Adopting a cat from any animal shelter or rescue group, involves filling out and signing an agreement that you will care for the animal. I’m sad to say that there are some people out there that seem to forget that promise.

The lucky felines find themselves in a posh environment, filled with endless bowls of good food, soft places to nap, and lots of toys to play with. They also find love and human companionship and healthcare.

Others are not so fortunate. Given as gifts or adopted on a whim, the animals are eventually forgotten and neglected when they’ve outgrown their newness or kitten stage. In the worst of cases, cruelty is involved. It is not surprising to find, at that point in time, some cats becoming difficult to handle.

Some are merely tossed outside or worse, driven to a rural placed and dumped. At least, if adopted through a shelter, they will have been spayed/neutered and unable to breed. Other unwanted pets are returned to the shelter, where they often spend months in a cage before being adopted again or killed to make room for more desirable cats.

Kittens acquired from a friend or found on the street may be at greater risk, because most of them do not come “fixed” or vaccinated or even treated for worms and fleas.

Many people out there still do not agree with the spay/neuter mandate which is now a Santa Barbara County ordinance for non-incorporated areas, not including ranches. If only pet owners would understand how much healthier it is for their animals to undergo this procedure, and how it curbs many of the bad traits exhibited, perhaps they might reconsider. It can be very affordable at the County Spay Days and through C.A.R.E. 4 Paws, both of which administer to cats and dogs.

Before adopting a cat or kitten, consider the pledge you are making. Ask yourself if you can afford the food, litter and veterinary bills. Ask yourself if you’re in this for the long run, even if it becomes no longer convenient. Do you have a plan in place if you are no longer able to care for the animal?

Adopting a pet is a serious commitment. If you made one, please honor it.