Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Rescue & Rehoming => Rescue & Rehoming General => Topic started by: Canterbury_cats (Sharon) on June 27, 2008, 16:37:17 PM
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Not sure if this is the rignt thing to say.. But i dont think rescues should be paying for cats in this situation..I hope that she can be convinced just to hand them over..
The amount of posts on Purrs lately from Tree adds etc.. is making my head spin.. It puts so much pressure on rescues.. They must be a better way of dealing with this...For instance the 6 calls i have had today that i have had to say no too(but put them on a list) for all i know they will put adverts on sites and a innocent rescue may see that advert and for all we know they then instantly jump the queue in lieu of the many, many strays and poorly cats that we have to priortise this time of year...
Dont wish to upset anyone... here.. but its been on my mind for days, and is probably a thread in itself.
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Not sure if this is the rignt thing to say.. But i dont think rescues should be paying for cats in this situation..I hope that she can be convinced just to hand them over..
I agree 100%, the plea I've put out is to try and get whoever to persuade the seller to hand the mum and kittens over hopefully to a rescue, rather than sell them. I must admit I get upset seeing all these posts and try not to look if I can help it as I feel helpless when I can't help :'(
Agree wholeheartedly. It may not be fair on the cats advertised on there, but I feel so bad that I can't help them due to being stretched already that I do not look at these now. The ads are heartbreaking and the people posting them, I feel, do not feel the same way about their own pet or care about it, as much as we rescues do and they know what someone somewhere will feel bad enough to help, or that someone will pay the money they want and then they have made money and no longer have the worry or responsibility. These people can't really be worrying about what is going to happen to mum and kittens to advertise them in this way.
Probably find she has an un-neutered tom in the house too.
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Not sure if this is the rignt thing to say.. But i dont think rescues should be paying for cats in this situation..I hope that she can be convinced just to hand them over..
The amount of posts on Purrs lately from Tree adds etc.. is making my head spin.. It puts so much pressure on rescues.. They must be a better way of dealing with this...For instance the 6 calls i have had today that i have had to say no too(but put them on a list) for all i know they will put adverts on sites and a innocent rescue may see that advert and for all we know they then instantly jump the queue in lieu of the many, many strays and poorly cats that we have to priortise this time of year...
Dont wish to upset anyone... here.. but its been on my mind for days, and is probably a thread in itself.
Totally agree on both points.
I would never expect to pay for a cat coming in.
Also agree that any mention of these sites should be banned from here. I feel stressed whenever I see one of these as a rescue and feel annoyed and hopeless. I only look on these sites if I have a space that I can offer otherwise there is no point, apart from to upset myself.
I know that goes against me starting this post, but in fairness to myself this post was pointed out to me and of course you can't (or at least I can't) then forget.
I think the best thing people can do if they see one of the posts is to reply giving them a link to the rescues on catchat and suggest that the owner contact all of them and seek help in homing (well apart from going round and kicking the :censored: owner).
Like everyone else there is no room here and I have agreed to accept a kitten in the morning and just put a stay tom in a pen in my shed at the top of the garden. I can also declare myself totally :censored: with the :censored: people in this country.
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Angie... sorry to hijack you post.. But i am glad to hear that people agree with my points. And although i realise that some rescues do post about this, i do think its got to a point now when we stay PLEASE DONT... instead just give a link and a friendly email to the person that posts and hopefully we try to educate them..Posting on Purrs just springs people in action where sometimes that action can be better spent on dealing with those cats that have no one...
May seem harsh.. but at least some of these people, although idiots are at least feeding cats and they have shelter..Some poorly strays or the 3 cat flu kittens i had calls about this week have no hope, not even a advert in the paper !
Sorry but.. (and i realise that i too have posted a few times aboutTree sites) its getting abit to depressing!
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I've mixed feelings on posting them, as although sometimes I can't help, I can help by putting pleas out and sometimes these pay off, so if anyone does get any that they need help with, they are more than welcome to contact me and I'll do what I can :hug: :hug:
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Sharon I agree with you entirely, its one thing to post for genuine pleas for help but these constant adverts cause a lot of stress to those who want to help but are unable, I will be honest I complained to Tan about some time ago.
