My teen says he is taking “his” cat when he moves out

Question

I adopted 2 kittens last September, for a kind of family therapy. I only intended to get one, but my teen who came with me begged for one too. I figured it would be great for us to have two kitten brothers to keep each other company when the family was not at home. I thought it would help him with his mental health issues also. It really hasn’t helped the way I had hoped. Even though my son is not yet 17 he is making plans to move out at the end of the summer when he reaches that age. Long story short, these are both family pets loved in equal measure by all. I feel it would be hurting both of the cats to be separated like that, let alone knowing full well my teen doesn’t realize how much work is required to keep up up after cleaning their messes. He never helps with feeding, litter, or otherwise. I would be interested to know what my right are. I am his mother, it was my idea to adopt in the first place.

Answer

Typically the person who adopts an animal is the animal’s “owner,” at least until such time as that person gives away, sells, or abandons the animal, or the animal is seized and forfeited (such as for a cruelty conviction). Also, generally the parent, not a minor teen, is the “owner” of a family pet. I hope you and your child can work out an amicable custody arrangement that considers the best interests of the cats. Best of luck!