When I, a 75-year-old senior, first went into a pet store to get two 11-month old cats, I told them I was ready to pay the $25 each for each cat. I knew I would provide them with a good home. I had already bought the kitty litter for them. I was shown around the shop by one saleslady who pointed out a cat scratch post for $59, the location of pet toys to buy because the cats would need them and the special kitty litter the cats had gotten used to that I should buy.

My husband and I returned to the house to get the cat carriers from home and returned to the store to pick up the cats.

After telling them I would not need the kitty litter as I had already bought some, and that I already had cat toys and wouldn’t be needing the cat scratch post, the store’s policy and friendliness suddenly changed. They said, “We’re not going to be able to let you take the cats, and we prefer that they go to a younger family.” I assured them I had extended family who would take care of them should anything happen to me and/or my husband, but they again told me they would rather the cats go to a younger family.

I was heartbroken, as I looked forward to their addition to my family and my home. My husband was as disappointed as I was. I’ve heard of age discrimination, but never for being too old to give a caring home to pets needing one. We have been a customer of this store for several years because of our other animals, but with that attitude, I have a feeling I will be shopping elsewhere for my pets’ needs.

— Martha Weatherall, Simi Valley