As to the buying of cats, I am sorry but in my opinion buying these cats/kittens/dogs/whatever is just creating a market for these BSB`s, if this woman gets her £100 you can bet the other mum and kittens will be offered for £200 then she will start off with a couple of new kittens and breed again. I really feel so sorry for the animals in these situations but we all need to look at this longterm.
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I refuse to look at these sites because the people anger me so much and I've been unfortunate enough to know people like it. I used to work with a girl who'd split up with a nasty boyfriend and decided to buy the biggest dog she could to scare him away. Needless to say the dog was sold on within weeks and she'd bought a kitten instead to keep her company. I'm sure you can guess what happened next... >:(
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I do agree about the feelings the posts can raise as you feel that with it being in a public forum you are impelled to try to help (not that you wouldn't normally, but I mean even when we are already swamped). There does seem to have been a real increase though in the number of these 'tree' site posts in the last few weeks and a lot of them seem to be in a concentrated area which I suppose can put an undue amount of pressure on rescue's in that area. I think Dawn, for one is one of those who has been run off her feet with these cases lately.
rather than answering to each and every 'ad' .... perhaps when these posts are arising in concentrated areas perhaps it is worth asking one of the larger charities with advertising budgets to perhaps draw a focussed awareness campaign to the public in these areas regarding not only neutering but the pro's of chanelling these 'instances' (for lack of a better word) through rescues. ????
just a thought! :shy:
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I do agree with what has been said here but as long as members keep posting the info it bypasses our rules!
http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,4721.0.html
Angie , ummmmm Angie you posted this :shify:
I have stated my feelings before and been crucified I think but I do not think any information from these sites should be posted on Purrs.
In my humble opinion you should stay away from the sites unless you personally can help in a given situation, its useless just posting more and more heartbreak stories that make peeps and rescues feel guilty for not trying to help.
There are so many cats out there needing help because of irresponsible people but there is a limit to what can be done :(
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Agree with all. This could be another thread entirely but as i am unsure as the "rules" on Purrs regarding these posts... it would be welcome if a MOD could give guidelines... as there has def been an increase in such posts lately.. and although very few of those adverts are Kent based.. i know it must be terrible for those rescues that are in the thick of all the problems... Its not fair..!
In rescue it dawns on you sometime down the road a few years, that financially, emotionally and resource wise you just cannot help every animal in need.. But we can help to educate and thats the way forward .... But please dont put even more pressure on rescues as its hard enough already!
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I posted the link to the rules on my thread below Sharon.
If you wanted some more info please pm me ;D
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Gill, sorry i think we posted at the same time.. !
Well.. perhaps this little debate just makes people think about posting on here as i tell you WE HAVE NO ROOM! Unless a cat is death and dying (or serious welfare grounds, in which case we will pay for vets care and board) there is not any space for another puss cat. and i am sure that applies to just about every rescue on here....!
So peeps if you cannot help personally or in a position to help ... then please think before your post.... !
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No problem we cross posted ;D and so wish all members would take notice of this plea.
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Gill, sorry i think we posted at the same time.. !
Well.. perhaps this little debate just makes people think about posting on here as i tell you WE HAVE NO ROOM! Unless a cat is death and dying (or serious welfare grounds, in which case we will pay for vets care and board) there is not any space for another puss cat. and i am sure that applies to just about every rescue on here....!
So peeps if you cannot help personally or in a position to help ... then please think before your post.... !
Sorry but i dont agree -
Many a cat has been saved because it has been posted on here and then someone has been able to help....or someone has found someone else who could help!
Surely if someone hasnt got room they just pass the thread by ?
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Sorry but i dont agree -
Many a cat has been saved because it has been posted on here and then someone has been able to help....or someone has found someone else who could help!
Surely if someone hasnt got room they just pass the thread by ?
that's the problem though Michelle... those of us in rescue can't just 'pass the thread by' (well I certainly can't) and the only reason we can't help is that we are based way up north in most of the cases. We work in rescue to help ease these situations in our local areas and it is only natural for us to be saddened by pleas in other areas and want to help despite how stretched and exhausted we are already. :tired:
In honesty (my opinion here folks) were it only the odd 1 or 2 posts every now and again it wouldn't be so bad but lately there can be 2 or 3 a day and I just don't see the point in looking out these ads intentionally if the person themselves cannot help. If I had time and space to check the ads with a view to taking on a case then so be it that would be my choice but we are already inundated with calls and cases on our doorstep... as I'm sure every other rescue on here is. :scared:
I also don't believe that stretching ourselves past breaking point to deal with these cases is the best way to 'aid' the situation. Yes we will help that particular cat, but education and awareness have to go hand in hand or we are all banging our heads on a brick wall.
