Animal shelters sometimes encourage adopters to bring home bonded pairs of animals. Cats in bonded pairs have a special relationship that provides them with comfort and companionship. These animals thrive together and are more likely to thrive in their adopted homes if they remain together. While bonded pairs are often siblings, unrelated cats can also develop a strong bond meant to be forever. Unfortunately, these pairs sometimes get separated if adopters do not have enough room or feel that two pets are too much for them.
A Reddit user known as u/MeestersKeeters recently shared a post on the subreddit r/cats, highlighting the importance of keeping bonded pairs together. The post showed a heartbreaking image of a kitten left alone at a shelter after her sister was adopted without her. The kitten looked terrified and lost without her companion in the loud, stressful environment of the shelter. The post received a lot of attention, with many users sharing their own experiences with bonded pairs and expressing sadness over the separation of these animals.
Each year, millions of pets enter shelters in the United States, with thousands being taken in daily. Despite efforts to promote adoption campaigns and reduce euthanasia rates through spaying, neutering, and behavior rehabilitation programs, around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized annually. Shelters are constantly working to find homes for these animals and minimize the number of pets being euthanized. The importance of keeping bonded pairs together is highlighted as a way to ensure the well-being and happiness of these animals.
The Reddit post about the separated bonded pair of cats garnered over 13,000 upvotes and 662 comments, demonstrating the emotional response and support for keeping these pairs together. Many users shared their own stories of adopting bonded pairs or adding extra pets to their homes to prevent separation. Some users referred to getting a bonded pair as a “cat tax,” while others who worked at shelters expressed their frustration at not being able to force adopters to take in both animals.
The story of the separated bonded pair of cats serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by animals in shelters and the importance of keeping these special relationships intact. While shelters work tirelessly to find homes for all animals in need, the issue of bonded pairs getting separated highlights the need for adopters to consider taking in more than one pet to ensure the happiness and well-being of these animals. Through awareness and education, more people may be encouraged to adopt bonded pairs and help reduce the number of animals being euthanized in shelters.
