The cats are being abandoned for various reasons. Because their owners can no longer afford them, what with the cost of living shooting up and veterinary fees rocketing. Because the owners just didn't realise how much attention they need. Because they've had kittens. Because they're over-active and disruptive. Because of a move to accommodation that forbids pets.
Many of the cats were bought during the pandemic lockdown to keep people occupied, which was fine until the reality of looking after a pet struck home and the cat was no longer welcome.
Jenny and I have never kept a cat, mainly because of the care and attention it would demand, which is okay if you're happy with that commitment but not otherwise. I love cats and I love seeing them when I'm out and about, but I love them strictly at a distance. If I did have a cat, I'm sure it would be disappointed with my minimal level of fondling and stroking.
Many cats don't warm to me anyway. Most of them run a mile when they see me. I've no idea why - is it my height, my glasses, or some strange vibe I'm putting out? The odd thing is that a small number of cats, far from running away, are ultra-friendly and keen to be petted.
People acquiring cats may not realise just what they're taking on. Cats can live up to 20 years, and like humans can develop a range of medical conditions as they age - like dental disease, arthritis, incontinence and loss of muscle strength. They're no light-hearted hobby.
Nick, some of your comments make me perplexed. No surprises (last.posr).,no children .and no.pets. Of course animals need attention, dogs much more than cats . but they teach you not to be focused on yourself most of your time.. Animals are living creatures and can be sick, will get old and die. I respect your choice of life because I think you got good reasons to live the way you do. But when considering all the problems that may occur in advance we will never do anything.
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Hannah: I think you have to be very passionate about cats to be able to look after one properly. You shouldn't buy a cat in a half-hearted or impulsive way. But I agree that predicting all the problems that could crop up could stop us doing anything at all.
DeleteI love cats - and they do warm to me because they know a soft touch when they see one!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have another one though as they go out at night and get themselves into all sorts of bother - and I used to worry myself silly over my cats.
I think it's sad that people feel they have to get rid of their pets - some are probably heartbroken over it.
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Ms Scarlet: I never thought about cats going out at night and getting into trouble. Yes, the article mentioned people who're very upset at having to give up their pet.
DeleteHere I keep seeing notices asking people to take their pet as they have moved house and the landlord does not accept animals...they are heartbroken. Pleas for help with vets' fees too - now astronomical. There are constant castration campaigns at low cost, luckily, and people help subsidise those for low income families which helps to stem the tide.
ReplyDeleteWe used to feed feral cats when in France and castrate those we could catch....here we have abandoned dogs, household currently running at twelve.
Helen: I think the vets here have mostly been bought up by big corporations that just want to maximise their profit potential. A 12-dog household, that's quite something!
DeleteI find cats relatively easy to care for. I have had a LOT of dogs throughout my life, they are much more work, but they are worth it. Now it's lots of cats, strays that somehow find their way in. I'm feeding another one that has found its way to my porch, a young ginger. It's heartbreaking for those forced to give them up due to circumstances they cannot control.
ReplyDeleteSandra: You must be a natural cat person who finds it easy to care for cats. Strays are also a big problem in the UK, I gather. Yes, it must be heartbreaking to have to give up your cat unwillingly.
DeleteThat's sad that people skirt their responsibility that way. Like you, cats don't seem to like me all that much. Probably because their quick movements make me nervous.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: I hadn't noticed their quick movements. The ones I see move quite slowly, even when they're in the middle of the road!
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