The Truth About Cat Hoarders

[@chiyo9014]

The empathy you show toward both people and animals is what this world needs more of.

[@theskdarram7564]

Amen

[@katherinemaas6712]

Amen. You teach so much more than how to take care of cats. You show teach us how to treat people. Well done!

[@sarahsmiles9762]

No the world doesn’t need ppl like that bec there are already ppl in the world that need to change

[@kitchenworker446]

Yes I think so too, a little bit of understanding instead of judging is a great thing.

[@cmorris7246]

Right? Imagine if someone would have offered her help this way years ago instead of complaining.

[@disappearingmirror3923]

I work at an animal shelter and we recently got 40 cats and kittens from a hoarding situation. Every last one of these cats was incredibly friendly and trusting and sweet. That doesn't happen by accident. The hoarder loved those animals. For every other way she failed them, it was with good intentions in her heart. As overwhelming and overwhelmed as my shelter is, I can still confidently say that those cats and kittens are having short stays with us, being moved into forever homes almost as fast as they recover and pass our health standards.

[@barbmanley3114]

Other than having too many for their house, how else did they fail them?

[@barbmanley3114]

I'd just like to know how many is too many.? What if you have a large or very large house? What are you going by? Some people can handle and give love 💕 to more than 1 or 2 animals at a time. Some can handle a lot and some can not. So what are people going by, when they say hoarding? I've talked to people who say they can ONLY handle 1 cat. Others say they have 7, 8, 10 or 15. So what is considered hoarding? Lady who posted, from working at the shelter, tell me. Please tell me.

[@bjjones1969]

I sure hope they went to forever homes. Because we don’t only have to educate the public about neutering and the love of a cat but also educate the shelters. I have found many shelters are not understanding the process of getting cats into forever homes. But are just giving kitties to empty the cages. We must be diligent in whom we adopt out to. We work with a cat organization and we are quite diligent of whom we adopt out to. And it doesnt depend on someone’s education or that they take their cats to the vet. but on learning where the person is at. We make home visits and we listen to the person to understand if they are in a good place. Because if they are in a bad place in their lives- they cannot give a kitty a good place to live. That is why shelters continue to show cats returned and communities with cats roaming outside. We have to make a difference for the life of a cat/

[@noradennis4361]

@@barbmanley3114 If we were allowed to have more than two cats I'd adopt at least two more.

[@theeliblog4559]

You cannot love something and proceed to torture them. Not everyone is mentally apt to own animals and children and abuse is abuse regardless of one’s intention.

[@Timelost_Techpriest]

You're right, cat hoarders aren't evil. They're usually overwhelmed, out of their depth, and frequently mentally ill. They aren't bad people, they usually need help. Thank you for helping this one.

[@AayushaJakhmola]

they are usually less mentally ill than the people who don't care about nothing other than themselves.

[@frostrose8222]

A part of me thinks it fair to call hoarders cruel. They're an example of the idea that the path to hell is paved by good intentions. While they took in these animals out of the kindness of their hearts, it doesn't change the fact that their animals suffer because of them. I know they're not entirely to blame as its usually the result of mental illness but, I find it hard to be forgiving towards them. That's on me though as I don't seem to have a forgiving bone in my body.

[@catsandcrafts171]

@@frostrose8222 I understand how you feel, but I think if you think of the person as an extension of the cats, we can feel as much sadness for their suffering as for the animals suffering. After all, if the cats were just feral colonies they would be suffering exactly the same, life is awful for feral cats, I've seen it first hand as I foster for a local rescue. I don't think the cat hoarders are actually making the cats' lives any worse, they are simply not making it any better. (unless the cats are locked up of course, I'm assuming the cats are in and out of the house). x

[@winternightmarecrochet]

@@frostrose8222 Then, you can help them take care of the cats! Everybody wins.

[@karlasalinas8203]

True...they just need support

[@xandermin]

I suffer from hoarding disorder. I have a strong tendency to hold onto any kind of writing; books, newspapers, letters, receipts, etc. It got really bad in my old apartment. My hoard never grew past a quarter of my bedroom, yet I was still terrified of reaching out for help because I was so ashamed. The shame runs so deep, I can't express with words how awful it feels. I've never hoarded animals, but I can so easily put myself in the shoes of animal hoarders, cos when you're a hoarder, you lose control of the situation. So thank you for meeting hoarders with kindness & spreading the message! I'm in a much better place now cos I got help from kind, patient people.

[@DARWINZOO]

Hugs. I relate. Thank you for sharing.

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

*Hugs youuuu* I wish on you the best support system and friends and people who are kind and empathetic ❤️ mental health is a butt… I know that all too well, and I have no doubt you are doing your best

[@Xoxo_bambi]

I’m not a hoarder but I can also understand the mindset they may have when it comes to animals specifically. They 90% of the time just need support and help

[@carissamccormack1185]

I've never thought of cat hoarders as evil. I actually have always felt a little sad for them. Like a lot of them were doing their best to help some fur friends and just couldn't stop. Big hearts with not enough space or resources.

[@RoseT20]

Or some times they have one then they adopt another one and they don't fix them and so they make babies and then more babies from that litter, etc, etc. Animal hoarders aren't evil, they just want to help something they can relate to if they've been abandoned by their family or something like that. But like what you said, they do their best but just can't stop and don't know that they are doing some harm to the animals even if it's not physical abuse.

[@Boopandfriends]

I always think of them as someone who might need a little help wether it’s mentally or financially or any other problems

[@hihello6647]

YES! Enough space in their hearts just not their houses.

[@RoseT20]

@@Boopandfriends Hoarding is a psychological thing and has many factors as to why the person hoards ( such as Hannah states some such as childhood trauma/ trauma in general). I think if people were more educated on hoarding and given the information on how to approach a hoarder and where to get them help, that would be great.

