To think they should refund

[Tinkerbelle97]

I messaged a local rescue page about a cat I was interested in. They told me she was 3 years old and was a surrender. They said I can reserve her for £30 and do a meet and greet. They’ve said that this is because they have people arranging to meet cats and then not go ahead. Met her at the weekend and it went well and I was all set to adopt her and pick her up at the weekend. I went out and bought all the things needed for her. Now they’ve just messaged and said they have requested vet records for and she’s in fact 8 years old. I’ll probably be flamed for this but I now don’t want to go ahead as I am looking for a younger cat personally due to our home life which can be sometimes busy and I have a 5 year old DD. I asked if my reserve fee can be returned and now they’re ignoring me I think. Should they refund me?

I had similar, was told a cat was a young adult then the morning we were due to go see and collect her (kids all excited) they messaged that she was actually 6 months. I didn't really want a kitten as I know they are quite hard work! But we went anyway and adopted her. And yes she is hard work but she's also lovely.

I say adopt the cat. 8 is a good age because they have calmed down but still have years left in them. My oldest cat is 16 this year and only just starting to slow down a bit.

Eeee I don't know. 🤷‍♀️ if she can pass for 3 when she's actually 8 she's in good nick. Cats can live for like 20 odd years so you'd still get value for money on the cat. But equally I get your point. Would be a shame to leave her in a shelter because she's a few years past best before date.

No, because you didn't attend the meet and greet. You chose not to, you lose your deposit.

She did go to the meet and greet. It says ‘I met her at the weekend’.

Ah sorry I misread this. Then still no.

My cat is 3 if anyone is interested... 🤣

Omg! You’d actually report a charity over £30. Are you really that mean spirited? These charities work tirelessly to rehome the hundreds, if not thousands of pets, that get dumped daily, when people decide that the pet they so desperately wanted is now surplus to requirements. Yes some cases are genuine but many are not. Totally agree if you were miss-sold a car, an insurance policy…but a cat…really??? You could cause all kinds of issues and the only thing you’d be hurting would be the poor cats. People never cease to amaze me! 😡

There was meant to be a quote attached to the above

This has really made me laugh @PigInAHouse

No! One was 12 and one was 18 months

@SabreIsMyFave

12 months
The poster said that in their next comment

That's still 0-3 years old

One day, the theoretical three-year-old cat would have also become old. Were you planning on getting rid of them when they were older

I'll take the hate. Yes I think you're unreasonable for wanting a refund and not taking the cat. 8 isn't old at all in cat years. I'd never ask a rescue for money back as they are usually tight for cash.

The fees rescues charge adopters don't even begin to cover their costs.
Rescues also really struggle to re-home adult cats, particularly once they get to 8. I think people assume cats have a similar lifespan to dogs, but actually, so long as they avoid cars, cats tend to live to a pretty good age.
I've adopted 3 8 year old cats over the last few years. All have been a joy and a delight. One passed aged 13:after a short illness last year, the other two are still very energetic aged 14 and 11. I also have a 19 year old cat, who I've had since she was a kitten. She's started slowing down this last year or so, bless her.

O-3 years means anything from 0 to 3 years, 12 months is within that, and 18 months is rightin the middle. Had they said 3 years then it would be a little out but not ridiculously.

Nope.
Read PPs follow on post.

0-3 years is the same as 0-36 months, so 12-18 months is within that period.

No it's not

Both are adult cats. They can live to their 20s.

Missing the sarcasm much ??

What’s wrong with people’s sarcasm detectors?

@2025willbemytime it seems you need to use an emoji. It made me chuckle though…

It's £30. It's an animal shelter. 8 is still young for a cat... so yes you're being double unreasonable - unreasonable to not take her and unreasonable to ask for money back. They probably are ignoring you because they realise the cat has had a lucky escape.

It’s not unreasonable to eat a refund, the cat is quite a bit older than originally advertised. However 8 is not old for a cat, so assuming you were otherwise happy with the cat I would still adopt it.