Considering adopting a cat? Here’s why a bonded kitten, senior cat, or FIV-infected cat is just as great a pet as any other.
Written by Madeleine Agerer
Narcha Krinudom / Shutterstock
The week of “adopting pets with low adoption potential” event Held annually in the third week of September to celebrate animals considered difficult to adopt. Raising awareness about the unique pleasures and rewards of these so-called “difficult-to-adopt” animals will help not only individuals considering whether to welcome this animal into their home, but also those who do not surrender these animals. It is also important for some shelters and rescue organizations. They don’t believe people want to adopt them, so they have as many chances as others. This is a misunderstanding of director Kristen Hassen. American pets are alive! and human animal support servicesays she and her organization have been fighting for years.
“At the heart of all the work we do is that people want the opportunity to help animals that have had a tough life, a history of trauma or special physical needs. The belief is that,” Hassen said. We have to start embracing the people rather than making decisions about what they want and don’t want. Below are some of the cat breeds that are considered difficult to adopt. Like any animal, it can grow in the right home.
senior cat
Kittens are often picked up quickly from shelters. Not only are tiny hairballs incredibly appealing, but owners worry that they’ll be spending less time with their older cat, or that their older cat will soon have health problems. Sometimes I worry that I will end up with a large medical bill. But for those looking for a more gentle, low-maintenance partner, senior cats are a great option. Senior cats often already know how to use the litter box, have more interaction with people and other pets, and are generally less excited than smaller kittens.
Additionally, if you’re concerned that an aging cat will reduce the amount of time you can spend together, consider that cats generally have a fairly long lifespan. Additionally, any animal you bring into your life will eventually need some kind of medical care. No matter what kind of cat you get, pet insurance is a great option to offset some of these potential costs.
cats with chronic health problems
Some adopters may be concerned about the time, money, and effort it takes to care for cats with chronic health problems, such as mobility impairments, missing limbs, and conditions that require regular medical care. Maybe, but Hassen emphasizes that pets with special needs have special needs. just like any other pet. Pets with special needs adapt to their environment and to their families, she says. “Fear is much bigger than reality,” Hassen says. “The vast majority of people who have welcomed a pet with special needs into their home are glad they did.”
One symptom unique to cats is the feline immunodeficiency virus, also known as FIV. Because it is transmitted primarily through bite wounds, FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives without symptoms for years, as long as they are kept safely and primarily indoors.
cats in bonded pairs
Two cats that have been raised together or have lived together for many years often end up in what is called a “bonding pair.” The pair spend most of their time together, often running to each other’s sides when the other is in distress. Once bonded pairs arrive at a shelter or rescue facility, staff often try to bring them home together, a necessary step not only for their mental health but also for their physical health. is.
“It’s heartbreaking to separate a truly bonded mate,” Hassen said, noting that especially in cats, separating a bonded mate can be life-threatening. added. “I have seen many times when two cats that were bonded together actually died when they were separated.”
For foster parents who aren’t sure their home is ready for twice the planned number of cats, consider the following benefits: Even if the owner is gone, the bonded pair can still keep company with each other. With each other, you’ll get used to your new home faster. Plus, she can save twice as many animals as she planned.
Ultimately, all animals become special needs pets in some way, says Hassen. “They are all individuals and therefore have special needs. all It’s about animals that are waiting and wanting to be seen by people who are just like them, but are hard to see in the loveliness of puppies and kittens. ” When you’re ready to adopt a lesser-chosen cat, start looking.
Madeleine Aggeler is a freelance journalist and copywriter in Washington, DC. Previously, I was a writer at the site below. new york The Cut of the magazine. She mainly lives with her dog, Cleo, who works as a foot warmer.