My friend got rejected to adopt a cat! - Page 5  

I'm very obviously coming in late to this thread. But, I feel, as a pet owner and educated individual, that I need to respond.

First off, there is no way to know this individual's true circumstances (as everything thus far has been heresay -- and subjective at that) and so I'm not going to go off on a tangent about the adoption agency's (be it a shelter, rescue organization, or the like) reasoning for rejecting his application to adopt a cat. But, that being said, I am absolutely appalled that he would choose to go back and adopt a cat by being dishonest.

In fact, there are a lot of issues where this thread is concerned that has me scratching my head and wondering whether there is truth to any of what has been stated thus far. It seems outlandish, off, and just too, well, scattered to be of truth. I'm purely speculating here and this is just my opinion, but it's something I've been wondering about over the last hour while I've read and re-read this thread (again and again).

Organizations of any kind that are adopting out animals have a responsibility to the said animals to ensure that they are going to stable, loving, educated homes. However, what that boils down to is different for everyone in every situation -- especially as evidenced in this thread (some shelters adopting out with the knowledge that the cats may be declawed, some shelters requiring home visits, some with extensive interview processes, and some that lack structure). Regardless of what the reasoning behind their rejection of the potential adopter, it was their right to choose not to adopt the cat out to him. The fact that he then lied to adopt another cat is, indeed, fishy and it would be a stretch to assume that the majority of members of this site would agree with lying to get a cat.

The sheer fact that he lied to adopt another cat at the same shelter has my head spinning. That reason alone is most likely the "vibe" that many were speaking of on this thread. Lying to adopt an animal is irresponsible -- in almost all situations (there are some situations where lying may be in the animal's best interest, but that would be situations such as neglect or abuse). From the picture you've painted of your friend, he seems like a troubled individual. I don't know him and will say nothing more than that, but if he feels that lying to adopt an animal is appropriate behavior, there is some sort of disconnect there and that alone sends a red flag up to me immediately.

There are a lot of issues in this thread. First, he was dead set on a Maine Coon named Odessa who was 8 years old. And he was denied the adoption due to the fact that he didn't have the name of a humane vet (this request is not outlandish -- many organizations would like either personal or professional references as well as information on what vet the potential adopter is preparing to use). However, if he did his research, he should have had that information available. Then Odessa was magically older and not a Maine Coon at all. And he was then suddenly potentially able to adopt once again. But, again, he was rejected -- this time due to the fact that he was unemployed (which is a valid reason). And, also, there was concern over potential home visits which should not be an issue for anyone who is being open and honest through the adoption process in the first place. Then Odessa is suddenly no longer available, but they screen him again and approve him to adopt another cat. Did they not remember him from the previous two interviews? In my experience, that alone would've thrown up huge red flags. I'm just utterly confused.

This whole thing has me reeling. And, to the original poster, why are you so defensive? Lying is lying is lying and as a cat owner (I'm assuming here -- are you a cat owner?) why would you not find this set of circumstances alarming? Unfortunately, in this day and age, animals are seen as property and commodoties, not as living, breathing, feeling creatures -- would you think lying to adopt a child would be appropriate? Animals, in my opinion, are no different. And, in fact, the situation should be even more strict considering the lack of legislation to protect animals. And, trust me, we've all been privy to the horror stories or horrific neglect and abuse as well as the stories of cats being returned to shelters or euthanized for financial reasons. There's nothing wrong with being an advocate for animals for someone certainly has to be. The fact that your friend has lied and that you're in agreement with his practices is sad. My prayers go out to his new cat and, yes, even to him. I think everyone involved in this situation needs them...

And, on a side note, I work at a PetSmart here in the states. We do have cats on "display," but they are cats that are brought to our store for a set period of time by rescue organizations in our local area. The cats are not adopted out by PetSmart, but are rather adopted out by the rescue organization and therefore are adopted following an application and interview process as determined by the specific agency.

It is PetSmart's corporate policy to only take cats for the "7 Day Cats" program from registered adoption agencies. We follow the organization's guidelines, but do screen potential adopters. We even have the right to deny potential adopters from petting or handling any of the cats for any reason based on our educated opinion of the potential adopter. Yes, it is our opinion, and our opinion only, but it's just one tool used to ensure that the cats available for adoption are placed in the best possible home environment. Many people are angry and upset by our practices, as well as the practices of the governing agency, but that's that. The welfare of the cats, not the feelings of the potential adopters, should and does come first. People can get over having their feelings of hurt, a cat can't be brought back to life if starved, neglected, or abused.

Once again, in my opinion (based on personal and professional experience), your friend acted irresponsibly. Sure, it's all well and good to want to adopt a cat. And, he very well may be a good, responsible owner, but animals need advocates and someone who lied to adopt has some issues which would seriously have me reconsidering their ability to be a good owner.

