Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: lizfraser on January 20, 2013, 12:16:44 PM

Title: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: lizfraser on January 20, 2013, 12:16:44 PM
A friend of a friend needs to rehome her two kitties and I have been asked if I am interested.  They are currently about 2-3 miles away, but there is a major roundabout and roads between us and them.  I would obviously keep them in for a while to get their bearings on this area, but was just wondering if we are too close. What does anybody think?
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: Skiddaw on January 20, 2013, 13:46:23 PM
I think it'll be fine as long as you keep them indoors for a few weeks to reorintate.
Title: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: caledonia on January 20, 2013, 13:55:01 PM
I would agree with skiddaw... I think that's fine if they are kept inside for a while :-)
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: CarolM (Wendolene) on January 20, 2013, 15:45:29 PM
Yes I would agree too.  Once they've got used to their new home they should be fine.  I know you hear stories of cats going back to their old homes but I think they're very much a minority.
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 20, 2013, 17:34:00 PM
I think it does mean a few weeks, 6 weeks should do it  ;D
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: Hippykitty on January 21, 2013, 01:41:57 AM
You don't mention how old the cats are. The older they are, the longer they need to be kept in imho. For an adult cat (over 6mths -ish) I think 6 weeks would be fine. If they are over 2yrs, I'd be tempted to keep them in for 2mths or more.

My theory is: the older the cat, the more bonded to its territory he/she will be.
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: Jiji on January 21, 2013, 07:53:41 AM
You could always try buttering their paws  :innocent:
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: lizfraser on January 22, 2013, 00:01:06 AM
They are 7 and 5.  Now I have decisions to make.  If I don't take them they will end up in rescue, but if I do then I cannot help the two I fell in love with at Chestnut Cat Sanctuary last week.  Oh to have the financial resources to have a houseful, but I would end up a mad cat lady....just as well OH and my daughters all share my love of animals. Think with two parrots, two rabbits, and tropical fish, that four kitties would be pushing my luck!
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: CarolM (Wendolene) on January 22, 2013, 00:25:21 AM
Its a very difficut decision and one only you can make, but you must feel comfortable with your choice and it were me I'd go with my heart.  Don't feel guilty about whichever pair you are unable to take; either way you will be helping two cats and that's what matters.  :hug: 
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: Hippykitty on January 23, 2013, 02:06:47 AM
Much as we want to, we can't help every cat in the world. What are the conditions in Chestnut Cat Sanctuary? Are they strictly no kill? If the conditions are good and they only pts suffering cats, at least you know that those two are in a safe situation, whereas the two your friend needs to rehome could end up at a rescue which has a pts policy and/or poor conditions.

The ones living close to you would adapt if kept in for a time, which you'd have to do with the Sanctuary cats anyway.

If you find it impossible to choose, try a trick of mine: toss a coin. If you want to do "best of three" then you know the coin didn't give you the answer your heart wanted to hear. On the other hand, if you're happy with the result of the toss, that was the answer you wanted.
Title: Re: How far is too close to rehome?
Post by: CarolM (Wendolene) on January 23, 2013, 19:37:38 PM
Quote from: Hippykitty link=topic=42618.msg756955#msg756955 date=135 8906807
If you find it impossible to choose, try a trick of mine: toss a coin. If you want to do "best of three" then you know the coin didn't give you the answer your heart wanted to hear. On the other hand, if you're happy with the result of the toss, that was the answer you wanted.

Yes I do that and it really does work.  ;D   I never cease to be amazed at how many times I genuinely think I can't choose, only to have the coin toss show me that I have already made up my mind.