Adopters...a rant

[smokey the elder]

This year my rescue group has been absolutely plagued by people who want to adopt a cat, then refuse to comply with introduction suggestions! In at least three cases, it was recommended how to do the introductions, and people let the cat out of confinement too soon, and it either hid or didn't get along with the other cat. Well DUH!! Instant gratification syndrome, I guess. *grumph*

[moosmom]

Smokey the Elder,

I truly understand your frustration!! I adopted a cat to a woman when I lived in Connecticut. I wrote down the instructions on what to do. I explained how cats don't like change and she needed to keep the cat in a spare room for at least a week to give it time to adjust, then let it out supervised, etc., etc. You know the routine. I might as well have talked to a wall.

She signed the agreement then proceeds to show up to pick the cat up WITHOUT a carrier!! A bell should've gone off in my head. My mistake. I loaned her my carrier.

4 days goes by and she calls me to tell me that the cat kept peeing in her fireplace!!! I explained (AGAIN!!) that she needed to keep the cat isolated, etc.

2 more days goes by and she calls me again to tell me she didn't think it was going to work out because the cat continued to pee in places other than the litter box and when could I pick the cat up??? I told her that she was not getting her adoption fee back and she'd have to meet me somewhere half way (she lived an hour away from me).

That woman totally reiterated my feelings towards stupid, irresponsible pet owners!!

I was fortunate enough to find a home for the cat nearby to a wonderful woman whose mother lived with her. I told her the cat was a gift from an anonymous donor in Westbrook (the idiotic fireplace lady)

Instant gratification INDEED!!!!!

[jenluckenbach]

We talk, sometimes until blue in the face, only to fnid out all our suggestions have been going out the other ear. People hear what they want and DO what they want..........and then wonder why things are not going well.