Police forced the vet to give my rescued cat to someone else. How do I legally get her back?

Location: Hamilton County, TN.

In late September 2024, the day before Hurricane Helene hit, I took in a stray female cat I had been feeding outdoors. I brought her inside during the storm and she has lived with me ever since.

I have timestamped photos from October 4, 2024 forward showing her in my home. I also have receipts showing when I began buying food and supplies specifically for her, and continuing through the last year. I have provided 100% of her care.

This morning, I brought her to a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for her first veterinary visit. While the vet was examining her, they noticed a spay tattoo I hadn’t seen before and scanned her for a microchip. The chip pulled up information for a woman who said the cat had been missing from her possession for more than 3 years after escaping during an open house. She had not had the cat at any point since then.

I asked the vet to call police so the ownership dispute could be documented. When the officers arrived, despite my proof of a year of possession and care, they instructed the clinic to release the cat to the woman listed on the microchip. They created a police report but told me this is a civil matter.

I now have: • Timestamped photos showing exclusive possession for 13+ months • Receipts for food, litter, and care beginning Oct 2024 • A vet visit in my name • The police report documenting the incident • Her admission that she had not had possession for ~3 years

The other woman now has the cat and refuses to return her.

My goal is to file to legally recover the cat. If for some reason the court does not return her, I would like to recover my documented expenses for her care.

My questions:

Is a replevin action the correct filing in Tennessee for return of wrongfully withheld property (a pet)?

Would this be filed in Hamilton County General Sessions Court?

Should I send a written demand letter first before filing?

Any guidance on how to present this type of case effectively (photo timeline, receipts, etc.)?

Thank you for any advice this situation has been extremely upsetting and I just want to handle it correctly and legally. I also have another cat, Boris, who came in with her (Natasha) at the same time. I’ve cared for both of them together since the day I brought them inside during the hurricane. They’ve been bonded and living as indoor cats with me for over a year, also very bonded with my 13-year-old German Shepherd, Heidi, who recently passed away a cpl weeks ago. These pets have been my family, and losing Natasha this way has been especially hard after just losing Heidi.