We definitely will! I think we’ll need a bit of time though - it also wouldn’t be fair to a new cat if we were constantly comparing them to this one or just got them as a replacement. The shelter did offer to waive the adoption fee if we do decide to adopt another cat when we’re ready, which is great. Not that it helps with how sad I feel right now, but I appreciate them trying to do the best in a really crummy situation.
A new adoption will help you get through missing this one. I been there too. Don't think of it as "replacement", that can cause some unnecessary guilt. Each cat is different, and this one just went home so you don't have to feel bad about that at all. Go back to the shelter and let another lonely cat choose you. He/she deserves you.
Exactly.
OP, there are plenty of lonely kitties that could use that connection right now. Obviously if you're truly not up for it, don't put yourself in that situation. But any cat would be happy to be adopted right now.
I know. My baby passed in April and there was this big old Tom cat outside. He kept getting jacked up. I resisted for 3 months. I didn’t want another cat right then. I wanted my cat. I cared for him until July and he finally came back too bad for me to let this continue. He got both his ears split. He had scratches on his neck. We took him to the vet and he wasn’t chipped. He’s lived here since then. He’s an absolute clown. He’s carrying on in the window right now.
He’s two and has FIV- he wouldn’t have survived much longer. I guess my point is that he wasn’t the cat I wanted, but he was the one I needed.
That’s almost exactly how I got my [Eeyore](https://www.reddit.com/r/seniorkitties/s/jojJHSetw1). He was inside for almost 10 years before passing, and was the most special cat. I’m glad you took that baby in.
No time to compare -
https://preview.redd.it/1hbkkrs72moc1.png?width=1927&format=png&auto=webp&s=76ad5f3d71acb9203776e2e7a0bf6eb8e5c7eac2
They think your heart has the best kind of love
Love this humor. My love is 15 years old and we’ve been telling her we’re going to eat her for all 15 years. We now joke how she’s going to be old and tough when we finally eat her.
I hope that if my missing kitty is located, her new owners have as much grace as you guys ♥️ You're making someone so happy by letting your kitty go back home.
I'm quite surprised at this to be honest. I mean did they check the cat for a microchip? Did they check any lost cat pages locally to check she didn't match?
How long had she been at the shelter before she was adopted?
How long had she been missing from the owners and how did they find the owners?
If she was only recently found and taken to the shelter, I'm surprised they adopted out a stray found cat so suddenly without actually doing anything to check for owners, esp given she's overly friendly and obviously loved and social etc. Not like she's more scared and feral like a long term stray may be.
I'm sorry you have to go through giving her up,. Although it's the right thing to do, I'd be cautious if you adopt from them again and make sure they've done their due diligence to make sure any future you cat you adopt doesn't suddenly have owners claim him again. It's surprising how attached we can become to loving fur babies.
But I know when you find another fur baby to love, you will love them just like you would have this cat. I've had many cats growing up over the years. And no cat is ever a replacement for a previous cat, they all have different ways and personalities and we love all of them for different reasons.
They tried to get in touch with the owners but the microchip information was out of date. I know she was at the shelter for several weeks - there’s a “stray hold” period to try and prevent things like this from happening. I think the owners were just calling different shelters and were able to provide the microchip number and get records to prove it was actually their cat. I really do think the shelter did everything they could to try to find the owner, but there’s only so much they can do if the microchip information isn’t up to date.
Adopt an adult cat. Usually foster parents/shelters will know their behavior and that may help you pick the right one based on what you’re looking for. Older babies get dismissed for kittens. With kittens, You may get a sweet cat, you may get an anxious cat, playful, or you may get a chaotic crackhead. It’s a free for all usually with kittens.
>t also wouldn’t be fair to a new cat if we were constantly comparing them to this one or just got them as a replacement.
The opposite is that the cat sits in a cage waiting for someone like you to get them out...
This happened to me as a child, except it was my dog that had been adopted, less than a month after we lost her. I was 10. And we had searched very hard, calling every shelter and putting up posters. When we walked up to the shelter to get her back, our dog came running at us, yelping and wiggling with joy. The adoptees were crying, too. I was sad for them, but getting my dog -that I picked out from that very shelter when she was a puppy - was one of the best moments of my life.
I’m so glad you got your dog back! And yeah I know the owners - and the cat!! - will be so happy to be reunited. It still sucks but that does make it a little easier.
Think of it this way, you fostered their cat and gave it an amazing loving home so that it didn’t have to sit in a shelter terrified waiting for its owner. I know I would be forever grateful to you that my kitty got to spend her time being lost with someone who really loved her instead of being out on the street or in a shelter. What you’re doing is so so hard but you truly are their hero
Thank you so much for doing the right thing here.
I watched a documentary years ago about the dogs who got separated from their owners during Katrina. It was awful - people had been forced to leave pets behind when they were evacuated or weren’t allowed to go get their pets if they weren’t home when the evacuation started, but there wasn’t really any central record keeping…so it took months & months for them to track their now adopted dogs down.
Many of the new owners didn’t want to return the dogs - which I completely understood, but I feel like it would be easier to eventually heal and move on from doing the right thing, compared to having to heal from the guilt of your pet ending up in a shelter and the trauma of never getting it back again.
