An Exciting Week Ends!

This post is the final in the Adopt A Less-Adoptable Pet Week Blog Marathon. You can read the previous post at Sebastian's blog, seabasscat.com.

I told someone at work today about all the wonderful guest bloggers during this week's Blog Marathon, and what wonderful stories they all told.  And that led to the following conversation:

Why do people shy away from embracing the love of a pet who may be less than perfect?

On the surface, 'less than perfect' seems obvious: there are animals missing an eye, three-legged animals, deaf or diabetic ones.  I understand concerns about vet bills that add up, or a concern that one's environment might not be a safe one for such a pet (for instance, my home would be far too dangerous for a completely blind pet because of its open layout and the potential hazards that presents).

But I would argue those reasons aren't as clear-cut as you might think.

Consider this: the same people who would shy away from an FIV-positive cat are often the same ones who wouldn't think twice about adopting a seemingly hale and hearty - and currently the most popular - breed of cat: the Siamese.  But did you know that the Siamese is known to have the highest number of genetically linked diseases?  For example, Siamese cats are three times more likely to develop cancer of the intestine than any other breed. 

The same goes for dogs.  A current favorite, the English Bulldog, is fraught with health problems. And then there is hip dysplasia, common with both German Shepherds and Labrador retrievers, as well as the problem of cataracts in poodles. You get the picture. 

So for those of you reading this who may volunteer at a shelter, or who may have a friend or relative considering the addition of a furry family member, I urge you to suggest a less-adoptable animal.  If they're looking for perfection, there are no guarantees. And they'll be missing out on an opportunity not only to find a loving forever friend, but oftentimes the rewards that come from owning a 'less than perfect' animal are – with a nod to the MasterCard ads – priceless.

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A Recent Success Story for a Less Adoptable Cat

Guest blogger Bonnie Still, one of Wayside Waifs' fantastic staffers, agreed to take Mya's dictation for this story. Many thanks, Bonnie!
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This is post # 8 in a series. To read post #7, you can visit Sebastian's blog at www.seabasscat.com.   
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Meow, my name is Mya. I'm a 6 yr old gorgeous female Tuxedo with big beautiful eyes. I was just recently adopted and wanted to tell you my story.

Now, you may be wondering why such a beautiful feline such as myself would be considered "less adoptable". Well, I'm 6 yrs old. To a lot of people, I'm old. The other reason was because of my behavior when I had to stay at Wayside Waifs. You see, a year ago, last August, my owner died. Family took me in, but one of them turned out to be allergic. So, they surrendered me to Wayside Waifs.

In the beginning, I was very sweet and friendly, everyone could pet me and I enjoyed their company. By the time I was moved to the adoption floor, I got sick - an Upper Respiratory Virus, which is common in shelters and often caused by stress. Staff and volunteers started to notice how unhappy I felt. Those that could interact with me, stopped. It wasn't because they didn't want to be with me, they just weren't sure about my behavior. I was getting swatty towards them because I thought they were going to give me more of that icky medicine.

I was stressed, and wanted to go home. I didn't like the other cats, I didn't like the noise, I didn't like that when people came to see me that they would leave without me.

Finally, 9 months later, I was adopted! I was so happy! But, it was not meant to be, and I was returned. When I came back, one of the staff members was very concerned for me. She had hated to see me decline for 9 months, and didn't want me to go through it again. So she fostered me until I was adopted. This was fairly new for the shelter! That meant I was even more of a challenge to get adopted because I was only on their Website.

My foster Mom really helped me to be my true self and to relax - I even enjoyed bellyrubs! I was 6 yrs old and had no idea what to do with a toy, but I learned, and then all I wanted to do was play. There was no stress, just a warm, quiet place to stay with my new friend who took very good care of me.

Mya, chillin'
(photo courtesy Catherine L. Sherman)

But, guess what? After nearly 3 months with my foster mom, I was adopted to a wonderful family who really understood me, and wanted to give me a good home. My fave spot is on their bed, it's so comfy! We are still learning about each other, but of all the cats needing a home, they wanted ME. That made me feel very special and loved.

They believe every cat deserves a home, even one that can be cranky. Thank you to everyone that took good care of me, I will never forget you.

Less Adoptable: Deaf Cats

This post is #6 in a series. To read post #5, go to Sebastian's blog, www. seabasscat.com. 

I'm sometimes asked "what's it like to live with a deaf cat?" My favorite answer comes from another deaf cat owner, who replied, "It's no different, really. I yell 'no!' and he ignores me just like the others do."

We noticed Maxwell was deaf on his first day with us when he failed to react in any way to the vacuum cleaner. As a test, my husband slowly advanced the machine right up to his nose, where he curiously sniffed it and turned away. The vet confirmed it the next day.

Those first months were especially hard on me, as I had to be the 'bad guy,' administering those hated ear drops - two different meds - twice a day. I was also the one who took him to countless vet visits, and ultimately his surgery. I worried this would affect our ability to bond and that he'd associate me with nothing but unpleasantness (I'm so glad that didn't happen!). 

Deaf cats fall squarely under “less adoptable.” But why?

I think in part it's a concern over excessive medical bills. But deafness isn't a disease; it's a physiological condition and, unless complicated by infection, should not require medical care. In Maxie's case, one ear is malformed and his eardrum is hanging partially attached and as thin as tissue paper. Nothing we can do about it – he was born that way.

