Why are there so many unwanted cats in shelters?

Question

Cats are so easy to care for, and wonderful, and really not much hassle at all. So how is it that so many people obviously don't want to bother taking care of their cats and put them in the shelters instead? I mean I can see giving up a pit bull if it's attacking your children, but what's the problem with a cat?

Answer 1

I guess because, unlike dogs, cats are more likely to be "mutts". I think Americans don't find this appealing, but still, at the same time, aren't willing to spay their cats. Thus, they end up with a million mixed cats that nobody seems to want. I feel bad for all the little kitties. I love them all... :D

p.s. I agree with you, cats are really easy to take care of.

Answer 2

People think kittens are cute so they want them. Then the kitten grows into a cat, which I think are wonderful. Cats don't have to scratch furniture if they have a post to scratch. They don't have to pee on the floor if they have a clean litterbox, which isn't hard to keep clean. And the odor can be eliminated with Zero Odor. People don't like to spend money on spaying or neutering which they don't have to do because there are clinics held all the time for free services. Spaying and neutering is the best way to eliminate so many births in all pets, dogs too. And, cats should not be outside pets. Outdoor cats life expectancy is only two years. I love cats but only have two. One is 15 years old and healthy. The other is 7 years old and had to have a leg amputated because of cancer and he is doing wonderful and is well loved. Anyone who doesn't love pets should not take them in unless they plan on keeping them for the pets entire life. That's my speech on cats in shelters. Sorry I wrote so much.

Answer 3

The problem is way too many people keep allowing their cats to breed. there are roughly 45 cats (and 15 dogs) born for every person born. That means there will never be enough homes for all that are born. People need to be more responsible and prevent their pets from breeding. Spay/neuter is the best way to go as it also has health benefits to the pet.
Example, at the current rate of births a family of four would have to own 180 cats and 60 dogs for all the pets to get a home.

The short answer to your question: over breeding.

Answer 4

The main problem really is the old Bob Barker thing--people don't get their pets fixed. Aside from that, people often get animals without thinking about why they are getting them or how much care they will need. Even a nice cat needs its litter box cleaned regularly. I think that people sometimes get cats and think that they'll take care of themselves. Another problem (more with male cats, I believe) is that they can be aggressive. What's cute as a kitten (little scratches and bites) isn't as cute when the cat is older and uses its claws and teeth to express unhappiness, especially around children. Finally, many people won't keep a cat that refuses to use solely a litter box. Cat urine is one of the more disgusting smells around, and when it gets embedded in your carpet, the cat will keep trying to go there. And cats are pretty persistent, so trying to get rid of the smell forever is a tough battle.

I like cats and have one, but these are potential problems that might lead to a large number of cats in shelters.

Answer 5

People don't realize the amount of time involved. Also, people don't think about the fact that a cat sheds, or will sharpen their nails on your favorite piece of furniture. They also don't realize that the cat does need to go to the vet, and yes, it does cost money. They see this cute little fuzzy face looking up at them with big watery eyes and forget that it is a living creature with needs and quirks, just like a person. Thank goodness people can't just drop their kids off at shelters....otherwise those would be full as well I'm afraid. People just don't think of the responsibility involved, and I really wish more people would think about that. It is sad.

Answer 6

Some people are uneducated or lazy to the need of spaying or neutering your pet. Therefore there is a huge pet overpopulation problem (more cats than homes). In the city I live in alone they put over 100 dogs to sleep per week and the number is even higher for cats! So spay and neuter your pet!!!

Answer 7

Because people don't bother to spay their animals, and the result is tens of thousands of animals dying in shelters every day! Plus I think people spay or neuter their dogs more than cats. I have 2 spayed female dogs, 1 neuterd male dog, 1 spayed female cat, and even a spayed hamster!

Answer 8

People don't have the sense to spay or neuter the cat. They do not realize the $30 low cost neutering fee can prevent cats from having several litters which end up at the SPCA and get euphanized. Why would you want to kill dozens of innocent little kitties just to save $30? Please spay and neuter!!
And older cats are just as sweet and lovable as little kittens. I wish people would quit getting kittens just because they are younger. Older cats have more experience and maturity and have lots of love to offer!

Answer 9

Because people dont spay and neuter their Cats...I work in a shelter..Its cat season now...We are in a small rural town. We have gotten in as many as 50 cats and kittens in a day...Cats breed like rabbits(worse)...We put down really pretty ones everyday..If we didnt they would overrun the streets and starve to death....

Answer 10

a lot of people only want kittens and they just leave the older cats to live the rest of their lives in shelters. Regardless of if the rest of their lives means two days or ten years, depending on if it's a no-kill shelter or not.