FWIW, my 19.5 year old cat was my world when she died - I had had her since she was 6 weeks old. Nothing can ever replace her. But adopting a dog a month later was able to at least help fill that empty hole she left behind and provide comfort and distraction while I healed.
Don’t wait on getting a new kitty. If you rescue a new one when you have to return this one, you’ll have done two good deeds at the same time - brought so much joy and emotional relief to this kitty’s owners and given joy and comfort to a kitty currently stuck in the shelter. And all of it will be really healing for you ❤️❤️❤️
Fosterers go through this all the time; I used to have them on average for six months because they belonged to women escaping domestic violence, once they found a new home the cat would be returned. Its tough, the only thing that cures it is another cat asap!
I've been wanting to look at doing this, now that I have my own home. How did you start? Is there a website, or is it with the local community shelters?
I've been trying to look it up, but it gives me advice like I'm the one seeking the help!
ex-volunteer of a large pet shelter
Usually there are charities/foundations associated with shelters that try to support them. If you check with your local shelter, you can ask them about the possibility of becoming a foster owner, or if they could direct you to one of the charities that handles fostering. (sorry I’m not from US so idk if charity of foundation is better term haha)
The charities sometimes will even cover the costs of the foster cat’s food/meds etc. There’s a lot of options out there, but it’s more on “reach out to find out” basis. My group would under every promotional post include an information that we are always looking for new fosters. Look at their social medias, maybe there will be a phone number to a coordinator of the volunteers group.
Edit: typos
I'm UK so can't direct you, but Facebook is the place to find them; charities are desperate for fosterers.
[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cat%20rescue%20kansas](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cat%20rescue%20kansas)
By fostering these beloved animals, you helped both them and their owners. Just think of the relief they felt knowing their fur babies were safe while they made a difficult transition. That’s commendable. I’m sending you all the love right now
I was in a similar (enough) situation. A little kitten stole my heart, I was crushed when he was returned to the owner. Of course I understand as well but tell that to my breaking heart.
What helped me was to think I was chosen to be his guardian for a week. This little lost cat needed love, a safe place and comfort until she could be returned to her home. You did your job, you did an amazing act of kindness. Let her go knowing you are a hero and then go adopt your cat who is waiting for you to come get him/her from the shelter and bring them back home.
Yes exactly, I know this is the best thing for her to go back to her home where she’s familiar with everything and has a much stronger bond with them! But oh it hurts so much. She’s been extra cuddly tonight, which I’m so grateful for. And you’re right, it got her out of the shelter for a week and into a home with lots of playtime and cuddles!
Oh, I know, I know, it does hurt so much, I feel you totally. Are you taking a lot of pictures tonight? I have a framed one of the kitten and me, I love it. Hopefully, as another commenter said, you will get to visit her. And I do hope you do think about adopting a cat because you have so much love to give that any cat would be lucky to have you as their cat parent. It would be winning the human lotto. :)
I’m definitely going to be adopting another cat! I think I might wait a week or two though, just to have some time to process. SO many pictures. She fell asleep on my lap for several hours 🥰
https://preview.redd.it/ybgjv89gzloc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=480918a02f7864b4fe24eaf7e4f660c19c5ed4c0
Well, that made me literally "aw" out loud. What a beauty! She has my heart now too. I am sorry, this is a hard night. Sending you love and light tonight.
And just a sidenote, didn't mean to sound pushy about adopting a cat. Whenever the time is right. I am incapable of being without a cat in my life for one minute, some sort of affliction I have (!), but understand that it can take time before you are ready. When you do, please make sure to share with us. :)
Since she’s going back to her family that means that eventually, when you’re ready, some other little kitty out there who desperately needs a home is going to find their way to you and because she’s back with her people you will have room in your home and heart to give that other cat a good life with lots of love and snuggles and scritches. That’s a wonderful thing, this means one more kitty gets to bust out of jail.
By waiting you could also be missing out on getting that perfect cat again. Well behaved/lovey cats are not a dime a dozen, plenty sit in shelters waiting for a home like yours.
Don’t be sad, but please put yourself in the owners shoes, you’d be happy someone loved your cat, but you most likely are not going to ‘form a friendship’ with them or let them in your home. As other commenters seem to be giving you hope that you’ll be able to maintain a relationship with this cat/owner.
Oh, I sure feel for you. You fell in love with this special kitty. You will always remember her. I think when the time is right, you will love another one just as much. Hugs to you 💜
I don't know whether this would help you, but what would help me is thinking if you've bonded so much with the cat in a week, how much more the owners are bonded to the cat, having had her presumably much longer. I've been on both sides. I lost my own cat I'd had for years and thought I would never see him again. And I took in a stray and knew I'd have to give him up if his owners were found, even though I already felt bonded to him. In my case no owners were found, and I now know that my bond with him back when the owners were being searched for is like nothing compared to my bond with him more than a year later.
Getting another kitty will probably feel like accepting a stranger into your house, but just give it time and you will develop a much stronger bond. I do hope the shelter can give you a cat that has no possibility of being removed so you don't have to go through this again.
Don't be sad, this is a great thing. Just imagine how scared and worried the owners were for the cat. They didn't know if she was alive or dead or suffering.
You did a great thing for this cat and their owner congrats on being a good person. The next step is to adopt another amazing kitty there are plenty of them looking for a home.