[@sallyandminty9792]

@@RoseT20 I hope she knows that. She actually is a volunteer at my foster group and she has helped with 2 (or 3) hoarding situations. Also, completely agree we need more education on hoarding

[@soulcatcher_pajome]

The shelter I worked at last year got a call from a man who said he had a colleague with 30 cats in a 2-room apartment, and needs help, but is too scared to ask. We managed to reach out to him and get a bigger part of his cats into the shelter, where we socialized and adopted them. He had started with 2 cats about 4 years ago, but didn't spay and neuter them, they got kittens, and the kittens got kittens, and due to social anxiety and depression he had a really hard time reaching out to people for help. Our vet told us that he had called them multiple times to ask the cost for mass-spay, but then never got back them. When we met him, he seemed obviously embarassed and upset, he actually introduced himself as "hi, i'm the terrible person responsible for this mess" and I felt so bad for him, because he was a normal person still. He was fully conscious about the bad situation he was in. The boss who runs the shelter was really patient and friendly with him throughout the whole process and I admired that a lot. Treating those people like they are monsters is not helping, because it's only preventing them from reaching out to people.

[@soulcatcher_pajome]

@@murdermysterymissing8044 Yes!! This man had called one of our vets multiple times and asked if there were discounts for more cats, but then was always too timid and probably embarrassed to come back to them about it. Since there are not a lot of strays here, there are few TNR programs, few vets experienced in teen-spays, and basically none who offer it for free. Resources and compassion are soo needed to prevent those kinds of situations!

[@ILuvAyeAye]

I also think this is why education about spay and neuter is so important - people don't always realize that sibling cats will reproduce with each other. It''s totally understandable that it's not something most people think a lot about lol, but it's a very serious risk if you're keeping a litter of kittens without sterilizing them.

[@nathanparker4015]

I never talk about it, but my mom was a cat hoarder when I was growing up. Everything you listed fit her to a T. When I was 10(I’m almost 20 now), she lost her job which caused a human rights tribunal that sent her into a deep depression for years. She could hardly (even when she got another job) work because of how upset she was. She also was fresh out of divorce with my Dad, had always had problems with her family, and hardly had any friends except one (who I called my aunt). She was NEVER cruel to her cats, but she was so incredibly lonely and upset. It didn’t help that aside from having enough food to take care of the cats, hardly enough for me, she rarely ate. We were homeless too at some points afterward. She is a soft soul who just endured a lot of struggles, that’s all. Edit: I didn’t think many people would see this, thank you SO MUCH for all of the support. It means the world to me. You are all very kind people.

[@korviscapetrova5269]

My heart goes out to the softer souls out there who've been hurt but who didn't have the opportunity to heal

[@mushroomcat6720]

awh tell your mom i said i'm sorry for her 🥺

[@angelfaye101]

Human rights tribunal??? Now im curious aka nosey. What happened? I hope you & your mom are in a better place now.

[@stephm2429]

I'm sorry for what you went through, too. You must be a very kind individual to have to go through something like that and come out on the other side so positive.

[@JMV1616]

Yeah well if she couldn’t take care of herself she shouldn’t make other lives depend on her. No excuses when animals get hurt as a result

[@freddygigliotti7214]

Kitten lady never judges anyone. That is so refreshing and she always points out what is not so obvious to everyone. It's almost like she is on a debate team and points out the other side. Kitten lady builds a bridge to the other side, she doesn't bring negativity or shame to anything. YOU GO GIRL!!!💖🐱💖🐱💖

[@jaz1551]

Thank you for addressing this. What bugs me is people who think, hey she has a lot of cats, let's drop off a few more! The problem is generally more than just the one person

[@andreabradley5837]

Yes. And people like to dump off animals in rural areas. I have to drive at least 30 miles to the next gas station, never mind a vet or shelter. I currently have four cats of my own and three that eat here sometimes, not to mention raccoons and roaming dogs. I want to do the right thing for everyone but it gets really overwhelming sometimes.

[@paigek9923]

I live in the country and I have 5 cats that are mine and I spay and neuter my cats because we don’t want a bunch of kittens but the farms around me don’t and then there’s a lot of strays that show up and people dump animals out around my house and it’s really sad because we want to help these cats (sometimes we’re able to find them good homes) but it’s hard when there’s so many but we try our best by leaving food outside my barn for them since my cats don’t really want a bunch of strays in their barn and we don’t want conflict so especially in the winter I set food outside so the strays can eat and hopefully find a place to stay where there is shelter but not in my barn because it’s not fair to my cats and strays tend to pee in the barn when they get in there.

[@yamitsukikarasu8857]

My partner used to live in the country. There was a spot near his house where people would frequently abandon their dogs. He would take them in and find them a new home. I don't get people who do this.

[@lavenderlilac8920]

jaz1551 we had the same problem on our farm...people just dropping their unwanted, sometimes pregnant cats off at our gate.

[@andreabradley5837]

@@lavenderlilac8920 We get that here too, boxes full of puppies dropped 5 miles from the nearest house, 6 week old kittens in a box in a pile of trash..flat out disgusting. I took one to the shelter that had been injured, ended up that this poor old guy had been dropped off neutered and declawed.

[@jelatinosa]

I've seen some rescuers turned "hoarders" even when they do everything right. I personally know a woman that has way too many animals because people keep burdening her with them, as she has a hard time saying no and turning animals, especially dogs, away. But like I said, she is an intelligent woman, just has a hard time puting hard limits as she is very kind and soft, and so she tries to sterilize and vaccinate everyone she gets. If not she seperates them until she can recoup the funds to do so, to prevent any breeding. I've seen her devolve from a bright, cheerful rescuer, to a sad, depressed, overwhelmed, hoarder. I have fostered kittens for her and tried to help her home them, but the truth is where I live, there aren't many if any resourses to help people like her, and not many people wanting to adopt. I myself used to do rescue and foster and had to stop, as I ended up with several cats and a couple dogs that I never wanted to keep, because our island is oversaturated with homeless dogs and cats that nobody wants. People have a mentality of prefering to buy "pure" or "designer" breeds from backyard breeders and such than adopt a "sato" (our word for mutt or mixed breed). I used to feed animals from the street, but I even had to stop doing that, as it pissed some people off and encouraged them to poison colonies and packs that would congregate in areas to be fed. I now limit myself to do a couple tnrs when I have extra cash, which as someone trying to save to buy my first home, and who lives under the poverty line, is really hard. People who know me know that if they ever want to adopt a pet, I can help them find what they are looking for, as I know and follow many rescuers on the island, and they also refer others so I can hook them up with a rescuer or foster that may have the pet they are looking for. As it's difficult to find good homes here, some rescuers find adopters from the states and I have helped by connecting the rescuer with people that I know to be traveling who are willing to be travel partners with the animal that needs a flight to get to their new family. While I wish I could be doing more, and what I do is not enough, I can't personally foster or rescue anymore, for fear of unwittingly becoming a "hoarder" myself.

