Ex GF took my pet cat while I was at work

Location: Missouri
Long story short, my ex-girlfriend and I broke up while I was at work. She called to end the relationship, told me she was moving out, and asked if she could take the cat with her. We adopted the cat together in 2022, but I signed all the paperwork and am listed as the sole legal owner. The vaccinations and microchip from that day are also registered under my name. I told her no when she asked to keep the cat. She responded with either a sob or a sigh, I couldn’t tell. When I got home from work, the apartment was in disarray and the cat was gone. I immediately tried calling her, but she didn’t answer. I then called her mother and asked if her daughter had taken the cat. Her mother said, “Yes,” followed by, “She will talk to you soon. Goodbye.” I texted my ex and told her that what she did was theft and that she needed to return the cat. She responded, “I felt I had to,” and, “You make me feel small,” then told me to “let it go.” I went to retrieve the cat’s adoption papers from the kitchen, but they were missing. She later admitted to taking them.

I reported the situation to the police, but they said it was a civil matter. I’ve contacted several law offices with no luck until finally speaking with one that believes they can assist me in recovering the property. At this point, is filing a replevin action my best option? Will text message evidence and copies of the adoption papers be sufficient to support my case in court?