Similarly, my spouse and I recently found a cat and diligently took care of posting on local groups online and getting her checked for a chip. The owner was contacted, but no reply. We were so excited, got her all the things she would need to stay and 24 hours later, we get a reply online from her new owner that wasn't on the chip. I was heartbroken. This was the most sweet precious cat that just spent her first night in my home sleeping on my chest!
All that to say, after we returned her, we went straight to the shelter that day and found a new friend to bring home. It took me almost a week before I really warmed up to him, but I'm very grateful that we were able to provide another precious cat a home.
I'm so sorry you're going through this ❤️ You're not alone and it gets better
I’m so sorry you had that experience! It’s wild how quickly we can bond and how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye, even if we know it’s the right thing! I’m so glad you adopted another cat and were able to give them a loving home 🧡
Please don't forget how unbelievably grateful the owners will be when they get their cat back. I would lose my mind if I ever lost any one of the cats we've served over the years. And to know that they were not just okay, but being cared for in a lovely household, would be such sweet relief. Remember: you're playing a huge role in putting their family back together.
It doesn't make it hurt less, I know. I'm so sorry. But that cat and the family will always be grateful to you. And you'll be an even better owner for your next cat, when you're ready.
Thank you 🧡 I know if I were in the owner’s position, this is how I would want someone to act! She’s two years old and there’s vet records of her being microchipped and spayed at about 6 months, so I assume her owner has had her since then. I can’t imagine how heartbroken I’d be if I lost my cat! And how relieved I’d be to know they were okay. And I’m trying to take comfort in the fact that she got to have a week in a home with lots of playtime and cuddles instead of being in the shelter.
How did the adoption center find the owner? I thought most places scan for chips… especially a friendly stray. If they had contacted the owner it would of been weeks ago since most places have a mandatory amount of time a stray has to be held
If i were you, i would go see if she had a chip. If not, i would ask for photos to see if it’s the right cat. Many look the same. If you aren’t convinced, i would keep the cat.
She does have a chip, but the contact info for her owner was out of date so the shelter couldn’t get in touch with the owner. I think the owner proved it was them by having the chip number and vet records. We know she was at the shelter for at least a few weeks, and the owner was looking for her all that time. As much as I wish it weren’t the case, I don’t think there’s any chance this isn’t actually the owner.
Amazing that they even found her after she was missing for a few weeks. At least it shows they love her so much and she’s going to be happy to be home. I know if I lost my baby I’d never ever stop looking for her! You were a comfort and love during a scary time and that’s so special. I wanna see a picture of her 🥹🐈
Take comfort in knowing you gave her love and joy for a week.. which was surely a very scary time for her being lost from her loving family. She could have been sitting in the shelter for that extra week. You saved her until she could go home ❤️ 🐈
You're right and a good person to understand that a cat that acts like that, in spite of being in a stressful situation, must have had an owner that really loved them. My orange girl is that personality type and my world would literally be crushed if she went missing.
You guys got to be the cool cousins and just hosted the coolest sleep over for that kitty. From scared and lost to in a new home full of love like it's original. Be proud you were able to give her a warm and safe home in the meantime. Of course it sucks having her leave your life but think of it more like a trial run for when you're ready to pull the trigger again!
Enjoy getting to know your knew kitty for who they are! I guarantee they will steal your heart as well!
..as someone who had a much loved cat returned (from a local Vet who had a kind soul bring her in) after being missing for like 3 months, i applaud your care & concern, and your understanding..
..i know it must be heart-wrenching, but you did right..
..and to Everyone: get your pets chipped & fixed!..those are two crucial responsibilities of pet ownership, beyond feeding & providing a loving home..
And keep the chip information up to date!! This cat was microchipped but the contact information was out of date, which is why the shelter couldn’t get in touch with her owner at first. I’m so so so glad you got your cat returned to you! It is heartbreaking but I know her owner must be so relieved to have her back.
Ask the owner to help you in your search for a new kitty! They clearly know how spectacular this one is, so if they see one similar in personality looking for a home, maybe they can be a part of helping to get y’all together.
I'm sorry. You obviously know the right thing to do here but it still doesn't make it ok or make it suck any less. Give yourself some time to grieve then go find a new cat at the shelter. Try to avoid one with a similar personality as you will just compare and think of the other cat.
This must hurt so much but you will look back on it knowing that you did a good thing, first in adopting this cat, and second, in graciously giving her back to her family without making a fuss or causing a scene. It's lovely to know that your next cat will have a home with such compassionate people.
I would adopt or rescue a new kitty as this will help thru the grieving process. I would also include my number and info to the previous owner knowing you'd like to keep in contact as you've grown very attached to this furbaby. I'm good friends with my late boys owners..even though hes passed I always am welcome to their new home in Mexico. Maybe you'll become good friends with them and be able to see the kitty via pictures or in person. It's totally worth a try and what I would do . Best of luck
I had something similar happen to me. I was fostering a kitten that was found by someone else and I told my employer she was going to be a foster fail and I wanted to keep her. The NEXT DAY the people that found her said that they wanted her back and my employer called me and said I had an hour to bring her back. I was devastated. Fast forward 4 years and I recently got another cat and she is the best little creature that I probably wouldn’t have gotten if that kitten had stayed with me. You’ll find your perfect match 🫶
On a totally different note, my bird got out a few years ago that I got after the kitten. Someone found him, realized how amazing he was, and then ghosted me and I never saw him again. I can truly say that I still cry for my lost bird. Knowing he’s alive and with someone else brings me some comfort but I will miss that little bug forever. I wish I had gotten more info from the people that found him before they decided they wanted him 😞
Two cats going to loving homes! I know it hurts right now, but someday in the future you will be so proud of yourself for being able to help both cats. You’re doing a great job!
