Two of our kittens are coming back

Had a call over the weekend from a woman who wants to return two male kittens adopted from us last summer. The reason - her husband has developed allergies and says the cats (now 9-months-old) have to go.
I'm glad this family did the responsible thing and contacted us. We'll gladly take them back, but I feel bad for the mom and kids who are just devastated. The mom says the cats (named Jake and Colby) have really become part of the family and the two older kids (ages 8 and 5) have been crying and begging their dad to keep them. She also said how much she loves the cats and she's begged her husband to take allergy medicine, but he refuses. I'm sorry the guy's got allergies, but it seems like he's being a real jerk about this. I'm not parent, but if I was, I'd deal with the allergies for the sake of my kids and let them keep the pets they love.

That's too bad. I have to agree with the father being a jerk. I have allergies and take medication just so I can have a cat.

I have allergies and nine cats, two dogs, five fish, and three snails. Where there is a will there is a way. I simply have to vacuum often, try to make the cats stay off the bed or at least off my pillows, and avoid having them up in my face. Most of the time I don't even have to take medicine.

My father was terribly allergic to everything and a severe asthmatic, but we lived on a farm and had animals of all sorts. He never denied my having pets. Sometimes they had to live out side or in the barn, but we found a way for them to stay with us.

I am sorry that the man has allergies, but at least they are returning the cats to you where they will be safe and well cared for. A lot of people just dump unwanted animals at the nearest shelter.

May God guide you to another home for these poor kitties!

what a sad, sad story. The poor kids. I remember as a kid when my mom made us get rid of our two cats (took them to a no-kill rescue shelter). I was devastated and couldn't wait to get out on my own and get my own kitties! I hope you find them a good new home together!

We will take cats back at any point in their lives....I think it is a great way to keep cats out of the shelter system.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

We will take cats back at any point in their lives....I think it is a great way to keep cats out of the shelter system.

Katie

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Same here. We always stress that when the kittens/cats are adopted.

My mom found out that she was allergic to cats right after we brought home two new kittens when I was a teenager. There was never a question in her mind, she just started getting the allergy meds. As you mentioned, I would definitely take the allergy medication before forcing my children to give up pets they loved. How heartbreaking for those kids!

Every shelter I have ever adopted from includes the clause on the adoption contract that the animal can be returned there, at any time, for any reason. The last time I was in there, they had a precious ragdoll that someone had adopted in November of 2004 and returned to them in November of 2005. (I'm happy to say he was adopted the day I adopted Luna. )

I hate it when our cats come back to the shelter. There have been legitimate returns, but far too often it's something like this & often when it's a married couple one person is pushing for it more than the other. One of the ones that made me super mad was a couple that returned a cat after like 5 years saying that she refused to get along with the puppy they had gotten & she had taken to popping on their bed. The husband was visibly upset & just kept muttering under his breath, "this sucks" It was obvious it wasn't his idea. One of the more bold volunteers asked, Well why not get rid of the puppy she was there first? The wife said "I've got too much money invested in that dog"

he sounds like a stubborn old goat!!!

the family sound like really nice people,
If i were the family i would get rid of the husband and keep the cats

My mum has been allergic to most of our pets but just deals with it as she realises how much we all love them.

Luckily, she isnt allergic to the cats or the dog! She was allergic to Mav when we first got her but then grew out of it.

I would send the Dad back to were she got him and keep the cats.

Originally Posted by xocats

I would send the Dad back to were she got him and keep the cats.

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Same here!

hahahaha Lei your too funny lol

So sorry to hear of this situation, how awful for the Mom & kids, but thankfully she did the right thing and contacted you. Its obvious she loves them very much.
I hope you are able to find a home for them both (together) as soon as possible. Poor things are going to have their lifes turned upside down because of a few tablets.

Well, the "boys", Jake (aka Tiger) and Colby are now back with us. I feel so bad for the wife and kids having to give up pets they loved. Anyway, these two are very sweet and very closely bonded, so we'll be looking for a home where they can be together. Please send any vibes you can we find them a real forever home this time. Thanks!

lots of vibes from across the ocean

Originally Posted by TNR1

We will take cats back at any point in their lives....I think it is a great way to keep cats out of the shelter system.

Katie

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That's how I ended up with Raphael...returned after 7 years. Pfft. I didn't read his return questionaire very thoroughly because I didn't want to be too harsh and judemental, but there was something about a terminally sick aunt and the owner having to move in with her...I hate to say this, but if she's terminally ill, a foster home probably would've done the trick, but he's in a really good, permanant home now

Eileen, keep up what you're doing for these two lucky guys. I'm sure you'll find them a great home!

And I'm going to add to the concensus that this man is a real jerk

Jake and Colby have lots of "forever loving home" vibes coming their way.

Same here - we have allergies but our furbabies arn't going anwhehere. You cannot determine in that short period of time whether the allergy is due to the cats.it takes much longer than that. Sounds like a convenient excuse to me but if that is what they are like, you are prob best to know now and find another and better home for these babies.

DH takes allergy meds so we can have our girls too. Plus they are groomed and what not.

Bunny was a returned rescue too. Something like her first owners had to leave her behind when they moved, and then the new owners were allergic to her. I'm glad because she is a doll and I wouldn't trade her for the world!