As social media continues to shape our culture and its trends, pet adoptions are not unaffected. With all the beautiful expressions of love for our pets that we post online, we might forget that those narratives are not always the full picture but rather a distorted, filtered version of reality. This distortion can lead to an unfortunate gap between expectation and reality in pet ownership, resulting in unexpected returns to shelters. Here are the 10 most frequently returned cat breeds and explore how Instagram culture may indirectly fuel this rise.
Why People Return Cats
Adopting a pet, particularly a cat, can be a heartwarming experience, but it often brings with it a whole new reality that can result in an emotional toll when things don’t go as expected. Faunalytics’ research indicates that a variety of factors influence the decision to return a cat to a shelter, including behavioral issues, health concerns, time commitment, and unrealistic expectations of pet ownership.
The Link to Instagram
Instagram is an inherently visual platform, thriving on aesthetically pleasing images and cultivated moments. As Instagram users often post idealized images and videos, cats (especially the more exotic breeds) can be seen as low-maintenance, always adorable and ready for a cuddle. However, the reality of caring for these cats is far more demanding, resulting in a mismatch between expectations and reality for adopters.
1. Bengal
Known for their wild, leopard-like appearance, Bengals are often seen as exotic and active pets. However, they are high-energy cats with strong hunting instincts and complex needs, such as specialized care, that can overwhelm first-time cat owners. For example, Bengals bond strongly with their owners, which can result in the development of separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, potentially leading to a mismatch between the feline’s needs and the owner’s ability to provide a suitable home.
2. Persian
With luxuriously long fur and serene expressions, Persians are often portrayed as low-maintenance lap cats. However, their grooming needs and health issues can be challenging for new cat owners, leading to returns when their care demands become apparent and overwhelming. For example, Persians require daily brushing and regular trips to the vet. However in the right home, they are known to be calm. gentle, and unconditionally loving.
3. Maine Coon
Maine Coons, while majestic in their appearance, can grow to be roughly 18 to 36 inches long – making them fluffy giants. Despite their friendly and sociable nature, their size and specific grooming needs can be underestimated, leading to difficulties for unprepared owners. Maine Coons need a lot of space and stimulation, given their size, activeness, and intelligence. This requires more time and energy that some cat owners, particularly first-timers, might be unprepared or unwilling to provide.
4. Sphynx
Often seen as quirky and unique due to their hairless appearance, Sphynx cats require more care than most people realize. Due to their lack of fur, they need regular skincare to remove oils and are sensitive to temperature changes, requiring warmer environments, which some owners fail to anticipate. However, for pet owners who are willing to embrace their inherent unique qualities, Sphynxes are affectionate, outgoing, and social, forming strong bonds with their owners.
5. Scottish Fold
With distinctive folded ears, Scottish Folds are often chosen for their adorable appearance. However, this breed has some genetic health issues, particularly with their bone structure, which often lead to unforeseen medical challenges. Therefore, without the proper research, some adopters may be unprepared for the extra care needed. However, with a little effort and extra care, these cats are loving, gentle, sweet-natured, playful, and bond deeply with their humans.
6. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are best known for their docile, laid-back personalities, making them seem like perfect companions, but their calm demeanor has some unanticipated maintenance requirements that some adopters might not feel prepared or willing to give. For example, Ragdolls can become boredom easily and gain weight if not provided with enough stimulation. Additionally, they are inherently indoor cats because they can be clumsy and potentially have health issues, such as hip dysplasia.
7. Siberian
Siberians are known for their majestic coats and robust build. However, this is also their downfall, as they are sometimes returned because of their shedding and grooming requirements. Pet owners find the need to brush their thick fur regularly overwhelming. Yet, in a home, with owners prepared and willing to provide proper grooming, Siberians are known for their gentleness, affectionate nature, and playfulness.
8. Bombay
Often described as a mini panther, the sleek and striking Bombay cat is sometimes returned to shelters due to its high energy and strong-willed personality. Bombays are known to form strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety, resulting in excessive meowing or destructive play when left alone for too long. However, with the right amount of care and stimulation, Bombays are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal companions.
9. Russian Blue
Russian Blues are known for their gentle nature and beautiful coats, but their shy personalities and sensitivity to changes in their environment can lead to issues in new homes. For example, they don’t like to be alone for hours at a time, which can result in destructive behavioral issues. Their shyness can mean that strangers in the home can frustrate them. Despite this, they are known to be loving, intelligent and loyal, deeply bonding with their owners.
10. Burmese
Burmese cats, while affectionate and playful, often require a lot of attention. This affectionate, and tireless vocal nature can be overwhelming, especially if the cat feels that it is not being given sufficient interaction. This results in Burmese cats being returned to shelters. They are particularly agile, so a home with plenty of climbing, hiding, and scratching opportunities is ideal to bring their playful side out.
Responsible Pet Adoption
Given the influence of social media on our perceptions of pet ownership – particularly that of certain cat breeds, responsible pet ownership is more important than ever. Before adopting a cat that you found entirely adorable, loving, and beautiful on Instagram, make sure to do research to understand the real-life responsibilities that come with the breed. Additionally, Instagrammers need to upload posts on the joys and challenges of cat ownership to help shift the narrative, fostering a more responsible approach to adopting pets.