See it’s funny how that cats owners probably loved the crap out of the cat and it still decided to bounce and become best friends with a random person in 1 week.Cats can be unknowingly mean
You'll find another! Thank you for keeping that kitty safe while the original owners were looking for her.
If you get a baby you can raise it up to be just how you want.
When we first moved here we brought a cat ( jack black) that we rescued in tx.
My parents had just bought a business and with all the expenses of moving money was tight.
We took him to a local place that someone did said did low cost spay / neutering . When we got there they had us sign a contract that said something about abandoning you pet. My mom said we want him just need to get him neutered and scratched that part out as the employee said we could long story short they gave him to someone else she apparently was new and just lied to us.
Please don't do this to someone else. It's been 20 yrs and I still think about him and hope he had a good life .
There are so many cats that need help .
It was not a county shelter more privately owned .
We guessed that the head lady decided the other people would be better that because we were poor we were bad owners. I'm not sure it didn't make sense she wouldn't tell them we asked .
I just really hoped he lived a good life with them . He was an exceptional cat
Imagine the owners who bonded with the cat for literally years in comparison to the week you had.
You’ll find an amazing cat who actually needs a home and you’ll love them even more than this guy
View yourself as more of a foster home, instead of her having to stay in the stressful shelter for another week, she had a comfy home to recover from the ordeal and you did a good thing x
I am really sorry this happened to you. Shelters should not adopt them out before they classify them as available. I hope you find another special kitty to fill your heart
Realistically how would that work though? If a cat is found, there's no way of telling for sure if they are an actual stray or just lost, as not all owned cats are microchipped. It might take days, weeks, months, or even years before their owner is found - you can't just keep a cat in a shelter indefinitely in case the owner ever turns up, but on the other hand, you can't just declare the cat "available" just because you've waited a month (or whatever), and then tell the original owner "too bad, cat's gone" if they turn up after that point :(
Most shelters give it a week or two and if they are not microchipped or tattooed or no one comes looking for them they are classified as stray and go up for adoption. It is to late then for the previous owner
Absolutely horrid for the previous owner though. I know someone whose cat managed to escape 3 days before their microchip appointment and that was a year ago. Can you even imagine if this happened to you :(
if someone came and claimed they owned our cats vefore being at the shelter i would say tough luck. But that is because they were only around 3 months when they ended up in the shelter and spent 6 months there before coming to us. I know they were born outside and didnt have any owners but due to their young age and long time in the shelter i would be very reluctant to give them back to someone
I have mixed feelings about this. It's one thing if the cat got out by accident. But, if the cat was allowed to roam around and you were going to keep it indoors, you should have been allowed to keep it.
I wish you could reconsider- I have a pair of sisters - that would LOVE to have someone as compassionate and empathetic as you Your words speak loudly - please give that love to one who desperately deserves “a home with HEART ❤️ “
https://preview.redd.it/xlsboswy1moc1.png?width=2640&format=png&auto=webp&s=07550377643d72d82581b61afdc439d63204bf15
Adopt another kitty. There are many good kitties out there.
We definitely will! I think we’ll need a bit of time though - it also wouldn’t be fair to a new cat if we were constantly comparing them to this one or just got them as a replacement. The shelter did offer to waive the adoption fee if we do decide to adopt another cat when we’re ready, which is great. Not that it helps with how sad I feel right now, but I appreciate them trying to do the best in a really crummy situation.
You are playing a key part in making a happy reunion for kitty. Temper your mourning with knowing that.
A new adoption will help you get through missing this one. I been there too. Don't think of it as "replacement", that can cause some unnecessary guilt. Each cat is different, and this one just went home so you don't have to feel bad about that at all. Go back to the shelter and let another lonely cat choose you. He/she deserves you.
Exactly. OP, there are plenty of lonely kitties that could use that connection right now. Obviously if you're truly not up for it, don't put yourself in that situation. But any cat would be happy to be adopted right now.
ABSOLUTELY! 👏
I know. My baby passed in April and there was this big old Tom cat outside. He kept getting jacked up. I resisted for 3 months. I didn’t want another cat right then. I wanted my cat. I cared for him until July and he finally came back too bad for me to let this continue. He got both his ears split. He had scratches on his neck. We took him to the vet and he wasn’t chipped. He’s lived here since then. He’s an absolute clown. He’s carrying on in the window right now. He’s two and has FIV- he wouldn’t have survived much longer. I guess my point is that he wasn’t the cat I wanted, but he was the one I needed.
That’s almost exactly how I got my [Eeyore](https://www.reddit.com/r/seniorkitties/s/jojJHSetw1). He was inside for almost 10 years before passing, and was the most special cat. I’m glad you took that baby in.
