Cat confined in bathroom 20 hours a day..please help!

[VeryConcerned]

Good morning....
I have a friend who's roommate should be arrested for animal cruelty.Here is the situation:
Roommate moved in with her cat;cat figured out how to let herself out of the "doggie door" and she is not an outdoor cat.
Roommate's "solution" is to keep the cat confined in a bathroom permanently.The litterbox is maybe cleaned once every two weeks [and no scooping any solid waste in between cleanings,and it's a covered litterbox],she will let the cat go without food for as long as two days before it dawns on her to feed the poor thing [dry food only] and the water dish has a layer of scum on it.The cat is literally ignored unless the roommate feels like paying attention to it,and then she gets annoyed because the cat is begging for attention.
This person does not see why this is cruel and a sick way to treat an animal [I'm equally furious at my friend because she has had ample oppourtunity to scoop the cat up and take it to a shelter,but their attitude is "It's not my problem"]
I am sure there are many health issues [bacteria with the atrocious litter box] not to mention the mental damage this poor cat is suffering being locked in a small bathroom all the time....do I just go to the house and take the poor cat? What to do?
It sickens me to know this is happening to a defenseless cat,who happens to be very sweet and affectionate.

[k@t]

Well, I am not an expert, and I don't know what the legal implications in your state might be, but the best thing you could probably do is call an animal help hotline in your area, call a local vet or look in the yellow pages, they usually have a hotline where people can report animal abuse. If you actually remove the animal from the home it could be considered stealing etc. (again depending on where you live) But I would definitely find some sort of animal abuse hotline to report the abuse to, and then FOLLOW UP to make sure something was done. I really feel for you being stuck in a situation like this, and for the poor kitty. There are lots of people who would give that kitten a loving home, it doesn't deserve to be stuck some place where its not provided for. Good Luck!

[Traci]

My question is what is the other roomate doing about the situation? Does the other person care about the cat? Does that person also share the responsibilities for the cat?

Ideally, you or someone who can communicate with both of them should talk to them about the conditions they are putting this cat in. They need to know it is unacceptable and that they are facing an animal abuse report and the animal shelter could cause them alot of grief.

If you know of someone else who loves cats and can give him a loving home, by all means, try to find him a good home. Taking him to an animal shelter will only seal his fate (euthanasia if not adopted in x-amount of days). Ask your friends, your vet's staff, anyone you can think of who may want to take him into their home.

[VeryConfused]

what stuns me about this whole situation is that the roommate knew my friends hated cats [she has two dogs],but still came from out of state with the animal.
Yes,typical of humans,this is/was a romantic situation gone bad,so the animals become casualties...dolphins are smarter than we are...sorry,I digress.
My friend has completely shocked me with her attitude of "Not my problem" because she is a dog owner and actually adopted two dogs rescued from a puppy mill and drove 800 miles to get them! she adores them and there is nothing she won't do for them.
I know she isn't fond of cats,but so what?
Hence my frustration....I'd hate to call the state or anything drastic,but I can't comprehend what's going on and how they justify it.
Animals aren't pawns like children in a divorce....it just enrages me.
I'll take the cat out of there myself if i have to [sadly,I am a reptile person,but I'm sure I can find her a good home.She's really sweet.]....just shaking my head right now and stunned by their idiocy.

[Traci]

Well, you've expressed your disdain here, but have you actually talked to the friend/roomate in a calm manner and expressed to them that the conditions are not acceptable for the cat? If the owner of the cat isn't taking care of him, why does he/she have him in the first place?

The better solution is probably finding a new loving home for kitty, but at least attempt to talk to the owner about his/her wrongdoing....it's a long-shot, but sometimes all a person needs is a little supportive education, support, etc.

[LinZ]

That is dowright cruel to treat a cat like that. I'm sorry but I'd sure like to introduce my steel-toed boots to your friend's backside for her behavior.

I must concur with everyone else; the first step you can take is to find out why your friend is keeping this cat when sheis not fond of or does not mind cats. Then, take the next step and ask other friends if they are looking to give a cat a home; have them ask their friends, and soon word will spread like a wildfire. And be sure to describe this cat's circumstances; pity works wonders on people, and someone is bound to open up to this poor kitty's plight.

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If you do not want to lose your friend, then don't file a report against her, but do try to help Kitty.

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I wish you luck, and God bless that kitty.

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LinZ - wishes she could give the cat a home too