The Bias in Pet Adoption: Why Cats Deserve the Same Grace as Dogs
The other day, a friend showed me two sets of adoption papers — one for dogs, one for cats — and the difference made me stop and think.
On the dog side, there was a section that said:
“I am comfortable with training dogs to resolve or manage challenging behaviors such as…”
And below it? A list of checkboxes — potty training, reactivity, excessive vocalization, and so on.
But on the cat side? The same space simply said:
“What behaviors are you uncomfortable with?”
That tiny difference says a lot about how we view cats versus dogs. And it breaks my heart.
Dogs are seen as teachable — animals we can work with to improve behavior. Cats, on the other hand, are often seen as fixed in their ways. Their challenges aren’t treated as opportunities for learning or communication — they’re seen as deal-breakers.
But cats are just as capable of learning, adjusting, and communicating as dogs are. Their behavior isn’t “bad” — it’s communication, and it's no different from a dog's behavior. Scratching, hiding, or even hissing are expressions of emotion and need, not misbehavior.
We need to shift the conversation around cat adoption & behavior.
Instead of asking, “What can’t you handle?” we should be providing the same expectations for cat adopters that we do for dog adopters.
“Are you comfortable with training cats to resolve or manage these behaviors?”
Cats are NOT fixed in their ways. They can be trained, and they can be taught!
Why Cats Get Rehomed — And How We Can Do Better
Most cats are rehomed because their humans weren’t prepared, supported, or informed.
The top reasons shelters hear are usually the same few: behavioral issues, allergies, housing problems, financial struggles, and lifestyle changes.
But most of these are preventable with a little more awareness and compassion.
1. Behavioral challenges
Things like scratching, hissing, or avoiding the litter box are the #1 reason cats are surrendered. But these aren’t “bad behaviors” — they’re signs of stress, confusion, or unmet needs.
How to help instead of rehome:
Rule out medical issues first — pain or illness often causes behavior changes.
Provide multiple litter boxes, scratching posts, and safe hiding spots.
You should always have 1 litterbox per cat plus one extra.
The litterboxes should be XL, and most cats prefer open boxes. Stop hiding their bathroom from them!
Scratching posts should be large, stable, and in heavy traffic areas
Hiding spots should provide two entry/exits points and be in quiet areas
Use positive reinforcement and enrichment — cats can be trained, just like dogs.
check out accounts like Chirrups and Chatter for education on cat behavior, enrichment, and positive reinforcement
Other accounts:
Wild at Heart Cats (instagram)
Annie Knows Animals (instagram)
The Fulfilled Feline (instagram)
Address environmental stressors like loud noises, other pets, or lack of vertical space.
2. Allergies
Cat allergies nothing to sneeze at.... ...get it?! Ha! Anyway, they are one of the most common reasons people rehome their pets, but often, it’s possible to manage symptoms instead of giving up the cat (with exceptions of course!)
How to help instead of rehome:
Use HEPA filters and vacuum regularly.
Keep bedding and curtains clean, and consider limiting bedroom access.
Talk to a doctor about allergy medications or immunotherapy — it can make a huge difference.
Brush! Your! Cat!
3. Housing issues
Sometimes rehoming happens because landlords or new living situations don’t allow cats. It’s heartbreaking, and often out of the person’s control – I totally understand that. But sometimes there's a way.
How to help instead of rehome:
Advocate for pet-friendly housing when you can.
Keep a “pet resume” with vet records and references — it can help convince landlords.
Network locally — sometimes smaller landlords or private renters are open to negotiation.
Set up a meet and greet, show the current living situation with your cat to ensure you provide proper enrichment and your cat will not destroy property. Sometimes landlords or renters are open to reconsidering their policies if you do this.
DO NOT RELY ON EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL WEBSITES AS A LOOPHOLE
most are a SCAM for your money! They are not legitimate!
if you need an emotional support animal, you need to go through your doctor for approval.
4. Financial strain
Caring for a cat adds up — food, litter, vet bills, unexpected emergencies. Not everyone has a cushion when things go wrong. And, girl, don't I know it (sorry i called you girl).
How to help instead of rehome:
Look for low-cost vet clinics or nonprofit programs.
Check out things like Care Credit if you are eligible.
Debt sucks, but this is helpful in a pinch.
Talk to your vet about finances. I promise, most are not in it for the money. Equipment and services are just expensive...
Unfortunately, most vet offices don't provide monthly payment options, but will do their best to work with you if you are open with them about cost limitations.
Join community groups on social media
I'm part of a couple community groups that do their best to help each other.
Don't take advantage: but use it in a pinch, and help others when you can.
See if anyone can foster your cat while you get back on your feet. Reach out to a shelter for help to vet them if you need to!
Sometimes people are willing to do this for others, but be sure to set this up in a legal way so they do not take your cat permanently or do anything to harm your cat. Choose someone you can trust.
Note: It's also completely understandable if you need to rehome your cat because of financial strain. I GET it. Sometimes love means recognizing when someone else can provide better care.
5. Lifestyle changes
New baby, long hours, moving in with someone allergic… these life shifts can make people feel like they no longer have the time or energy to care for their cat.
How to help instead of rehome:
Be honest about capacity before adopting.
Seriously. Before you adopt, think about all of these possibilities first.
Ask friends, family, or cat sitters for help during transitions.
People can be willing to help if you just ask.
Remember that cats adapt — it might just take patience and a bit of planning.
3 months MINIMUM for a cat to adjust. It takes as long as it takes. Don't give up on your cat just because of a bump in the road.
Cats don’t need perfect homes — they need committed ones.
If we treated cat ownership with the same patience, structure, and understanding that we already extend to dogs (though of course some people do this with dogs too), we could keep so many more of them from being rehomed. Cats deserve a fair chance, and owners deserve to be informed!
