Cats before kids?

Recently I decided that I'd like a cat. I checked with my landlord and he was ok with it. Rather than have a kitten I thought I'd give a home to a rescue or abandoned cat, some poor little creature that nobody wants. So I set to Googling 'rescue cats' to find some animal shelters to ring.

I imagined that I would call them up and say
'I'd like to give a home to an unwanted moggy.' To which they'd reply -
'What a wonderful, caring person you are. If only there were more people in the world like you, please come down and choose which one you'd like.'

But, oh no, it doesn't work like that.

First you have to fill in an appication form. Then you have to go for a face to face interview - with an animal worker, not a cat (that comes later). If that goes ok, arrangements are made to come and visit your home to check its suitability and to see if any adaptions need to be made in order to house a cat. Once that is completed, the shelter will decide which cats in their care they think would be happy living with you. Then, and only then, you can choose from the ones they have selected.

My God. Lack of eggs and offers aside, I could easily bring a child into the world without being vetted for my suitabiity as a parent. Indeed there are thousands of children in this country being brought up by parents who shouldn't even be in charge of a pot plant.

I can understand that animal lovers don't want rescue cats to come out of the frying pan straight into the fire but isn't it taking things a bit too far? Besides, it all seems a bit speciesist. I'm sure the same rigorous checks aren't carried out on behalf of guinea pigs or budgies. Don't they have the right do a decent life too?

I think I'll stick with my pet rock.