Pets may begin as gifts, but years of care and attachment determine where home truly is.

This family cat has spent seven years in one household, bonded to other animals and cared for by the mother.

Now her adult daughter wants to move the timid cat two hours away because it was originally bought for her.

The ownership question has claws.

AITA for not letting my 22 year old daughter move out with the cat

My daughter, 22, has moved out of my house to a city 2 hours away. She’s working there and has a little apartment.

We have a cat who is seven years old. It was bought “for her” when she was 15, but essentially, is the family cat.

This woman fed, took care of and spent money on the family cat.

I have done all the caretaking and paid for the cat her whole life.

My daughter, of course, loves and spends time with the cat, but she has never looked after her.

The cat is also bonded to my Siamese and to our dog.

So, she told her daughter she couldn’t bring the cat with her.

So now, she wants to take the cat to live with her.

And I told her no. It’s not best for the cat.

This is an indoor-only, very timid, lap-type of cat who would likely be traumatized by a move like this.

However, my daughter says it is “her” cat and I can’t hold it hostage.

AITA for not letting her take the cat?

Should the cat stay in the only home it has ever known, or should it move with the daughter?

Let’s find out what others have to say about this on Reddit.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

This person makes a valid point.

It’s not her cat, says this person.

Here’s another honest opinion from this user.

Finally, this person thinks the cat will suffer from grief and anxiety.

This mother is reasonable for keeping the cat in its stable home with bonded companions after providing all its care and expenses.

Her daughter’s affection is genuine, but the animal’s well-being matters more than an old label about whose gift it was.

The cat has a seven-year lease, two furry roommates, and no interest in relocation paperwork.