18-year-old cats returned to animal shelter just five hours after adoption
Grab the tissues: A US animal shelter has shared the heartbreaking story of two senior cats who were returned just five hours after being adopted.
The pair of 18-year-old animals thought they had found their forever home before the adopter brought them back to Orange County animal services the same day.
The devastating video, which has now amassed over 33,200 views, was posted to TikTok by photographer Albert Harris from the communications team at the shelter.
In it, Harris shows a clip of the cats, Rusty and Tigger, back in their small kennel.
Watch the video above.
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Rusty and Tigger pictured back in their kennel after being returned five hours after their adoption. TikTok
Harris told his followers the failed adoption was not the animals' fault, but rather due to the adopter not properly introducing the cats into their new home.
"Imagine getting adopted only to be back at the shelter five hours later the same day because your adopter threw you in with the resident dogs," he began the video, explaining the cats had been "stressed".
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"They decided to give up on them without giving them any time to adjust."
Harris shared that the shelter always advises adopters to be patient, as it takes time for the animal to adjust to their new environment.
He added it is integral rescue pets are introduced "slowly with the other animals in the house", to ensure your newest four-legged companion feels safe and comfortable.
The shelter worker was quick to call out the unrealistic expectations caused by social media that adopters have when taking on a rescue pet.
"It will NEVER be like on social media where you see cats and dogs miraculously get along with each other", he explained.
Harris also called out for help to find the poor senior cats a new and permanent home.
"They are now here at our shelter confused," he told his followers.
"Let's find them a forever home where they can live out their golden years instead of a cold, dark kennel."
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The video spurred over 630 comments, with people sharing their heartbreak for Rusty and Tigger.
"5 hours is not enough time for pets to adjust to a new environment," one person commented.
Another added that the adopter should be "charged for abandonment".
Others shared that they hoped the cats would "find a better home soon" with "good humans".
In a happy outcome, Harris posted a follow-up video sharing the news the two senior cats had officially been adopted.
Shelter worker shares the senior cats have finally been adopted TikTok
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Harris posted the Tiktok video of the cats leaving the shelter with their brightly smiling new owners, the song Can't Help Falling in Love playing sweetly in the background.
"Because of YOU we were able to save these 18 yr old seniors lives! This is the power of this medium!" Harris captioned the clip.
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