Pet Shelter in Atlanta Reveals Surprising Reasons for Cat Returns

A pet shelter in Atlanta has shed light on some common yet heart-breaking reasons why people return cats and kittens to rescue centers. The revelations came to public attention through a viral TikTok video shared by FurKids Atlanta Cat Mama, known as Atlmotherofkittens on the platform. The video listed several unexpected justifications for returning cats, including being “too affectionate.”

Reasons Behind Cat Returns

The video, accompanied by a caption stating “Reasons people return cats to the shelter that don’t make sense to me,” highlighted various explanations given by cat owners for returning their feline friends. Some of the reasons mentioned were:

• Cat is too clingy: Surprisingly, some individuals return their cats because the animals display an excess of affection. However, experts emphasize that clinginess in cats is often harmless and may simply be a part of their personality. Certain purebred cat breeds, like the Siamese and Abyssinian, are known for their clingy nature.
• Kitten plays too much: Some owners find the playful nature of kittens overwhelming and decide to return them.
• New boyfriend doesn’t like cats: In some cases, individuals prioritize their new relationship over their furry companions, leading to the return of their cats.
• Cat eats too much: The issue of a cat’s appetite can also prompt owners to return them, despite the fact that different cats have different dietary needs.
• Cat is too high maintenance: Cats, like any other pets, require attention and care. However, some owners find the responsibilities associated with owning a cat burdensome and opt to return them.
• Cat needs to sit in my lap all the time: Certain individuals become annoyed when their cats constantly seek their lap as a place to rest.

In light of these reasons, the TikTok creator reminds potential pet owners to only adopt if they are truly ready to commit to taking care of a pet for its entire lifespan.

The Desire for Clingy Cats

Many viewers of the viral TikTok video expressed their fondness for clingy cats, stating that they could only dream of having a feline companion that seeks their affection. Numerous comments suggested getting rid of a boyfriend who doesn’t appreciate furry friends, rather than giving up a cherished pet to accommodate a partner’s preference.

Pet Surrender and Shelter Efforts

The unfortunate reality is that millions of pets are surrendered to shelters each year in the United States. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports an average of 17,260 pets surrendered daily, resulting in 6.3 million pets finding themselves in shelters annually. In January 2022 alone, pet shelters received 46,807 dogs and cats—a rise of 1,744 compared to January 2021, as per the 24Pet ‘Shelter Watch Report.’ Tragically, approximately 920,000 of the surrendered animals are euthanized each year.

To combat these alarming statistics, shelters work tirelessly to reduce euthanasia rates. Their strategies include promoting adoption campaigns, implementing spaying and neutering programs, and providing behavior rehabilitation for animals in need.

The Viral Impact

The TikTok video quickly gained widespread attention, garnering more than 1.1 million views and 245,000 likes. Users from all over the platform shared their enthusiasm for clingy cats and expressed love for their own feline companions.

It is important to note that Newsweek attempted to reach out for further comment but was unable to verify the details of the case as mentioned by Atlmotherofkittens on TikTok.

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