Experts are cautioning pet owners in the UK about a rise in individuals, referred to as 'cat seducers,' who lure away other people's cats with food and treats. This practice can have serious consequences, including pets becoming overweight, developing new behaviors, or disappearing entirely.
Colin Butcher, a stolen animal recovery expert from The Pet Detectives, stated that he encounters approximately three individuals per week who claim to have adopted a 'stray' cat without verifying if it has an owner. While some may be 'wilfully blind' to the impact of their actions, Butcher warns that 'real crooks' are also actively trying to steal neighbors' pets. These individuals are sometimes referred to as 'animal hoarders' or 'collectors' and often exhibit a 'feline saviour complex.' They may start by feeding a neighbor's cat, then remove its collar, give it a new name, and ultimately keep it indefinitely.
One cat owner, Anne Bennett, noticed her cat, Callie, gaining significant weight after they moved to a new home in Cheshire in late 2021. She discovered that a neighbor had been feeding Callie, and a private Facebook group showed posts from the neighbor inquiring if Callie was a stray, with some comments suggesting trapping her. Although Anne does not believe the neighbor acted with malicious intent, she is now more cautious about letting her cats roam unsupervised. The RSPCA advises against feeding cats believed to belong to someone else, as it can interfere with their specific dietary or medical needs.
Another case highlighted involves Lee Collins from Oxfordshire, whose mother believes her two cats were stolen. Her cats began refusing food at home, and one went missing for several days. A neighbor had been caring for the sick cat, but delayed contacting the owner. Months later, the cat vanished permanently. The neighbor and his parents had moved away around the time of the disappearances, and their son claimed ignorance about the cats' whereabouts. Lee's mother remains convinced her cats were lured away by the neighbors.
According to the charity Cats Protection, approximately 13% of the UK's cat population has been acquired through means other than formal adoption or purchase. The Pet Abduction Act of 2024 made it an offense to take a cat away from its lawful owner, including by 'causing or inducing' the cat to go with someone. However, prosecutions under this law are rare, with the Crown Prosecution Service recording only one charged cat-related offense between August 2024 and April 2026. Mr. Butcher noted that police are often hesitant to intervene, with call center operators sometimes stating no criminal offense has been committed. The RSPCA suggests that if a cat owner is concerned about a neighbor feeding their cat, they should speak to the neighbor directly or use a paper collar to leave a contact message. Key signs that a cat may be targeted include increased absence from home, changes in eating behavior, unusual smells, aggression towards other pets, indifference to owners, and the removal of its collar.