Have you ever been called “too needy” in a relationship? Well, Art the cat knows exactly how that feels. This 7-year-old kitty found himself back at the Pasadena Humane Society when his first adopter couldn’t handle his affectionate but feisty personality. But don’t worry – this story has a happy ending that’ll warm your heart and maybe teach us all something about finding the right match.
When Being “Too Needy” Becomes a Strength, Not a Weakness
In early June, the Pasadena Humane Society shared Art’s story on Facebook, describing him as a “Velcro kitty” who had been returned to the shelter. His crime? Being too needy and rambunctious for his adopter’s liking. But as many of us cat lovers know, what’s considered “needy” to one person might be delightfully affectionate to another.
The shelter staff wisely noted in their post that many cat enthusiasts would actually view Art’s clingy personality as a positive trait. They were right – it was just a matter of finding someone who appreciated his unique brand of kitty-cat love.
The Personality Behind the “Needy” Label
I would usually think of a “needy” cat as being one that wants to quietly cuddle every possible minute of the day, not letting you get much of anything done. But Art isn’t your typical laid-back lap cat. He’s a character with a capital C!
The shelter described him as a cat who “always wants to be the center of attention” and isn’t afraid to “show off his perfectly fluffy belly” to make sure all eyes are on him. Think of him as that friend who’s the life of the party – energetic, engaging, and impossible to ignore.
While his first adopter was looking for a chill companion to quietly snuggle with, Art had other ideas. Despite being affectionate, he had a playful habit of giving love bites and swats that weren’t quite what his first owner had in mind. Sometimes, his enthusiasm even led to accidental scratches.
The Journey to Finding the Right Home Match
Art’s story at the Pasadena Humane Society began back in January when he was brought in following the Eaton Fire. The shelter staff suspected he might have been an outdoor community cat, but no one came forward to claim him. During his time at the shelter, volunteers noticed he was generally friendly but occasionally showed signs of nervousness around people.
His first adoption seemed promising – he was taken in by someone described as “an experienced cat person.” Unfortunately, experience with cats doesn’t always mean a person will be compatible with every cat. When the relationship wasn’t working out, the person who had adopted him made the difficult but responsible decision to return him to the shelter.
When a Return Becomes a Second Chance
Sometimes what looks like rejection is actually redirection to something better. The shelter staff considered the return a “wise decision,” understanding that forcing a relationship that isn’t working isn’t good for either the human or the animal. They knew Art needed a home that could appreciate his spirited personality rather than trying to change him.
After the shelter’s post about Art went viral, something wonderful happened. People were touched by his story, and applications to adopt him started pouring in. The staff carefully reviewed each one, looking for the perfect match for this special cat.
A Happy Ending: Art’s Forever Home
I’m thrilled to share that Art was “quickly adopted by another very experienced cat family” after his story spread online. Unlike his previous owner, this family had specific experience with “feisty” cats like Art. They understood that some cats express their affection through playful nips and energetic interaction rather than quiet cuddles.
This match made perfect sense – Art needed a family who could appreciate his personality rather than trying to mold him into a different kind of cat. It’s like finding a partner who loves your quirks instead of trying to change them.
Art’s new owner says he has settled in nicely, and they have changed his name to Arthur. You can find him on instagram as @kingarthurpenkitten
What We Can Learn from Art’s Journey
Art’s story teaches us several valuable lessons about pet adoption:
- Different pets have different personality types – just like humans
- What might be considered a “flaw” by one person could be a beloved trait to another
- Responsible adoption means finding the right personality match, not just any home
- Sometimes returns happen – and that’s okay when it leads to a better match
- Experienced pet owners know that adapting to an animal’s natural personality is better than trying to change them
About the Pasadena Humane Society
The happy ending to Art’s story wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated work of the Pasadena Humane Society. This organization describes itself as “a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals.” They’ve been serving the Greater Los Angeles Area since 1903, helping countless animals find their perfect matches.
Their approach to Art’s situation demonstrates their commitment to animal welfare. Rather than simply finding any home for Art, they took the time to understand his personality and needs, ensuring his second adoption would be his last.
Supporting Animal Adoption in Your Community
If Art’s story has touched your heart, consider how you might support animal adoption in your own community. Whether it’s adopting a pet yourself, volunteering at a local shelter, or donating to organizations like the Pasadena Humane Society, there are many ways to help animals find their forever homes.
Remember that when adopting, personality match matters as much as cute looks. Be honest about your lifestyle and what kind of pet personality would thrive in your home. Sometimes the most rewarding relationships come from unexpected matches!
Finding Your Own “Art”
Are you considering adding a kitty to your family? Take a page from Art’s story and think about what kind of personality would mesh well with yours. Do you want a quiet lap cat, or would you enjoy an energetic “Velcro kitty” like Art?
Shelters are full of wonderful animals with unique personalities waiting for someone who will appreciate them exactly as they are. Your perfect match might be the cat that someone else returned for being “too” something – too energetic, too vocal, or yes, even too needy.
After all, one person’s “too needy” might just be your “perfectly affectionate.” Just ask Art and his new family!
Ready to Find Your Match?
If Art’s story has inspired you to consider adoption, I encourage you to visit your local animal shelter. Take your time getting to know the animals, and be honest with the staff about your lifestyle and preferences. They’re experts at making great matches between humans and animals.
Who knows? Your perfect companion might be waiting for you right now, ready to show off their “perfectly fluffy belly” and make your life more joyful every day.
Have you ever adopted a pet with a unique personality? Or perhaps you’ve had an unexpected perfect match with an animal others might find challenging? Share your stories in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your own “Art” experiences!
