Can't even imagine this scenario!
By scribe1
@scribe1 (1203)
United States
June 21, 2007 3:19pm CST
I've recently agreed to take in a cat from my sister's friends. The cat, named Mimi, has been raised from kittenhood in that home and has been with her owners for five years. Unfortunately, the couple's little boy is allergic, and the cat has to go. The only other option was taking the cat to a shelter. While I understand this situation, I still couldn't imagine my giving away a cat that I've raised from a kitten or consider the thought (horrors) of taking the pet to a shelter. It's just too sad and unimaginable!
My only consolation is knowing that I've agreed to return the cat to its rightful owners at a time of their own choosing, should they decide to take the cat back.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@Katagiri (426)
• Brazil
22 Jun 07
Don't give the cat back to them. It's cruel to give a poor cat away because a child is allergic. There are treatment for allergies. They could have treated the kid and let the poor cat stay. They didn't do that, so, keep her for you, I know you will treat her very well.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
22 Jun 07
Thanks for reminding me about that, Katagirl. I agree with you that it is cruel to give the cat away instead of treating the child for allergies. I also think that taking a cat, or punishing it by taking it to a shelter is especially cruel.
So far, I haven't heard anything about the cat yet, and hope that the couple changed their minds and decided to keep their pet.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
21 Jun 07
It is so sad that the little boy cannot enjoy a cat or a dog for that matter because he is probably allergic to dogs as well. At least the cat has a good home and perhaps if their son is old enough and takes his allergy medicine, you can give the cat back. I wouldn't take the cat to a shelter. They might have to put it to sleep if there is too many there and that would be tragic.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
21 Jun 07
I agree with everything you've said. And if I were those owners, I'd always wonder what became of the cat at the shelter. Was it adopted? Did it get a loving home? The worse thing is that I'd miss it being around. At least in this case, the couple know that they can always get their cat back, regardless. I already have two adult cats, male and female, from a shelter, and am sure that they will get used to the new cat. At the same time, I'm hoping that the couple will find a way to keep their cat.
@anij34 (317)
• United States
21 Jun 07
Thats really nice of you. We are currently fostering a stray cat that we took in right before she gave birth. We are going to get her a new home but are keeping one of the kittens.
I had to give up one of my cats several years ago when I moved 800+ miles away from home. I knew that the stress would be too much for her. My parents eventually found her a great home. I felt bad about leaving her but it was the right decision.
Its very possible for cats to bond with new owners. If your unable to keep the cat for various reasons in the future the family may be willing to allow you to find the cat a permanent home.
Good Luck
@raychill (6525)
• United States
21 Jun 07
That's so sad... and similar without that much time to how I got my little boy.(cat). My brother's wife wanted a cat so they adopted a stray kitten, 6 weeks old. After a month, his wife decided it was too much to take care of. Cleaning a litterbox, paying attention to it, loving it. Too much! Plus she made up all these excuses like the cat would eat her books. They also couldn't afford cat food and would feed him tuna instead... and decided to have a child instead. (Makes sense... can't afford to feed a cat, can't be bothered to pay attention and love a cat, but Hey Let's have a KID!)
So my brother didn't want to put it in a shelter so he had me and my parents "Catsit". Cat sitting for a day turned into 2 days which turned into 3 days which turned into my falling in love with the cat and telling my brother I was keeping it. He's been my Reggie cat for 4 and a half years now.
I don't understand anyone who can give up an animal... no matter what the reason.
I'm glad you took the cat in to love it... and I hope it loves you.
