One of our CatTime readers is a strong supporter of cat adoption, but her friend bought a kitten from a breeder. She writes:
Dear Tabby,
My friend got an expensive kitten from a breeder, and I’m so mad about it. I really want to say something. I try my best to educate my friends and family on how many cats are euthanized every year and how badly these wonderful animals need homes.
It feels like a betrayal for her to do this. I don’t even want to meet the kitten.
What do I do? I don’t want to lose a long friendship over this, but I’m really upset.
Signed,
Shelters Promote Every Adoptable Kitten, Unwanted Pets
Dear Tabby Has The Answer
Dear S.P.E.A.K. U.P.,
I really get where you’re coming from. It can be very upsetting when a friend or family member buys a kitten from a breeder or pet shop, and I know the urge to lecture is strong.
I feel it, too, sometimes, but I’ve decided for myself that it’s better to educate and share information than to lecture.
You have a good heart, and I’m sure your friend has a good heart, as well. They just may not be educated on how many cats need homes.
Some people know, but just don’t care. We can’t control everyone around us or make other people follow our beliefs, or we’d end up friendless and losing our minds.
There Are Some Things You Can Do
You can take some steps to help promote your beliefs about adoption. Share information on your social media about adoption to help educate your friends and family.
Invite your friend to join you as you volunteer at a shelter or donate blankets, pillows, and old cat toys. Sometimes all it takes is one trip to the animal shelter to really open someone’s eyes to the extent of the problems faced by homeless cats.
You could also make a donation to a local cat rescue in honor of your friend’s recent purchase.
It’s important to help educate others, and when we climb on our advocacy high horse and preach the gospel to people who aren’t ready to hear it, we can alienate people who may end up being our allies with a little education.
Have you ever had a friend who bought a cat instead of adopting? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments below!
