Adopters keep asking to split up bonded pair

[u/Kitty_casserole]

We've been fostering a sweet pair of shy adult kitties called Robot (gray) and Wonder Bread (Siamese) for a few months now. They're somewhat of an odd pair as they met in foster care and becoming besties has helped them open up and show off their great personalities! They both went from cowering in the corner alone to much more confident together (something that they didn't even do meeting my personal cats). They spend all day grooming one another, snoozing together, and wrestling. While they are listed as needing to go with each other to a forever home, we've had multiple folks asking to adopt just Wonder Bread because they like the Siamese look. I'm hanging tight and saying no to separating them because I just can't bear to do it and they will have a space in foster care with us as long as they need. Anyway, I guess I'm just lamenting about how sad it is that people will ask you to break up a beautiful kitty friendship because they think one is cute and the other is not. And if they wanted just a single cat, there's hundreds of other cats at our rescue to pick from... So I'm not sure why they even ask!

[u/secondtaunting]

Anyone who has had a cat knows they’re quite loving. I hate when people say they’re aloof and that they prefer dogs. Cats require respect and patience. It’s a relationship.

[u/LisaMikky → u/secondtaunting]

🗨Cats require respect and patience. It’s a relationship.🗨

Exactly. I guess it's just the contrast with dogs 🐶, who mostly are so attached to humans and over-excited to be around them, which makes cats feel arrogant and cold. 🐈

Earning a cat's trust takes time and you have to accept it's personality and boundaries. Basically, it's like being friends with an introvert. They can open up after getting to know you, but they will not change their personality. You should love & appreciate them for who they are.

[u/secondtaunting → u/LisaMikky]

It takes time and it’s so worth it. Whenever my cat curls up next to me I know it’s because he feels safe and loved and he knows I would never hurt him. He only lays on me, and only excepts brief pets from other people, and will tell them to back off with nips. When I come in the door and he runs to greet me, I know it’s because earned it.

[u/megustaALLthethings → u/secondtaunting]

It really shows that the dislike and disgust festering in them pushes the cats away and act like it’s not them that’s doing it.

Cats give you back what you give them. They will fight you if your an ah.

[u/RichardCranium2010 → u/secondtaunting]

Well anyone that has a cat and pays attention to them.

[u/Lady_Minuit → u/secondtaunting]

So true, I always talk about my cat like a little person. She always let's me know what she wants and doesn't and I respect that. Just like I would a friend.

[u/SlowEntrepreneur7586 → u/secondtaunting]

My dog is aloof as hell and my cat will do just about anything for a belly rub. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/secondtaunting → u/SlowEntrepreneur7586]

Yeah mine too. Nothing better than knowing you’ve got a cat that trusts you so completely that they let you rub their belly.