Letting cats outdoors

Question
Hello Hilary,

In a recent trip to the local animal shelter, I was denied the adoption of a kitten because I have a pet door and believe cats should be able to go out.  I live in a residental neighborhood on a quiet street.  Not only was the adoption denied, but the staff was almost rude in their position.  I'm a cat lover and have had cats all my life.  I think the animal shelter has gone 'wacko' here but wanted to hear other opinions.

Thanks for your time,

Greg N.

Answer
Hi Greg.  I never do understand the pickiness of animal shelters.  I understand that they want a loving home for the animals, which of course, is essential, but even "kill" shelters are becoming overly picky about cats going outside/declawing, ect.  I never understand this, particularly in "kill" shelters, because they are turning down potentially loving owners because they allow their cats to experience the outdoors, but the animals that these denied people wanted are then put to death.  Makes no sense to me at all.  If this shelter was a "no kill" shelter, they are being picky because they do not kill animals and do not want the chance of a cat getting hit by a car, getting in a fight, ect., which are all factors in letting a cat go outdoors.  I have 5 cats...all are completely indoor, but then again, I live on a busy street and my opinion of this may change if I move to the country.  I wish I had an answer for you....all I can say, that as time goes by, they make it harder and harder for all these homeless animals to find a home, when in reality they are defeating the purpose of what a shelter is all about.  A shelter is somewhere where homeless or abandoned animals are taken in hopes of finding a new "forever" home.  They decrease the chances of that happening by being overly picky and not only is it unfair to the potential owners, it is highly unfair to the animals.  Which life is better...being stuck in a cage with no companionship, or being brought into a loving home where they are allowed to experience the outdoors.  Obviously, being stuck in a cage is a highly worse living situation.  They, for some reason, don't see this.  I am an extreme animal lover/activist...but I am with you on this one. It makes absolutely no sense.  If you do want to adopt a cat, you can go to petfinder.com.  They have cats and kittens that they will adopt out to homes where they will have access to the outdoors.  There are also barnyard cat adoption rescues.  Contrary to popular belief, these cats are very affectionate and wonderful companions.  You may find what you are looking for there.  I am so sorry that you were denied, and like I said, I have to agree with you...makes no sense.
I wish you all the luck in finding yourself a wonderful feline companion,
Hilary