UPDATE: I (26, F) adopted my (soon to be) ex-husband’s (27, M) cat after we broke up, and he wants her back.

I asked for my husband’s (27, M) consent before adopting Luna (the cat), and he agreed, saying it was what was best for her. I acknowledge that Luna is his cat. I told him he always has an open invitation to visit her, and invited him over to watch her the next week, and he didn’t respond. Two days later, I got a text that he’s going to come by to pick her up because she’s his cat. He said if I wouldn’t give her up willingly, then he would get a lawyer and take me to court. When I said that would be a waste of money because we wouldn’t make it to court and he’s already in debt, he began yelling at me and threatening me with violence and calling me names. After that, I blew off the idea of him coming over.<br><br>I didn’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation at the time of posting, so I didn’t preserve texts or anything like that. I’m not familiar with cat laws, because I thought he had given her up. I’ve been paying almost $3000 in vet bills and food for her this entire time. I didn’t keep track of that stuff. It was my fault for not more fully communicating with him and understanding at the time of adoption. I was losing my husband and my home, and I wasn’t thinking straight.<br><br>I agree that Luna should be with the owner she’s been with for the past 2 years. I can’t pay back the money I’ve fronted for her care. I’d be in a tough spot if I had to give her up.<br><br>I’m not looking for sympathy or money or anything like that. So far, the suggestions have been on point. I’m going to contact a lawyer and report this behavior to the police. The next time he texts and threatens me, I will preserve the messages and report them to the police and send them to my lawyer. <br><br>He doesn’t deserve to have this lovely innocent cat. I know I may not have the law on my side, but I’m going to try.<br><br>Thank you for the great advice.<br><br>TL;DR: Talked to a lawyer, reporting threats to police, preserving threats to put together a case that I should keep Luna.