Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: tigerbaby on November 22, 2008, 14:18:50 PM
-
It required us to pluck up some strength in the first place to even go along to the Show Day our local Cats Protection had organised. I'm sure you understand, mixed emotions with the constant voice inside your head telling us that we are not replacing Jameson, but merely offering a loving home to other cats in need. Etc etc.
After having been a member here for over a year now, I have on a daily basis read and understood that cats can be perfectly happy indoors, although that was something I never 'agreed' with as such, and still to this day I believe cats should have the outdoor option - in an ideal world. We learned the hard way, and now I know that it really depends on where you live and your circumstances. It took me a LOT of thinking to even let the words ''indoor cats'' slip through my lips, but that combined with my love for cats changed my mind about a lot of things. For one- I/we can now imagine having indoor cats. Something you would never in a million years time hear us say a few weeks ago, especially not Robin who grew up with cats on the countryside, all living long and healthy lives going outdoors, doing what cats do.
But when we turned up at the Show today, I was quite surprised and disappointed at the reactions from the rehoming staff when we said we were looking for Indoor cats. The first person almost frowned and explained that it wouldn't be fair on the cats, and that it is natural for cats to go outside. As if I don't know that! I explained that a few weeks ago I would have whole hearted agreed, but that unfortunately we lost our cat to the road. I explained (while trying hard not to break into tears) that we wanted to rehome 2 cats as a pair, and the younger they were the more we felt that they would adopt to indoor life, and the less they would 'miss' the outdoors. I said we have looked into catproofing the garden, but because of the weird layout (we live on lower ground floor, with garden a few steps up (street level) - so next door lower ground neighbours roof is easily accessed by cats and nearly impossible to catproof). She disagreed. She said they will simply not rehome young cats to indoor homes only as it's not fair to them. I did feel hurt, not in a personal way but more in a ''don't you understand, we are cat lovers and we have a safe and loving forever home to offer'' kind of way.
Next person we spoke to gave us a very similar reaction when we said we were looking for 2 indoor cats, preferably very young ones. She tried giving us the argument that cats over 4 years old are 'safe' to let outdoors as they hardly stray and mostly stay on the garden. It annoyed me, I told her that I rather not chance it and risk losing another one - what is the guarantee that a 4 year+ old cat is going to be safe outside?? Robin firmly had to tell her that he was not prepared to risk going through the same heartache of losing a beloved friend and face burying another healthy young cat by using her logic.
It puzzled us - they don't rehome young cats as indoors only as they should be allowed outside, but cats over 4 years old are 'safe' to let outside. What about those 4 years in between? Are people expected to let their young non-streetwise cats outside and just HOPE that they don't get run over?
Don't get me wrong, we did speak to a few lovely people, who explained about catproofing and even offered us to come round to have a look at their cat proofed gardens. That is all great, but even if there was a way of cat proofing ours, it would still take some time and money, and it's not something we can afford time & money wise at this minute, a work in progress possibly, but it's not the next top priority on our to-do list.
We even had 2 cats (brothers!) choosing us - Robin was absolutely besotted with them. A tabby and Black, 6 months old. They pretty much went up to R and rubbed themselves against his arm. The black boy rolled over on his back (like Jameson used to do) and let R stroke his belly. The rehoming lady said she would have no problem letting us take them, but only if we could let them outside. Shame - as right now we just can't.
The whole experience admittedly left us feeling a bit disappointed. We had assumed that by us offering a safe, loving indoor home would had been welcomed with open arms by them, knowing the cats would be loved and safe for the rest of their lives. Instead, some of the staff made us feel that we were being cruel even considering keeping them indoors. It is a huge thing for us and even feels very weird talking about indoor cats, as we both believe in letting cats do what is natural to them, chasing mice, lounging around, sniffing things.. And whenever we move (maybe in 3-5 years time) hopefully it will be in a safe-r place (planning to go further out towards countryside!) and maybe by then we can either have the garden catproofed or make a decision there and then whether it would be safe to let them outside. But that is far away and we want to live in the now. The outside road is supposed to be a residential road but the traffic is crazy. The more we think about it the more we realise how dangerous it is. It's as if something has gone 'click' in our brains and we opened our eyes.
We were told to look for a blind or deaf cat, or one with an illness. And we understand that those cats also deserve a loving home, but what we need right now is to bring back some of that young-cat energy back to our house, that is so quiet and empty without Jameson, and we would love 2 little terrors, we are looking for young-ish kittens simply put!
Anyway sorry for rambling on - I just assumed that rescues would understand about the Indoor thing and we didn't expect that reaction from them. We are just feeling a bit disheartened I guess.
Are there any rescues for indoor cats only, because I rather not go to Battersea to hear the same thing, making me feel like I'm doing something wrong by choosing to keep them indoors.
Rant over.
-
If you really like them, then I would go back and tell them I had thought it over and would allow them outdoors once they had settled in - not like they are gonna check up on you later after all!. Sounds like a lot of ill-informed people manning the stands at that particular organisation ...
-
I'm really sorry you didn't have a good time. Perhaps you could think about adopting some FIV+ kittens? They would be healthy and very much the usual energetic young cats you are after. FIV+ cats must be kept indoors but apart from that can lead very normal lives so maybe they would fit your situation perfectly? I know that the National Cat Centre have quite a few adorable young FIV+ cats up for rehoming at the moment. You would need to call them to arrange a HV before you went down there so as not to ahve a wasted journey but I'm sure the could help you. There are lots of people on here who would be able to reassure you that having an FIV puss is just the same as any other. I understand it may not be the way you want to go but just a suggestion.
-
:hug: I know how hard it is rehoming a cat soon after losing one, we have just been through it BUT don't lose hope- you will find the right situation where you can rehome the most perfect cats for you.
-
You could be economical with the truth and advise you would let them out but you don't have to when they come home - yes CP do followup home checks but youc an say oh both cats are in at the moment!
You and OH have a lot to offer any lucky fur kids - Jamieson having you well trained will be an asset
Keep your chin up somewhere out ther are you 2 perfect babies they just have to find you :hug:
-
If you really like them, then I would go back and tell them I had thought it over and would allow them outdoors once they had settled in - not like they are gonna check up on you later after all!. Sounds like a lot of ill-informed people manning the stands at that particular organisation ...
I totally agree with BC .. I would say that you have had a think and you can see the sense in letting them out ... then simply keep them indoors.
After all what are the going to do if they turn up ... make you open the door and put the cats out ... I don't think so! :rofl:
-
I've got to say, I'm with Liz and Blackcat on this - if you have your hearts set on the two that you saw then being economical with the truth won't hurt! At only 6 months old then they should be able to easily adapt to being indoor cats. If you don't want to be economical with the truth then there will be another perfect pair out there for you to have in your indoor home.
Karen
-
Thanks guys.
Yes that is so true - I didn't even think about it! Robin just said that he thought along those lines and would be prepared to tell a little porkie. I just wish it wouldn't have to come to that, I would like to be straightforward and honest about it. We'll see though, it is an option.
Yes FIV+ kittens are an option - do they require daily medication or other special care? To be honest we arent really that specific about what we want (apart from young-ish cats) - if we saw a blind or deaf cat or a 3 legged one that we felt a connection with than there is nothing that would stop us from rehoming them. I guess we are just going by our gut feelings etc. When Jameson adopted us we got that nice feeling that he chose us and that is what we're hoping to get from whatever puds we end up taking home.
-
FIV+ kitties don't require any daily medication etc and can go on to live long and happy lives.
-
Cats at any stage adapt Miss Cissy spent her first 14 years outside on a farm and the last 5 months with us and looks at the snow through the family room window from her nice warm radiator bed with no wish to put a paw out in to the snow!
Blue is approx 2 years old and joined us in September of this year after his quick castration became major surgery and although a bit hissy hasn't shown any inclanation to go back out in fact he is out cold on our bed with 6 other cats cause the electric blanket is on!
Miss gracie another feral adapted at the grand old age of 15 and loved all her creature comforts and good food and left us in July this year a former feral house slooberchops of a cat!
Even today all our indoor/outdoor were in by 11.30am after we came back from the vets and have shown no inclanation to be big brave cats who play in the snow!
In fact our housecats are so well trained they all go through the familyroom door in the morning so they can be grounded in their area for the day - except |Beijing and Archie who have to be rounded up - they are always loking for their extra treats i.e the cats breakfast saucers! :-[
-
Thanks guys.
... he thought along those lines and would be prepared to tell a little porkie. I just wish it wouldn't have to come to that, I would like to be straightforward and honest about it. We'll see though, it is an option.
It's not telling a porkie at all - after all, your circumstances and address may change during the lifetime of a cat - mine certainly does, and quite radically at times. So the time may come when you can feel comfortable about letting any cat outdoors - it is just not now. The cats will tell you if they are unhappy being indoors and you know enough about their needs to make the right decision if that time arrives ...
I say go for it! ;)
-
I think it is fair to try to find cats that have been used to outdoor access another home with a garden. When I got Kylie from CP in London 6 1/2 years ago, they said they had some indoor only and some that needed a garden. Luckily, Kylie was on of the outdoor girls :Luv2:
-
I have to say that as the homing person for Canterbury CP, i do tend to rehome cats as outdoor cats (even pedigree, or cats that have in the past been indoor cats) because we are lucky enough to live in area where the option is still there. May not be easy to rehome cats when you are in the middle of big city, but lucky Canterbury area has alot of rural areas where as we all know a cat can be lost to the road as any other part of the country.. Indeed in some aspects rural homes are worse for cats being involved in accidents.
I suppose i like to give cats the choise, and having read some of Vicky Halls books the whole idea of breeders saying that Pedigree cats should only be indoor cats lead to huge behavioural problems....
Having said that if somone is around during the day and totally committed to giving a cat all the attention such an animal needs as you are its soul supplier of food, daily life and amusement then i suppose thats a different story. But in my area few people are totally committed to that for the next so many years..
Of course your home and your recent loss of Jameson has made you think about adopting an soley indoor puss cat and thats to be understood as its totally heartbreaking.. esp so young.. But what a life he had!! What lovely people he had looking after him, and how many people did he make happy.. His life was lived to the full in total enjoyment of the outside world...even though it gave you such heartbreak..! Taking on two other puss cats that can equally enjoy the life is something that your lovely Jameson would of liked i think, am i am sure he would love them to enjoy the freedom he did as well...
Its really hard and i have indeed experienced this dilemna myself with my Leo, but after two weeks indoors after his accident with his pelvis when he was all fine and healthy, i just couldnt keep him indoor any longer no matter how much i wished, as it was making him so unhappy...
BUT..... adopting two FIV puss cats mean you will save their lives and not all rescues (as we all know) rehome such puss cats... Knowing that and maybe changing the view of rescues that there are homes out their for FIV puss cats and there isnt a need to just consider PTS will make a differerence.. Finally................i have recently (tomorrow actually) rehomed a 4yr blind puss to a young couple who live in Canterbury who have been looking for an indoor cat... But they wanted the most needy you can get.... Fergus has no sight and been in rescue for 9 months... tomorow he finds a home....
Best of luck and if i were you adopt the two you say and see how it goes and when your feelings as to the inside and outside are not so raw and recent i think these two would bring you much joy.
-
Thanks Sharon and everyone else that has replied.
