Friday, July 21, 2017

Why I don't say congratulations to a kitty when it is adopted




So, I thought I would take a moment and address something that I think is important. I know this is a very minor thing, but words matter. Words we use about cats and dogs can also make a huge difference in how they are perceived by others

Often, when hanging out on social media, I see posts about cats looking for homes. When I see that they are adopted people often say "Congratulations" to the kitty. I never will.

Way back when I was getting married, I was told by someone that you offer best wishes to the bride and congratulations to the groom. The reason being that it is a bit offensive to imply that the bride needed luck to catch herself a groom.

"Congratulations" to the bride implies that she is to be congratulated for being lucky enough to land a husband, when the luck is more properly assigned to the husband for getting such a wonderful wife.

When I thought about it, I realized this applies to cats as well. They are beautiful creatures that all deserve a home. Whoever adopts them should consider themselves lucky to have been able to bring such a beautiful creature home. This is why I always say congratulations to the people and I send my best wishes to the kitties.

20 comments:

  1. Fair enough. I'll keep that in mind.

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  2. Oh, that totally makes sense! Of course it is the humans who lucked out.

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  3. Interesting thoughts. Since you often seem to be short of kittens to foster, is the same true for adopters? Does your shelter have more people wanting to adopt than they have kittens or cats available?

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  4. I never thought about saying congratulations to a bride and what it could imply. Interesting.

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  5. huh....that is interesting and we hadn't heard that before. we certainly like the best wishes idea

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  6. I knew this about brides and grooms, but I really like the way you applied it to kitties when they're adopted. I will definitely remember this and do the same.

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  7. I've pretty much changed my 'concats' to 'Bon Voyage!' Good post!

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  8. What a wonderful thought! We hadn't thought of it that way before and it makes perfect sense!

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  9. Interesting, and so thoughtful ! That make sense. Purrs

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  10. guyz...we all wayz say conga ratz, but then R speech iz crazed any way; but ewe bring up a grate point :) thanx for sharin !!! ☺☺♥♥

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  11. When commenting on posts like that, we always try to focus on the blessing the feline will be to his/her adopters. You are right - every cat deserves a home and love. As the pessimistic woman I am ... not every human deserves a cat. The cat chooses and that's it. I feel so incredibly lucky that Ellie (and Bear years ago) chose me. I have no idea how I got so lucky - and I'm glad I had to courage to listen and not talk myself out of adopting them because of the potential complications.

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    1. THE courage. Sorry about that. We are so lucky when they choose us. And they are lifelong blessings.

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  12. That's an important distinction to make. Thanks for pointing it out.

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  13. That makes a lot of sense.

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  14. Definitely an interesting perspective. Mom bean has never heard of the saying.

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  15. That totally makes sense!
    Have a super Sunday...

    Noodle and crew

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  16. I see your point, but considering the high rates of euthanasia in shelters, I wouldn't poo-poo any phrase of excitement for a pet adoption.

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    1. Words matter. The more we can alter our words to elevate cats and not continue to relegate them to the second class status they currently hold, will only improve their lives. Your choice of excited utterance won't change how excited you are about the adoption, but it might make someone else see it in a different light. When someone adopts a less adoptable animal, they are often seen as noble and doing something selfless but people forget that they get so much out of the deal that often adopting a less than adoptable animal (blind, deaf, medical needs, three legs) is really a selfish act. They are lucky to have the animal.

      Yes, at this stage in the world, the animal is lucky to make it out of the shelter, but the more we more we diminish their status the harder it is going to be change that which is also why I hate the moniker of crazy cat lady.

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  17. That makes so much sense! We always congratulate the adopters, but we usually just tell the cats we love them and to have a great and wonderfu, love-filled life. :)

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