FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
The Cat Custody Dispute Begins
Qadija Capels, 25, sued her former friend, Caitlin Coldstead.
Ms. Capels sought either the return of her cat or reimbursement for vet bills.
Judge Judy began by asking Ms. Capels about the cat's acquisition.
Ms. Capels stated she got the kitten in December 2017.
She received the cat from her friend, Tiana.
Tiana's family had a cat, and they gave one to Ms. Capels.
Conflicting Transfer Dates
Judge Judy then asked when Ms. Capels transferred custody of the cat to Ms. Coldstead.
Ms. Capels claimed she transferred the cat around June 2018.
She explained she couldn't keep the cat in her apartment.
Ms. Coldstead immediately disputed this date.
Ms. Coldstead stated she received the cat in January 2018.
She specified it was about midway into the month.
This meant Ms. Capels had the cat for only about a month, according to Ms. Coldstead.
Ms. Coldstead testified that the cat had been in her continuous care for almost two years.
Ms. Capels' Claims and Vet Bills
Ms. Capels wanted the cat back.
She also sought reimbursement for vet bills.
She claimed to have paid over $500 in vet bills.
She presented bills dated December 23, January 13, and June 17.
Judge Judy asked to see the bills.
One bill was dated January 13.
This date was significant because it fell within the period Ms. Coldstead claimed to have received the cat.
Ms. Capels initially maintained she gave the cat to Ms. Coldstead in June.
Apartment Lease and Living Arrangements
Judge Judy questioned Ms. Capels about her living situation.
She asked when Ms. Capels moved into the apartment where she couldn't keep the cat.
Ms. Capels stated she was living with Tiana.
They had renewed their lease in June 2016.
Ms. Capels clarified they had just renewed their lease before she got the kitten.
She confirmed she got the kitten in December 2017.
This meant she had the kitten from December 2017 to June 2018.
The Discrepancy in Dates
Judge Judy pointed out the inconsistency.
Ms. Capels had a vet bill dated January 13.
This bill was from the time she claimed she still had the cat.
However, Ms. Coldstead claimed she received the cat in January.
Ms. Capels then said, "I thought I gave her the cat in June."
This statement further highlighted the confusion regarding the transfer date.
Ms. Coldstead's Evidence
Ms. Coldstead presented a crucial piece of evidence.
She had a Facebook conversation from January 2018.
This conversation was about the transfer of the cat.
Ms. Coldstead explained she was trying to ensure it was a good time to take the cat to her house.
This evidence directly contradicted Ms. Capels' claim of a June 2018 transfer.
The Facebook messages supported Ms. Coldstead's assertion that the cat was transferred in January.
Judge Judy's Scrutiny
Judge Judy reviewed the evidence carefully.
She noted the January 13 vet bill presented by Ms. Capels.
She also considered Ms. Coldstead's Facebook messages from January 2018.
The judge concluded that Ms. Capels gave Ms. Coldstead the cat in January, not June.
This was a critical turning point in the case.
The timeline established by Ms. Coldstead's evidence and Ms. Capels' own vet bill became clear.
The Judge's Ruling
Judge Judy delivered her verdict.
She stated that Ms. Capels would not get the cat back.
She also ruled that Ms. Capels would not get her vet bills reimbursed.
The judge's decision was firm.
She told Ms. Capels, "You don't get the cat back."
"You don't get your vet bills."
Final Advice and Outcome
Judge Judy offered Ms. Capels some advice.
"If you want another pet, get another pet."
She acknowledged Ms. Capels had taken care of the pet she had.
The judge then concluded the case.
"We're done. Goodbye."
Ms. Capels did not regain custody of the cat.
She also did not receive any money for the vet expenses.
The cat remained with Ms. Coldstead, who had cared for it for almost two years.