Yes the situation we are in now means that the cat would have to be indoor only to start with, but these circumstances may change incase we are able to totally catproof the garden, and also as we do not plan to live here forever. In my heart I know that cats should be allowed to go outside, and hopefully one day we will be living somewhere safe where I could let the cats go outside. Which brings me to the next question about FIV + cats - can they never be allowed outside? As that may spell a problem a few years down the line when we are planning on living in a bigger house, with garden, when we are settling down a little bit more (this is our first property) - ideally, this is when the cats gradually could be introduced to the outdoors. I try not to think too much about the future, but since adopting more cats are big commitments I want to look at things long term, and I would absolutely love to (one day) being able to keep cats that can go outdoors aswell as it used to bring me and R so much joy seeing Jameson outside in our garden, doing cat things - even though that often meant removing suffering mice from his claws and chasing out birds from our livingroom! We know that although we lost him tragically, having kept him indoors would have been too distressing for him - and for us.
Either way, I am sure the right opportunity will come along soon. It is a tricky subject indeed.
-
I feel gutted for you and I would have felt so angry and upset :hug:
I agree with bc and the others , a slight untruth is the answer.
I think its so important that you have cats where you feel a real bond right from the begining and I would go back as suggested. They cant go out to start with anyway and have to say my cp never did a recheck and if they had they would have found mine still inside after 3 months cos they were too scared to walk through the open door and would run away and hide. The sounds of traffic still frightens Misa ...................remember this story :shify: :shify: :shify:
Like you I believe that cats should go outside cos its natural but I can so understand what you are feeling and I know Tan will too. I have found Sasa across the road once , one night and think she was chased by an alien cat and I was terrified cos her instinct is to run from me but I think she was hoping for me to save her and was watching the bedroom window and saw me.
I rushed downstairs and then in bare feet edged up the path, no traffic and Sasa came racing back across the road but into a garden 3 doors up..................now a problem, how to get her from there back home.
I stayed on road side of her and she worked her way back across the gardens home and then I walked towards her and she was back on top of the wall and home before I could say Sasa...........I was so scared cos Misa was sitting in high above the wall watching.
You are right to be worried and think of Helen and her boys...they grew up as indoor kittens to cats and have only gone out this year for the first time after she moved house. It took them a while to go out side but they are now living in a cat proof garden.
You go with what you know is right and err on the side of fairy stories :hug: :hug:
-
Thanks Gill. :hug:
I have found Sasa across the road once , one night and think she was chased by an alien cat
That is so scary and I can imagine how scared you must have been. To be very honest, a couple of weeks before we lost Jameson I suddenly saw him cross the road, during morning traffic! That was a big shock to my system, as he hardly ever went round the front, we only saw him do that a very few times during the 14 months we had him. I then noticed he crossed once at night-time - I had tried to keep him in, but he really made a big fuss about going outside , so I let him go out, and noticed the alleyway sensor light came on - saw him cross the road again! I got so worried and told R about it, and how scared I felt, but none of us really knew what to do, as at this point there was no way we would even think along the lines of keeping him indoors - that would have been impossible and only resulted in an unhappy cat and guilty owners! I remember we had friends coming round in the daytime (only a few days before that awful morning) and I hadn't seen him that morning, so I told our friend that I was worried about him. SHe told me not to worry as he is probably just round the corner, perfectly fine! A few moments later he strolled indoors and I remember thinking 'Helena you gotta stop worrying, you're only making yourself feel bad, Jameson will be fine, he is streetwise enough''. We think that he had discovered something exciting across the road that he kept going back for - what we will never know. And that dreadful morning he must've left our house around 6am (impossible to trace back exactly when he went outside) but as he slept with us during the whole night we are pretty sure it was early morning and that he was knocked over by speedy traffic - our road is supposed to be residential but everyone drives as if they've stolen the car!
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I was already worried about him and my worst nightmare became reality, which has resulted in me feeling extreme guilt for not being able to protect him, and that combined with Knowing that keeping him indoors would be too distressing for all of us is just tearing me/us apart, and instead we lost him. SO unfair!
-
I would be dubious about telling a lie to them, and think that FIV+ cats would be a better option - they can go out in catproofed gardens, but the indoor only thing is partly because they have a weaker immune system, and partly to minimise them fighting and passing the virus on (and yes, neutered toms can still fight). We very rarely home indoor only, unless they come in as adults as indoor only, although we have been told cats have been indoor only and the first thing they have done is try and get out.
-
Its so hard to look at this in any way other than how you are at the moment but guilt is also part of the grieveing process and probably that is why it is fixed so hard in your memory :hug:
Jameson made his own decisions and he was having a whale of a time and you are right he would not have been a happy cat indoors, so the two things have to balance each other out. It was not your fault but the driver that was probably driving too fast and as he did that journey the same time and same route every day , probably was not fully concentrating.
You know that you and Robin gave Jameson a great home and that he was a very happy cat who loved his life of freedom.....thats as much as you could have given him and he will send the rights cats to you :hug: :hug:
-
Oh Tigerbaby its so hard isnt it!!
We have always been torn between the indoor/outdoor dilema as like you we have lost a furbabes to the ro - even tho we live in a quietish village and have nothing but fields behind us. This was one of the reason we bought two pedigree Birmans , not for their pedigree but because that particular breed are known not to wander (got that right!) and we couldnt bear the heartache of losing another.
We also made the decision that they would NOT ber allowed outside berttwen dusk and dawn as an extra precaution.
Jerry and Gizzy came from Sharon , and I did promise her they would be able to go out and so they do........................but only during the day. They are both happy , healthy boys and their incarcertion at night doesnt seem to bother them one iota , and it gives me and hubby peace of mind.
I know how guilty you feel - but as Gill says the driver of the car may well have being going too fast - I had a cat run in front of me on a housing estate and as I was going about 25 mph I had no trouble stopping.................Jameson had the best a cat could ask for - you have nothing to feel guilty for. :hug:
As regards the cats that have picked you - maybe a little white lie wont hurt and who knows what will happen in the future...............from my view they will be getting a great forever home an thats the most important thing! Maybe when time goes on you may feel able to let them out in daylight , or be able to find a way to catproof.
-
One thing i would add to this.. is cats out at night are not a good idea. I realise its hard to keepthem in esp if they have been strays and used to freedom.... and some people i do HC for tell me that they want their cat to go out at night.. I then give them a spill about the risk of traffic and the possibility that as human beings not everyone is going to stop to take an animal to a vet, or even be bothered. The odds are against you at night.. For that reason i can only advice, but there have been endless debates about cats at out night and i would be scared witless for my two and they seem fine having their evenings indoors in the warm tucked up in bed...
Of course the older the cat the less likely they are to want to go out... (as a general rule of thumb) we can only do our best... but despite the dangers i suppose its a matter of choice for us all.. But i wouldnt be able to stop my two (or any other puss cat) having their freedom..
But i stil wish you the best in finding another puss cat for your loving home...
-
I totally agree Sharon. When I do home visits, I always tell them that CP and I personally recommend keeping the cat in at night. Some cats will make a fuss but in time will adapt. My Oscar has always been an indoor cat at night and he even moans at the flap sometimes but I stick to my guns and he eventually accepts it and finds somewhere warm to settle for the night. The highest proportion of RTAs happen at night but there is also a scary amount of cat thefts at night also. Sometimes when it's pedigrees it is to make money, sometimes it's because people decide they want the cat and sometimes sadly it is so they can be sold for life sciences- it honestly happens more than people think.
-
Its so hard to look at this in any way other than how you are at the moment but guilt is also part of the grieveing process and probably that is why it is fixed so hard in your memory :hug:
Jameson made his own decisions and he was having a whale of a time and you are right he would not have been a happy cat indoors, so the two things have to balance each other out. It was not your fault but the driver that was probably driving too fast and as he did that journey the same time and same route every day , probably was not fully concentrating.
You know that you and Robin gave Jameson a great home and that he was a very happy cat who loved his life of freedom.....thats as much as you could have given him and he will send the rights cats to you :hug: :hug:
-
I appreciate what everyone is saying about keeping cats indoors at night. Most of the nights he would be indoors, but as he really hated using his litter tray and preferred going outside we decided not to lock the flap. It's a tricky one, as the road outside is very quiet at night, and mega busy in the daytime, so for us it felt as if it was safer at night-time. I know many people disagree on this one, it is just how we felt. Also judging from when we found him, the temperature of his body etc we pretty much know it happened in the morning - not that it makes a difference now. He very rarely stayed out at night, only ever to do his toilet and then he came back indoors to join us in bed. He usually woke me up around 7-8 am for his breakfast. He was very good like that, and we tried to keep him active during the day (apart from a few naps here & there) so that he would be tired at night, and mostly we were successful.
Whatever cats we get next rest assured they will be kept indoors/safe at all times. It is one thing being a human in a cats world, but a totally different thing being a cat in a human world.. :(
-
I am thinking that there must be some FIV kittens out there just waiting for you to find them........................................ :hug:
-
As has been said before Helena, you did everything you could to make his life wonderful so you have nothing to feel bad for :hug: I really hop you find the right cats for you soon.
-
I happen to know for a fact that there are quite a few FIV+ kittens and cats up for rehoming at the National Cat Centre (Main CP adoption centre at Chelwood Gate, Haywards heath so not too far from you) who really need an indoor home. If you can get a local rescue to do a home visit with indoor FIV puds in mind... they will need to give you a copy to take with you and then you can take your HV confirmation with you and pick up your puss cats. I got my branch to do this for me when we went to get Jasper and it was so simple... we showed our form, picked our puss, signed the paperwork and took him home.
-
Oh Helena i am so sorry it didnt go well today :hug:
How about these 2 ....need an indoor home
http://www.orpingtoncatrescue.org.uk/desperate_cats.htm
-
Will continue to have a look around. So, if FIV + cats can be kept both indoors & outdoors how come people overlook them in regards to adoption?
-
Will continue to have a look around. So, if FIV + cats can be kept both indoors & outdoors how come people overlook them in regards to adoption?
I think alot of people are frightened off by the FIV bit Helena.
Right gonna start WW3 off here but I dont feel that FIV have to be kept indoors and i know several vets and rescue centres that agree with my opinion too
-
how contagious is FIV? and how does a cat catch it?
-
We have indoor/outdoor who are a mixture of ferals, domestics and our Ragdoll - much to most raggie breeders horror I have to add and our indoor only crew they are indoor only by our choice and they show no interest in going out at all in fact they won't even go in the utility room if the door is open they sit by the bin and look but always come running back to their nice environment.
Ours also are all differing ages from Miss Cissy at 14 to the Doodles - Beijing and Archie both under 6 months. These cats are happy, healthy and most came inside from the cold and have all adapted well and our vets advise at fit as the others who do go out - we work extra hard with the inside ones by making life as interesting for them as possible - they have scratching posts, more toys than the Purrs shops sometimes it seems that way they have the Ba da beam laser toys - Purrs auctions we thankyou for them, they have food and stairs and beds and a lot of space on the whole they sleep through the day and are active once we mix the cres.
All ours are in at night it make take a while to round up 28 cats but it is in our routine - cold and wet weather is our friend in the winter summer takes a wee bit longer.
So from experience I have both kinds and have lost 2 to the roads my beloved Toerag and Haggis and the hardest thing I ever did was open the door and let the others out again. We moved to an isolated place to try and offset the roads incidents and we sold our souls to get our rural idyll it took us 2 houses and a relocation away from family and friends to do it so know how hard it can be.
We have both types of cat and all are hale and healthy and above all Happy cats :Crazy:
-
Helena , how far are you willing to travel??? West Oxon CP has kittens needing homes and I woul be very happy to put in a good word for you (they homechecked me)
-
Helena , how far are you willing to travel???