It is probably not a topic that everyone will agree on now, or even in the future but we all do really try our best and reading more and more of these cases where we can't help just upsets us. :'(
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I agree Sharon, and was going to pm Tan about it this weekend, as there have been sooo many recently, and it is so hard, especially when you get notifications via e-mail, as you cant help but notice the titles, even if all you are doing is deleting them, and the odd ones slip through.
Michelle, the point is that yes, cats have been saved, but at times you have to consider at what expense? And as I posted above, it isn't always that easy to pass threads by, and it sometiimes makes us feel so helpless.
I agree MCR, there are just too many at teh moment, and tht is on top of all the calls and e-mails we get.
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And i take on board what both You Desley and Madkittyrescue have said but surley not posting things like this isnt the answer.
look already DD has got a phone number for a man in Nottingham who might be able to help so hopefully this little one and her babies will end up in good hands rather than being bought by some prat who will just breed from her again ......So this thread might not have been in vain.
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The way I see it for Purrs and please correct me if you think I am wrong but there should be no more info from any of those sites but members who post needing to rehome etc are still welcome?
Is that what you think?
I just trying to get it absolutely clear for Tan cos I know we have been down this route before and the way she did the current rules was supposed to stop the posting but as we know it hasnt cos the info is mentioned just no links. I also believe that there should be no mention of these sites either by full name or abbreviated name.
Is that what you think is right?
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I personally think that there shouldnt be any posts from these sites, it just puts pressure on rescues, especially with the amount of them at the moment, it is always a bad time of year with being both holiday and kitten season, and while yes, lives are saved, it can be at the expense of others, and when you start moving cats around the country, it could mean a cat close to a rescue who is now full due to helping one out from here has to stay at risk due to no space, as could easily have happened to Lesley today, if someone closer hadn't been able to help.
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I will try and help where possible with the pleas for help, this goes without saying but I can understand the upset seeing them cause especially if we can't help. I posted 2 cats a couple of weeks ago, admittedly not off Freeads or anything but 15 years old, and no one came forward to help them. I didn't even like to phone the people back again because chances are they would have been put to sleep :'( The other thing we have to remember from a rescues point of view is the financial side when helping out these cats. I really haven't got the money to go back and to to help these cats and have on occasion gone overdrawn on my bank to help. I've had 2 trips lately and both costing me over £20 a time, I really haven't got the money to use but I also can't ignore the pleas for help. This is one of the reasons I've accepted Jane's offer with the cats as it would cost me to go to Derby to collect and then I'd have to meet Lesley at some point for them to go to Hampshire, and I really haven't got the finances. This week alone, I've gone overdrawn so I can order my cat food, the money has to come from somewhere and yes I'd love to help in most instances, but time, finances and also room also play a big part.
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I can see it from both sides. I can't help seeing the frustration from our rescue members when we know it is a losing battle to help.
The "rules" mentioned are in fact guidelines for our members. We can't, nor won't, dictate to anyone about what sites they should or should not visit, however, the threads that are started as a result of these ads is where we ask members to take a step back and evaluate if they should start the thread at all.
Yes, if there is a genuine way we can help, because the seller has already been contacted by a member and might be swayed, then I don't see any harm, but of course avoiding any mention of names of the website or abbreviations, and links. As the guidelines state, if people search for a website our own Purrs will appear in their search as a result. They will come to us, if there is a link to that website on ours, they click it and suddenly we've just generated more sponsorship for the sites which of course we don't want.
If there is no hope of helping (ie, the seller refuses to consider rescue and wants to sell) then maybe that is one that we don't need to know about? Just a suggestion?
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I personally think that there shouldnt be any posts from these sites, it just puts pressure on rescues, especially with the amount of them at the moment, it is always a bad time of year with being both holiday and kitten season, and while yes, lives are saved, it can be at the expense of others, and when you start moving cats around the country, it could mean a cat close to a rescue who is now full due to helping one out from here has to stay at risk due to no space, as could easily have happened to Lesley today, if someone closer hadn't been able to help.
