Shelter treats an adopted former-stray incorrectly, and dumps the responsibility on the new cat mom: '[They said] "Oh, you adopted, ok, the problem is yours to handle now"'

Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor

Aug 30, 2025 2:00 PM EDT

We adore the people who adopt stray cats and give them a loving home, turning them into domestic kings and queens. Kudos for doing such a great deed and saving a cat from the streets. And we also adore the cat shelters, which give these strays a chance to heal and recover, before they find their furever home, however long it takes. The play such a vital role in saving cats' lives, and as diehard cat lovers, we cannot thank them enough.

But there are times when a shelter needs to be called out. Yes, they do the work of angels, but cat shelters cannot expect to hold the stick in both ends: claiming to heal and nurture strays so they may be adopted, and expect a potential adopter to carry medical responsibility for their mistakes. You cannot do both - especially if you're a committed shelter, which wants to keep a good reputation to have more people adopt the floofy friends you care for. People need to adopt more cats, but it's reasonable to ask shelters to help people adopt healthy cats into their homes.

This exact situation happened to one cat mom. She did the right thing, she adopted a cute cat from a shelter, but as soon as the shelter realized this kitty wasn't treated correctly - they threw all the responsibility on the new cat mom, leaving her to deal with cat health and bills. This is not the way a cat shelter should act.

Give the gift of kindness this holiday season by donating to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser to help homeless pets and animals in need! It's time to pay your cat tax!

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