[@attheranch873]

Thank you for all your kind work 😊

[@rimaahali9251]

I live in Santurce, SJ I do what U do or did... Its hard. Gracias, Bendiciones.

[@RoadkillbunnyUK]

elines acevedo you are doing a great job in a difficult situation and have done well to recognise the dangers and your own personal limits. Keep on keeping on, I bet it doesn’t feel like it but you are doing a great job. Have you considered focusing on education? Talking to people, putting out flyers about getting their own pets sterilised and how SNR can help solve the problems of street cat colonies and dog packs. Just a thought as it seems that the place you live doesn’t have a lot of information on how to deal with the problem of feral animals or the joys of adopting animals rather than going to bad backyard breeders. It wouldn’t be something you can change quickly, it can take a generation or more for the message to start to stick. My main focus would be on teaching children as they will grow up as the next generation of pet owners. Still working on educating the adults but doing all you can to get into schools and youth groups the spread the message. Obviously it is not your sole responsibility to do this and even if you decide you can’t do more than the awesome job you already do that is quite understandable. Best wishes x

[@jelatinosa]

@@rimaahali9251 it really is! I used to live in Aguada and even with support and working with groups from Aguada and Rincón, it was a lot of work for a few small groups of people. I used to form part of a group called ADA(Aguadeños en Defensa de los Animales) and we worked with ARF and DAR from Rincon, you probably heard of ARF as they're the "bigger" older group. I'm so bummed they stopped Spayathon, first because of the government and some greedy vets and then the final blow of covid. Volunteering in those events made me feel like I was really helping again. If you went to the one in your town, we may have crossed paths, I was there! I really hope they come back soon!

[@jelatinosa]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@e-blackheart]

Thank you, I got out of control last year. I always rescued cats. I would spay, nueter, vaccinate and find homes for them all out of my pocket. But last 2 years there were so many kittens. I got overwhelmed, the cats had taken over my place. My family was on me to greet rid of them but I couldn't just get rid of them. I felt so guilty if I they didn't go to a good home and they didn't get it. I felt ashamed and scared at the same time. I didn't know where to turn to for help. Eventually I found rescues to help me. But I know the shame, fear and depression....

[@danrothenhoefer4634]

Having compassion for another living being is never something to be ashamed of.

[@KM-pm6qe]

That explains a lot about why hoarders “hoard” and can’t let go of the cats. The concern about the cats going to good homes is understandable and even admirable, but when it’s excessive, it rises to the level of anxiety disorder and interferes with good judgment. Thank you for bravely sharing your experience and perspective. I hope you were able to get treatment for your anxiety and other emotional challenges.

[@e-blackheart]

@@KM-pm6qe thank you, I have and it's a continuous struggle that I have to remind myself not to do it again. I have my original 3 a 14 year old and two 10 year old sisters. I don't want to risk losing them.

[@e-blackheart]

@@KM-pm6qe The max number of cats/kittens i had at one time was 23.

[@KM-pm6qe]

@@e-blackheart the most I ever had was 4, and I used to get some ribbing about it, but I can certainly understand the impulse. I think all animal lovers can, to some extent, to want to save them all. But we have to be realistic, and fair to the animals we already have. I believe excessive feelings of guilt and responsibility come from a deeper place of trauma that probably needs the aid of psychotherapy to understand and process. Again, thank you and best wishes for your healing.

[@Lerrae1908]

In real situations my ethos begins with the statement, "The moment someone feels attacked, all learning stops." We never get anywhere when we're always fighting each other and simply coming in with a different opinion is enough to trigger some people into feeling attacked. Hoarding is almost ALWAYS the *side effects* of an untreated mental health problem. You wouldn't scream at someone who is depressed to stop being depressed.

[@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376]

You couldn't be more right. I've never hoarded animals but in some situations where I feel judged even if I know I'm in the wrong I would lash out. I think everyone can get better just with compassion.

[@suemick8709]

Brilliant!

[@noradennis4361]

Maybe not even a mental issue unless caring is a mental issue. I had a stray ginger tom who was hit by a car come to my porch and where ever I called, including the humane society, they would have put him down. Well thanks to the a local feline organization to my area, they, with half a payment from my husband, (it cost $600.00 total) got his back legs and spine fixed. We ended up adopting him and called him Lucky Chance. 🙂. We had three cats and ended up with four. 😄. Not what we planned but it was well worth it.

[@lindaa2437]

@Kat Mann Very well stated! We need more people who think like you do. The world would be a MUCH better place.

[@emskers]

When she said that people just drop their cats off there😒 I cant even imagine ever doing that to my cats.

[@Backinblackbunny009]

I've seen people abandon their cats When moving since I moved to nc.

[@jcrefasi1]

Consider this: it isn't always owners that drop off their cats! It could be heartless relatives of the deceased owner who would rather dump the problem than have a shelter put it to sleep. Or a creepy neighbor who is tired of paw prints and scratches on their car or feces in their garden.

[@jcrefasi1]

@@Backinblackbunny009 now that is just heartless cruel and insane. I think I would mail a letter to their former address hoping they are having their mail forwarded to the new address. I would tell them what heartless scum I think they are. Wouldn't help their abandoned pet but would sure make me feel better!

[@aliyahk2965]

Also sometimes when people's cats have kittens they dump them instead of finding homes for them

[@justcogitating]

I think the whole point of this video was about being non-judgemental...

[@bromque]

As someone with OCD, it feels great that you're shedding light on this aspect of the disorder. Its so complex!

[@SilkaLiveDoll]

... oof. I felt this one. Being a semi-recovered hoarder myself, I found this vid SUPER relatable.

[@birgittazandhers9257]

🥰🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛❣

[@Dr.RatioSnail]

I love that you are a recovered hoarder takes a lot to recover

[@18puppies91]

Just know we are here if you ever need help!

[@TeaLovingBre]

Congrats on recovery 💖

[@shannonfick7170]

Congratulations on your recovery ❤️ We’re all here for you as a community

[@3Mysty3]

i'm literally in tears. i never judged cat hoarders, i can relate, but i never thought of how they can be helped. thanks for the informative video!