Oh, difficult one as I would happily travel for the right cats but I don't have really the time or money for it, so we were hoping to find a pair in the not too distant area as to fit mine and R's schedule together is hard as it is, and we both want to view cats together. Whereabouts were you thinking?
-
West Oxon??
-
how contagious is FIV? and how does a cat catch it?
It is only past on by a deep bite !
This normally takes place either when mating or with un-neutered male cats fighting
so.......
Once an FIV is neutered the chance of passing it on is slim.
Put it this way.....i would be happy to have an FIV cat with my lot
-
Me too.
What do we need to know as their human slaves about FIV? Are they expected to live a shorter life, do they need any medication, or other special requirements (diets etc?)
-
Me too.
What do we need to know as their human slaves about FIV? Are they expected to live a shorter life, do they need any medication, or other special requirements (diets etc?)
I think I might be able to help with this one :Luv:
FIV in itself is not a problem at all, it just means that they have a compromised immune system, so they need to be kept inside so a) they don't pick up illnesses/airborne viruses, and b) they can't pass it on through fighting.
I adopted Maxy when he was about 2-3, and the only FIV related problem he's had so far has been one dental, he had a few extractions a couple of years ago, as FIV puds can be more prone to teeth and gum problems.
No special diets or drugs, the only thing we don't do is innoculate him, on the advice of our vet.
Now he has kidney and thyroid issues, but this is almost certainly age related as opposed to anything else, hence why AXA have paid out on his insurance, even though the FIV is listed as a known condition.
I would have no hesitatation in recommening adopting an FIV cat hun :Luv: :hug:
-
Oh hun, I'm sorry you had such a horrible reaction. I am really mad with the CP people who treated you like that. Even if they firmly believe that young, healthy cats should not be kept indoors, they could have discussed it with you in a more postitive way rather than frowning with disapproval. They may have still ended up deciding that they didn't want to rehome cats to you under those circumstances, but to reject you out of hand solely because you mentioned keeping them indoors is disgraceful imo. They could have been nicer about it and suggested that an FIv cat or similar might suit you. I'm not going to criticise those who think that cats should go outside, but I really dont' think that anyone offering a loving, indoor home to kittens/young cats who have never been outside before should be rejected out of hand. I really think they should be more open minded as to what constitutes a good home. They might not think it an ideal home, but any cats who go to live with you will be lucky cats indeed.
-
Thanks Clare - very useful! Sounds easy and straightforward. Would not mind one single bit, as long as we can consider letting them outside if and when we move to a safe area/catproofed garden. It would be hard to guarantee we wouldn't let them outdoor, incase we happen to move to the ideal place with the ideal garden/surroundings.
Thanks Susanne, we did feel awkward - they weren't actually rude as such, but some of the peoples reactions just told us that they were thinking 'oh no, these people clearly don't understand cats basic needs''. It was the first time me and R had been to an event like that in hope to adopt - and it was only the 2nd time R had ever been to an event like that (he was a bit put off, and might take a bit of persuading taking him to Battersea- he'll probably make me call them first to ensure they accept 'indoor applicants' as well not to waste our time as he is so busy right now with work commitments)... and it was awkward enough talking about Indoor cats as that is totally new to us anyway. One woman talked to me as if I was a little girl that needed educating - it made me feel uncomfortable and insecure about what I wanted.
-
Thanks Clare - very useful! Sounds easy and straightforward. Would not mind one single bit, as long as we can consider letting them outside if and when we move to a safe area/catproofed garden. It would be hard to guarantee we wouldn't let them outdoor, incase we happen to move to the ideal place with the ideal garden/surroundings.
You'd need to vaccinate, but otherwise that would not be a problem.
If we owned our house, I'd have proofed our garden by now to let my boy outside.
-
Has Maxi Moo ever shown any signs of desire to go outdoors?
-
If you've decided that indoor cats are what you want, then dont' be put off by those who tell you it's wrong. Stick to what you think is the right thing to do. I'd love to provide some outdoor access for my boys (esp Mosi) but it's not possible to do so safely at the moment, and I dont' think they're unhappy inside. They are both fantastic boys.
-
Before I got Memph I always thought cats needed to be outside. Then I started to do some in depth cat research before I got him to decide how I want to bring him up - food/toys/litter/indoor/outdoor etc etc etc. Well after reading too many horror stories I decided indoor as not able to cat proof at the moment. I can't tell anyone how pleased I am about that decision. Based on his personality and the area I live in I wouldn't feel safe having him outside and its not something I'm prepared to risk.
He is sooooooooooooooooooo happy. He's got tons to do, is never bored, never had the desire to go outside. He will sit on the window watching the world go by.
Now the thing is, he's from a place who firmly believes in cats being outdoors. When I got him they were reminding me about getting him neutered before allowed out, I just simply nodded. I honestly don't think he's missing out on anything ... he goes hunting for spiders/bugs, plays with people, him and Molly play together (shes just like an oversized cat :evillaugh:), he's always got company. The best thing is I know he's safe :Luv:
-
Before I got Jaffa and Magpie, it would never have occurred to me to keep cats indoors. And if it had occurred to me, I'd have thought it wrong. I had never known indoor cats, and always thought cats needed to go outside. I still think that cats get a lot of pleasure through being outside, and that their outdoor access shouldn't be curtailed without a lot of thought and committment to providing a satisfying indoor environment. But I knew that I didn't live in a safe area. I live right next to a main road, and near a bend in the road too. There are people near me who have cats that go outside (and stick to the grassy areas surrounding the flats), and if I'd lived in the flat next to me (which I was offered) I would probably have let them go outside as that flat has it's own door from living room to outside. But then I started buying cat magazines and realised that some people kept cats indoors. I also bought a book called Keeping your indoor cat sane and sound, by an american author. I started to realise it was doable. After a lot of thought, I got my boys. I still wasn't 100% sure about keeping them indoors all the time, and actually got someone to come and give me a quote for putting a cat flap into my double glazed windows (I live in a ground floor flat). At one point, I actually opened the window and tried to entice them outside. They were about 6-7 months at that point and had been neutered. They weren't keen. Even when I stood outside with treats, they wouldn't come. At one point, I picked Jaffa up and placed him outside. He looked a bit stunned and then tried to get back inside (I ended up lifting him through the open window). I think he was just unsure about climbing out the window and, in time, would have been ok about going outside if he could just walk through a door. But it did convince me that they weren't exactly gagging to go outside. So I decided that they would be indoor cats, and to be honest I've never looked back. Jaffa is sat on my knee now purring. Yes, he would have enjoyed being outside. And no, keeping cats inside is not just a case of shutting doors. But I think my boys (including Magpie who is now at rainbow bridge) are happy indoors. They are missing out on something - I don't kid myself they aren't - but they are content and enjoy their indoor lives. Some cats will need more attention and more imaginative games to be happy indoors than others, but I think it can be done with most cats. The exception being cats who are already used to going outside. I think that at the end of the day it's down to how much effort you are prepared to put into keeping them entertained. Sometimes it can be hard when you come home from work tired and have to find the time and effort to entertain the cats who have been asleep all day. But it's worth it to know that they are both safe and happy. I'm not saying that those who allow their cats outdoor access are wrong. Most have taken that decision with their cats' interests at heart, and should not be made to feel guilty for that decision. But I don't think I will ever allow a cat of mine to have full outdoor access. Imo, a catproof garden or enclosure is ideal, but if that is not doable, then an indoor life is fine.
Sorry about the lack of paragraphs. I've just finished my 3rd glass of wine ;)
-
Although I am planning on catproofing our patio for Indy he seems perfectly happy indoors, he has 3 scratching posts, loads of toys and human company 80+% of the time, dogs all the time
Soon I plan on getting him a feline friend to keep him fully stimulated
-
Don't be disheartened Helena, different CP branches seem to have completely different policies which seems to be based purely on the coordinator's own personal opinion. Take for example Ela (Chesterfield CP) I know she positively encourages indoor only homes. It's different if a cat has been used to going out but if it's a young cat that has never gone out then I really don't see the problem.
I had similar issues when I was looking to adopt, I emailed all rescues within a 50 mile radius asking whether they would consider homing two indoor kittens. I explained my home set up, why they would need to be indoor, how long I worked, the fact that I have cat proofed windows, how I appreciated indoor cats required more attention and stimulation, how I'd be prepared to home kittens with special needs, how if I was out of their catchment area I could provide vet references and/or donate to another charity to do a homecheck on their behalf etc etc. The majority of replies were a blanket No and some implied it was wrong to even consider homing kittens indoors. CP said No, RSPCA said Yes. I think about 4 out of 20 said Yes...
I eventually found my gorgeous baby boys and they spent the first year of their lives as indoor only, they weren't unhappy or stressed neither did they have any behavioural problems. I did worry that they were 'missing out' but at the end of the day they were just two normal, happy, healthy kittens who grew into cats. I moved earlier this year just after their first birthday and cat proofed the garden and whilst there's no doubt they thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden they are not any happier now they have outside access as they were always happy, contented little boys.
:luck: with your search, I'm sure Jameson will guide the two perfect kitties to you :hug:
-
Hi Helena,
I sent you a PM.
Cheers
Leigh
-
We are more than happy to re-home most cats as indoor only. All the fosterers keep their own cats in.
-
Take for example Ela (Chesterfield CP) I know she positively encourages indoor only homes
Honestly, I did not see that before I posted my last post. ;D
-
The lady who homechecked me from a branch of CP kept her own cats as indoor.
I think it is sensible thing to do that if you are near roads
-
We are more than happy to re-home most cats as indoor only. All the fosterers keep their own cats in.
Does that apply to cats that have been used to outdoor access?
Also, if you had some cats in that had never been out and some that were used to gardens, would you try to home them accordingly? - I just think sometimes and I know Sharon has the same point of view that we could be sentencing young cats to 20 years indoors - I know it isn't always possible but I think a secure garden or even patio is preferable. Maybe that is too idealistic :sigh:
-
To be frank, i have had cats who were outdoor cats, who have due to circumstances needed to adapt to indoor life. They do. It takes time, love and patience with the results of the temporary stress of wanting out - but really, we can't let them out for at least 6 weeks after they have come to us, and by that stage, the worst of it is generally over. If someone is at home during the day, there is lots of enrichment around, and (ideally) the cat has a companion cat, then they cope very well. My mother's cats had had free range over miles of countryside before she moved into a unit - they adapted very well and lived out their lives happily. One of them is now living with my sister and has the option of being an outdoor cat once more, but prefers to stay inside. The other, who had been adopted when mum was in the unit, and who also has outdoor access, is thriving as an outdoor kittie. I really don't understand why it is considered such a challenge, as the indoor cat is healthy, safe from risks such as traffic, other animals and people and they thrive Surely you can't wish for better than that ... Sorry, rant over...
-
I'm so sorry it went badly for you, I remember my dilemma of indoor or outdoor with my 2 and in the end I let them decide what they wanted. They weren't fussed at all for the first 3 or 4 months but as the summer started, they began to spend time sitting by the front door yelling to explore outdoors. So eventually I gave in and went out with them for an hour or so. After a bit of sniffing around, they seemed to tire of the whole thing and came back indoors and things have been the same ever since. We live in a rented flat so can't have a cat flap so they can only go out in daylight and when we are home and we have to leave the door open so they can get back in. Because of this they go out extremely rarely now that is it winter as it is dark most of the time we are home and when we let them out, they just come back after 15 minutes or so. They don't seem bothered at all by this and never yell at the door anymore.
