AITA for sharing with friends why I ended up adopting a neglected cat?

AITA for revealing the true reason I kept a neglected cat, leading to a fallout with its previous owner?

Theo

Published in Interesting
29 Sep 2025

AITA for sharing with friends why I ended up adopting a neglected cat?

In a recent Reddit post, a 30-year-old woman shared her experience of taking in a troubled cat that was on the brink of being sent to a shelter. Initially facing behavioral challenges like spitting, hissing, and not using the litter box, the cat had been severely neglected by its previous owner.

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Despite the neglect and lack of basic supplies, the woman discovered the cat's sweet and resilient nature, leading her to provide the necessary care and medical attention the cat desperately needed. As the woman invested time, money, and love into rehabilitating the cat, she uncovered the truth about the neglectful behavior of the cat's former owner.

Feeling a sense of responsibility to prevent further harm to animals in the care of this individual, she made the difficult decision to disclose the reality to mutual friends. The revelation sparked a chain reaction, resulting in social repercussions for the negligent former owner.

The Reddit thread is filled with supportive comments commending the woman for her compassion and bravery in standing up against animal neglect. Users overwhelmingly agree that she is not the antagonist in this situation, but rather a hero for intervening and protecting the vulnerable cat from further mistreatment.

The discussion showcases a collective stance against animal cruelty and advocates for holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Original Post

I'm a 30-year-old woman who recently agreed to take care of a cat. I was told the cat had big problems with its behavior.

They said if I didn't take it, it would end up in a shelter. I was ready for a cat that spat, hissed, bit and didn't use the litter box.

The cat, who's about 5 years old, came to me with nothing. No box, no bowls, no toys, no food, just an old, tight flea collar.

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The cat was really dirty. The old owner said they couldn't give me money to get stuff for the cat.

They said they didn't have much money. We made a deal.

They would pay me back for the vet bills and the food. As they were leaving, they talked about the case of drinks they bought on the way.

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I was shocked. I started buying what the cat needed and watched how it acted.

I found out this cat was the sweetest, smartest, and kindest being I had ever met. After a vet visit, I found out the cat was really sick and thin because it was not cared for.

I bought medicine for her skin and for an infection she had. I then told her old owner I was keeping the cat.

They said it was okay because the cat didn't have a microchip. They only paid $40 of the bills.

Two days later, they showed up at work with new hair and nails. For six weeks, I kept quiet.

But then I found out they were talking about getting a kitten. I told two of my best friends the truth about why I kept the cat.

Word spread fast, and now most people have stopped talking to the cat's old owner. I only wanted to stop them from getting another pet.

I didn't want it to turn out like this. I feel guilty because this has hurt their job and friendships.

So, AITA? EDIT: Well, it seems I am NTA.

Thanks everyone for your comments. The cat, now named Shadow, sends her love.

You can look for a post on cattax, thanks to all the attention. Stay safe, be nice to each other and animals!

EDIT2: Also, I want you to know that Shadow will be okay. She needs a few surgeries and a long time to get better.

But I'll be with her every step of the way. She'll have the best of everything, forever!