Ashton: Hi, my name is Ashton is and I’m a less-adoptable cat.
Newton: Hi, Ashton!
Ashton: I’m lucky. I have a home, even though I don’t look perfect on the outside. But there are lots of other cats who are less-adoptable who are looking for homes. And they’re having a hard time finding one.
Newton: Why are they having hard times finding homes? I didn’t have a hard time finding a home.
Ashton: You were a cute, fuzzy kitten with bright eyes who looked healthy, Newton.
Newton: I was, wasn’t I? I still am pretty cute.
Ashton: *sigh* Not everyone is like that. Lots of cats who need homes adults, or even seniors. Other cats have medical problems that make humans not want to adopt them. What would have happened to me trying to get adopted without two good eyes?
Newton: And don’t forget that you’re a chicken, too.
Ashton: Chicken? is it snack time?
Newton: No, I mean you’re a fraidy cat.
Ashton: Well… that’s true. And that would make me a less-adoptable cat, too. Lots of cats who are afraid of strangers have a hard time getting adopted, too. Just because a kitty is timid doesn’t mean that we won’t love to snuggle with you all night every night. But people don’t want to take that chance. They want cats like you who love strangers.
Newton: Of course they want cats like me. Who wouldn’t?
Ashton: *tail twitch* That means they don’t want to adopt black cats, either.
Newton: What do you mean? Some of my best friends have been black cats!
Ashton: Black cats take longer to get adopted than any other color. Some humans are superstitious about them, and others think they don’t show up well in selfies. Can you imagine?
Newton: Cats aren’t just for selfies. Cats are for companionship! How do we explain this to the humans?
Ashton: That’s what Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week is about. It’s to remind people that all kinds of cats are good companions, and that if you’re going to adopt, look at the cats who aren’t as likely to be adopted, too.
Newton: Do you think people are getting the message?
Ashton: I don’t know. It’s not like we can adopt more cats here now to test it out. But since we aren’t going to adopt right now, we’re spreading the word. If our readers aren’t going to adopt, we hope they will spread the word about Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, too, and hopefully it will lead to more cats who are old, have medical issues, are a little bit different, or maybe are a little bit shy to find the homes they deserve.