[@joyceedwards6112]

I adopted a young cat from a hoarding situation. He was so sick with bronchitis that I didn't name him because I didn't think he'd make it. Two years later he is a spoiled beautiful kitty. 😻

[@mushroomcat6720]

awwwww

[@lidruth2342]

He lived so did he get a name?

[@karamellcreme]

Tell us the name!!

[@kittypixie.x]

spectacular. what’s his name

[@NurmaBP]

Aww 💕 thank you.

[@sg-ww4km]

Basically your helped transforming a cat hoarder to a cat under-control-colony watcher. Bravo!

[@miniaturecookingshorts]

A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere

[@KirksCORNER-1983]

What about a black human??

[@samuelrios535]

Gooner KIRK FLETCH bruh

[@KirksCORNER-1983]

@@samuelrios535 ??

[@samanthaquinlan4126]

I've always seen it as good luck cos I get to pet a lil panther..... but your right :)

[@kitwhitfield7169]

Here in the UK it’s considered good luck!

[@ana_lynn_w2959]

I used to have a family member who was like this. When she started going to counseling I think it allowed her to start making some positive changes in her cat hoarding situation. Eventually she started volunteering at a spay and neuter clinic and doing cat fostering. though she still a hoarder and other ways I think she's got a lot more of a positive situations with the cats because she trusts the people who do the adoptions so she's more willing to let go of the cats she's fostering. A lot of these people deal with PTSD, abandonment issues. Trust issues… All that you highlighted in your video. These people are victims in their own rights and a lot of victims are manipulated to feel shame. A lot of these people don't have access to mental health professionals and what Hannah said to do is absolutely one of the best things you can do. Show compassion. I love this video!

[@infracta300]

Okay, but could Svetlana be more of a lovebug? No, the answer is no.

[@pr0v0cative4pple]

I know right, the way that she's just falling asleep in Hannah's arms... Absolute sweetheart.

[@scaredsanty857]

Lady: "Hey everyone! This is my new foster kitren, Svetlana!" Me, Svetlana: 👁👄👁

[@svetlanayaroshevskaya7077]

true ))

[@derpychickadee3964]

This is a great way of explaining! My cats were both rescued from hoarder as kittens. They look like a 100% purebred Exotic Shorthair and I get “So sweet! What breeder did you get them from?” All the time and end up having to explain they came from a hoarders not a breeder. Then everyone goes “Oh no! Hoarders are so terrible” And I don’t know how to respond. But this video will definitely help explaining 😸

[@elizabethlowes6501]

I also have a rescued hoarded kitty, so I also get this quite a bit. I usually start with pointing out that hoarding is classified as a disorder, it's not something that they choose to do, and that a lot of the time, the person is living in just as bad conditions as their animals, then lead it into a discussion about mental issues, shame, etc and so on. Take it away from "ohes noes, teh poor kitehs" to "hey, let's have a rational discussion about how condemnation isn't the same thing as helping end a bad situation". Hope this also helps you a bit :)

[@Kt-cn2rq]

I has 3 kitten and I was able to give one to a lady who lucky her birthday and the husband couldn't order anything from Amazon during Hurricane Harvey. The other two I was going show her but they hid so well at my mil and found them asleep under her rocking chair so I assumed they were close to each other. I was suppose only have one but glad I kept them both. 3 years later of course found a sad little kitten chasing us when about to leave a friend auto shop. Patted her when walking kids to the car husband said she after the kids and I guess she chose us as her owners. I think secretly my husband was wanting keep her since he was hugging her when went pick him up 😆

[@evasartorius9528]

I am big fan of the 'adopt don't shop' movement. You get the best critters that way. When I was really ill a few years ago about all I could do was sit in the sun and watch them.

[@traekas7228]

Are Exotic Shorthair Cats similar to or the same as Oriental Shorthair Cats? In your opinion, I mean?

[@MimiWalburga]

I think I would tell them that not the hoarders, but the breeders are the terrible people here. And that the hoarders wouldn't even feel the need to take on so many cats if it wasn't for the breeders, who keep producing more cats although shelters are packed already.

[@Heymrk]

When my orange tabby Spot was alive, we would watch Hoarders together. He liked watching the cats on the screen. I'd look at him and say, "You don't know how good you've got it." He'd always look at me and meow when I said that. He was the dude. You know, the duder, dudearino, el dudester. I miss him. Damned male-related kidney problems.

[@mollysreadings4845]

❤️

[@blasphemoustoast]

I'm sorry to hear that my guy :( If you get another cat you should feed them wet food. Dried Kibble is absolutely horrible for the kidneys, or so I've heard.

[@Heymrk]

@@blasphemoustoast The vet prescribed him a pH balanced dry food specifically for kidney issues. He ate it most of his life. A diet of only wet food is just as bad for their bowels. I do have two more cats now-- both male-- and thankfully neither have kidney issues.

[@blasphemoustoast]

@@Heymrk Ah ok, good to know, I'm planning on getting a cat soon but I'm definitely still learning and your vet certainly knows more than I. I'm glad that your new cats are healthy!

[@a.m.1534]

@@blasphemoustoast wet food is good on occasion, it’s also good if the cat isn’t getting enough moisture. for most cats though, a high quality dry food and ample fresh water is good. the dry food helps them clean their teeth and get the excess plaque off^^ there’s a lot online out there from better sources than just me that talk about dry vs wet food, i definitely suggest reading those! good luck with your new fur buddy!

[@PuppyPlootes]

My cat, Sprinkles came from our small town's Cat Hoarder. Animal control came and took away about 50 of the cats. They were taken to our local shelter, and my family adopted one of them because my brother had been begging for one. Sprinkles was terrified of us, and literally scratched my Dad when we were bringing him home for the first time. (Sprinkles never scratched us after that- for 3 years) I got to speak to the woman who hoarded these cats personally, and she was such a sweetheart. She seemed quite troubled, and I hope she gets the help she needs.

[@believer365]

Awww what a touching story, may God bless you all and the cats ☺️❤️

[@bronchiaosaurus4804]

Did you name sprinkles after Angela’s cat?

[@evasartorius9528]

I have known some hoarders and they are good people, they care about something no one else seems to care about. A stray. I love the people in these videos. They are so kind and caring, not in a big fancy way that gets them stardom. Just pure compassion for the world. They make it a better place.

[@bb-gp3lm]

So it's ok to forgive animal abusers? NOTED LOL

[@evasartorius9528]

@@bb-gp3lm Stop being an a$$.