Yes I agree with this to a point but by the same token, a cat in need is a cat in need wherever it is, so for me helping a cat in another area does not make me think another is missing out, I look on it as one/more less to sort.
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I personally think that there shouldnt be any posts from these sites, it just puts pressure on rescues, especially with the amount of them at the moment, it is always a bad time of year with being both holiday and kitten season, and while yes, lives are saved, it can be at the expense of others, and when you start moving cats around the country, it could mean a cat close to a rescue who is now full due to helping one out from here has to stay at risk due to no space, as could easily have happened to Lesley today, if someone closer hadn't been able to help.
I know if I had taken the Derby ones I would still have then taken these new ones but that puts alot of pressure on us rescues. If we see the posts on here we feel almost obliged to help, we are the "greenies", the rescues, it's almost as if they are somehow for our attention, although I am sure that is not the intention.
I just feel that if people want to look through these sites, they should be the ones to offer assistance, if you can't help, please don't look, or at least please don't post - there are thousands of cats that need our help that we don't even have to go looking for, they somehow find us.
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we are the "greenies",
"Greenies" and proud :evillaugh:
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of course they are in need, but if say LEsley had taken in the Derby kittens then what would have happened to the mum and kittens she has just picked up? I do think sometimes rescues closer to the cats should be contacted, not only in case another cat in need comes up, but sometimes cos it is better for the cat to do less travelling.
I have also recently posted for help with adult cats and loads of people read it, but no one offered to help, fortunately Rachel had volunteered as a fosterer or who knows what would have happened to them, as the person was moving 2 days later.
I agree LEsley, and it reminds me of something a lady on hol said to me last year, there were a lot of strays there, and she said 'doesn't it make you want to take them all home' - no, I only need to sit and wait for the phone to ring, think I have had nearly 20 cats since then, and rehoming has been slow this year.
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We all know getting cats into local rescues is better but sadly a lot won't take them so what happens then? The Derby cats for instance, the poor woman has been going out of her mind trying to get help and to no avail, it was only through posting on CC that she felt she had some support. Yes less travelling is better for the cats in question but sometimes the only way to save them is with travelling into other areas. And Lesley has already said, she would have still taken them but again, it adds more pressure and we all know what that's like :shocked:
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It's a very grey area, I suppose. If Dawn or another rescue asks me for help, I can understand that. We are here to help each other in all sorts of ways and if one rescue is full and another can help, that is great.
I find it awkward when it is non rescue looking at these sites and posting. I know they are just wanting to help in theiir own way, but I feel they are not helping the rescues who are already full to overflowing, they are just adding to their plight.
I don't mean to have a go at anyone and I honestly don't take too much notice of who posts what thread, though if rescues are posting for help I do specifically look to see if I can assist, and I don't mean to make the rescues "closed and clicky" - the more people who get involved in the rescue side of things, the merrier, but unless you are involved in rescue I don't think you can ever understand the pressures we operate under 98% of the time and that pressure as Dawn says is financial, emotional, space wise and timewise.
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I find it awkward when it is non rescue looking at these sites and posting. I know they are just wanting to help in theiir own way, but I feel they are not helping the rescues who are already full to overflowing, they are just adding to their plight.
I don't mean to have a go at anyone and I honestly don't take too much notice of who posts what thread, though if rescues are posting for help I do specifically look to see if I can assist, and I don't mean to make the rescues "closed and clicky"
Sadly I do feel it is becoming "closed and clicky" because it seems its ok if someone in rescue posts an appeal (and that is no way a dig at anyone in rescue who has posted one) , Fair enough....got the message xx
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I'm not sure what I think tbh, the 16 year old cat that Mags posted about, I've had 2 offers of help for that one and that was with just posting a plea out. All I know is yes it upsetting and frustrating to read these post, but it's great when it all comes together and they get sorted out :shy:
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I am really pleased this is being discussed. I have noticed a large increase in these posts and i have been worried about the pressure on our rescues as i know they would always want to help.
I am going to pop all the related posts re this into a sep topic so we can continue to discuss this and come to an agreement everyone feels happy with about these ad posts.
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I agree with both rescue and non rescue. I do think posting them is ok, as Dawn says sometimes help can be given just by letting a few others know.
