TBH I think the lady felt she couldn't cope with him and no malice was intended.
I see a lot of elderly people who feel (or in quite a few cases ARE) unable to cope with their cats and it is sad. Mind you I'm sure we've all come across the 70 yearolds who demand to have a kitten, the coventry rspca got slated for refusing a kitten to an old lady a few years ago. They were trying to persuade her to take an older cat. I think they were right to take that stand though they did not receive much public support, mainly due to the slanted reporting (Its a shame they aren't so critical over other things they do but I suppose in those cases there's no one to speak up and look hurt )
A lady I occaisionally help out has mobility problems and 3 cats so I tend to do the vet run for her. But she struggles with medicating the cats (God knows, I have problems with mine at times lol) and the water bowls are usually full of sliime etc. She 'lives' for her cats who are all in their teens and its odd on who will be the last standing.
Its why now, approaching my 50th, I have said I will have no more of my own as Goose, if I'm lucky will see me to well past retirement age. Mind you I'm not committing myself to sticking to the statement yet!
and I'm sure a few oldies will slip in over the years.
Anyway, back to Brodie, the neck is looking a little drier today though the sod will keep scratching it. We have given his paws a trim and I'm contemplating getting him some booties or something. If anyone has any suggestions as to how I can help relieve the itching or stop him scratching please let me know. He's fine when I'm with him fussing him but I can't be on guard 24/7.
Edited to say I have just ordered some of those 'soft claws' to see if putting some on his back feet will do some damage limitation. Will let you know how it goes!