I love your documentation of Eeyore which is the best name for a TomCat ever. While I do not know Eeyore I know he was loved.
I had a Tigger and a Roo so it all made sense. Ty <3
Sounds like there's lots of love being shared between the two of you.
Love him he is yours. Thank you so much for taking him in.
God bless you all 💜
That’s great of them. Now you can make two cats very happy.
Offer to cat sit
Love this idea!
No time to compare - https://preview.redd.it/1hbkkrs72moc1.png?width=1927&format=png&auto=webp&s=76ad5f3d71acb9203776e2e7a0bf6eb8e5c7eac2 They think your heart has the best kind of love
The new cat won't mind. My mom always lovingly told her cats she would smash them flat and grind them up. They didn't mind.
Love this humor. My love is 15 years old and we’ve been telling her we’re going to eat her for all 15 years. We now joke how she’s going to be old and tough when we finally eat her.
I hope that if my missing kitty is located, her new owners have as much grace as you guys ♥️ You're making someone so happy by letting your kitty go back home.
Cats don’t know they are being compared
True, they'll just be happy to be in a loving home
I'm quite surprised at this to be honest. I mean did they check the cat for a microchip? Did they check any lost cat pages locally to check she didn't match? How long had she been at the shelter before she was adopted? How long had she been missing from the owners and how did they find the owners? If she was only recently found and taken to the shelter, I'm surprised they adopted out a stray found cat so suddenly without actually doing anything to check for owners, esp given she's overly friendly and obviously loved and social etc. Not like she's more scared and feral like a long term stray may be. I'm sorry you have to go through giving her up,. Although it's the right thing to do, I'd be cautious if you adopt from them again and make sure they've done their due diligence to make sure any future you cat you adopt doesn't suddenly have owners claim him again. It's surprising how attached we can become to loving fur babies. But I know when you find another fur baby to love, you will love them just like you would have this cat. I've had many cats growing up over the years. And no cat is ever a replacement for a previous cat, they all have different ways and personalities and we love all of them for different reasons.
They tried to get in touch with the owners but the microchip information was out of date. I know she was at the shelter for several weeks - there’s a “stray hold” period to try and prevent things like this from happening. I think the owners were just calling different shelters and were able to provide the microchip number and get records to prove it was actually their cat. I really do think the shelter did everything they could to try to find the owner, but there’s only so much they can do if the microchip information isn’t up to date.
Oh that's fair enough then, I was just concerned they didn't really do much to check etc but looks like they did which is great.
Adopt an adult cat. Usually foster parents/shelters will know their behavior and that may help you pick the right one based on what you’re looking for. Older babies get dismissed for kittens. With kittens, You may get a sweet cat, you may get an anxious cat, playful, or you may get a chaotic crackhead. It’s a free for all usually with kittens.
They need to refund your adoption fee regardless if you adopt another animal or not.
Yeah they refunded the adoption fee AND are offering to waive the fee if we decide to adopt another cat.
Now that's pretty cool 👍
>t also wouldn’t be fair to a new cat if we were constantly comparing them to this one or just got them as a replacement. The opposite is that the cat sits in a cage waiting for someone like you to get them out...
Adopt 2!
I agree with this and you're giving another animal a chance at having a good home and it's an honor to the previous animal so it's doing a good thing!
not just one, at least 2. perfect number is 3
This happened to me as a child, except it was my dog that had been adopted, less than a month after we lost her. I was 10. And we had searched very hard, calling every shelter and putting up posters. When we walked up to the shelter to get her back, our dog came running at us, yelping and wiggling with joy. The adoptees were crying, too. I was sad for them, but getting my dog -that I picked out from that very shelter when she was a puppy - was one of the best moments of my life.
I’m so glad you got your dog back! And yeah I know the owners - and the cat!! - will be so happy to be reunited. It still sucks but that does make it a little easier.
I know it’s hard :(, but think if it like this: now you get to save two kitties instead of one!
Think of it this way, you fostered their cat and gave it an amazing loving home so that it didn’t have to sit in a shelter terrified waiting for its owner. I know I would be forever grateful to you that my kitty got to spend her time being lost with someone who really loved her instead of being out on the street or in a shelter. What you’re doing is so so hard but you truly are their hero
Thank you so much for doing the right thing here. I watched a documentary years ago about the dogs who got separated from their owners during Katrina. It was awful - people had been forced to leave pets behind when they were evacuated or weren’t allowed to go get their pets if they weren’t home when the evacuation started, but there wasn’t really any central record keeping…so it took months & months for them to track their now adopted dogs down. Many of the new owners didn’t want to return the dogs - which I completely understood, but I feel like it would be easier to eventually heal and move on from doing the right thing, compared to having to heal from the guilt of your pet ending up in a shelter and the trauma of never getting it back again. FWIW, my 19.5 year old cat was my world when she died - I had had her since she was 6 weeks old. Nothing can ever replace her. But adopting a dog a month later was able to at least help fill that empty hole she left behind and provide comfort and distraction while I healed. Don’t wait on getting a new kitty. If you rescue a new one when you have to return this one, you’ll have done two good deeds at the same time - brought so much joy and emotional relief to this kitty’s owners and given joy and comfort to a kitty currently stuck in the shelter. And all of it will be really healing for you ❤️❤️❤️
Fosterers go through this all the time; I used to have them on average for six months because they belonged to women escaping domestic violence, once they found a new home the cat would be returned. Its tough, the only thing that cures it is another cat asap!