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I also agree that many of these posts do put much extra added pressure on our rescues or leave them worried that they cant help with no room available. On the other side, i do also see that if there is an urgent situation we maybe able to help.
I do like the idea that if anyone does see an advert on the advertising sites, that maybe if they could contact the advertiser 1st asking if they are willing to go through a local Rescue to ensure the safety of the cats and if so guide them to their local rescue. Or to pass the info to Jodie at Free to Good home forum where they do the job of contacting the advertiser themselves to use rescue. If the advertiser is genuinely concerned about their cats, then i hope they would be pleased to get advice about their local rescue.
If say the advertiser is wanting the best for their cats and they have infact tried hard to get the cats into a local rescue and for any reason cant, then we can give them the option to come on to here and Catchat to post an urgent rehoming thread to see if anyone here or on CC can help.
Will this be a way we can help do something and also find out if the advertiser is caring or a back street breeder who only wants the money and wont touch rescue!
Just me thinking out loud and to see what you all think the best way to go on here for all of us so your opinions are greatly welcomed. :)
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Good plan :)
I agree you may think you cant help because you dont have a space for the cats but if you could maybe find a space and spread info about them then you are still helping.
I think people should try to put aside feelings because its all about the cats, and if you can help in anyway its a bonus. And you know Purrs never fails. :hug:
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I plead guilty for posting these ads either for any help or suggestions ? I do try & contact the person by email asking if they have tried the rescues or are they on a waiting list & let them know about the rescue sites with the network of fosterers etc. I would be willing to provide them with contact numbers of rescues & sites if they wont. And point out the dangers of giving aniamls away for free ...but i guess when they stick an ad for 'free' especialy on freecycle they dont give a dam where the aniaml goes ...its the first person that turns up
I either get replys back with atutide & abuse or ignored. The 3 emails i sent this week re free to good homes i have been ignored.
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I have very glad that this thread has been seperated from the one i hijacked and glad that this is now an open discussion.. I have no issue at all with people (rescue or otherwise) cats that need to find a placement as the rescue local to them has (for whatever) reason no room. I do it myself.. and have along with help from others rehomed and relocated two FIV cats and also rehomed 2 kittens and a few adult cats...
My point was the issue of the adverts... because the posts have increased so much lately.....I like Tans idea... The rehoming section on Purrs does work.. but the "Homes available" section is currently unused, and that's probably becuase homing generally goes quiet this time of year.. However... we could encourage people to post their it doesnt take too much effort and then we know the offer is genuine...
There is no easy answer and i personally didnt post with the intention of "them and us like". Indeed without Michelles assistance lately... two lovely kittens wouldnt be off to their new home next week.. or indeed would Melissa the Siamese be in a loving home.. All i wished to do was to think about the implications of posting these threads...
I do wish someone would answer my Rehoming line calls for at least a month and help me decide where every single call about a puss cat in need is going to go.... Because i have run out of ideas....!
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I also agree with Tans thinking, at the end of the day if it results in helping any animal in need it must be good ;D
I also realise you cant help every needy case and think those in rescue do a fantastic job, it never fails to amaze me the lengths people will go to here if they can help :wow:
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I havejust had a thought!!
A few threads back Adel CP posted something on advert sites about neutering... etc. and i think it worked that people where guided as to where to get their cat neutered for redcued costs.
So what about all those peeps that have accounts with these sites to post something about rehoming through a rescue etc and words to that effect, some advice and information.. Not sure if sites will allow that but surely some will... If it was worded correctly and not to forceful some may get the message.... ! Just a thought!
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I am guilty of posting about cats needing help BUT i do email people on these sites and have had some good results.
Sharon posted about the white cat who was up for sale and wasnt spayed, It was Me who made the phonecall and had a chat with the women, I gave her Celia Hammonds number and the end result was the women got her spayed and kept her !
I feel awkward as I am not a rescue and cannot take cats in BUT i will help where i can. IE i have made phone calls and got spaces at FoalFarm, I met someone half way and took an FIV cat there, I did a home check, I went and got the pregnant cat from London.....I know its not alot, infact its nothing compared to what you guys in rescue do BUT The point i am trying to make is i dont want anyone in rescue to think that when i post about a cat in need that i am sitting back and putting pressure on them.
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I've just emailed preloved the following so lets hope they reply to me or even this thread.