ETA: Animals should NEVER be adopted based on the adoptee's need to have something or someone make him or her feel better. Cat's can be terrific companions and have therapeutic qualities, but never should that be the only reason why an animal is adopted -- it rarely ends well. And, I speak from first-hand experience after witnessing cats' horrific neglect and abuse at the hands of a family member who adopted cats to make him feel better, happier, and more motivated. I'll reiterate again, lying was wrong and, as times goes on, this story just gets fishier and fishier...

If they lie about the situation in order to get a cat when they know the shelter's policies, then yes - that is bad. And yes, I am a very honest person who does not knowingly lie to get what I want. I believe in karma.

If he had already been rejected twice, I don't understand why he went back a third time when you said he didn't like them because of a bad reputation he only just found out about? Do you know if he definitely adopted from that same shelter? Surely he would have gone to another group who had a better reputation.

I've never lied so that someone will give me a cat because I'm too self-centered to act responsibly.

How ironic.

Why should anyone make up stories about what your 'friend' intends to do with the cat? To amuse you?

Several posters presented arguments detailing why it was wrong for your friend to lie to the rescue. What exactly is it that you want to hear?

ETA: Several posters also pointed out holes in your story, i.e. petfinder not serving Canada, the pet supply store not screening applicants, etc.

1. He got rejected to adopt a cat and seemed to get angry about it (or at least you did...)
2. He hadn't even spent time with Odessa yet was desperate for her. That to me as someone involved with cat adoptions sets off warning bells. I strongly feel that a person has to spend time with a cat to get to know it.
3. He wouldn't consider another cat when Odessa wasn't available.
4. He lied to get a cat. He could have waited until he had a job, or gone to another shelter. Why does he need a job? Because if a 10 year old cat gets sick, you may be up for around $1000 to figure out what's wrong and treat it. It would be irresponsible to adopt an older cat to someone with no job - a few thousand in savings can go VERY fast with a sick cat.
5. You're only hearing his side of the story, not the shelter's side, yet you are placing all the blame on the shelter and getting very defensive with every post. You are also condoning lying to get a cat. The people who "volunteer and love shelters and all of that stuff" are just trying to explain the situation from our perspective.

Please don't take it personally, nobody is angry at you. You chose to tell the story and specifically say that your friend lied to get a cat, which you surely knew would upset people?

I understand why he wanted to, and I do commend him for wanting to adopt an "unwanted" cat, but those are the reasons why at least I feel weird about the situation.

I also find it weird that the shelter knocked him back, then let him adopt a different cat

Do you personally know this guy, or just over the internet? Did you go to school with him? How and where do you know him from?

And yes, you would be surprised - weird people would go through weird stuff to do bad things.... and that is only one of the reasons why shelters screen...

Could you please tell us the name of the shelter and where it is located so that we may look it up, perhaps make a few phone calls to find out why it is not a reputable shelter?

I remember you posting at one point that there was something wrong with the shelter and many complaints against it. I'd like to look them up for myself if you are unwilling to provide them for us.


It's wrong and immoral to lie for anything. Sure, everyone has lied at some point in their lives... But that doesn't make it right.

What I think is going to happen is that your friend is going to eventually give his cat back to the shelter when he can't afford a medical emergency, or finds out that the cat's personality isn't what he intended. You cannot mold an adult cat as you can mold the personality of a kitten. If "Loops" does not want to be his therapy cat and furry shoulder to cry on, then he wont, and eventually your friend will just get rid of him.

Lying to get something you've already been denied for a good reason shows instability. Refusing to accept "no" and lying to get around it shows an inability to accept reality and responsibility. Lying to adopt a cat to make himself feel better shows a narcissistic personality. Having a cat is not going to change his problems.

A stable mature person works for what he wants. He goes out and gets a job so that he can support himself and his cat. He doesn't just lie.

Poor kitty.

im confused in your orginial post you said your friend wasnt allowed the cat, not your saying he was, but you also said back on page one that your friend might of stood a chance if he found the name of a human vet hense the might stand a chance as upto untill that point it was still a no from the shelter

you are showing nothing but disrespect for every member that has posted advice to help your and your friend

from personal experience with not having a job and having a curious cat (lets face it they will sniff and bite at anything they fancy) one of mine ate a piece of metal it cost over £300 in emergancy vet fees then she needed an £800 operation then about £100 in meds and after care that was in the space of 2 days we had to find the money and that is no word of a lie so vet fees eat into saving pretty quick then you got to remember there are the costs of insurance and check ups and booster vaccinations so he might be sitting pretty on the money front at the moment but what happens if there is an ermergancy.

the members here have a lot of good advice you should listen to it and pass it onto your friend, if hes suffering from depression maybe see a doctor than just getting a cat

This is my thinking. Getting a cat- though he loves them and all - will not fix his depression. I know b/c I battle the same disease and I can guarantee that having a pet is not a substitute for evaluation, treatment and therapy.

I think everything that needs to be said has been said regarding this topic, so the thread will now be closed. Anything further can be taken up in PMs.