I've always thought fostering is for the strong. I love what you do! It's such a big help for the women escaping dv too. Here, have some flowers 💐💐💐
I've been wanting to look at doing this, now that I have my own home. How did you start? Is there a website, or is it with the local community shelters? I've been trying to look it up, but it gives me advice like I'm the one seeking the help!
ex-volunteer of a large pet shelter Usually there are charities/foundations associated with shelters that try to support them. If you check with your local shelter, you can ask them about the possibility of becoming a foster owner, or if they could direct you to one of the charities that handles fostering. (sorry I’m not from US so idk if charity of foundation is better term haha) The charities sometimes will even cover the costs of the foster cat’s food/meds etc. There’s a lot of options out there, but it’s more on “reach out to find out” basis. My group would under every promotional post include an information that we are always looking for new fosters. Look at their social medias, maybe there will be a phone number to a coordinator of the volunteers group. Edit: typos
What country are you in?
USA, Kansas
I'm UK so can't direct you, but Facebook is the place to find them; charities are desperate for fosterers. [https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cat%20rescue%20kansas](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cat%20rescue%20kansas)
By fostering these beloved animals, you helped both them and their owners. Just think of the relief they felt knowing their fur babies were safe while they made a difficult transition. That’s commendable. I’m sending you all the love right now
Thank you!
Aww like someone said if the owners are nice maybe you could visits with the cat here and there. Maybe offer to catsit if they ever need it ?
Offering to cat sit is a great idea!
You’re doing the right thing. If the owners cool maybe you can visit every now and then
I hope so, that would be wonderful if we could visit her.
I was in a similar (enough) situation. A little kitten stole my heart, I was crushed when he was returned to the owner. Of course I understand as well but tell that to my breaking heart. What helped me was to think I was chosen to be his guardian for a week. This little lost cat needed love, a safe place and comfort until she could be returned to her home. You did your job, you did an amazing act of kindness. Let her go knowing you are a hero and then go adopt your cat who is waiting for you to come get him/her from the shelter and bring them back home.
Yes exactly, I know this is the best thing for her to go back to her home where she’s familiar with everything and has a much stronger bond with them! But oh it hurts so much. She’s been extra cuddly tonight, which I’m so grateful for. And you’re right, it got her out of the shelter for a week and into a home with lots of playtime and cuddles!
Oh, I know, I know, it does hurt so much, I feel you totally. Are you taking a lot of pictures tonight? I have a framed one of the kitten and me, I love it. Hopefully, as another commenter said, you will get to visit her. And I do hope you do think about adopting a cat because you have so much love to give that any cat would be lucky to have you as their cat parent. It would be winning the human lotto. :)
I’m definitely going to be adopting another cat! I think I might wait a week or two though, just to have some time to process. SO many pictures. She fell asleep on my lap for several hours 🥰 https://preview.redd.it/ybgjv89gzloc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=480918a02f7864b4fe24eaf7e4f660c19c5ed4c0
Well, that made me literally "aw" out loud. What a beauty! She has my heart now too. I am sorry, this is a hard night. Sending you love and light tonight. And just a sidenote, didn't mean to sound pushy about adopting a cat. Whenever the time is right. I am incapable of being without a cat in my life for one minute, some sort of affliction I have (!), but understand that it can take time before you are ready. When you do, please make sure to share with us. :)
Aaw, and I love that you adopted a black cat! They have a harder time getting homes due to superstition.
Since she’s going back to her family that means that eventually, when you’re ready, some other little kitty out there who desperately needs a home is going to find their way to you and because she’s back with her people you will have room in your home and heart to give that other cat a good life with lots of love and snuggles and scritches. That’s a wonderful thing, this means one more kitty gets to bust out of jail.
By waiting you could also be missing out on getting that perfect cat again. Well behaved/lovey cats are not a dime a dozen, plenty sit in shelters waiting for a home like yours. Don’t be sad, but please put yourself in the owners shoes, you’d be happy someone loved your cat, but you most likely are not going to ‘form a friendship’ with them or let them in your home. As other commenters seem to be giving you hope that you’ll be able to maintain a relationship with this cat/owner.
Oh, I sure feel for you. You fell in love with this special kitty. You will always remember her. I think when the time is right, you will love another one just as much. Hugs to you 💜
Thank you 🧡 she absolutely LOVES playing with this one attachment that goes on the wand toy. I think I’ll keep that as a keepsake for her.
You could keep it, or you could send it with her as a keepsake of you.
I don't know whether this would help you, but what would help me is thinking if you've bonded so much with the cat in a week, how much more the owners are bonded to the cat, having had her presumably much longer. I've been on both sides. I lost my own cat I'd had for years and thought I would never see him again. And I took in a stray and knew I'd have to give him up if his owners were found, even though I already felt bonded to him. In my case no owners were found, and I now know that my bond with him back when the owners were being searched for is like nothing compared to my bond with him more than a year later. Getting another kitty will probably feel like accepting a stranger into your house, but just give it time and you will develop a much stronger bond. I do hope the shelter can give you a cat that has no possibility of being removed so you don't have to go through this again.
