Free Cats

by Elisa Black-Taylor

Free cats. We see these words everywhere these days. People advertise cats on Craigslist and in the freebies section of the newspaper. Not only is this dangerous for the cats, it’s also misleading to those wanting to adopt a cat.

For one thing, free cats aren’t really free. They come with a lot of “adoption baggage” and that’s the reason I’ve always suggested people adopt from a shelter or rescue. Your typical free cat will need a vet exam, tests for FIV/FeLV and sometimes heartworms. They will need vaccinations to protect their health. Most likely they will need a spay/neuter. All of this is included when a cat is adopted from a legitimate shelter or rescue.

It’s not safe to adopt a cat out to someone not willing or capable to care for it. You never know who will show up for a free cat. It could go to a wonderful home, or a life of hell may await it.

The reason for this article comes from a story Michael wrote regarding the ASPCA offering up the Caboodle Ranch cats next weekend. I wasn’t aware the event had already been scheduled. I have a hard time keeping up with all of the news in the cat world using just my cell phone for internet. I thought this an important topic and wanted to know if everyone else is as concerned as I am.

For those of you who haven’t heard, the ASPCA will host an adoption event next weekend where the cost of taking home a Caboodle Ranch cat will range from free to $10 per cat. All a person has to do is show up and show an ID. And I guess looking like a normal person instead of an abuser is required.

Update – correction: Please see John’s comment below:

“The adopting agencies are not just handing out cats to anyone with a photo ID. The applicants are being screened and interviewed — more rigorously than usual, given the number of Caboodle Ranch supporters who have threatened to “steal” or “kidnap” the cats, or to adopt them under false pretenses so they can be illegally returned to Craig Grant….”

See a page on ASPCA rehoming events for the Caboodle cats.

My main concern is what an abuser looks like. A lot of you may not know I write a lot on dog abuse. MANY of the abusers are members of the police department where they live. Who could look more normal than a police officer? My point is, judging someone by their appearance and not taking an application to check references or do a home visit is very dangerous for a cat.

A lot of people are concerned the Caboodle Ranch people will adopt some of the cats and take them back to the ranch. I think that’s the most dangerous thing that could happen. Not for the reason most of you would think. We went through a feline distemper (panleuk) scare last summer. If any of the Caboodle cats died of this and were buried on the property, the property is still contaminated. Dry conditions allows distemper to live for a year. Wet conditions, such as rain mixing with soil and cat remains could keep the virus alive for YEARS.

So I caution anyone who wants to adopt out a cat using the freebies as well as those of you who adopt this way. Be very careful what you’re doing. Sometimes a bargain isn’t a bargain and sometimes a nice looking person is a seriously deranged animal torturer. The moral is, acquiring a cat is a serious decision regardless.

How do all of you feel about the ASPCA adoption event next weekend? I’m really worried about who will be taking these cats home.

Elisa

Associated page: Free Maine Coon Kittens.