Читать книгу Cats For Dummies - Gina Spadafori - Страница 48

Some people are absolutely astonished — and more than a few are positively irate — if they’re turned down while trying to adopt a cat, especially from a shelter or rescue group. After all, aren’t they doing the shelter a favor by taking an animal off their hands?

That may not be how a shelter or rescue group sees it.

Reputable breeders of pedigreed cats have always put conditions on the sale of their animals. They want to ensure animals that aren’t of breeding quality don’t reproduce, and they want their kittens to go to homes where they can receive the kind of care the breeder feels is necessary. Reputable breeders can lay down the rules because they’re dealing with only a litter at a time — and they’re prepared to keep all their cats rather than place them in a home they may feel is unsuitable.

For shelter cats, however, the alternative to adoption is too often euthanasia. Isn’t any home better than that?

“No,” say some shelters. Spay-neuter requirements are common — and necessary, given the overpopulation of cats — and screening homes for the best possible match is pretty standard for most shelters. Written approval by a landlord may also be required before an animal is adopted out to someone who rents, which also makes sense. Other organizations may refuse adoption to people who won’t promise to keep cats completely inside, or who suggest an interest in, say, declawing.

Some organizations go way too far for some people, but it’s important to understand that they’re trying to do what’s best for the pet and the prospective family. Hard and fast rules are not ideal, however, and we feel that each adopter should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What if you’re turned down? Take a little time to consider again whether you’re really ready for a cat. These rules, after all, are based on the shelter’s experiences with people who generally don’t make good cat owners. If you’re still convinced that you’re qualified, ask to discuss the matter with the shelter director — or go to another source.