Would you steal a cat if you thought the owner was going to have the cat euthanized? That’s exactly what a nanny did to a couple on Long Island, New York when she learned the family cat was scheduled for a vet visit to be euthanized.

Rebecca Katz and Tigger (Rebecca Katz)

Rebecca Katz,33, had been the family nanny to Julie and Russell Berman for six years. She’s accused of taking their 15-year-old cat Tigger who was allegedly described by Julie as a “bad boy” and that he “was going to get the needle. Even worse, the Berman children were present and most likely overheard that Tigger was going to be killed.

Tigger was taken by Rebecca on July 2-one day before he was scheduled to be euthanized. Authorities were told by Julie that Tigger was going to be euthanized due to many medical issues and their pet living in pain over the recent months.

The family has a court appearance on Friday and are asking for Rebecca to return Tigger. She’s not denying she stole Tigger. The police were contacted after security camera footage allegedly showed Rebecca leaving the home with Tigger.  She was charged with petty larceny whe she turned herself in.

Rebecca was released on conditional probation on Wednesday when she appeared in Nassau County District Court. Hopefully, the judge will rule in favor of Rebecca keeping Tigger since she loves him.

Russell Berman stated during an interview with NBC News

“We just want our cat returned back to our family so we can move on from this situation.”

The judge did not make any ruling on Tigger when the case was presented on Wednesday. Both sides are due back in court again on Friday.

Rebecca says she left the family a note saying ‘I’m sorry I can’t let you do this. Let me give you the break you deserve.’ She’s spent more than $1,000 on veterinarian visits over the years. She knew Tigger had behavioral and health issues and loved the cat in spite of them. Her vet, however, could find no serious illness.

Until the case is resolved, Rebecca has custody of Tigger. Unfortunately, her job as the family nanny ended the day she walked out the door with the family cat.

So….who should get the cat? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comment section.