Pet World: How to find caretakers when you have to leave feral cats behind

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Jan 13, 2021

I am hoping one of these ideas works for you. If you start the transition process now, you will be assured they are being cared for before you leave for your new home. Otherwise, it could be incredibly stressful on you and your family to walk away from these felines knowing they aren’t being cared for.

Let me know what you end up doing.

Dear Cathy,

Regarding the woman who couldn’t adopt a pet because of her age, why didn't you suggest she contact her local government agency regarding age discrimination? A blanket rule based simply on age without considering her current overall health and past history with pets sure sounds like discrimination.

–Howard, Oceanside, New York

Dear Howard,

Thanks for pointing out my oversight. Filing a discrimination report on the organization may be necessary to effect changes there.

Dear Cathy,

I volunteer for a feline rescue organization that requires senior pet owners in their 70's and 80’s to have a younger family member co-sign the adoption agreement acknowledging they will take responsibility for the pet in the event the adopter can no longer care for them. The potential senior adopter should discuss this option with the rescue organization she is working with.

–Rich, Dix Hills, New York

Dear Rich,

While this sounds great in theory, I fear if the agency is not asking everyone to have a co-signer and requiring everyone to plan for their pet’s care should something happen to them, then that is discrimination too. If they want to do that, they should do it for all their adopters. Any one of us can die at any point in our pet’s lives.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)