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Catsare one of the most popular pets for many people.

In fact, about 370 million catsare keptas pets globally.

Responsible pet owners know that every pet needs a forever home.

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A place where they can live out their best days without having to worry about moving or new owners.

When the woman refused, she was called a cat thief and was threatened with legal action.

So, sheaskedpeople online whether her stance was really so unreasonable.

A woman smiling while holding a tabby cat, showcasing pet rehoming.

She explained how cats form strong bonds with their territory and how they handle frequent owner changes.

Read her expert insights below!

According to pet expert Amy Shojai, cats bond very strongly with their surroundings.

Text reads: “AITA for refusing to return a rehomed cat I adopted?” discussing rehoming a cat due to relocation.

When theyre away from their home territory, they typically feel stressed.

Shojai says that the effect rehoming can have on a cat depends on the circumstances.

Whether the cat was used to living with other cats, pets, and children matters, too.

Text detailing a woman’s effort to rehome her cat, Mina, as it becomes social.

If they will be introduced to them for the first time, that might be stressful.

Most cats bond very strongly with their home/territory, Shojai explains.

Any change in routine (especially a move to unfamiliar surroundings) increases stress.

Text discussing a woman’s breakup, moving plans, and request to retrieve her rehomed cat, Mina.

Once they adjust, cats become more accepting of close contact and interaction.

She feels like the cat got used to the household and considers herself Minas new owner.

Cats are social creatures, she explains.

Text describing challenges of rehoming a cat and adjusting to a new environment.

And many cats want to control interaction.

Benefits include food, play, acceptable interaction (like an interactive game or snuggling).

However, every cat is different, and many other variables can determine their behavior.

Sleeping ginger cat on a green bed, curled up peacefully after being rehomed.

So, above all, have patience when rehoming cats, she urges all cat owners.

Building positive relationships rarely [means] love at first sight, but with care, love can grow.

For those whod like to learn more, Amy Shojai has manycat care booksavailable.

Text screenshot about rehoming a cat named Mina and the emotional attachment involved.

Its just a pet!

Its hard to say whether such legal action would be successful.

The North Shore Animal Leagueclaimsthat its possible to sue someone over wrongfully withholding an animal.

Text conversation about rehoming a cat and facing family conflict.

Calling the police is another option; however, they might not want to meddle in disputes between friends.

The best way to prevent cases like in this story is to have the rehoming agreement in writing.

Check out the results:

Text excerpt about rehoming a cat and feeling like a “cat thief.

Text explaining a cat rehoming, clarifying there’s no agreement for its return.

Text explaining confusion about a cat rehoming situation, mentioning Mina the cat and H as the previous owner.

Cat sitting on a wooden table in a cozy kitchen, surrounded by wooden chairs and shelves filled with dishes.

Cat peacefully sleeping under a white blanket, illustrating themes of rehoming and pet care.

Orange cat napping peacefully, representing a rehomed pet.

Text exchange about rehomed cat, highlighting owner’s absence and decision consequences; mentions bad cat mom.

Text expressing opinion on a woman rehoming her cat and wanting it back.

Comment discussing rehoming a cat and the owner’s entitlement.

Comment discussing a woman rehoming her cat, calling it selfish when she wants it back after a breakup.

Text exchange about rehoming a cat and issues with ownership and communication.

Text comment suggesting microchipping a rehomed cat and using a camera for proof to prevent theft.

Text comment about rehoming a cat and legal rights, emphasizing ownership and planning.

Comment discussing rehoming a cat and the emotional impact of wanting it back.

Reddit comment about a woman rehoming her cat and the implications of cat ownership responsibilities.

Comment about a woman rehoming her cat and wanting it back, discussing relationship dynamics and advice.

Reddit comment discussing a woman rehoming her cat and facing challenges when wanting it back.

Reddit comment about cat rehoming, saying, “NTA but we demand the cat tax!

Reddit comment discussing concerns about rehoming a cat named Mina with sad emoji.

Comment discussing cat rehoming decision and its implications.

A comment discussing rehoming a cat and the meaning of rehoming.

Text comment discussing a woman’s cat rehoming decision and priorities for the pet’s well-being.

Comment suggests microchipping a cat named Mina with owner info.

Reddit comment discussing permanent cat rehoming and challenge of reversing the decision.

Text from online discussion about rehoming a cat, emphasizing new ownership responsibility.

Comment discussing rehoming cats, suggesting adoption from shelters.

Reddit comment discussing ownership and costs related to rehoming a cat.

Reddit comment discussing pet rehoming, emphasizing the cat’s attachment and urging caution in returning it.

Screenshot of a comment discussing a woman’s decision to rehome her cat and the consequences of wanting it back.

Text conversation about rehoming a cat and considering the implications of getting it back.

Text comment about rehomed cat and ownership debate.

Text exchange about rehoming a cat and wanting it back, with user suggesting a time share for cat ownership decisions.

Comment discussing the rehoming of a cat and attachment issues, emphasizing the importance of updates.

Text discussing a woman rehoming her cat and wanting it back.

Reddit comment discussing rehomed cat and owner’s request to get it back.

Comment about rehoming a cat and not adopting, emphasizing temporary help.

Comment discussing rehoming a pet, suggesting the original owner should get the cat back if requested.

Text exchange about rehoming a cat and discussing if it should return to its original owner.