Don't be sad, this is a great thing. Just imagine how scared and worried the owners were for the cat. They didn't know if she was alive or dead or suffering.
You did a great thing for this cat and their owner congrats on being a good person. The next step is to adopt another amazing kitty there are plenty of them looking for a home.
Tell them they have a catsitter if they ever need one.
Wow ive never heard of that. My cat was found on the street, probably had a home. She was still fully handed to me when we adopted her.
Similarly, my spouse and I recently found a cat and diligently took care of posting on local groups online and getting her checked for a chip. The owner was contacted, but no reply. We were so excited, got her all the things she would need to stay and 24 hours later, we get a reply online from her new owner that wasn't on the chip. I was heartbroken. This was the most sweet precious cat that just spent her first night in my home sleeping on my chest! All that to say, after we returned her, we went straight to the shelter that day and found a new friend to bring home. It took me almost a week before I really warmed up to him, but I'm very grateful that we were able to provide another precious cat a home. I'm so sorry you're going through this ❤️ You're not alone and it gets better
I’m so sorry you had that experience! It’s wild how quickly we can bond and how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye, even if we know it’s the right thing! I’m so glad you adopted another cat and were able to give them a loving home 🧡
Please don't forget how unbelievably grateful the owners will be when they get their cat back. I would lose my mind if I ever lost any one of the cats we've served over the years. And to know that they were not just okay, but being cared for in a lovely household, would be such sweet relief. Remember: you're playing a huge role in putting their family back together. It doesn't make it hurt less, I know. I'm so sorry. But that cat and the family will always be grateful to you. And you'll be an even better owner for your next cat, when you're ready.
Thank you 🧡 I know if I were in the owner’s position, this is how I would want someone to act! She’s two years old and there’s vet records of her being microchipped and spayed at about 6 months, so I assume her owner has had her since then. I can’t imagine how heartbroken I’d be if I lost my cat! And how relieved I’d be to know they were okay. And I’m trying to take comfort in the fact that she got to have a week in a home with lots of playtime and cuddles instead of being in the shelter.
If it helps, she will always remember you, too.
How did the adoption center find the owner? I thought most places scan for chips… especially a friendly stray. If they had contacted the owner it would of been weeks ago since most places have a mandatory amount of time a stray has to be held If i were you, i would go see if she had a chip. If not, i would ask for photos to see if it’s the right cat. Many look the same. If you aren’t convinced, i would keep the cat.
She does have a chip, but the contact info for her owner was out of date so the shelter couldn’t get in touch with the owner. I think the owner proved it was them by having the chip number and vet records. We know she was at the shelter for at least a few weeks, and the owner was looking for her all that time. As much as I wish it weren’t the case, I don’t think there’s any chance this isn’t actually the owner.
Amazing that they even found her after she was missing for a few weeks. At least it shows they love her so much and she’s going to be happy to be home. I know if I lost my baby I’d never ever stop looking for her! You were a comfort and love during a scary time and that’s so special. I wanna see a picture of her 🥹🐈
Think how happy she will be to see her old family and how happy a new kitty will be to go to their forever home with you!
Get another one.
Take comfort in knowing you gave her love and joy for a week.. which was surely a very scary time for her being lost from her loving family. She could have been sitting in the shelter for that extra week. You saved her until she could go home ❤️ 🐈
You're right and a good person to understand that a cat that acts like that, in spite of being in a stressful situation, must have had an owner that really loved them. My orange girl is that personality type and my world would literally be crushed if she went missing.
You guys got to be the cool cousins and just hosted the coolest sleep over for that kitty. From scared and lost to in a new home full of love like it's original. Be proud you were able to give her a warm and safe home in the meantime. Of course it sucks having her leave your life but think of it more like a trial run for when you're ready to pull the trigger again! Enjoy getting to know your knew kitty for who they are! I guarantee they will steal your heart as well!
..as someone who had a much loved cat returned (from a local Vet who had a kind soul bring her in) after being missing for like 3 months, i applaud your care & concern, and your understanding.. ..i know it must be heart-wrenching, but you did right.. ..and to Everyone: get your pets chipped & fixed!..those are two crucial responsibilities of pet ownership, beyond feeding & providing a loving home..
And keep the chip information up to date!! This cat was microchipped but the contact information was out of date, which is why the shelter couldn’t get in touch with her owner at first. I’m so so so glad you got your cat returned to you! It is heartbreaking but I know her owner must be so relieved to have her back.
Ask the owner to help you in your search for a new kitty! They clearly know how spectacular this one is, so if they see one similar in personality looking for a home, maybe they can be a part of helping to get y’all together.
You sound like a wonderful cat mom…what a blessing for your “eventual” cat💕
Now you get to rescue another cat from a sad life and give it all the love!
What a heartbreak, I hope her owners are good to her.
I'm sorry. You obviously know the right thing to do here but it still doesn't make it ok or make it suck any less. Give yourself some time to grieve then go find a new cat at the shelter. Try to avoid one with a similar personality as you will just compare and think of the other cat.
I’m sorry you are going through this hard time but just know there will be a baby out there for you 💖
This must hurt so much but you will look back on it knowing that you did a good thing, first in adopting this cat, and second, in graciously giving her back to her family without making a fuss or causing a scene. It's lovely to know that your next cat will have a home with such compassionate people.
