Man Drove 2 Hours To Adopt A Cat, The Owner Crushed His Heart With These Texts
Alex Andreou wanted some cats.
The Greek-born UK-based writer and actor has a stable home and income. He has a background in law and economics, he’s given TED Talks, and he runs the Sturdy Beggars Theatre Company. Andreou is responsible, and more than capable of caring for a pet.
Instead of buying his cats from a pet store, Andreou made a humane decision, and drove two hours to pick a pair up that “desperately needed rehoming,” he said.

Source: YouTube/TEDx Talks
Alex Andreou giving a TED Talk on politics and immigrants in London’s East End.
But when he got there, the owner turned him down.
So, I just travelled two hours to adopt a cat that desperately needed rehoming and was turned down for being gay. WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE. pic.twitter.com/XDwYELdkn7
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 22, 2017
After questioning Andreou about his sexuality through text message, it was clear they were not interested in rehoming their animals with a gay man.
So now I'm on the bus and I'm sobbing and people are staring at me because the truth is it hurts as much as when I was 8 years old.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 22, 2017
“So, I just travelled two hours to adopt a cat that desperately needed rehoming and was turned down for being gay,” Andreou tweeted. “WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE.”
A friend of Andreou’s agreed to help him get the cat, be she too was turned away.
I have another update and it's not good news. This just in, from the friend who was getting the kitties for me. pic.twitter.com/5fSW7oVqvU
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
Then, the story took a strange twist. Andreou did some research and learned the owner had turned several people down, even though she had been advertising the cats for months.
THE PLOT THICKENS! I did a reverse image search. Curious to see if she responds. Quite clear there are no cats. Just a strange power-trip. pic.twitter.com/dxxuemtzxs
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
He found the same picture she used for her cats on the website of a company that makes French windows.
“They’re clearly not your cats,” he wrote the owner in a text message. “Why would you make all this up just to upset people?”
She just called me!!! Says I'm right, she's been advertising for months and has rejected a lot of people, but only out of love for the cats.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
The woman eventually called Andreou back and admitted he was right.
“She also said the reason she used a stock photo is that she doesn’t have a camera and all cats look the same,” Andreou tweeted.
The upshot is I am REALLY ready for some cat-love after all this BS. So, if in London and looking to rehome a cat (two even better), DM me.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
I live in Bermondsey, work from home, am a "seasoned" cat parent with a good local vet, and own my flat, incl. large enclosed outside space.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
The story doesn’t end there. Before long, Andreou was fielding messages from all over London; caring cat lovers offering support, love, and kitties.
So. Many. Kitties.
HELLO TWITTER. HERE IS YOUR HAPPY ENDING.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
I present brothers George Meowchael-Andreou (left) and Freddie Purrcury-Andreou (right). pic.twitter.com/UZfBgmD2SD
“HELLO TWITTER. HERE IS YOUR HAPPY ENDING,” Andreou posted, along with his two new feline friends, George Meowchael-Andreou and Freddie Mercury-Andreou.
George and Freddy came from a local shelter, were neutered shortly after Andreou could claim them, and were soon enjoying life in their new forever home.
Screw bigotry. Kindness wins.
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 23, 2017
Over and out,
Freddie, George, and Alex