Should Shelters Give Away Cats?

In Winnigpeg today, the Humane Society is giving away cats. That's right - free adoptions. First of all it must be great for a rescue/shelter to have so much money that they can vet and care for a cat for weeks or months, and then when they adopt it out - get nothing in return!

The cost of caring for a kitten for 8 to 10 weeks in rescue far exceeds the average $175 adoption fee.  The spay/neuter alone is usually $80, then there is shots, dewormers, food, litter.

Of course, some people want a pet cat, but cannot afford the adoption fee. A concern for rescues in this case is how can they afford proper food and vet care for the cat then. What happens when the cat gets sick?

My concern is that giving away cats for free reinforces a commonly held belief that cats have no value. This belief that cats have no value is evidenced by the vast numbers of cats that are surrendered at shelters or worse, dumped and abandoned by their human guardians.

For me, my cats (and all pets) have value. That value is usually not monetary - how do you put a price on headbutts and purrs when you arrive home after a hard day at work?

Found this poem today

I adopted your cat today.

The one you left at the pound.

The one you had for ten years

And no longer wanted around.

I adopted your cat today.

Do you know he's lost weight?

Do you know he's scared and depressed?

And has lost all faith?

I adopted your cat today.

He had fleas and a cold,

But don't worry none.

You've unburdened your load.

I adopted your cat today.

Were you having a baby or moving away?

Did you suddenly develop allergies?

Or was there no reason he couldn't stay?

I adopted your cat today.

He doesn't play or eat much.

He's very depressed,

But he will learn again to trust.

I adopted your cat today

And here he will stay.

He's found his forever home

And a warm bed to lay.

I adopted your cat today

And I will give him all that he could need.

Patience, love, security, and understanding.

Hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.

Anon.