[@bjjones1969]

I weeped and weeped. Yes, “hoarders” are just that, caring and good intentioned but help is hard to find. My husband and I lived near someone who had many many cats. Were not getting neutered and so you can imagine the situation. My husband got his certificate for catch and release. We neutered the outside cats & took in kittens that are now 6 years old. Still with us thriving and live on a lake house. We need to help those who have little means. Even for education and show compassion. Because compassion is key. Love your neighbor says the scriptures. I love cats because they are not looked on well. People mistreat them and neglect them. But we who know more must teach those who don’t know about these beautiful creatures. They have personalities that want to shine. And they love people oh how they love people!

[@isstinna]

Svetlana is a Russian name, and short for it is Sveta. The name means "light" (as in sunlight).

[@kristinbyers6275]

Thanks for sharing. Little light?

[@soggyeggos5093]

I love that

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Aww, that's adorable!

[@priyankashahi5921]

& Sveta/Sweta in Hindi means White/Pure/Serene.

[@multiplefandomlover7179]

Thank you for sharing this perspective, I would never have realized how isolating it truly is to be caring for so many animals and not be able to get the resources to help them properly, which can lead to so much misunderstanding between hoarders and the people they're surrounded by. This level of empathy is so important, not just for animals, but for humans as well.

[@Dr.RatioSnail]

I just about cried when you started talking about her saying thank you to the food and it made me emotional.

[@deusexmagica]

i cried at that part 😭

[@kanoosh78]

That's the point where I immediately teared up.

[@t_rizer]

Me too!! Crying ever since.

[@averywillow4327]

Oh, cat lady, I didn't know it was possible to love you more but you're compassionate to cats AND humans in hard situations ❣️

[@thebellamays]

There’s a woman that lives by me who would be categorized as a cat hoarder. But in reality she takes in all of the strays in our neighborhood and cares for them. I received all three of my cats from her and they were well taken care of.

[@TheAdrift]

@@shadowdancer909 that’s true! If the cats are well taken care of, and the person is not opposed to parting with some of them, we’d probably just call that person “someone who devotes a lot of time to cats,” or “an independent cat shelter operator.” It crosses the line into hoarding when the situation is out of control, and the person either can’t see it or can’t improve it, yet they keep acquiring and keeping more cats.

[@OmqSparklez]

some rando Yeah, I think people judge on number of animals, but I knew an animal hoarder with 6 dogs and I think 4 cats at the time. That’s not necessarily the extreme numbers people think, but it was a cycle of acquiring animals, neglecting them, all of these animals were vicious and the dogs were a danger to the cats and to people... it was awful. Luckily the animals were removed and the person got help (it was an inherited mental illness, really. His mom hoarded items, he hoarded animals. Both situations were horrific to see) but.. yeah. It’s more complex than “a lot of animals”

[@KrazySaneGirl]

@@TheAdrift I believe the term would be closer to "colony caregiver".

[@OmqSparklez]

@@KrazySaneGirl You're only a colony caregiver if you're... caring for a colony. Not everyone who has a lot of well-taken care of indoor cats is a colony caregiver, and not every colony caretaker is taking those cats into their home or even able to, the two experiences are not 1:1, they're distinct.

[@KrazySaneGirl]

@@OmqSparklez Oh right, yes, a lot of them were indoor. Fair point.

[@chelseamorning4640]

Thank you so much for being so kind on such a difficult subject. Hoarding, and mental illness, runs in my family and so often people look at it with disgust and pity. I struggle with hoarding myself-- it comes and goes with mood swings (I have bipolar type 2), my husband does his best to keep it under control. One hard limit we have set is no more pets. We already have 3 cats in a studio apartment with the two of us and our 7 month old daughter... but the urge is there. I brought home a sick little kitten once-- a tiny little orange baby whose eyes weren't even open yet-- covered in fleas and so, so weak. I stayed up all night with this little thing, I was so afraid he wouldn't make it... and in the morning he was so lethargic, barely responding to any stimuli. My husband convinced me to take the kitten to a shelter, we just don't have the means or the space or the time to give a kitten in that bad of condition the care it would need to survive. Ever since, we've had the rule of no more pets... I still cry thinking about that little kitty, hoping I did the right thing and wishing I knew that everything worked out for the little guy but part of me knows what often happens to little sick babies at the shelter...

[@Sohraiyah1]

Hoarders are people who just get overwhelmed and cannot find their way out.

[@SilkaLiveDoll]

That's definitely part of it, yes.

[@tareag993]

True

[@synonymous_]

Not an excuse for animals abuse. I used to work with shelters cleaning out hoarders homes and holy shit the depravity that I have seen

[@vba2469]

@@synonymous_ it's neither an excuse for the bad consequences their actions can have NOR a justification for the blame and judgement thrown their way (!). You know, judgement like using words such as "depravity" (talk about a loaded word). It just is. It's a matter of fact. It's simply that the world isn't black and white and hoarding isn't about being EVIL. That doesn't mean we should let it happen and look away. It's about understanding, to better cure.

[@bb-gp3lm]

animal control is a solution. they just don't use it.

[@strumminronin]

Thank you for showing, and proving that "communication skills" is so much more than just having and idea and delivering it. What they don't teach at school, learn it from rescuing cats.

[@andrewgnys6285]

I was born with the mental illness schizophrenia and I love my animals. I have meet people that mean well but they have trouble looking after themselves besides 20 cats. I have 2 at the moment down from 5 but some people I meet have many more. I have even meet a lady that is known as the "cat lady". She drives around industrial areas feeding the strays and trying to catch them and get them help. Love your channel and hope it grows.

[@abdul2074]

I didn't know you could been born with schizo are you sure

[@amice1200]

@@abdul2074 Google FTW, dude. Less confrontational, that way.

[@andrewgnys6285]

@@abdul2074 Yeah my mother has it too. Some people get it of drugs or their surroundings.

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

@@abdul2074 “schizo” is definitely not the way to say this, it’s generally pretty offensive. And yes, you are always born with it. It may not actually show until later, but you don’t “catch” schizophrenia. You always have it.

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

@@andrewgnys6285 you don’t “get” schizophrenia from drugs, you’re born with it. Usually it’s dormant/inactive when you’re born and something triggers it.

[@WarriorVinyard]

100% spot on. They love cats, but get overwhelmed.

