Why Man Stole Kitten After Confronting Owner: 'He Starved the Cat'

While on his way home from a run, a man spotted a malnourished, tiny cat in a local parking lot and immediately offered to help, but when he was denied, he took a drastic next step. Newsweek spoke with him to learn more.

Tim, known as Reddit user NocturnalThree, shared in a July 2 post on the subreddit channel r/OneOrangeBraincell the story of his rescue mission of saving the cat. However, the rescue turned out to be theft.

It is not advised to steal, no matter the condition of an animal. Those who steal can face safety issues or legal complications. Instead, if you suspect an animal is being treated poorly, seek help and advice from a local animal agency.

The tiny orange cat was being fed beef jerky, chicken and dirty water from the security workers at the parking lot, Tim explained in the post. Knowing those food items are not sustainable or healthy for cats, Tim brought over wet food. He returned a few days later to talk with the owner, offering to take the cat home with him.

"But even when I offered him money, I couldn't convince him to give me the cat," the Reddit post said. "He said that he starved the cat on purpose so he could catch the mice in the parking lot, but how could he? He is smaller than a freaking rat."

The conversation went on for an hour before Tim finally grabbed the cat without the owner knowing, put him in his bag and bolted.

Tim took the cat to the nearest vet to get examined. He wrote in the post that the vet said the cat "looked like a piece of paper." But luckily, there were no serious conditions other than being malnourished.

His friend is currently watching over the cat as a foster until Tim can find him a forever home.

The tiny cat has made significant strides—healthier, gaining weight and interacting with the foster's three other cats.

"He's also very friendly with humans and loves to go on a walk," Tim told Newsweek via Reddit.

Tim said he had not returned to that parking lot since the incident.

"I'm scared that they might recognize me," he said. "But the main reason that I'm scared of what I might see if I'm back there. What if he got another cat? I won't be able to help them."

Redditor Reactions

The Reddit post quickly racked up likes, bringing in over 12,000 votes and 783 comments. Viewers were saluting Tim for his impromptu rescue.

"Damn OP you gotta be one of the most beautiful humans out there!! Thank you for everything you've done for that poor helpless kitten!" said one Redditor.

Another added: "You absolutely did the right thing! This innocent, precious little guy needs lots of attention and love. I'm sure he's eating up a storm!"

Others expressed worries that the cat's previous owner would do it again. Someone wrote: "You're a good person, keep an eye out because I have a feeling this owner will continue this horrific thing with other cats."

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