Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Cats as chattle property

After 91/2 years my boyfriend left me last month and took two of the cats.

One of the cats he found on the street last year, and she lived here once we decided to keep her.

About 6 years ago his buddy and wife bought him a cat as a gift after one of our break-ups, we got back together shortly after, and since he spent 5 or 6 days out of the week here, she came to live in my apartment. Except for a few short break-ups she has spent 90% of her life with me. I have all her vet records/ bills, that are in my name, and dated photos of her in the apartment. I may also be able to have the friends say she was bought for both of us.

I have been trying to work this out with him to be able to have her one week a month, and he keeps telling me he will think about it, but I'm tired of getting the run around.

Is there anything I can do from a legal standpoint to be able to see my cat, or if need be, get full ownership of her ?

I hope you can help, cause it's killing me not being able to see her.

My cats are my kids.

Thank you

Diane


Asked on 6/28/08, 9:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: Cats as chattel property

While you may see the cats as your kids and I suspect he does too, the law does not. The law looks at them as chattel or personal property. As one court put it you can no more have visitation with a dog as you could have visitation with a lamp.

That said you could ask for possession of the cats. Given their value I suspect that would be in district magistrate court. Though some District Magistrates claim they have no jurisdiction over actions in Replevin. So as the DJ first.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. The initial consultation is free.

{John}

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Answered on 6/30/08, 8:58 am


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