[@barbmanley3114]

Yes, let's help with more rescues and adopting, so it takes a burden off others. In other words, let's share the burden. But it's Not a burden, if you love animals, in particular Cats (or dogs). Let's just help when and as much as we can, if possible. And Pray ,. Pray for GODS HELP. AFTER ALL THEY COME FROM HIM.!!!

[@barbmanley3114]

To JJ Vineyard and all

[@barbmanley3114]

And to All: yes let's All hep if we can so that animal lovers don't get so Overwhelmed!!!

[@RamenNoodle1985]

You can thank Animal Cops for vilifying cat hoarders. Most are just people who are overwhelmed, scared, and have no one to get help from. Blessings on you and Andrew for being that positive point of contact.

[@zammmerjammer]

I used to watch animal cops and I always felt incredibly sorry for the hoarders. They were usually living in absolutely squalid conditions along with their cats and were totally overwhelmed.

[@flagal519]

I agree, and I would like to think that most 'hoarders' are not bad people, but hurting people. Like Kitten Lady said, unless there is a cruelty situation , most people mean well and just get overwhelmed.

[@conribarnes1373]

Animal Cops would also show the worst of the worst. The cases where you do need to get the animals out of there ASAP. Which if you think about it makes sense, cause those are the type of cases where animal control and/or the police are brought in. The problem is, most people just think of that worst case scenario when they hear cat hoarder. And don’t stop to think about what the situation might actually be like. And they want it to be a black and white issue, but it’s really not.

[@synonymous_]

I find it reprehensible that this video is making animal abuse and malnourishment palatable.

[@conribarnes1373]

@@synonymous_ You’re missing the point of the video. Those things are obviously not okay. The video is about how to fix the problem by showing compassion and working with the hoarder.

[@sarcastiquea415]

As a fellow cat foster, this video was extremely helpful in opening my understanding of cat hoarders. Many of the cats I have fostered have come from cat hoarders or overcrowded fostering situations from other fosters who took on more than they thought they could handle. I've never been one to openly judge anyone's situation but I have had a thought or two! This video really helped me see a different, more compassion and kind side of the story. Thank you!!!

[@ThirtyBooks]

You treated the woman like one of your spicy kittens, with kindness and dignity (and not taking yourself too seriously). We need more kindness in the world. Thank you.

[@stormycat4857]

Thank you so much for putting this video out to inform people. I have never felt hatred towards cat hoarders, just sadness. I read a book recently, and although it was fictional, it gave a really good perspective. A really old lady with dementia kept adopting cats because she loved them, but then she forgot about them. All of the cats were locked inside the small house. They were barely fed, no one had cleaned their litter boxes in months, they kept giving birth, and they kept getting diseases and dying. Throughout all of this, the old lady was unaware and just continued to love her cats that she thought she was taking care of. In the end, the cats were saved and the old lady went to the hospital, but even in the end one of the cats realized that the old lady did it out of love. Sorry for that, I just felt that it went well with the video, I hope y’all that read this far have a nice day :D

[@fosterfarmsadventures4270]

One of my cats came from a hoarder. The woman was mass producing devon rex. She took them to a shelter that my mom worked at and surrender them because her apartment was going to kick her and the cats out, and we fostered a litter of them. Also we kept one. But I don't think she meant to mass produced the cats. I think it went out of control. In the end she wanted to save the cats.

[@karenmacdonald6190]

I love how compassionate you are for everyone.

[@cherrycordiaI]

Svetlana is just an ANGEL. She's so loveably sweet.

[@lisaleone2296]

I have 7 cats. In theory I would love to have even more because they bring me so much joy. But I've realized I'm at my limit in terms of what I can reasonably take care of. Plus there's no more room on the bed :) Seriously, you're so sweet and always have a fresh perspective on these situations that people need to hear. Keep up the good work!

[@mcdudette]

You are a very compassionate person. You care about people and animals alike. The world is a better place because of you 🤗

[@l82theparty4]

I had a relative who was blind. She was living on her own, the same thing happed to her. People dropped off unwanted cats. She fed them but was unable to “care” for them. Thank you for talking about kindness.

[@Euphoria-m5w]

I totally agree, this was 100% on point! Hopefully this opens up people’s minds about hoarding..

[@jeandixon586]

Hannah, you are such a KIND person. Kind to animals goes without saying. But the understanding and wisdom you carry for humans is phenomenal.

[@MustardSeedish]

That kitten is living her best life.

[@pthaloblue100]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have a dear friend that is the kindest soul in the world, but over time slid into cat hoarding do to physical disability, illness, loss of her job, death of close family members and depression. Those cats meant everything in the world to her and she felt so much prejudice and disdain from people all the time! It was heartbreaking to try and help her and still watch her struggle. I'm happy to say she has finally been able to move into a better situation and the cats have found homes. I'm so grateful that you explained a sensible way to help, those kind acts would have made a world of difference to my friend and the cats that depended on her sooner.

[@00bikeboy]

I've never run into a cat hoarder, or any hoarder for that matter, but if I ever do I'll remember your wise, kind words. Thanks Kitten Lady!

[@Ntshgardner]

Thank you so much for all you do!!! One of my neighbors is starting to become a cat hoarder. Not in the sense that she wanted to be, but strays would show up and she would feed them. Unfortunately they were not sterile and they continued to breed. I decided this week I want to TNR them. They all look healthy but I want to build trust with her and get them all sterile eventually. One by one like you did in your case. ❤️

[@jodyj8528]

It has been two years, were you able to help the neighbor out with some of these goals? :-) I hope so!

[@adriankenny6946]

I wanna thank you for being compassionate and trying to stop ableism in the community. It really means a lot

[@MrKatzenmutti53]

Thank you for an enlightening video that (correctly, I believe) treats these people with the compassion they so desperately need. As a 67year-old woman, I am extremely grateful that so many younger people like you are addressing these issues with thoughtful positivity. Your Orphan Kitten Club is a cause I am proud to support!💖

[@robloxroxplayz6667]

Cats are literally the best animals ever! Edit: OMG THIS IS THE MOST LIKES I EVER GOT

[@evasartorius9528]

Dogs too, :))

[@robloxroxplayz6667]

@@evasartorius9528 ya

[@jimometric-roblox3827]

RobloxRox Playz yaaa

[@jenniferdinan189]

YAS

[@sandralee9051]

Thank you for sharing, I've got 25 , 18 of them live outside, 35 lb of cat food a week, I've got them spade and nuderd with the last 3 months. Thank to a charity helping me. ♡

[@orsue8384]

Thank you for opening my eyes to a more compassionate understanding and approach for something I was very ignorant about.

