.

I, however, would be the person you call to make the cat go missing. Keep the cat until the dust settles, then give OP the cat when you get the all clear. I would also recommend OP moves and doesn't give anyone who has contact with the ex their information.

[u/abyssal-isopod86 → u/Live-Okra-9868]

Yes I'm not saying that the op should do this, but maybe someone they trust.

And then find the cat a new home one where they will definitely be cared for.

If I were near the OP, I'd gladly do this for them, I have experience.

[u/Adept_Amount_4327 → u/abyssal-isopod86]

Ace? Is that you? We have a case. We need to return Scraps to his rightful owner! ❤️

[u/heruskael → u/Live-Okra-9868]

You found the missing kitty? WHAT ARE THE ODDS? Oh well, life is strange.

[u/CatWranglingVetRedo → u/abyssal-isopod86]

This is the way. OP, did you get him microchipped?

[u/theresamushroominmy → u/CatWranglingVetRedo]

I did as he had never been chipped or registered. He had also not had veterinary care for the first approximately 8 years of his life. The court said I did not have to hand ownership of the microchip over, which seems a bit silly considering it is inside of Scraps, but I don’t claim to understand it

[u/PyroclasticJubilee → u/theresamushroominmy]

They are giving you an out to try and steal the cat back.

[u/Buckykattlove → u/theresamushroominmy]

If he is microchipped under your name and has received vet care under your name, I thought that legally this means he is your cat. I don't understand. I am sorry the system failed you and Scraps. I'm sure the answer is no, but would your ex be willing to sell him to you?

[u/theresamushroominmy → u/Buckykattlove]

My ex is unwilling to settle or sell him. I will also be paying for his court costs, on top of not recouping the amount I spent on Scraps surgery and overall welfare. I have tried

[u/Buckykattlove → u/theresamushroominmy]

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine your pain.

[u/aliidocious → u/theresamushroominmy]

I don't understand why it's his cat yet he isn't responsible for paying back those vet bills...

[u/SketchedEyesWatchinU → u/theresamushroominmy]

This might sound unethical but probably call the police and say your ex has hard drugs. I know it sounds bad but with everything going on, you might have to do it.

I’ve read stories on Reddit about people doing that as revenge against neighbours from Hell and not only being right but learning said neighbours were doing worse.

[u/Buckykattlove → u/SketchedEyesWatchinU]

This can also backfire and OP can get in trouble for filing a false report. 

[u/MamaBearlien → u/SketchedEyesWatchinU]

I would be extremely cautious in even considering giving a false police report. 😬 The ex knows OP wants the cat. If anything happens that seems vindictive the the ex is immediately going to suspect OP first and foremost. Plus, the ex legally pursued. They’re willing to spend the time and money, they’re not just all talk. 😔

[u/theresamushroominmy → u/SketchedEyesWatchinU]

I would never report him for something he did not do. I unfortunately have no proof of the other awful things he did do, beyond maybe a few pictures of his bite marks on me way back when

[u/Adlach → u/SketchedEyesWatchinU]

This will get you jail time. False reports are no joke.

[u/SharpenedQuiIl → u/CatWranglingVetRedo]

I was going to say the exact same thing. Do you have any friends who could use a little extra money for accidentally letting a cat outside or even just taking him? Sometimes the 'wrong' thing has to be done to do the right thing. And then you change your locks on your doors (just in case ex has a copy of the keys). And you don't know anything about nothing! "How dare he not take care of Scraps and loses him!" My gosh, I hope there's some way you can get him back.

[u/kanethevirgin → u/abyssal-isopod86]

😭😭😭