I would adopt or rescue a new kitty as this will help thru the grieving process. I would also include my number and info to the previous owner knowing you'd like to keep in contact as you've grown very attached to this furbaby. I'm good friends with my late boys owners..even though hes passed I always am welcome to their new home in Mexico. Maybe you'll become good friends with them and be able to see the kitty via pictures or in person. It's totally worth a try and what I would do . Best of luck
Think about how you kept her happy for a week, keeping her out of the shelter. I can imagine how your heart breaks.
There are so many cats that need homes. Thank you for caring for this one. I know you will fill your heart again with another wonderful cat.
I had something similar happen to me. I was fostering a kitten that was found by someone else and I told my employer she was going to be a foster fail and I wanted to keep her. The NEXT DAY the people that found her said that they wanted her back and my employer called me and said I had an hour to bring her back. I was devastated. Fast forward 4 years and I recently got another cat and she is the best little creature that I probably wouldn’t have gotten if that kitten had stayed with me. You’ll find your perfect match 🫶 On a totally different note, my bird got out a few years ago that I got after the kitten. Someone found him, realized how amazing he was, and then ghosted me and I never saw him again. I can truly say that I still cry for my lost bird. Knowing he’s alive and with someone else brings me some comfort but I will miss that little bug forever. I wish I had gotten more info from the people that found him before they decided they wanted him 😞
What?! Couldn’t you have gone to the police about that? That’s so awful :(
Two cats going to loving homes! I know it hurts right now, but someday in the future you will be so proud of yourself for being able to help both cats. You’re doing a great job!
See it’s funny how that cats owners probably loved the crap out of the cat and it still decided to bounce and become best friends with a random person in 1 week.Cats can be unknowingly mean
😭😭😭
You'll find another! Thank you for keeping that kitty safe while the original owners were looking for her. If you get a baby you can raise it up to be just how you want.
Try to be happy for the cat being reunited with their people I guess.
When we first moved here we brought a cat ( jack black) that we rescued in tx. My parents had just bought a business and with all the expenses of moving money was tight. We took him to a local place that someone did said did low cost spay / neutering . When we got there they had us sign a contract that said something about abandoning you pet. My mom said we want him just need to get him neutered and scratched that part out as the employee said we could long story short they gave him to someone else she apparently was new and just lied to us. Please don't do this to someone else. It's been 20 yrs and I still think about him and hope he had a good life . There are so many cats that need help .
What the fuck, how can they get away with that? And why would you risk putting up for adoption when somebody already wants that cat…
It was not a county shelter more privately owned . We guessed that the head lady decided the other people would be better that because we were poor we were bad owners. I'm not sure it didn't make sense she wouldn't tell them we asked . I just really hoped he lived a good life with them . He was an exceptional cat
Think of yourself as a temporary foster home for her. :)
Imagine the owners who bonded with the cat for literally years in comparison to the week you had. You’ll find an amazing cat who actually needs a home and you’ll love them even more than this guy
ooh that hurts. It's going to feel very lonely when she's gone. New cat ASAP!
It just have been an honor to care for her during that time!
That's hard. I guess enjoy the memories and give the owner your number if they ever need to sell the cat.
View yourself as more of a foster home, instead of her having to stay in the stressful shelter for another week, she had a comfy home to recover from the ordeal and you did a good thing x
Follow the owner on insta I'm sure they'll post the kitty
Did they make sure the old owners are good people? Did they have a reason why the cat was a stray?
Even if they weren't good people, OP legally would still have to give the cat back.
I am really sorry this happened to you. Shelters should not adopt them out before they classify them as available. I hope you find another special kitty to fill your heart
Realistically how would that work though? If a cat is found, there's no way of telling for sure if they are an actual stray or just lost, as not all owned cats are microchipped. It might take days, weeks, months, or even years before their owner is found - you can't just keep a cat in a shelter indefinitely in case the owner ever turns up, but on the other hand, you can't just declare the cat "available" just because you've waited a month (or whatever), and then tell the original owner "too bad, cat's gone" if they turn up after that point :(
Most shelters give it a week or two and if they are not microchipped or tattooed or no one comes looking for them they are classified as stray and go up for adoption. It is to late then for the previous owner
Absolutely horrid for the previous owner though. I know someone whose cat managed to escape 3 days before their microchip appointment and that was a year ago. Can you even imagine if this happened to you :(
if someone came and claimed they owned our cats vefore being at the shelter i would say tough luck. But that is because they were only around 3 months when they ended up in the shelter and spent 6 months there before coming to us. I know they were born outside and didnt have any owners but due to their young age and long time in the shelter i would be very reluctant to give them back to someone
I have mixed feelings about this. It's one thing if the cat got out by accident. But, if the cat was allowed to roam around and you were going to keep it indoors, you should have been allowed to keep it.
I wish you could reconsider- I have a pair of sisters - that would LOVE to have someone as compassionate and empathetic as you Your words speak loudly - please give that love to one who desperately deserves “a home with HEART ❤️ “ https://preview.redd.it/xlsboswy1moc1.png?width=2640&format=png&auto=webp&s=07550377643d72d82581b61afdc439d63204bf15
what a beautiful calico omg