An Airbnb guest left with the owner's cat after claiming it was neglected and needed new home.
James Wakefield, 70, alleged the tabby cat, named Nubbins, was not being treated properly by the owner of the California AirBnb owner, Troy Farrell.
After police were called to report the missing moggy, Mr Wakefield, from Irvina in California, said he would not be allowing Nubbins to return to the house without a fight.
He claimed they found the feline was hungry, thirsty and cold when they got to their rental home on Railroad Avenue.
They also claimed he had injuries to his upper lip and tail.
However, Farrell said he has cared for Nubbins for for years - as a 'neighbourhood car' who enjoys being in the outdoors.
After the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office became involved, urging the return of the cat, Mr Wakefield sent a letter of retaliation describing why he was refusing to return Nubbins, reports news.com.au.
He wrote: "The cat either dies for lack of medical care or the cat is returned to a neighbourhood that doesn’t care enough about her to protect her from predators or get her out of the freezing windy rain she finds herself in each winter.
"And Sheriff that says everything I need to know about your character and the character of your organisation."
Nubbins is currently still with the Wakefields in Irvine, California.
Mr Wakefield continued: "I am certain you will continue to do whatever you can to prevail and get the little cat back outside in the neighbourhood where she belongs.
“And you can be assured that your 70-year-old cat nappers will do everything in our ability to protect her.”
