ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico family is outraged after losing their beloved family pet.

The family’s 11-year-old put up signs notifying people that their kitten, Lefty, was missing.

But, when they got a call, they were shocked to hear the caller wanted money as a reward.

According to the family, the man demanded $50 to cover the cost of cat food and medicine.

He said without payment, he would keep lefty.

The family eventually paid the ransom for lefty’s return.

“I just wanted to go out and shout from the roof tops, you know look what this person did to take advantage of a child,” the cat’s owner said. “This is an adult and this is a child’s kitten that you held for ransom and you made us give $50 for.”

Source: WTHR