[@GaelissFelin]

agreed. never would have thought of cat hoarders this way, but i get it now. they need help not judgment!

[@heathermiller7478]

How lovely this video is, thank you Kitten Lady, and the 13k gentle folks who validate this mindset...Always be kinder than necessary to everyone you meet, you never really know what kind of battle that person is fighting until you have proven you are not a threat to their mental balance... This video is balm to the soul of a 50yo for anyone who personally battles their "hoarder gene" like myself.

[@TJtheBee]

You’re so compassionate and kind. I got a lot of resistance from my friends for being empathetic about difficult situations, to the point I worry I’m too empathetic. But you’re an amazing person with tons of empathy, too. That’s incredible.

[@pookiehoney]

I'm so empathetic that if I see someone get hurt or if they tell me about their injuries I feel their pain physically. For instance if I see someone stub their toe instantly feel the pain and cry out Lol there's a name for this craziness (forgot) and I thought I was the only weirdo who did this but apparently I'm not. I need a support group.

[@docsci]

Kitten Lady, this is PERFECT advice. Having worked TNR in my community for many years, this is exactly how we approach caretakers of large colonies...we treat them as comrades in arms, rather than as enemies.

[@katieg9551]

As a social work student, I so admire your approach to these situations, as it reflects how social workers are taught to approach similar situations. A lot of people don’t realize that hoarding is actually its own mental disorder as well. Like you said, this disorder is often linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders, so it needs to be treated with the same understanding and kindness all people with mental illnesses deserve

[@anniekooper3122]

Not true. I am a vet, I know people who owns 5 or more cats, they are happy, unselfish individuals who cares. If you own 20 wigs or 20 pairs of shoes or 30 Pairs of earrings would that mean you have a mental problem?

[@zahraa4149]

@@anniekooper3122 that's not even close to hoarding. Putting cats aside for a second, people who hoard things are unable to throw anything away, and they keep collecting new things even if they physically have no space for them. Their houses are a mess. Buying 30 pairs of shoes isn't hoarding

[@sherriedennehy6474]

I love this!!! I find so often in the cat rescue community that people have huge hearts and lots of compassion for cats, but that doesn't always extend to people. In my experience, cat hoarders have huge hearts but don't have the means or connections to support their compassion. 💓💓

[@impressionsofjapan8683]

Your immense amount of empathy blows my mind. I've only ever gotten upset when hearing about hoarding situations. Thank you for showing a different approach!

[@heatherdean7793]

You are a bright light. Truly a gifted teacher and caregiver.

[@rn2787]

I have never turned a cat away so I understand how this happens. I would find homes for most them especially when there were too many showing up. I've helped about 100 or so animals find homes and I don't think I would have it in me to turn any away, but at some point I would probably have to take them to a shelter luckily that hasn't happened yet.

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

“We love cats too.” What a way to build bridge. Love it. Thank you for sharing such an important message.

[@MissingmyBabbu]

I've never thought animal hoarders (with few exceptions where there's intentional animal cruelty) to be bad people. Just people out of control of their animal situation. I don't always think the state needs to step in either- unless there's severe health hazards involved or if there's cruelty or neglect, what they need is community support.

[@FeralCatSanctuary]

Oh, you are so right! I really think the communities need to step in and help. The usual situation is that cats are dropped off as soon as they know there is a feral colony that is being cared for. Happens all the time in my colony. While it is horribly frustrating I can at least be glad they didn't throw the cat out without any resources to care for him/herself.

[@P4ndieEy3ss]

So many people are haughty and judgy, instead of being kind and compassionate. Nothing good ever comes of looking down your nose at someone. This video was such a breath of fresh air, so positive and uplifting. And that kitten is so smoochy!

[@erindavis5308]

A local cat hoarder’s house just burned down yesterday. Our local shelter rescued over 90 cats and dogs from that one house.

[@Christina.N.]

Oh. My. GOD.

[@skippyjonjones23]

Svetlana is such sweetheart! When she started making biscuits on the blankie I teared up. What a love bug!

[@eriklehnsherr5784]

I LOVE her! Her name. Her face. All if her! What a doll baby!

[@TheAdrift]

Props to you, Hannah, for cultivating such a non-toxic community. Nearly everyone commenting here are wonderful people that are so full of empathy and compassion 🥺 and you do a wonderful job of leading by example, as always! I have hoarders (of stuff, not animals) in my family, and I have some hoarding tendencies myself, and so many people are just like “why don’t you just get rid of stuff? Don’t you want to live a normal, nice life? Do you love your stuff more than me?” And people do talk about animal hoarders like “how could you do this to them?” You are so right when you say there’s lots of shame involved-from the community, sometimes from the city/town government in the form of code enforcers and/or animal control, and often-times the family of the hoarder, but mostly from themselves. Many hoarders know that people aren’t supposed to live like this, and the ones that don’t are the ones that DO have really severe hoarding disorder-obviously they’d need treatment, not shaming. Thank you again for all you do, and all your videos ❤️

[@teddynadell158]

Luv this video. I grew up in a hoarding situation. It was very difficult.

[@zPinkCat]

I feel for everyone who has to go through that. And when they’re a kid when that is going on just makes it so much worse

[@manifestationsofasort]

That sucks, mate.

[@Lia-A-Eastwood]

Teddy Nadell: May I ask. Are you a cat? 😉

[@carlyh6913]

God bless you for this, I have gone thru this, not with cats but having a messy house and being isolated due to PTSD, also a neglectful childhood. I felt so ashamed and didn't want anyone to come over. I got better because of understanding ppl like yourself

[@clemintide]

I don’t know what I was expecting clicking on this video but hearing how thoughtful and informative you are, the list of positives go on, really warmed my heart

[@haleymiller3586]

I am crying like a snotty nosed kindergartener. You're heart is huge and it shows. Thanks for your compassion.

