Redditor Won't Return Lost Kitten to Its Owner Because They Believe It Would Suffer, Ask If Their POV Is Justified

Sometimes, the thing you're supposed to do and what you actually do are two different things. Moral dilemmas like these can bring a lot of headaches.

So, the best thing one can do for oneself is to ask someone for advice and resolve their dilemma. Recently, a Redditor and their neighbor, Dee, found an 8-week-old kitten, whom the OP has named Gogo, wandering around their complex.

Given the time of year, the OP was not surprised by the presence of a stray kitten. Dee could not accommodate Gogo as she had recently found another kitten near her car.

Gogo was in poor health, so the OP bathed her, took her for veterinary checkups, dewormed her, vaccinated her, and treated her for fleas. The veterinarian diagnosed Gogo as malnourished and highly likely to be suffering from tapeworms.

The OP already had a 12-week-old kitten named Ishii, found six weeks prior, but decided to keep Gogo so the two could grow up together. Following the vet's advice, Gogo and Ishii have been kept separate to prevent the spread of any potentially contagious illnesses.

Shortly after, Dee learned that her neighbor Mia and her son had recently lost two kittens that were given to them by a family member. The kittens escaped due to an oversight, and they could have found them if they had been looking for them.

After recognizing one of the kittens from a photo Dee shared, Mia acknowledged it was one of theirs but agreed Dee should keep it, choosing not to inform her son. However, her son saw Gogo at the OP's window and left a note at the OP's door, asking for his kitten.

In response, the OP drafted a message explaining the circumstances under which the kittens were found and their subsequent care, indicating a hesitation to return Gogo to a situation where proper care seemed uncertain.

However, the OP faces a moral dilemma about whether they should return Gogo to poor living conditions or keep her for themselves. Therefore, they asked the Reddit community to help them decide.

Here is the OP's dilemma

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The OP and their neighbor found a little kitten

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The Ethics of Pet Ownership

Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a veterinary ethicist at the University of Minnesota, highlights the moral responsibilities that come with pet ownership.

When making decisions about returning lost animals, ethical considerations regarding the pet's welfare must take precedence.

Research indicates that a pet's well-being should be the primary concern, and the emotional attachment created by the owner may not always align with what is best for the animal.

The kitten was in poor health, so the OP took care of her

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But during a conversation with the neighbor, Dee learned they had lost two kittens and were looking for them

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From a behavioral perspective, the bond between pets and their owners can complicate decisions about animal welfare.

Studies published in the Journal of Animal Ethics demonstrate that emotional attachments can cloud judgment, leading individuals to prioritize their feelings over the animal's needs.

Recognizing this bias is crucial for making ethical decisions regarding animal care.

The neighbor agreed Dee should keep the kitten she found but said her son really wanted Gogo back

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The son found out that the OP had Gogo and asked to take her back, but the OP was hesitant

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Understanding Attachment Theory

Attachment theory offers insights into why individuals may struggle to return lost pets, as emotional bonds can become deeply ingrained.

Research shows that these attachments often lead to anxiety about the pet's safety, influencing decisions that may not be in the animal's best interest.

Understanding these psychological dynamics can aid in making more rational decisions regarding pet care.

So, the OP asks if their hesitation is justified

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A Redditor said the OP was not in the wrong

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Practical recommendations for pet owners include seeking guidance from animal welfare organizations when faced with difficult decisions about lost pets.

Educating oneself on the potential outcomes of various decisions can help clarify the best course of action.

Additionally, engaging in discussions with fellow pet owners can provide valuable perspectives on handling such dilemmas.

They already showed they can't care for kittens

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It would be cruel to give the kittens back to them

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Redditors told the OP that they are not in the wrong for having doubts about returning the kitten. They have already shown that they are irresponsible owners with a lack of sense of responsibility towards their pets.

If the OP returns Gogo to them, she probably won't survive. Therefore, Redditors advised the OP to keep the kitten.

If they can't take financial responsibility for their cats, the OP is right

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The OP should be honest with the son

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They don't deserve Gogo

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If the OP returns the kitten, she won't survive

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Psychological Analysis

This situation highlights the emotional challenges faced by pet owners and the importance of ethical decision-making.

Recognizing the distinction between personal feelings and the pet's needs is crucial for responsible ownership.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, navigating the responsibilities of pet ownership requires careful consideration of ethical implications and emotional bonds.

Research indicates that maintaining a focus on the animal's well-being is essential for making sound decisions.

By fostering open dialogue and seeking guidance, pet owners can better navigate the complexities of these situations.