Owner Returns Cat to Shelter Because She Wouldn't Play with Her New Toys

Adopting a shelter animal can be a life-altering decision (in the best of ways), but you aren't the only one who needs time to adjust. Any adopted pet will need plenty of patience as they navigate new spaces and routines, but after a few months, you can expect your buddy to become their best self.

Unfortunately, one shelter cat didn't get the time to adjust. She was returned to the shelter after just one week, but photographer and shelter worker @aharrisphoto is determined to help her find her purr-fect home.

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Midnight is such a beautiful tabby cat! She seems very friendly with her photographer friend, and we're sure she'd be even more loving with her forever person. We're heartbroken to hear that her first owner didn't give her enough of a chance, but that simply means that match wasn't meant to be. Who knows? Maybe Midnight's forever owner is watching this video right this minute!

As @aharrisphoto explained, this sweet shelter cat was brought back to Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, Florida after only 7 days in her new home. Her "owner" complained that Midnight didn't play with any of the cat toys she bought her. When shelter staff tried to explain that animals need much longer than one week to adjust, she still opted to return her.

In general, owners of new pets should follow the 3-3-3 rule to support their fur baby's success. This rule states that an adopted animal needs 3 days to feel safe in a new space, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months or longer to feel like themselves in a new home. Of course, every pet is different, so individual journeys will all have their own timeline--including Midnight's!

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