[@oregonwriter743]

I love your kindness and generosity of spirit. Your love is uplifting and inspiring. Thank you for all the help you give everyone! ❤️❤️❤️

[@thesilverling1765]

Svetlana looks like the cutest, sweetest, biscuit making baby I’ve ever seen…

[@MrsTiffanyGrey]

We love you, Hannah. Thank you for encouraging and educating us to try and always choose the path of kindness. 🥰

[@shoshanakitty]

I wish more people could show this much empathy for people who just need help, but don't know how to ask for or accept it. Thank you for being such a shining example of compassion and non-judgement.

[@alessam3186]

Thank you for being so compassionate to both people and animals. Many people don't realize that hoarding is a mental disorder.

[@parryyotter]

Hoarding itself is not necessarily always a mental disorder. It can also be a symptom of other mental disorders.

[@alessam3186]

@@parryyotter That's true. :)

[@ScaryBoomBoomGun]

Thank you for showing that woman such kindness and gentleness. Love goes a long way in this world and we need more of it.

[@emilygarcia8064]

My day was a day of learning. I had a class today and now I end today with an informative video from the Kitten Lady......I’m loving it. I can’t wait for another video.

[@mannifinalsummer4544]

This is amazing. Thank you for showing kindness to people who are already shunned for different reasons and teach us about it. I never had contact to a hoarder before but if I ever stumble over one I'll try to keep your method of kindness and understanding in mind and act similar. Thank you!!

[@johannanewman7474]

First. I love this channel, I fostered newborn kittens too, with the help of your vids 😊

[@kwpp7]

You're so right about this. I've been involved in rescue for over a decade and have dealt with cat hoarders. More often than not there is a mental health issue involved or some sort of trauma that is manifesting in animal hoarding. These things deserve a compassionate touch.

[@binky8984]

You are a truly inspiring person! Thank you for being the generous, supportive, open-hearted and loving soul that you are. ♡

[@KirksCORNER-1983]

Your GORGEOUS

[@carolynallisee2463]

Thank you for being so compassionate and empathetic towards cat hoarders as well as cats! I think if you dig down deep enough, you might find many cat hoarders may have mental health issues. Of course there are those who started out with just one cute kitten. and before they really got to grips with matters had a dozen or more cats wandering their property. I have MHI's myself, and know how easy it could be for me to turn into a cat hoarder. I'm lucky in that I have family living nearby, who are aware of my MHI's and know when perhaps they need to step in to intervene. I have one cat right now, Lily, who is good therapy for me, and have only ever had a maximum of two cats at any one time. When it has looked like I might get more, the family has stepped in and managed to persuade me otherwise. It sounds to me like many cat hoarders are trying to help, trying to fill a void in their lives, and have no-one to step in and stop them when their obsession ( for let's face it, hoarders of any kind are obsessed) gets out of hand. Those who condemn cat hoarders should be less with the condemning and more with the helping!

[@April-yy3fg]

I’ve seen some genuinely heartbreaking hoarding situations for a variety of animals and while it’s hard to see, you absolutely right about how on the whole hoarders are well meaning and caring people. You’re approach is so amazingly compassionate and it can be something people could use in other situations too. I imagine the shame and isolation that someone who is homeless can feel and how extending judgement free help would open the door for them to get the right kind of aid they need to improve their lives ❤️

[@Raven_Blackrose]

I appreciate that you make videos explaining situations like this. People don’t always understand why others do things such as hoard cats or put out “free cats” signs.That in turn ends up causing them to villainize people that are doing things such as that. I think that bringing others into these types of lives and educating others is a very noble thing for you to do! You inspire me and so many others to keep doing these kinds of work, I actually have (ever since I was young and before I ever saw your yt channel or heard of you) wanted to become a rescue veterinarian/ a vet that works alongside rescue organizations. So thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart!!

[@jenofire8724]

I’ve been following your Instagram and KZbin for years. I’m so glad you help others. It’s the work you’ve been doing that has inspired me to foster kittens (after my husband leaves the military, they unfortunately won’t let us foster in military housing) when my husband retires. I wish I could do it sooner. Thank you for your educational videos and all the work you do. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jessicadelashmit9510]

I wish more rescuers were like you. I live in a community of people who don’t treat dogs properly and most of it is ignorance, they just don’t know, but it’s also cultural. They’ve never had a good example. Kindness wins the day!

[@4footedshadow]

On point- thank you for your insight on this issue. Your humanity and love that you extend to people in this situation has done more good than judgment ever did.

[@mysunni1]

People who don't care about cats don't generally HAVE cats. It's people who LOVE cats and who feel society is throwing them away, abusing, and ignoring them, who turn into hoarders when they are no longer able to financially/physically/emotionally support them. Hoarders NEVER start out as bad people. Your approach is the caring and the right one. After all, it's the CATS who are in great need of help and it's the CATS we care about!

[@cozykittens9634]

Hi, kind of off topic but I wanted to say thank you. I rescued a kitten that was born right in a backyard. We recently took her to a shelter and we think she will get adopted really soon! She is a little over a year old so still pretty young. Thank you for teaching me!

[@amirabannour2380]

I really love your approach to this and I hope a lot of people will take this to heart. By helping the person in need, you are helping the cats. That’s a big step in a good direction. Looking at a situation from the outside and assuming only the bad is never good

[@rebeccagriffith905]

Thank You Hannah for speaking out for cat hoarders. I found myself in a similar situation a few years ago when I had to quit work to care for my husband. Our problem got outta hand because we lived in the country and people would drop off the Mama's to be. Luckily one of our state's ASPCA chapters was offering free spay/neutering and rabies vaccinations. And when they came they were surprised that the colony was so well behaved they asked If I minded if they put some up for adoption. Absolutely! I was so happy They were able to take 15 of our crew and place them in good homes. So you are so on point. Thanks again and Bless you and your other half for all you do for these babies.

[@TsumeAri]

Your patience extends far beyond kitties. Thank you.

[@leahandersen5087]

What a great video! And Svetlana’s air biscuits- I can’t with the cutenesssss 💕

[@WaltersMama]

thank you for your compassionate take on hoarding, it's a complex mental health issue and if anyone is interested in learning more I recommend this book: Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things

[@synonymous_]

Ah yes, let us excuse people using sentient beings as pawns for their mental illness

[@kaylaandjimbryant8258]

@@synonymous_ nobody's excusing hoarders. What I'm seeing is people trying to understand what motivates hoarders and get them the help they obviously need. You obviously need the plank pulled out of your eyes before complaining about the dust motes in others eyes