When we adopted them we said we would allow them out, but there was no specification as to how often or whether they would be able to come and go freely. We only had 1 follow up homecheck and the it was never mentioned. To be honest, I would say there is a difference between allowing cats free roam outdoors and allowing them supervised access for an hour or so when they are hungry and tend to come in pretty quick.
Rescues should really not be so quick to turn away loving homes for their cats, at the end of the day living in a cage at the rescue has got to be far worse for them than having full roam of a house with laps to sit on and people to love them even if they can't go out.
-
Rescues should really not be so quick to turn away loving homes for their cats, at the end of the day living in a cage at the rescue has got to be far worse for them than having full roam of a house with laps to sit on and people to love them even if they can't go out.
i so agree with this
-
Absolutely. Friends of mine had, at one point, 5 cats (down to 1 now- the others have died of old age), all indoor cats. When they first had cats they were living in a high rise flat so no choice, and by the time they moved to a house with a garden they felt the cats were too old to adapt to being able to go out. 4 of the 5 were variously strays or in a bad way in dodgy pet shops, 3 were kittens when they got them, and a happier set of cats you couldn't have wished to meet. It's having a home and lots of love that matters.
-
Thanks for all your replies.
We wouldn't really want to adopt a cat that is used to going outside, and keep him/her inside - that wouldn't be fair. This is the reason we want very young cats that has never been outdoors, so that they don't ''know'' what they are missing out on. This is also the reason we want to rehome TWO of them, preferably from the same litter/friends, so that they will always have company when we are out.
Me and R had a conversation last night - as we are not planning on living in this place forever, the sensible (& right now, only option) would be to keep cats indoors to start with, and as and when we move we will then make a decision about catproofing the garden to let them out. By then the cats will be older, adapted to indoor life so might be happy to stay indoors, or occasionally venture outdoors when they feel like it, but not being able to/wanting to go any further from the garden.
As we both believe cats should have outdoor access (in an ideal world) this is the best option for us, right now, as it's a little peace of mind for us to say ''we are keeping them indoors to start with''.
-
Does that apply to cats that have been used to outdoor access?
Yes, you can soon tell if a cat will adapt and to be honest we get far more requests for indoor only cats so if we didn't home many as indoor only we would be stuck with pens full of cats and therefore unable to help many more so desperately wanting to come into care.
Also, if you had some cats in that had never been out and some that were used to gardens, would you try to home them accordingly? -
Cat that have never been out we always re-home as indoor cats. Also as someone else as posted most cats will easily adapt to being indoor only, I know mine did after an incident and I decided that I would keep mine in. Also as posted before the health of one cat improved 100% once I started to keep her in.
Sharon has the same point of view that we could be sentencing young cats to 20 years indoors - I know it isn't always possible but I think a secure garden or even patio is preferable. Maybe that is too idealistic.
I think it is. When you have up to 50 kittens, few requests for them and the only requests are from people who can offer a fabulous indoor only home, then we take it. We need to home to help more cats/kittens. Even then far to many kittens ar4e no homed until they are at least 6-8 months.
-
Hi Helena,
Did you get my PM?.
Cheers
Leigh
-
Hi Leigh!!
Yes I did - will call them tomorrow. I actually did a few days volunteering with CAS a while back so I know Barbara and was going to contact her anyway!
I saw your story on their website about Alfie :Luv:
-
Hiya,
I rang Liz earlier and spoke to her husband. She was out collecting a mother cat and kittens which she will foster. She has just found homes for her previous litter.
Best of luck.
Cheers
Leigh
-
Great - will definately call her tomorrow then. Did you mention me? I will tell them that you gave me their number.
Thanks a lot :)
-
My pleasure,
Yes I did mention your name to her husband who took my message, I thought it right that I should ring them and let them know that you might ring. They are a great couple and she is a great fosterer and she has been very helpful and supportive since I adopted Alfie and we have become good friends.
All the best and let us know how you get on.
Cheers
Leigh
PS if you e-mail me webmaster at alfie-cat dot co dot uk I can forward you her last e-mail to me which contains pictures of her previous mother cat's litter which, I believe, have all found homes.
-
That is fantastic. Will call her first thing tomorrow :)
Fingers crossed she will agree to rehome as Indoor cats.
-
Am crossing everythng for you!!! :Luv2:
-
I dont agree with stretching the truth and keeping them indoors when you say otherwise :shy:
Any decent homing person can smell a lie at fifty feet anyway!!
Its not 100% that young kittens will accept an indoor life and never long to go out (what happens then, a horrible decision to let them out and take their chances and risk that heartbreak all over again) a pair of adult cats who have never been out and dont show any interest in doing so would be more than happy having your love. :Luv2:
Theres also many unwanted pedigrees out there who are more than happy to have an indoor life.
Im not against indoor kittens but they should be chosen accordingly to make it as likely as possible they are happy with their environment.
-
Of course - and if we see the right pair, there is nothing stopping us from rehoming a couple of 10 year olds. As I said earlier we will let the cats choose us, but right now, in our heads, we have this idea about finding kittens from same litter. We have this idea in our head that it would suit us really well, both me and R have time at our house due to us working from home a lot of the time, and we really would like that young cat energy back in our house. It's quiet, and we miss having a little terror hanging off our curtains, scratching our £600 sofa and mat-surfing round the lounge. :Luv: We want lively cats, we want a bit of chaos. I'm not saying older cats can't do that, and who knows, we might end up adopting 2 oldies, blind, deaf and 3 legged and we would still love them all the same. It's actually really hard knowing exactly what you're looking for, as when we got Jameson we werent' looking for anything, let alone a cat!! :Luv:
-
Its not 100% that young kittens will accept an indoor life and never long to go out (what happens then, a horrible decision to let them out and take their chances and risk that heartbreak all over again) a pair of adult cats who have never been out and dont show any interest in doing so would be more than happy having your love.
But surely many of those indoor adults would have also been indoor kittens. We home numerous kittens a year as I previously posted many of the are indoor only, if we didn't do that we would home so few that they would possibly be adult and in a pen for months possible a year or more if we did not home them as indoor. Occasionally we do get kittens and cats who we know would rather be indoor/outdoor, and for those we would ensure they get what we know would be in their interest. its a bit like your comment' Any decent homing person can smell a lie at fifty feet anyway!!' a decent fosterer can tell what would be the ideal home.
-
its a bit like your comment' Any decent homing person can smell a lie at fifty feet anyway!!' a decent fosterer can tell what would be the ideal home.
Which is why its essential not to stretch the 'truth' and get something thats not suitable in the longterm!
-
Has Maxi Moo ever shown any signs of desire to go outdoors?
Not really hun, and bearing in mind he was picked up as a stray and was well used to outdoor life, he adapted amazingly well.
He sits mooing by the front door sometimes, but that's mainly if he sees another cat outside. If he does manage to sneak out the door between my legs when I'm bringing in the food shopping, all he wants to do is eat a bit of grass, he never makes a bolt for it or anything like that :)
-
Am i being unrealistic? Well i dont suppose our branch has anywhere near as many kittens as Ela branch does (currently 60 this year).. but i havent rehomed any of them as indoor puss cats... I have homed several indoor puss cats as now outdoor puss cats, and i have rehomed 6 FIV, 1 blind, 2 elderly persians and thats about it..
I suppose its very much a case of where our branches are and what area we cover.. If we were not so rural i would obv be homing to indoor homes more so, but perhaps we are just lucky to have homes where outside access is the norm.. Some indoor homes that have emailed me i have put onto Bredhurst and FIVs, but i suppose there is nothing anybody taking on a kitten or cat for solely indoor home only when we have said "no" to kittens...
I know that Sheppey branch that try to help with do rehome as indoor only because the majority of the homes that way are on busy streets and roads so they wouldnt rehome anything if they were so inflexiable..
There is probably no wrong or right answer just ourl prespective on things and what area we cover..
-
Sharon, my branch operates in a very similar way to yours... we would always look to give cats homes with access to the outside, especially younger cats and cats who love the outside BUT we also like to find puss cats for people who live in an area which requires indoor only and suggest FIV, disabled or older cats. It really is important to match the right cat to the environment. This is advice we have got from CP headoffice and is likely to be what the majority of branches also do although dependent on area, there are obvious exceptions to teh rules and in some areas it's preferable to rehome to indoor homes. I'm not saying it's wrong to keep cats indoors only but just what the opinion of our branch is.
-
I think it is absolutely right for any rescue to try and match outdoor cats to homes with safe outdoors. I would encourage this any time. There is definately not a right or wrong thing to do, and me and R like so many other people here think that every cat has the right to go outdoors. Unfortunately, with the growing number of homeless cats in combination with people wanting to offer Indoor only homes I think that some rescues (Croydon CP for ex) should not overlook people that can only offer an indoor only home.
Our next cats will probably be allowed outside - 100 % supervised - when we are in the garden. Some cats may never stray from the garden if they are used to the safe indoors, and who knows, maybe our next cats will be like that, that would be amazing. We will also (in time) look up cat proofing. I think cat proofing is ultimately the way to go, but also from speaking to various members on here I know that cats can be perfectly fine and happy indoors too.
To ALL of you - thanks for your replies and advice. It doesn't matter whether you are for or against in/outdoors, because I know that our decisions comes down to how we feel in our hearts, and that we all are doing this in the best interest of our cats, because we love them and want the best for them. :Luv:
-
We very rarely home as indoor only cats, and very rarely get enquiries for them. I can only think of 2 adults that have gone as indoor, one was a stray who showed no signs of wanting to go out, one came as indoor only. I did home a kitten to a work colleague as indoor only (same reasoning, kitten wont know any different), and all the kittens from that litter were pestering to go out from the age of 10 weeks old, so I suspect the person who had the mum cat had been allowing them to go out, as we know the mum had been out since the kits were born. She ended up using a harness and lead to make sure the kitten would be safe (Back is fine, front isn't).
-
its just that kind of thing that sends people to pet shops - sorry you had to go through it Helena
-
I agree that cats can be happy as indoor but cats + sun = :Luv2:
-
Tigerbaby I too had an awful experience with my local CP when we embarked on wanting to rehome a cat (or 2) I'm not going to go into it as it was 2 years ago but it left a very bitter taste in my mouth for a long time after.
We ended up trying another elsewhere and they were very understanding and had just had an indoor only cat come in. This indoor only cat now has supervised garden access along with his little friend who was a stray. If Jess had been rehomed by another rescue I dread to think what would have happened to him as there was no way he would go out it took months to build his confidence.
Don't give up hope there will be puds out there for you :hug:
-
I agree Mark in a perfect world but after loosing a cat on the road myself I can totally see where Helena is coming from, surely it is is irresponsible to take on another cat knowing one has already been killed without taking some kind of precautions and if her garden isn't suitable for proofing what choice does she have
-
I agree - I think what Sharon said, basically "horses for courses" = people have to make judgements based on their own circumstances. I know people on here are responsible but some aren't and rescues have to make judgements for them for the sake of the cats - this can be inflexible at times and each case needs judging on its own merit? (Unlike the rescue woman that told me "we don't rehome to certain postcodes" :tired: )
-
we were refused by a local rescue because of the next road along from ours being busy - I was livid at the time but guess where we found my poor Algies collar the day after he was killed - I know that rescues have a balancing act and I suppose because we sort of know Helena we feel a bit indignant on her behalf
-
It really is a balancing act. I don't know if you remember a while ago I was picking up a cat from a rural vet to take to a fosterer. While I was there, the practice manager said her friend was looking for a cat. The long and short is she lives in a village but on the main road going through it. She had lost her cat to the road and said she didn't want another wanderer. She was even prepared to return the cat if it showed signs of going round the front. It was a hard call but I agreed - we have that on our conscience if anything happens. As it was, the lady was very responsible and we really had no choice but to take a chance.
