Why do people do this?

[TIdoublegaER]

I just saw on my local news a cat that is available for adoption. He is 16 yo and has one eye. His owners gave him up because he is getting old and can't jump up on the furniture, counters, etc anymore. I'm sure it is really because he is getting old and they don't want to pay for medical treatment for an aging cat. This just irritates me so much!

If it wasn't for the fact that DH has told me that I can't have another cat until we get new carpet, I would go get him today! I hope he finds a new home soon.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Aww!

I voulenteer at a local shelter on my days off, and they had a cute dog in the other day with just one eye. I always worry about them getting adopted!

 

[olena]

Oh, the poor thing....

 

[danny1649]

How sad I hope some one will take him and give him plenty of love.

 

[Mermaid02]

I don't know how people can give up their animals for such ridiculous reasons. My dog is part of our family.... we will most likely some day have to make the decision if her quality of life is good for HER.... but just give her away because she's old? No way.

 

[FOJMO]

I'm hoping that this couple had all good intentions when they gave up their cat for adoption. You really don't know what financial means they have (or don't have) and did what they thought best for their cat.

Believe me, there are plenty of people out there who would adopt him/her, even with age and disabilities.

But I know first-hand that as much as I love both of our cats as part of our family, there is a limit to the amount of money we can spend for their health. The highest vet bill we've ever had was $850 and, luckily, we were allowed to pay it a little at a time over a few months. But some people don't have that option.

 

[skuttle]

How awful!! What a strain that must be on that poor kitty.

 

[JasonLyons]

Originally posted by TIdoublegaER
. His owners gave him up because he is getting old and can't jump up on the furniture, counters, etc anymore.

yuk, they want a cat who could jump up on counters

 

[TIdoublegaER]

yuk, they want a cat who could jump up on counters

I know it bothers a lot of people when cats jump up on the counters, etc. But my cat was always allowed up there. Since we have a Great Dane, there was no where else we could feed her without the dog eating her food. He can easily reach the counters, too ,but is NOT allowed to go there! She also liked to get on top of the cabinets and frig to survey her domain from up there.

I do understand the expense of taking care of a sick animal and what a hardship that could cause, but the shelter worker implied that the only reason they did get rid of the cat was age and decreased mobility. They didn't say the cat was actually sick, but at its age will likely need some medical care in the next couple of years.

I've been missing my cat quite a bit lately. She died last year of cancer and I had a tumor removed a month ago that was cancerous and I just really miss her companionship. It just breaks my heart to see the unwanted animals on TV.

 

[bumcat]

LOL, Jason, I was thinking the same thing. I had a cat for 10 yrs and she loved sleeping on top of the fridge!

 

[lisajl]

"I'm hoping that this couple had all good intentions when they gave up their cat for adoption. You really don't know what financial means they have (or don't have) and did what they thought best for their cat. "

I am not sure where this cat is at, but here in Ohio, there are funds available to people that want to keep their pets.

I had to take my dog to a specialist, luckily it was not that expensive.
At this vet office there is a fund to help people pay for emergencies. You just need to fill out a form (and actually need the money), and they help you pay for medical care.

So, I don't really buy the "we have no money" thing. I understand not everyone has the money to pay for their pets when they get older, but to put an animal in shelter after it has lived in a home for 16 years, is cruel.

Yes, better than taking it out and shooting it or something, which some people have done. But, it is still cruel.

Lisajl