Older Cat Adopted and Then Returned to California Shelter for Being ‘Too Needy’

Art the cat has moved into a home after the Pasadena Humane Society shared his failed adoption story

A cat returned to an animal shelter in Pasadena, Calif., for being “too needy” has found a home that can handle his loving personality.

In early June, the Pasadena Humane Society shared on Facebook that Art, a 7-year-old “Velcro kitty,” had recently been adopted and then returned because his new owner could not keep up with the feline’s rambunctious and “needy” personality.

In the post, the shelter noted that many cat lovers would consider Art’s personality trait, which made him a bad match for his first adopter, to be a “positive” and hoped he’d find a better fit elsewhere.

Pasadena Humane described Art as a cat who “always wants to be the center of attention (and will show off his perfectly fluffy belly to make sure that happens).”

In a statement provided to us, the Pasadena Humane Society confirmed that it managed to find Art a new forever home with a family better-suited for his personality.

The shelter explained that his first adopter was “an experienced cat person.” However, she wanted “a chilled-out lap cat,” and Art didn’t match that description. Although he was “affectionate,” the cat tended to “play bite or swat at the adopter.”

Amid concerns that they were not a good fit, the adopter brought him back to find a better home. The Pasadena Humane Society said it was a “wise decision,” noting that he accidentally caused his former owner to bleed after biting her a little too hard.

After the post about Art being returned went viral, the shelter reported that the cat “was quickly adopted by another very experienced cat family.”

Unlike his previous owner, this family had experience with a “feisty” cat like Art.

“We’re thrilled that he found a loving home so quickly,” a representative for the shelter wrote.

According to the statement, Art had been at the Pasadena Humane Society since January, when he was brought in following the Eaton Fire.

“We suspected that he was an outdoor community cat, but no one came forward to reclaim him. While he was here, he interacted with our volunteers positively, but would occasionally give indications that he was a little nervous with people,” the organization said.

On its website, the Pasadena Humane Society describes itself as “a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals.”

The organization has been serving the Greater Los Angeles Area since 1903.