-
Which is why its essential not to stretch the 'truth' and get something thats not suitable in the longterm!
I agree 100% the we should not stretch the truth when homing a cat, I think we need to tell it as it is warts and all, then we have a better chance of not needing to take the little ones back. I only wish many of the people who hand cats in to us did not stretch the truth.
-
This topic reminds me a bit of the lady who rang for a cat who lived near a very busy road I asked it she wanted an indoor cat, and she said oh! no, when I suggested that she lived too close to the busy road for a indoor/outdoor cat she replied oh! its ok if the cat turns right outside the front gate it can go up the street and into the woods, it would only be in danger if it turned left. If you can suggest how to teach a cat right from left please let me know. Also the phone call I received from a 'lady' to see if I could help with the vets fees as her cat had been run over and broken a leg, I explained the position and knowing the area where she lived said 'I would advise you to keep your cat in we only home indoor cats in your area'. A few months later I received another phone call about the same thing and recognised the voice and said 'I bet you will keep your cat in now'. she replied 'oh! it's alright it was the other leg this time'
-
This topic reminds me a bit of the lady who rang for a cat who lived near a very busy road I asked it she wanted an indoor cat, and she said oh! no, when I suggested that she lived too close to the busy road for a indoor/outdoor cat she replied oh! its ok if the cat turns right outside the front gate it can go up the street and into the woods, it would only be in danger if it turned left. If you can suggest how to teach a cat right from left please let me know. Also the phone call I received from a 'lady' to see if I could help with the vets fees as her cat had been run over and broken a leg, I explained the position and knowing the area where she lived said 'I would advise you to keep your cat in we only home indoor cats in your area'. A few months later I received another phone call about the same thing and recognised the voice and said 'I bet you will keep your cat in now'. she replied 'oh! it's alright it was the other leg this time'
Thats terribly sad poor kitty
-
how can you not be devistated that you cat was injured not only once, but twice? at the same area too
poor baby
-
so Ela out of interest if a person had had a cat killed or injured in the road you would allow an indoor only rehoming??
-
I agree that cats can be happy as indoor but cats + sun = :Luv2:
Ours do that too! just on the carpet when the sun shines through the window. Cats in the sun are so funny :Luv:
-
I just spoke to a woman from another rescue, she said as a general rule they don't rehome cats or kittens as indoors only. She also said that most rescues will give me the same answer - but that nothing stops us from buying cats from Friday Ad/internet. I said I would rather hand over my money to a charity! She said didn't encourage it as such, but that all cats in this world deserves a good home regardless where you get them from. Guess that makes sense, but I still would like to adopt from an actual rescue.
Don't get me wrong, she was very nice and we spoke for nearly half an hour. I tried to make a point that I also believe that cats should have free outdoor access in an ideal world, and said that in the future chances are that we will be able to let them out when we live somewhere else. But no luck!
So am not sure what to do now. Me and R will take a few days to think about what to do. I don't feel like phoning around rescues to get the same answer, I know I've only spoken to 2 so far but it has put me off already!
Thanks for all your replies.
-
so have you been ruled out by everyone in your area because you are taking a sensible precaution against you cat getting killed?? how weird is that, when you could just walk into a pet shop
-
so have you been ruled out by everyone in your area because you are taking a sensible precaution against you cat getting killed?? how weird is that, when you could just walk into a pet shop
I know, I give up!
The irony is, I was told that because of the road we live on (busy) they wouldn't rehome to us anyway. So, we can't get an indoor cat from them, but we couldn't get an outdoor cat from them either!!
I remember one of the ladies at Croydon CP even told me to wait until we move somewhere better. Do they think I'm rushing out to buy the latest fashion accessory or something? It really feels as if we are looked upon as if we are doing something wrong.
-
Im sorry but I think this is really really bad- on one hand we have cats DESPERATE for a home and someone to love them , on the other we have a loving owner and home available who are just dying to take in TWO cats.
And no-one seems to want to pair the two up??? Ludicrous! >:(
-
I really think that any home with constant loving attention, toys, scratching posts, company and love is better than in a pen/cage in a rescue where no matter how much the staff care they just cannot give as much one on one care as loving owners who work from home
-
Oh I'm so sorry, we went through the same thing 3.5 years ago when we were looking for our first English cat (my American kitty Penguin wouldn't be shipped for a bit longer), the local Cats Protection wouldn't give me the time of day and didn't even mention, blind, deaf or disable cats - as I will not let my cats outside (Penguin and Little Girl both escaped when I lived in the US, Penguin came home after a week and little girl more than a month and I didn't sleep or eat the whole time).
I put a post on a board and about a day later a breeder contacted me about a 6 month old Burmese, we went and visited, fell in love and brought her home and that was that (she did have a pretty bad case of cat flu - but a trip to the vets cured that).
It wasn't until a few years later we discovered a local shelter (we got Smoke from there and were only told her name and age) but they have no policy for rehoming only you pick the animal and pay £50.
What i'm trying to say is don't give up hope, go on cat chat and have a look at all the rescues close and somewhere you'll find the perfect duo.
:hug:
-
It is really annoying that some branches are so narrow minded in their approach - it gives us all a bad name. You aren't a million Miles from Canterbury - maybe Sharon could sort you out a brace of kits :)
I think Kirst was a satisfied customer and well out of our area :)
-
Im sorry but I think this is really really bad- on one hand we have cats DESPERATE for a home and someone to love them , on the other we have a loving owner and home available who are just dying to take in TWO cats.
And no-one seems to want to pair the two up??? Ludicrous! >:(
This is exactly what I was thinking.... I can't believe you are having this trouble. Its sad to think that these branches are blinded by their own personal opinion and are turning away perfect homes purely for the reason that you want indoor kitties :(
-
Is there no rescue on here with 2 special little needy babes that could find there way to you
I'm sure that someone on here must have your ideal inmates - perhaps a journey may be necessary but I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem
Some CP branches have strange idea's, our local one here does thats why I am still doing work for my old branch 150 miles away! :shocked:
-
All this makes me so angry!
If they have so many cats they cant take others in and then will not home to a good home, what is the sense of any of this! Next problem will be Christmas and they wont home just before Christams....Ok I can understand that but not in your case.
I am sure someone must have two kittens desperate for homes too but the prob of course will be the home check.....cos if they are only home checking for outdoors cats and you have this road, then you are bloomin caught again...................soooooooo stupid when so many cats and kittens need homes!
I cant remember exactly where you are but there are two other small rescues in Streatham, cant remember the names though.
I think to stop the pain, you should go onto the Cat Chat rescue map and pick all the rescues around you and email them, sayiing how you lost your beloved Jameson, and now you are desperate to fill the hole in your house by taking on two needy kittens as indoor now and outdoor later when you are able to move.
This will stop you dealing with them by phone and getting the same old banter and get them to say whthere they will home as indoor only.
What about Celia Hammond.......I know otherside of London but...................Also there is Battersea Dogs home.
-
This thread has actually made me come out of years-long lurkdom. I've been here on-and-off, unregistered and invisible, since a few months after the catchat forums went *vanish* that one time. (Don't welcome me, anyone; you'll make me feel all awkward)
Tigerbaby, I'm on the opposite side of London to you, likewise near a very busy road. . . and I'm in exactly the same boat. All the roads nearby are busy and want we want to adopt an indoor cat. We're an adult-only home; someone is at here pretty much around-the-clock. . . and not one of the rescues I've spoken to will consider us. I say "indoors?" and it's like I've suggested something unclean.
Anyway, I've called, emailed or visited rescues all around my area. Some will consider us for FeLV/FIV/special needs cases, but nothing else. Goodness knows those kitties certainly deserve good homes, but I don't feel I can emotionally commit to a special needs case at this time.
At one point, after meeting a lovely, purring 2yr old tabby, I was told, "You can't have her. There's nothing wrong with her! Keeping her inside would be perverted!"
I've lived in briefly in the US and seen that most cats can live a happy, stimulated life inside. I'm not against outside cats. I just wish more rescues would consider indoor homes, too. I'm here. There are cats needing homes. My supplies are in and I've even knitted a cat bed.
And given it away, because I could find no one to use it. (It's gone to a good home though.)
I hope you have better luck soon, Tigerbaby. Don't give up. I'm certainly not going to... though as of last Friday, I'm putting our search on hold. Hectic December will not be the best, calm and quiet time for us to welcome in a new family member after all -- and really, I need time to regroup my fairly crushed morale.
There are still a few near-ish London rescues I haven't contacted yet. . . but now I'm out of Lurkdom, there may well be a January or February "indoor home; will travel" post appearing.
- - -
While I was writing this, a whole bunch of outraged post have appeared. Which is nice. :)
- - -
-
I suppose one thing people can do is contact head office with their issues. Every SAFE home deserves a cat or 3 :) - I wonder what head office policy is?
-
I agree Mark and was gonna post that, and Ela seems to be very much clued up on their policy and if she will rehome cats as indoor cats, then reckon head office aint against it either.
I also think that the emotion of losing a best friend and needing someone to fill that hole, is more than enough to cope with and I have been there, so having to fight ludicrous petty burocracy which has no sense, is one step too many for some. That is heartbreaking.
-
I think Kirst was a satisfied customer and well out of our area
Yup , travelled nearly three hours on a description only.............................well well worth it!! Sharon was brilliant , and I love my boys very very much.
-
I dont what area you are actually in Tigerbaby but i am willing to circulate a email to branches in our area who may have a pair of puss cats taht would suit the bill without the issue of indoor and outdoor and would be willing to at least consider it..
Just send me a email of what you are looking for with details of how far you are willing to travel etc... and what kind of puss cats you are looking for..special needs, FIV or just plain in need of a home... If a branch responds and a HC can be organised with a local branch or whatever then we could get lucky..
No guarantees.. but it could be a start.
-
I was just wondering if Sheppey still have a little of kittens.
-
My Dave actually chooses to be more of an indoor cat, he's a big girly wuss who freaks out at the slightest strange noise when on the balcony so hasn't ventured into the garden for ages and even then has only done that twice, had to be rescued as he couldn't work out how to come back the way he went :-: He is perfectly happy, his lifestyle is his choice, not mine and I can't see how two kitties with each other for company and then you and Robin for entertainment would every be bored, unstimulated or unhappy. I think it would be a pretty magnificent life for two lucky furballs and if I was ever looking to rehome my maniac I know where my first stop would be currently.
-
http://www.catchat.org/crawley/cgibin/prview.cgi?id=2008082901
Oh my if you are willing to take 3 this is the perfect match... All kittens... but indoor home at the moment .. very poor start in life... Rosemary is the homing officer for this CP branch and we network alot.. So i can put in good words.. Let me know what you think,,,, as they are extremely good in rehoming...They are of course Kent based
-
Hey guys,
I just briefly logged in and read all your replies :thanks:
Will go through your suggestions tomorrow and get back to you, and then I'm going away until Friday evening, so will have a think during this time.
I spoke to someone else earlier on who had exactly the same problem a while back and she ended up buying her pet from the Tree-site. I guess what angers us the most is knowing that we can offer a safe loving forever home, but that most rescues will not rehome to us anyway! Ie, if I mention Indoor cats they will say no, and if I say Outdoor cats they will say no too because of the road outside.
We will get there though, I am currently feeling awful stressing about it, and feeling a bit guilty towards Jameson because it is as if we are desperate for new cats. Which we are not. So I want to take a few days out and walk away from the situation, then come back and take things step by step. I just didn't realise it would be so hard to rehome indoor cats - I had truly expected rescues welcoming us with open arms.
