I may have a situation here...

This afternoon, hubby and I were working in our back yard when I saw a little kitten come running across our neighbors lawn and then up to me. She was adorable, markings just like Booger except she was gray and white. She looks to be about 8-10 weeks old. As I petted her, I noticed that she was extremely thin (hip bones sticking out) and dehydrated (the pinch the skin between the shoulders test failed). She had on a flea color and a tag that read "Kitty" followed by a phone number.

I ran into the house and got some soft food and a bowl of water. She chowed down like she hadn't eaten in days. While hubby kept an eye on her eating, I went inside and phoned the number.

It turns out that she lives two doors down (the direction she came from) and the kid that came (about 14 or so) said she had dissappeared about a week ago. I stressed that she was sorely malnourished and more importantly needs water badly. He said that he put water 'out' for her this morning just in case she came back. He scooped her up and took her home.

Several hours later, she was back in our yard again but did look perkier than she did earlier. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for her. I'm afraid that they're simply not feeding/watering her and frankly, I think she's too young to be running the streets.

What's all your thoughts on this situation?

 

I agree, she is way too young to be running around outside. Could you go over there/call them and ask if they are willing to let her see a vet because you know she is dehydrated and malnourished? And if they refuse I'd call animal control or something. Poor kitten :?

 

I agree with Bente, for a kitten that young that has just been missing for a week and is in the condition you say....they take the kitten home and a few hours later she's back again!!!!! So she maybe had a good meal at home but she is lucky she survived the week she was missing, she might not survive the next time she's gone.

 

I also think she is too young to be out roaming around, and to be missing for a week does not sound good.

You talked to the 14 year old. I wonder what the parents are like. If you talk to them, maybe you can get a feel for what they think of the kitty.

Keeping an eye on little kitty might be a good idea. Since it is your neighbor's, I guess there is not much else you can do.

Keep us posted on what happens.

 

find a no-kill or rescue group. Burn the collar and get the kitten where it'll be cared for.
I have a friend on another board that had the same situation. A kitten kept going back to his house and he would return it. 3rd time he said to hell with it and he kept the kitten.
Poor thing - when he took it to be neutered he asked the vet to x-ray the kitten's back legs cause it always had a limp. Found out at some point in time the little thing had suffered a blow and had a broken hip!!!!!
He also had the hip repaired. The "kitten" is now a much loved addition to his furkid family and has been for a year.
He said no way was he returning that kitten to the abuse it obviously suffered at uncaring hands.
I wouldn't return the kitten....