I hope I chose the right section to post this. I registered to seek some advice on what to do with my situation.
Two months ago, I adopted a cat from my local SPCA. When I did the paperwork, I had to sign an agreement with them that if i cannot keep the cat and it is within 1 year of adoption, I will give him back to the shelter.
I won't get into details, but this cat isn't integrating well (or at all) into our household and we've decided it's in his best interest to go to a new home. He would be miserable staying here long-term.
After I adopted him, I had the vet run a bunch of tests on him to ensure he's healthy and he is. (the shelter didn't even do a FIV/FeLV test before)
I certainly don't want to put him back into a shelter; that would break my heart.
I called the shelter to tell them of my situation and asked if I could act as a 'foster' home to him until a new home was found. I was told no, it's not their policy, so I would have to return him to them. I pointed out it would be much more stressful for him to be in a shelter than a home environment. I was told that was true, but I still have to bring him back to live in one of their cages meanwhile. They DO use foster homes in general.
The issue is that kitten season is here and all the shelters will be full. This is also NOT a no-kill shelter, so I am extremely hesitant in handing him back to them. My friend told me to find a new home for him myself, but I'm afraid of what might happen if they find out. I also like that the shelter, because they have contracts, would be able to do more than I could in a case where the new adopter didn't follow what they agreed to.
Hence, I'm torn. What is the right/best thing to do for the cat?
TIA!
Two months ago, I adopted a cat from my local SPCA. When I did the paperwork, I had to sign an agreement with them that if i cannot keep the cat and it is within 1 year of adoption, I will give him back to the shelter.
I won't get into details, but this cat isn't integrating well (or at all) into our household and we've decided it's in his best interest to go to a new home. He would be miserable staying here long-term.
After I adopted him, I had the vet run a bunch of tests on him to ensure he's healthy and he is. (the shelter didn't even do a FIV/FeLV test before)
I certainly don't want to put him back into a shelter; that would break my heart.
I called the shelter to tell them of my situation and asked if I could act as a 'foster' home to him until a new home was found. I was told no, it's not their policy, so I would have to return him to them. I pointed out it would be much more stressful for him to be in a shelter than a home environment. I was told that was true, but I still have to bring him back to live in one of their cages meanwhile. They DO use foster homes in general.
The issue is that kitten season is here and all the shelters will be full. This is also NOT a no-kill shelter, so I am extremely hesitant in handing him back to them. My friend told me to find a new home for him myself, but I'm afraid of what might happen if they find out. I also like that the shelter, because they have contracts, would be able to do more than I could in a case where the new adopter didn't follow what they agreed to.
Hence, I'm torn. What is the right/best thing to do for the cat?
TIA!