Sigh.
Also thanks all for your PMs, I will get back to you too :thanks:
-
I had this exact same problem I got around it because I never said indoor or outdoor and they never asked! the Homevisit lady commented how nice and big my garden was and I agreed. Didn't mention cats in it :innocent:
-
I think helenas problem is that they won't let her have outdoor cats either because of the busy road!
just seen sharons note - surely you can squeeze in one extra helena!! :naughty: :evillaugh:
-
:Luv:
Just running out of the house but to say that I will reply to all PMs properly (Lesley & Bryony - just got your now - thank you!)
Aww 3 cats! I would say yes but R might think that will be a bit much to take on.. we will see! Will get back to you all this PM.
-
Helena, honestly, there will be little difference with two/three - you just take it in your stride
-
you just have to consider cost, if you can manage that there isn't a lot of difference - its only when you see them all together eating it looks like a lot of cat!
-
Honest 3 cats are fine, I have three and it works puurfectly. :hug:
-
You haven't seen a lot of cat until you've stood in Lesleys lounge with a packet of chicken!
-
You haven't seen a lot of cat until you've stood in Lesleys lounge with a packet of chicken!
That did make me laugh, next time you come round bring your camera - I can't feed them and photograph them at the same time, lol
-
I think the main problem, unless you have some money is the cost of insuring muliple cats or the vet bills if you are not ensured.
Also as mentioned elswhere on Purrs today, the cost of feeding which mounts up per month, depending on what they decide they will eat.......monsters :rofl: :rofl:
-
At the moment, this is the best I can do.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg72/eightlivesleftkittenrescue/Ninekittenseating.jpg)
-
You haven't seen a lot of cat until you've stood in Lesleys lounge with a packet of chicken!
That did make me laugh, next time you come round bring your camera - I can't feed them and photograph them at the same time, lol
I certainly will, we need some picture of a certain beautiful grey boy too! I have a pic of loads of them at food time from a while back on my mobile but the camera on it isn't great, I'll see what its like when I get home though.
Also.. awww, babies!
-
so many grey cats!!!
-
Ohhhhhhh look at all of them, thats as good as pics from Gillian ;D
-
Ohhhhhhh look at all of them, thats as good as pics from Gillian ;D
Thank youGill, that is a real compliment :Luv2:
-
Ah ha, as if by some strange magic, I managed to upload the photo from my phone to flickr and it actually worked!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/3060414249_7123cdaed8.jpg?v=0)
-
Wow ;D
-
Awwww what gorgeous cuties!!
I mentioned the 3 kittys to Robin, but he is not really keen. Our apartment isn't small, it's quite spacious, 1 good sized bedroom, 2 small hallways and good sized lounge, small kitchen and small bathroom, but for 2 cats we would still struggle to find a quiet corner/space for 3 litter trays (would need to put 1 in hallway, and one in bathroom and our bathroom is tiny, so 3 cats with 4 littertrays would start taking over space. Plus it's the money - although we both have semi- regular income I think the costs of insurance and food might be a bit too much to start with. We actually wanted only 1 cat first, but with the Indoor issue we felt that it would be better to rehome 2 so they can keep each other company. We talked about whether 2 cats might be a bit crowdy here but decided it would be ok.
I appreciate that 3 cats might not be that much of a difference, but I think we kind of feel that it's a bit too much in one hit.
-
you have to be realistic if money might be an issue hun your kitties are out there I'm sure
-
i have three cats and it works fine lol
-
Oh well never mind.. Its wise to think about these things.
If you wish me to send out a email to local branches then the offer is still there..
-
Okay we have some success. I will PM you details.. !
-
Oh I so hope this comes right. :Luv: Mind you I seem to remeber when I was looking I only wanted one and look what happened there! :evillaugh:
-
I have had several emails back from local SE branches including this one from the NCC, so indoor type cats are indeed out there. Cannot believe these two have been in care since April!!!
We have a lovely pair of cats here looking for an indoor home. They have been with us since April for one reason or another but they are a really friendly pair. They have been used to living as indoor cats in the past but there is no reason why they couldn’t go outside in the future. They must go as a pair.
They are:
Sidney, mn, black & white, dsh, 8 years old
Bear, mn, ginger, dlh, 5 years old
They are both calici + and have slightly sore gums because of this but they have had dentals and so it will hopefully calm down with time. Other than this no major ongoing health problems I can see.
Cattery Reception
National Cat Centre
-
I met Sydney and Bear when we got Jasper and they are goegeous. We were both very taken with them but knew that we only wanted one! I also got to cuddle both of them when we had our branch visit and I can honestly say they are sooo friendly and very good looking cats!
Bear is especially snuggly and such a gorgeous shade of ginger :Luv2: :Luv: :Luv2:
-
They are both calici + and have slightly sore gums because of this but they have had dentals and so it will hopefully calm down with time. Other than this no major ongoing health problems
Thank you - whereabouts is NCC? And what does Calici mean? Will discuss all the offers we've had so far with Robin, but probably won't be able to give an answer until Monday. If possible we'll drive down to see them - I think Haywards Heath is nearish to where R's parents live (a small village near Lewes).
-
Haywards Heath is not far from Gatwick,,,, Crawley way so not far at all... I dont know the details but i can give you tel numbers and contact people if you wanted to speak to someone.. But Debs has seem them also... ! Good luck and thanks for the PM
-
Helena, I would call the NCC and say you are possibly interested in those two but would be open to the idea of any pairs of cats who are indoor only. I know they had some really sweet FIV+ b&w kittens too! They will be able to talk to you about the home visit and who will do it in advance of you going down there. Once you ahve the home visit done you will then be able to drive down, choose your cats and take them home same day.
Calici is one of the strands of cat flu but really not that bigger deal... just make sure you keep up to date with their vaccinations and thwy will be fine. It is just likely they may get a case of the snuffles at times of stress but in a home like yours I am sure that will be minimal! When cat's get cat flu they never completey get rid of it, it can flare up but it is very common and lots of cats never have a flare up again so def not something to put you off.
-
Cats and roads just don't mix. Before I left home, we had a cat (ex-stray) who used to lie in the road, and make cars drive around him. Fortunately it was a very quiet 20mph zone, and he was never hurt. But then my mum moved, and the new house was on a busy road. You would think that a former stray would be streetwise, but he lay in the road, and was hit by a car. He lost one leg. Once he was recovered enough to climb the fence, he got back on the road and got killed.
My current cat Spook has a small disability - one of her hind legs is about an inch short, and has a clubfoot. She gets around fine, but she doesn't climb or jump very well. I'm worried that she wouldn't be able to hold her own against dogs or other cats. She's an inside cat, and only goes out in the garden when I'm with her.
I found that I was unable to adopt in my area - apparently there was a shortage of kittens, so you had to go on a waiting list for an HV, and then if you passed, go on another waiting list for a kitten. They wouldn't let you adopt just one, you had to take two, and they didn't home kittens under 6 months old. They told me that I couldn't have one because I'm in a rental property, unless I had a letter from my landlord giving permission, and they could call him to confirm. I didn't even dare mention that I'm disabled. I gave up after 2 months trying to arrange the HV. Eventually my mum gave me Spook as a birthday present - but could only get her by driving 120 miles and paying £225.
When I lived in New Zealand, and we wanted to adopt a cat, we just drove down to the RSPCA and picked out a kitten, and took her home. Why does it have to be so difficult up here?
-
I think the home visits for adoption are a fairly good idea, but the whole issue in the UK of keeping a non-pedigree cat as an indoor only cat annoys me, especially when they say you can't have an outdoor cat because of where you live etc In an ideal world then I really believe cats should have the freedom of the world outside... but in my area and many other, letting a cat outside without supervision is beyond risky... a friend of my mums has lost 9 cats in 2 years to road/trai/teenagers and another friend had her 6 month kitten thrown into a canal.
I am kinda glad that I ended up with Misha and bypassed the whole paperwork and arguments over having an indoor cat... but at same time I really hate those 'free to good homes' ads... Mishas previous owners never asked any questions about our home/area/other pets and they didn't even ask about care... other than saying they wanted 'her' to have a litter before neutering
-
When I lived in New Zealand, and we wanted to adopt a cat, we just drove down to the RSPCA and picked out a kitten, and took her home. Why does it have to be so difficult up here?
Because there are a lot of people out there who mistreat cats and so it is important for rescues to check circumstances. We also do follow up checks to make sure that all is as it appeared. I understand that you may not realise the way people treat animals, but trust me it is not at all nice at times and we have a duty to the cats to ensure they go into great homes.
-
When I lived in New Zealand, and we wanted to adopt a cat, we just drove down to the RSPCA and picked out a kitten, and took her home. Why does it have to be so difficult up here?
Because there are a lot of people out there who mistreat cats and so it is important for rescues to check circumstances. We also do follow up checks to make sure that all is as it appeared. I understand that you may not realise the way people treat animals, but trust me it is not at all nice at times and we have a duty to the cats to ensure they go into great homes.
but some great homes are indoors and cp branches should know more about cats and homes before they start saying peeps cant have a kitten for indoors only and then say well you cant have a kitten cos its too dangerous to go out side!
i am someone who has 4 cats who have 24/7 access and believe that cats miss something by not going out but all this stupidness needs to stop.
its no good rescues saying they are full, cant take any more etc etc and then will not rehome into safety when they can.
-
its no good rescues saying they are full, cant take any more etc etc and then will not rehome into safety when they can
.
I am not saying it does not happen but I personally don't know of a rescue that would not home when considered safe to do so.
-
just read the thread below ela, cp local branches will not rehome kittens into safe indoor homes...........its no good picking up one little quote !
-
just read the thread below ela, cp local branches will not rehome kittens into safe indoor homes
That will not be CP as a whole, I know CP branches that do including ourselves, to be honest with you more people nowadays ask us for indoor rather only than than indoor/outdoor. We would home very few if we did not home a lot as indoor only. Having said that we having a lot of kittens lately who are needing to go to a heart specialist for bad heart murmurs, (it is costing us a fortune) in fact we have one going to Sheffield on Monday (Ellie on our site). We home these to as indoor only.
-
The local cps to Helena will not rehome as you have read and I didnt say all cp branches
-
Eventually my mum gave me Spook as a birthday present - but could only get her by driving 120 miles and paying £225.
:Crazy: who on earth can get away with charging £225 for a cat with a physical defect, people whinge about rescues asking donations for a healthy vaccinated/chipped/neutered cat :Crazy: :Crazy:
Helena i hope NCC have something for you :luck:
-
Eventually my mum gave me Spook as a birthday present - but could only get her by driving 120 miles and paying £225.
:Crazy: who on earth can get away with charging £225 for a cat with a physical defect, people whinge about rescues asking donations for a healthy vaccinated/chipped/neutered cat :Crazy: :Crazy:
I'll just say - and I know Millys Mum agrees with me on this, so it's for general consumption really - that any physical defect doesn't make Spook any the less wonderful and deserving of love :hug: Her point was a different one.
-
Eventually my mum gave me Spook as a birthday present - but could only get her by driving 120 miles and paying £225.
:Crazy: who on earth can get away with charging £225 for a cat with a physical defect, people whinge about rescues asking donations for a healthy vaccinated/chipped/neutered cat :Crazy: :Crazy:
I'll just say - and I know Millys Mum agrees with me on this, so it's for general consumption really - that any physical defect doesn't make Spook any the less wonderful and deserving of love :hug: Her point was a different one.