Another reason might be fear of the unknown or discomfort around an animal that is 'different.' Perhaps they fear such a pet would be less responsive, but that's not the case. With the loss of one sense, the others become more highly developed. 

Max doesn't really have a meow - he never could hear to develop one. But he is exceptionally perceptive, the first to notice you when you come in the room. And he's very tactile as well, the only cat of our three who uses his paws to open, lift or carry (he'll venture down into the basement to choose a trinket off my husband's workbench, carry it in his mouth up to our bathtub, and then drop it, just for the joy of watching it careen off the sides!)

How does one treat a deaf cat? The answer: same as any other – with a few very important exceptions.

First and foremost, a deaf cat should never be let outside. With one of their most important defense mechanisms gone, deaf cats are at greater risk.

Second, a deaf cat is easily startled. So when you approach – especially when sleeping – be sure to create a vibration by tapping on a surface or create motion by sitting a short distance away on a sofa or bed. Such movement will give him fair warning that someone is near. 

Third, never hit a deaf cat (not even a light bop on the nose in reprimand). Since they can't hear, they can't distinguish between a stern tone of voice and a loving one. All they will come to know is that human hands hit cats, so they'll associate them with painful, unpleasant things. Instead, use hand signals or facial expressions to reinforce your training.

One thing I noticed almost immediately with Maxwell was that he was a bit clumsy. Perhaps it was due to ear infection but his balance was not good, so he didn't exhibit the natural grace we associate with a cat. (Nor did he leap up onto counters or seek high places!)

Max is exceptionally trusting and innocent, and I'm more protective of him than I am our other two. He is such a joy, has so much love to give, that I cannot imagine life without him.

Less Adoptable: Older Cats

Guest Blogger: Michelle Cour, Wayside Waifs Volunteer (and “Wordsmith Par Excellence”!)

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This is post # 4 in a series, read post #3, at www.seabasscat.com.

 

Hello! It's Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet week and unfortunately, one of the categories that's harder to adopt is pairs. Cats thats have lived together a long time are bonded and would not do well without each other. Unfortunately many people fear the extra cost or worry if they have the time for two. We can answer your questions and allay your fears.

We're Ronnie and Jelly and we'd like to do a commercial why cat pairs (especially us) make wonderful pets. Pairs are devoted to each other and are already good and close friends. You'd never have to worry if we'd get along together. We have a proven track record of success together.

Though cats love humans, y'all are a bit odd and often don't “get” us. Another cat would, and we need understanding as much as food, water and shelter. Not your fault—Mars and Venus thing! We can admire each other's unique abilities. Yours—to get the tops off the tuna cans, and ours—to twist ourselves into furry pretzels to clean our tushies.

When you're busy, we entertain each other and don't guilt you into holding or petting us, and let's face it, with kids and a spouse or a demanding job, when aren't you busy? Had a bad day and need something soft and comforting to hold? (No, not a beer can!) You need something soft and warm and with two, you'd have twice the comfort in half the time. Studies prove that petting a cat lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety. Get our purr motors going and that sound can lull you to sleep.

Two do cost a bit more than one, but a single bored cat can overeat so not much difference. We chase each other and get exercise so are often healthier and don't need you for a playmate. When you're scooping out food, how hard is it to scoop enough food for two? Easy peasy! Most vets don't charge for a second office visit for annual exams, just the vaccines which are pretty cheap.

We have a special challenge so are looking for a special family. We're 4 and 5 years old, with probably 10 or 12 years left to live. Tons of fun and affection left, but let's face it, many people want cute little kittens. Just wait till they climb the drapes and shred them, or whine incessantly at midnight for attention! Kittens aren't problem free and need lots more of you than older cats. You also don't know what the final personality will be. With us you do - two sweet girls!

  

We have to go home together, so hope you fall for both of us. Looking forward to meeting you.

Love,
Veronica and Jelly Bean

An Exciting Week For Us! (cue Allie's *Squee!*)

This post is #2 in the Adopt A Less-Adoptable Pet Week Blog Marathon. You can read post #1on Sebastian's blog, seabasscat.com.

We're Manga… Magan…Mangianana…

*eyeroll* MAGNANIMOUSLY, Faraday. Magnanimously!
(and he's named after a physicist. *shakes head*)

Maxwell:  uh, yeah, what she said.
We're letting Mommy have our blog this week for a Very Important Message.

 An' she's teaming up with Sebastian over at seabasscat.com to make it a week-long MARATHON!
Hit it, Momma!

(breathy voice) oh that Sebastian! He's soooo dreamy! *swoon*

Cut it out Allie. I mean it. I'm gonna hurl.

As always, thanks guys. I think.


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This week, we're co-hosting a Blog Marathon for Petfinder's "Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week".

And we're honored to have several guest bloggers join us – both volunteers and staff alike – from Missouri's largest no-kill shelter, Wayside Waifs.  There will be a new post here and on Sebastian’s blog each day this week.

Each day, we'll profile a different situation that make an animal less adoptable, and we'll feature one very special animal who 'lives' that profile.

We hope you'll join us on this journey and we look forward to reading your comments!