Cat charity has lost my cat

[elfsparkle]

I recently rehomed two cats due to illness. I wanted them to go to a good home so I chose to rehome them through a large cat rescue charity. The cats were with a cat fosterer while they are vet checked and assessed etc but within a week one of the cats managed to escape and has been missing a week and a half.

I'm absolutely devastated and feel helpless. I tried to complain to the charity but they weren't helpful, they suggested that I go up and look for him but I physically cannot as not well enough.

Although they are looking for him and doing what they can, I feel like he is well and truly lost. He's in a busy city and probably terrified as my cats are use to living in a quiet area without traffic (which I did stress to them before rehoming).

AIBU to complain? And who would I even complain to?

I'm sorry to hear your cat has gone missing. That is sad.
However you have no place to complain. You were unable to look after the animals and gave them away.
They are a charity that for the most part I would think work very hard for no financial gain to work in the interests of the animals that are in need.

The cat ran away, it's not the charity's fault. It might be trying to find it's way back to you.

Nothing you can do op. You don't own them anymore. It's a sad situation though.

I can't imagine complaining about a volunteer fosterer who likely only does it because of a love for cats and is probably devastated. And that's not taking into account the fact that they are no longer your cats.

It sucks but I'm sure they are as equally upset at losing the cat as you are, what use is complaining unless you are aware that their has been gross negligence that has led to this.

I'm sorry you are unwell and that you had to rehome your pets.

I'm sorry you had to rebome but to complain about this is ridiculous.

I am so sorry you have been so ill that you cannot care for your kitties OP. And I am sorry one has gone AWOL. Don't worry though, cats are savvy and smart, and they always find someone who is kind enough to care for them. So your kittie will be fine,wherever they are.

Take care of yourself.

That’s awful, sorry OP you must be feeling terrible.

If you’ve got a pic of the cat try putting it on the local
Facebook group for the area he was lost in and ask people to pass
the word round to look out for poor cat.

You gave your cats away to be rehomed. It's always a risk I'm afraid. But I can see why you're upset but really unless you can prove deliberate negligence I don't think you have any comeback on this charity. Cats disappear all the time. Sometimes they turn up and sadly sometimes they don't. But I don't agree with keeping cats indoors for all their lives. It's not natural. So a wandering cat will always be at some risk.

I'm so sorry, that's awful.
I guess though that once you had them rehomed they stopped being 'your' cats so there's not much you can do. How did you find out he'd run away?

They are looking for him and doing what they can

If they are doing what they can, then what are your grounds for complaining?

I'm so sorry that you are too ill to look after your cats and had to rehome them. I agree that posting a picture of your missing one on Facebook and/or Twitter if possible. I hope he is found safe and well.

Sorry you have been ill, this extra stress can't be helping, but I am guessing the cat fosterer was mortified and the charity will do their utmost.

Sounds like they didn't handle it sensitively by suggesting you go out and look for the cat, that doesn't make sense when you signed him over in the first place as you are not well enough to do that sort of thing and he is now their responsibility. Accidents happen and I'm sure the foster carer feels awful but I hope the charity is taking appropriate steps to find the cat rather than just expecting you to.

Sorry I misread, it's good that they are looking for him. YANBU to express concern but I don't see what a complaint will really achieve as I'm sure the volunteer already feels awful and will be more careful in future.

I would write to head office about it. The suggestion you go and look for the cat when you've given them up through ill health was stupid. I'd also want them to be reminded to really make an effort to look.

Are you very far from where your cat was being kept. It might even be on the way back. The chances are it could very well turn up. Don't you know anyone who could print and put up a few posters and put a picture in a local newsagent or post office.

I'm so sorry, OP - you must be feeling upset and helpless. Horrible situation, especially when you've tried to do the right thing by your cats.

I used to foster for Cats Potection and we had strict rules about fostered cats - normally they were kept outdoors in double-locked pens (with heated shelters), or if pregnant/ill, indoors in a closed-off room - and I never heard of any escapees, so I think it's pretty unusual. I would hope that the rescue is at least evaluating their security measures.

I hope you get good news soon

There are a lot of local facebook pages that do great work finding lost pets. See if you can find your local one and post on there. You'd be amazed how many people take the time to go out and look for lost animals. Hope you find the cat. It must be very distressing.

I'm so sorry.

Cats who are uprooted or subjected to a sudden shock sometimes do crazy things. Fortunately, they are often found later on, or find a new home for themselves in the process. I understand your worry and frustration, however. I think you can be a big help by getting the word out on social media - asking people directly to repost a "LOST" message can be really effective.

Thank you for all the perspectives. I thought I was being unreasonable but sometimes you think with your heart and not your head.

Both cats managed to get out whilst the fosterer was bringing things in and unfortunately a neighbour had propped open a communal door. They managed to grab one cat but the other escaped. They have put posters up but I think I will also post on Facebook groups. Although I do think there was an element of carelessness because both cats were able to go straight past them.

He is microchipped so I guess no news is good news.

Unfortunately it's a 40 minute drive so doubtful that he will make it back to us.

Just very upset and helpless at the moment.

This is sad. Im sorry.

That's really sad, I'm sure the foster carer will be incredibly upset too

If it was the neighbour who left a communal door open then it is hardly the rehoming charity's fault, or the fosterer. I know you are upset about the cat being lost but you would do better to put your energy into thinking of ways to help, eg contacting as many local vets between you and the foster home.with descriptions and contact details

I'd feel sad too. You thought you were doing the right thing by them and now this happening makes you feel even worse about rehoming them. It's nobody's fault so there's no benefit in complaining. Accidents happen - it's just unfortunate. :(