Of course C :yes: :yes:
What a crazy world we live in :shocked:
-
Have been catching up with this thread and just wanted to say keep trying and you will find a rescue that will home to you, they would be very silly not to take up the offer of such a wonderful home. I only wish you lived near us at Gateshead CP as we would snatch your hand off. We regularly home to indoor only homes, possibly because we are such a built up area in Gateshead with very busy roads and we have a lot of people living in flats without gardens too. As others have said it does depend on the cat especially if they are adults but we have successfully rehomed many cats who were previously outdoors to indoor homes. As people on here know Hobbes and Dylan are indoor cats and I think people can see from their various photos that they are very healthy and happy. Dylan was an outdoor stray before I got him and he has never shown any inclination to go outside in the 5 years I've had him and Hobbes freaked out when he went outside in his carrier so I think it's safe to say he's not bothered about the outdoors as he's never been out. In an ideal world I would like them to be able to go out but I live next to a busy bypass and also live on a big council estate with some people around who shouldn't be allowed near animals so at the moment they will stay indoors. When I eventually get my own place I would like somewhere I can cat proof the garden so they can have the best of both worlds but they are certainly fine as they are for now. Some CP branches do annoy me when they have such rigid rules, as Mark said it gives the rest of us a bad name and they don't operate the way NCC wants them too either. A good home is a good home after all. Good luck with your search, I know the right babes are out there for you :Luv:
-
Hope you find the purfect pair soon tigerbaby!
I'm just sorry to hear you have had such a tough time of it! Up my end of the country (Edinburgh) the rescues do re-home to indoor only depending on the cats circumstances and I have known people to get kittens from rescues too for indoor only as long as they take a pair - which you were going to do. Maybe it is because there are so many old tenaments in the city but of all my cat loving friends (there are a lot) have indoor cats from four posh persians two a rough and tumble pair of boisterous kittens and none of them let their cats outdoors....its funny how the regions vary.
My pair are rescues through the UKRCC and originally they had hoped they would go to a an outside access home as that is what they were used to - however they had been with their fosterer for four months and shown no incilnation to go out and given their age (they were 11) it was thought a cosy home was best for their retirement - and they are happy chappies indoor and love finding the hot spots on the wooden floors where the radiators run under!
I am sure something will come up soon and you are right to stick by your original decison - there will be two lovely indoor furbabes just waiting for you.
And indoor cats can enjoy the sun too!!
:Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Bertie on the large living room window sil - flat on his back with not a care in the world!
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn164/sundevil_rachael/Bertie/NigeriaSpainandHongKong036.jpg)
Edgar in more or less the same spot on the rug we placed there for him
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn164/sundevil_rachael/The%20boys/MobileMay08050.jpg)
-
The local cps to Helena will not rehome as you have read and I didnt say all cp branches
I am very sorry, I assumed obviously wrongly that when you posted cp local branches will not rehome kittens into safe indoor homes...........
you meant CP branches as a whole not some.
Anyway, hopefully very soon one or two little ones will soon find their new loving home that is waiting for them.
-
I all
Just an update the two cats i posted about from the NCC i was emailed yesterday that they have both been reserved for a nice home. However, i have given Tigerbaby a few more leads... So still hopeful
-
Hey guys
First and foremost thank you so much for your enthusiasm and invaluable help when it comes to finding us a pair of cats. :hug: :thanks: It means a lot knowing that you're keeping us in mind for any potential furbabies in need..
I haven't really been catching up with all my PM's and the threads - infact there are sooo many threads I am missing as Im not really on here as frequent now. Things have been a bit crazy over here and I think we are going to take each day as it comes with regards to adopting cats. We haven't really had time to grieve properly, and it's kind of resulted in a lot of mental stress. The other night me and R ended up having a huge row, shouting and screaming at each other... then none of us could work out why, or how the argument started in the first place. Tonight at Ikea (we had dinner there) we talked about Jameson and suddenly R broke down in tears.. and then I did, and we're sitting there sobbing while other people are trying to eat. :-[
I don't know how I am ever going to get over the loss of Jameson, and the sadness comes in waves. I miss him so much that my heart and body is physically hurting. I light candles on his grave everyday, I even had a crazy moment of thinking that we had buried the wrong cat - I was in total denial. I think we are slowly realising that he is actually never coming back. I just miss him. I nearly bought a kitten off the 'Tree' site because it was a spitting image of him. Then I get angry with myself for wanting another cat when everything is still so raw, and it feels like we're desperate for cats, which we're not, and then I feel guilty because of that!
So we have decided to 'let the cats come to us' and not actively look for them, we are going to let it happen naturally. By all means, please continue forwarding links - it's just that we are going to try and switch our minds off a little bit, and take everything day by day, and when something feels right we will deal with it then. I think until then we are just going to take things slow. Of course we still want to go and visit rescues etc, we just wish they could be a little more local!
I hope all of this makes sense. Thank you all, you are the best support in the world :hug:
-
hunny :hug:
-
I don't know how I am ever going to get over the loss of Jameson
It is very difficult I know but when you are able to take on another little soul it will help with the healing process, I know we sometimes feel guilty. After we lost 'Our Boy' (badger the dog on my pic) our daughter adopted a dog Jonty aged about 10 months old from a rescue he was a little (well not so little) darling and it was obvious he had previously been beaten but I found it so hard at first to even touch him as each time I did I felt I was letting our boy down. My goodness in those ealy days Julie was always making up some excuse for us to care for him (mind you that has not changed much) I think that is because she knew it would help us and slowly but surely it did although, occasionally as we are having a cuddle the thought that I am letting our boy down come to me but then I think I know he would be happy that we have helped another little one have a quality life. Badger is never far from our minds and we have a big pic of him hung up in the lounge and there is also one in the country pub we go in, they placed one by the seat we sit in and where badger used to lay and all the customers made a fuss of him. After Christmas one of the Purrs members is going to make a pic of him and I will give it to Stuart for his birthday.
As Badger is always in our thoughts, Jameson will be in yours and to know you gave him the best possible life is not a bad feeling and one of which you should be proud.
-
Oh Helena :hug: :hug:
I think you are doing the right thing, give yourselves time to heal and the right puss cats will find you :hug:
Jameson will never be far from either of your thoughts (or any of ours) :Luv:
-
Sending you and R a huge :hug: hun, there's no need to rush into anything, you need to let yourself come to terms with everything at your own pace :hug:
I'm sure when the time is right, Jameson will send some furries in need your way, and you'll know that he had a hand in it too, as he'll want you to the perfect meowmy and doody again in time xxx
-
:hug:
-
:hug:
Your quite right to take your time and the right cats will come. Everyone deals with things differently and I also took my time to find a cat after Bertie passed last December. Edgar and Oscar didn't come to me until the end of february. I had saw them just after Bertie but it was too quick, then a special appeal was put on for them on here believe it or not and I heard that no one had even enquired about them and I knew then that the time was right and I should try and see if I was suitable.
They are lovely cats but in no way replace Bertie (how could they) just as new cats will never replace Jamieson. I can still think of Bertie today and cry and just reading Ela's post below brought tears to my eyes at the thought of Bertie - I still talk to him! :(
When the time is right you will know and until then you are right to take a back seat and a breather!
-
i found just immense comfort by stroking a cat again and knew my decision to allow new cats into my home within 7 days was the right thing for me.
but as said below, everyone is different and also i was lucky that cp helped me very positively.
you must do what is right for you and i am sure that jameson will make sure kitties appear for you at the right time :hug: :hug: :hug:
-
Helena, I totally understand how you feel about waiting til it is right, until something happens to tell you that now is the time as it were, Jameson will be looking down and I'm sure he'll let you know when he thinks the right cats have come along!
When we lost our Lucy, our first cat who came to us in much the same way as Jameson came to you, I was distraught, going away to university certainly helped to ease the pain but there was always a sense of something missing whenever I came home. Mum was there when Lucy was PTS and that really affected her badly, she said it was too painful and she couldn't have another cat again and have to go through that. When I moved back home a year later, I still felt that gap in our home life and eventually persuaded mum to consider the idea of another cat. I found Casper, the last of an unwanted litter, with 2 huge collars on him (one flea and one average kind) with big scared eyes and a massive purr, and from the moment he took his first shaky steps out of the cat carrier and into our lives, mum was totally smitten with him.
Goes to show, you'll know when its right!
-
Tigerbaby, having been through your situation a fair few times, I can tell you that Jameson will send you a new puss, probably when you least expect it. Something about a rehoming picture, or an advert with draw you in, or a stray will just walk in the door and pop his/her suitcase on your sofa. I have never gone out to seek a new puss - they just turn up. :rofl: I am convinced my bridge babes send me a replacement as without fail, within a couple of weeks a new one has moved in. :shocked:
I think you're right to take it easy and let the puss come to you. :)
-
I've just read through this thread (As we'll be looking into getting a kitten/younger cat some time in the new year) and god, I really feel for you :( Not only have you lost a beloved pet, but you had a particularly hard time just trying to home another. I'm sure the right puss for you will turn up, and that Jameson will have a paw in it somewhere! Best of luck to you :)
-
I don't know how I am ever going to get over the loss of Jameson, and the sadness comes in waves.
Oh I know what you mean about that, one moment the day is 'normal' then it just hits you again doesnt it? :hug: As the others have said, the right puss will come along, whether you go looking or whether one just turns up on the doorstep, it will pull at your heartstrings and then you'll know the time is right. :hug:
-
yep , Jameson will sen you the right pair of pusses! (and from what we have gleaned about Jameson expect a right naughty pair! :evillaugh:)
I will say , the occasional look on the rehoming pages on here might point you in the right direction. When we lost Oscar I was on the lookout for one kitten , preferably a Birman or a raggie.
I ended up with TWO ginger monsters (ok one is longer haired) , having never had gingers before and was head over heels in love on first sight! :Luv2:
And all through Purrs.................. :hug:
-
Today I decided to go the pet shop Jameson was bought from at 8 weeks old. I never had any desire to go there before, I guess I am trying to get closure on all this and it felt important to see the place he was bought from. I was shocked. What an awful place, it was very run down and the shop owner was very rude, you can tell he didn't care much about the animals. In a tank/cage next to the till was 4 tiny kittens all huddled together meowing. I can imagine their mother must've been very upset when they were taken from her, and I can imagine these kittens were scared being taken out of their comfort zone. Poor babies being left there on display, and overnight when the shop is closed from 6pm until 10am the next morning.. I tried imagining little Jameson (Scooby back then!) in that tank.. Apparently he was the last one, and when my neighbour walked in she said he looked so gorgeous but scared. My little boy being left in THAT tank all on his own! Apparently he cried all the way back to her house. I didn't like the thought of giving that man business, even though my Boy came from his shop. The tabby kittens he had today were all cute & that but I just walked out, the place wasn't very nice. I can't believe anyone can just walk in and just choose a kitten.
I hope those kittens go to a good home though. Like another member on here said it doesn't matter where the cats come from, all cats born into this world deserve a good home.
-
Those poor babies, I hope they get lovely homes but I have to say I can't blame you for walking out disgusted, pet shops need policing in some way for this sort of thing an to leave them there overnight is just criminal.
-
Helena, was it by any chance a certain petshop in Coulsdon? (town name in the shop name) If so, they are notorious for this sort of thing. One of our CP members called the RSPCA about them after she was in there and saw all the kittens were suffering from Cat flu and was advised that she was one of a long line of callers! So sad
-
If she was one of a long line of callers, were they actually doing anything about it!!??
