Letters: People are rude about cat brood

I have a Persian cat named “Penny” whom I hoped to breed with a Persian male. Many people appreciate Persians, and I had hoped to have a litter. Unfortunately, my cat escaped the house in her heat, and I now have five “mixed” kittens. So, I thought I could stand out in front of a store and find them good homes.

So here I was in front of Bel-Air. I wasn’t bothering anybody. Just standing there, letting the kittens attract those who wanted one. After several minutes, a woman came up and began to lecture me. She told me where and how to go about spaying my cat. She lectured me about how I was a horrible pet owner and an irresponsible person for allowing my pet to breed. She tried to explain that her experience running an animal shelter had taught her how “horrible” it was that “people like me” bring “unwanted animals into the world.”

After a few minutes I stated, “Lady, if you don’t want a kitten, then beat it.” I was promptly flipped the bird, and she went into the store. Moments later the store’s assistant manager comes out and very rudely tells me to leave, ignoring any protests that I was in fact the one who was harassed. I was treated like an unwanted panhandler.

It was then I realized that compassion meant nothing to rude, apathetic people. Even when faced with a cute kitten. Oh well.

Jonathan Lambson

Olivehurst