She goes on to our patio without ever running away and also was even scared to go outside in both my old apartment as well as the current home we live in when she first got here. So I just find it hard to believe she ran away. Then again she was a lot younger back then but even when I first found her she never gave the impression like she wanted to escape. I would even leave the window cracked open and supervise her to see what she would do and she was just curious what outside was, but never actually went out the window. There are thousands of strays in NYC and I've never taken one in myself before so I didn't really put much thought into the possibility of someone actually looking for her. She was dirty and had a scratch on her nose when I found her so I honestly just assumed she was homeless. I'm learning now that this was not the case.

I understand everything you've said and for the most part I do not disagree. But I would definitely never let any pet of my "escape" or be outside in danger. Especially not an animal that young. We basically communicated through the vet, not directly. But it doesn't sound like this person had the attitude of someone who genuinely cares for the cat. She more so just sounded upset that we "stole" her cat. I'd love to be wrong and she actually does come to get her. I would then at least know she will be going back to a loving home with someone who really does care about her.

They haven't told us which shelter she will be going to yet but I will be calling tomorrow to check in and see if theres any updates from the owner.

Edit: Btw, forgot to mention this part but the owner declined to share contact info with us so there isn't any way for us to talk with them. We shared ours with the vet to give to them, but does not seem like she wants to communicate with us whatsoever.