-
I haven't seen he since we discussed it so I'm not sure to be honest. She was advised that they would be in touch once they had investigated. I will find out next time our paths cross.
-
Never look back, Tigerbaby, and never look down. Introspection twists the spirit. :hug: Jameson had no link other than circumstance to that awful place. ;) If you're seeking closure and trying to remember happier times, look toward the things that defined the kind of cat he was - look in a mirror because that face you see was the face which kept Jameson coming back for his tea. :Luv:
Yes... I've been on the Asti because I helped pull off a great rescue today. :evillaugh:
-
Never look back, Tigerbaby, and never look down. Introspection twists the spirit. :hug: Jameson had no link other than circumstance to that awful place. ;) If you're seeking closure and trying to remember happier times, look toward the things that defined the kind of cat he was - look in a mirror because that face you see was the face which kept Jameson coming back for his tea. :Luv:
Yes... I've been on the Asti because I helped pull off a great rescue today. :evillaugh:
Lovely words :Luv: You are so right :Luv: :hug: Awwww. He really did come back here for his tea and his cuddles.. aww I'm sobbing again!! :(
Helena, was it by any chance a certain petshop in Coulsdon? (town name in the shop name) If so, they are notorious for this sort of thing. One of our CP members called the RSPCA about them after she was in there and saw all the kittens were suffering from Cat flu and was advised that she was one of a long line of callers! So sad
This was a pet shop in Mitcham Road... near the end of Sumner Road? Does it ring a bell?
-
Hi Helena,
I hate pet shops that have animals. I picked up Suzie all those years ago from a pet shop which had loads of sniffly kittens with cat flu in a large cage-like pen. We only have one pet shop in the centre of town here now and I hate going there. I was there as recently as yesterday lunchtime to try and buy a couple of the large cardboard scratch pads that the boys like and I hate it there. The guy that owns it and, I presume, his son are really "pikey" and it does not have a very good reputation as I've heard a fair bit about it. They have puppies and other pets in cages in the back cordoned off by a rope barrier and there were two women in there yesterday returning a puppy, really made me sad to see it put back into the cage with two ohers. In short I hate that sort of thing and only go there because I cannot get themk anywhere round here, even pets at home don't keep them else I would get the two busses there. I suppose there might be a good pet shop somewhere but I'm firmly against pet shop such as these that keep pets in such conditions. The only good thing that I can say is that we got our lovely Suzie from one and gave her a lovng home but oine can't help feel very sad for her sibblings. It's the second time that I've been there this week, I wasted half a lunch break walking round to them on Tuesday only to be promised that they would be back in stock Thursday morning and, when I went there yesterday, they had forgotten to put them on the van, I won't be going back.
Cheers
Leigh
-
hope you are feeling a bit better hun :hug:
Leigh is it worth approaching Tan to see if she can get them for the purrs shop?
-
Thanks Dawn,
A splendid idea, I've seen them and bought them occasionally on my travels but they are somewhat hard to find.
Cheers
Leigh
-
If we haven't found any new furries by March there is a possibility that we'll take gorgeous Dave in for fostering! :Luv:
-
If we haven't found any new furries by March there is a possibility that we'll take gorgeous Dave in for fostering! :Luv:
oooooo we need pics of gorgeous Dave please :Luv:
-
Who is Dave? Has he been mentioned on here?
Just had to say I hate petshops selling animals full stop - there's no need. I went into one the other day that I have to get my reptile food from and she had pairs of spiny mice for £8! One of the mice has lost an ear, (she informed me an acacia rat had managed to get, and they "looked friendly" so she left them together overnight - when she got in the next morning the poor spiny was missing his ear) another has cataracts - this implies poor genetics to me and anyone with a little common sense would just stop breeding with them. Anyway she said if she has as many left at Christmas she'll give me a pair. I wasn't looking for any more pets, but to be honest I know that noone is going to buy a spiny mouse with cataracts or one ear. The need for a shelving unit is intensifying in our front room!
The chain of events that led up to Jameson being with you aren't what matters; the fact he knew so much love and affection - well that matters a great deal. The right cat(s) and you will find each other when the time is right. I honestly think that. :hug:
-
lol, come on peeps! Dave! D. A. V. E.
THE Dave of Daves! :rofl:
http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,19470.0.html
925dancer is moving abroad and needs a fosterer for a few months before he can be sent over. It's only a loose idea so far, we'll see nearer the time what the situation is.
-
Ahhhh, him. He's a cutie!!
-
MY Dave! How can you forget my Dave!? Just look at the handsome boy below!
-
I didn't forget your Dave... ;) I just assumed Dave was a rescue cat! :shy:
-
Today I decided to go the pet shop Jameson was bought from at 8 weeks old. I never had any desire to go there before, I guess I am trying to get closure on all this and it felt important to see the place he was bought from. I was shocked. What an awful place, it was very run down and the shop owner was very rude, you can tell he didn't care much about the animals. In a tank/cage next to the till was 4 tiny kittens all huddled together meowing.
The quote above that you used is sadly true. These shops care little for the animals, where they are going and what sort of homes, families or lives they will have. It is all about money, money, money. I do not believe the law should allow any Pet Shop should to sell animals.
Just seen this thread for the first time and see a mixture of advice, although I am pleased that you did not stoop to the advice to lie to get the two CP cats. Pretty poor advice IMO and more akin to we must have our way at all costs society that rescues often face and which creates more long term suspicion of potential owners and damage. I admire your honourable stance on that subject.
I sympathise with your overall plight re the in/out issue. I have an open mind regarding the issue of indoor cats. My own cats spend most of the week indoors which is a large area. I can understand the issue with small bedsits and areas where the cat has few bolt holes or little room. Mine are allowed into the part enclosed garden when somebody is at home all day, which is usually qa minimum of 4 days a week. I will not have a cat flap (pros and cons with them from the cats point of view). Having said that, only 1 of the 7 likes to be out for more than a few minutes at a time. Some have lived rough and prefer the warmth and comfort of a home.
Reading through the advice, Ela posts the most realistic view in my opinion which is indicative of how she looks at cat issues.
The only issue that I have about outside is allowing cats out at night. Any owner is asking for trouble and I will leave it at that. CP and other national rescues should be hanmmering that point home to the public with statistics. The people involved in rescues on here know and understand that point.
I am not sure which part of the country you line in but if it is in the Surrey area, I can put you in touch with some sympathetic independent rescues and some local CPs with a broader view than the one you encountered. In saying that I am mindful that I do not know your living arrangements from the cats point of view any more that you know mine. That may be relevant, although I somehow doubt it.
I wish you luck. My gut feeling is that there is a nice home waiting.
-
she is in the surrey area beanie
-
I'm in Croydon, Surrey and have tried Croydon CP and Croydon Animal Samaritans.
I haven't tried Battersea yet which is very easy for me to travel to (could do it on my own without R) but I will call them and Celia Hammond before I actually go there to check the Indoor vs Outdoor thing..
-
Its strange because most pedigree breeders stipulate "indoor" homes only but are happy with a secure enclosure.
I wish you all the luck in the world Helena with finding your purrfect furry friends - its seems such a travesty that you have the perfect home to offer but rescues dont want the cats to be "indoor"
-
Although ideally we want normal moggies (ie tabbies, b/w or black cats) we have been talking about pedigree cats, like bengals. Only problem is they are quite expensive and so will the insurance also be.
-
my insurance isn't any more for my bengal - is yours sheryl?? they have a fair bit of energy though - maybe something a bit more laid back!
-
O really? We like high energy cats, Jameson was very high energy all the time.
But then again he did release a lot of his energy outdoors, I should add!
-
wasn't there a pair of bengal brothers in west london looking??
-
It is slightly more but nothing drastic - we pay £10.80 a month for 2 moggies and £24 a month for 4 Benglies.
Energy levels definately off the scale but so much fun - TBH my little Tabby keeps up with them most of the time.
-
O really? We like high energy cats, Jameson was very high energy all the time.
Oh good, Dave is like a whirlwind when he gets going, I need to take pictures of the state he is leaving my cupboard in since his little trip to the vets, stuff everywhere and he just looks at me with a "what's your issue?" look on his face :evillaugh:
-
There was Dawn but they needed outdoor access apparently?
I think if you get Benglies it would be nice to get 2 kittens together - not that Im influencing you or anything :rofl:
-
that's a shame :(
-
wasn't there a pair of bengal brothers in west london looking??
Yes but they wanted outdoor access and something else I can't remember now.
-
I think if you get Benglies it would be nice to get 2 kittens together - not that Im influencing you or anything :rofl:
I would love that. I love Benglies but never thought of getting a pedigree cat really until recently. Robin also loves them but reckons we should stick to moggies.
-
it might be worth checking out bengal rescue or the breed clubs, like sheryl said earlier lots are indoor only - when I was looking for my bengal one said I could only have a kitten if I tied it to the washing line!!! Didn't get one from her funnily enough!
-
You've got a good point there! Might have a snoop around on the net later! If you guys know of any good websites for rescues/reputable breeders let us know.
-
http://www.bengalcatclub.co.uk/sadlymissed.asp
third down a brother and sister indoor pair
-
Most of the breeders I know are in this area Lincs/Midlands but if you want more info let me know and I will send you a list of reputable breeders in the South (closer to you)
-
Lovely words :Luv: You are so right :Luv: :hug: Awwww. He really did come back here for his tea and his cuddles.. aww I'm sobbing again!! :(
I'm totally with you on this one... We lost our little Layla only days before you lost Jameson and I am still a complete wreck. I cry everyday (am now) and don't know how I am ever going to cope without her but I know it will get easier and I just try to keep remembering all the wonderful times we had. :hug:
Helena, was it by any chance a certain petshop in Coulsdon? (town name in the shop name) If so, they are notorious for this sort of thing. One of our CP members called the RSPCA about them after she was in there and saw all the kittens were suffering from Cat flu and was advised that she was one of a long line of callers! So sad
This was a pet shop in Mitcham Road... near the end of Sumner Road? Does it ring a bell?
[/quote]
Don't think this can be the same one which if anything makes it worse as it means there are more o the horrible places. The one I am referring to is in Brighton Road in coulsdon.
-
I wonder if they are the ads I reported to the RSPCA (who said there was nothing wrong with them :tired: ) saying they will take any kittens or pregnant mums. What happens to the mums? :(
-
I do sympathize with you, Helena, on several fronts. I grew up in a big city, so always had indoor cats as it was just way too dangerous to let cats out. In all the years of having cats since, I've always had indoor cats, or supervised-only back-garden cats, and have never had one who seemed unhappy or neurotic! We've always made sure we had tons of toys, carpeting on windowsills, cat-shelves and cat-trees and cardboard boxes and newspaper tents and you-name-it to keep cats busy and occupied as well as give them privacy when they want it, plus lots of play time as well. My beloved Lucia, who passed away this past 1 January, was always an indoor cat, with the exception that she would go out and hang out on my balcony in 2 of my apartments, but never tried to get out and away.
As far as your loss, I still miss my Lucia every single day and tears still come very often. I will never get over losing her, she was really like my little girl as well as my best friend. And of course she can absolutely never be replaced. But she was a stray when we found each other (she really found me!), and so a couple weeks after she passed away, I met Lily (Tiger Lily) who was in a cage in a small and money-strapped rescue, and thought she looked so sad and lonely and needed a home that I brought her home. I told the rescue she would be primarily indoor-only (she goes supervised in back garden) and unlike my local CP branch, they were more than happy that I wanted to give her a safe and loving home.
So hang in there; when it's right you'll meet the right kitty or kitties, and it will feel right to give them the loving home they deserve!