It makes me sad when people adopt cats, and when those cats don't adjust quickly enough to their new surroundings, return the cat to the shelter.

When you adopt, you're making a commitment.

I'm specifying cats here, because cats take some time to adjust to new homes and situations. Sometimes weeks, sometimes months.

When we moved to our new house, both Jet and Ember had stress issues. Ember had on and off diarrhoea and constipation and litter box issues for three months. Jet had aggression issues with Ember for four months. Both took time and patience and love.

Pets are a life commitment.

This is just coming up because I noticed someone who returned a senior kitty to the shelter after behaviour issues. They'd only had the cat two months.

There are a few people responding who returned cats to the shelter because of biting or not being family friendly, and again: cats do not adjust quickly. Sometimes stress makes them aggressive. Don't adopt a cat, then.

To the heroes who have: I LOVE your cat stories. Thank you.