Hi, I know you must get loads of complaints regarding your pet rehoming section.
As a rescuer, it is causing us a lot of pressure as we try to mop up some of the animals. For example, please visit the thread http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,16081.0.html
Would it be possible for you to work with us to be able to point out some guidelines and offers of help - especially encouraging people to seek assistance in getting their pets neutered or pointing them in the direction of local rescue centres.
I am paer of Coventry Cat group and have taken several animals in from your site - mainly mums and kittens to ensure the mum cat is then spayed.
Rescues are really in a desperate situation at the moment and it would be fantastic if you could help us.
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The only thing I can accuse you for in my mind Michelle is for having a heart! :hug:
Given the resources Im sure you would be doing more....but even one kitty saved in my eyes is worth a pat on the back! :Luv: ;)
>Angie....That sounds fab! ;D
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Being one of the individuals that posts about some of the cats on those sites I feel I should post why.
When I crosspost from the sites in question the post is not specifically aimed at a rescue. We all know supplies aren't limitless - after all it's the same in a home environment. Replenishing supplies costs money and have space is most definitely a key factor.
I don't post every advert I find, mainly I redirect the poster to free to a good home site (if I can - I don't have an account so the advert has to be over a week old on a lot of sites) or I send a list of local rescues in their area.
People are only trying to do what's best for the cats in any small way they can. I know for a fact I'm not trying to put undue pressure on anybody. There's only so much everyone can do.
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I can see everyone's point of view on this topic and it is quite a sensitive topic as it is an area that tugs a lot of heart strings for us all. I realise that they are not posted in a bid to put pressure on rescues to help, but I think we put pressure on ourselves too that we feel as it is in a public forum we feel impelled to show we are trying to help even when we know we are stretched to breaking (forgive me if I'm wrong on this point) .
I don't think anyone is saying (correct me if I'm wrong) not to post them at all... the urgent cases yip I can understand. But how about creating a guideline for the people who use these sites providing a list of steps to take prior to posting the info straight onto Purrs??? I know there are some of you who do this already but there are also those who don't.
i.e. a sample email that can be sent to the poster on said sites providing a link to the relevant areas list of rescues on Catchat and providing information about neutering / use of local rescues.
They can also ask the person to visit Purrs themselves perhaps to post the details as a personal plea to rescues that may be in their area and generally point them towards the many rescue services that are available in their area / online.
In short, guidelines to allow the 'finder' to take the initial steps to resolving the situation without passing the whole process directly to rescue to do the above steps and /or then step in and take the cats or make alternative arrangements.
I, like any of the other rescue peeps on here believe it is a good thing that as many people as possible get involved in getting the message across but perhaps also, as rescues we should be providing these guidelines so as to ensure that those people looking for these ads can take the necessary steps prior to posting on purrs about a situation. As has already been said we are under a great deal of pressure to deal with cases in our own areas as well as the pressures of finances, time, travel etc. The biggest factors (to me) being time and money yet despite this if a cat in need comes up we will still go out of our way to help the cat regardless of the fact we have not a penny and are run off our feet that we have forgotten what sleep is or that it is not in our area.
Yes, post the information and we will help if we can but please use guidelines (when available) or your own emails / info to direct these people to resuces in the first instance before posting the initial ad straight onto purrs. This would help all of us in rescue a great deal by saving us the time of sitting down, finding ads, emailing, etc. If you can identify if they are willing to accept rescue help prior to posting ad details as it does take a great deal of time and organising to make arrangements for transport / accommodation for these cases.
:hug:
I hope this makes sense!! :shocked:
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Well I've still got mixed feelings, Hels posted one for the pregnant Essex cat who then had her babies, she is now going to a lady in Hertfordshire with her babies, also from the same woman, another heavily pregnant cat is being handed over so in this case, everythings worked out brilliant but wouldn't have done without some gentle persuasion :shy:
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That is a really good post MCR, and I think posting a link to CC is a really good idea - not everyone knows of all the rescues in their area, we are a small home run rescue, and the amount of people who live in in Shaw who have never heard of us, despite us being htere for 13 years is unbelievable, I only found out about us through CC. So it could be that a rescue place can be found closer, it is just they dont know of the rescue, which would also help the pressure on here. It could also help in other ways, such as people telling friends/family about them if they mention wanting another cat, or maybe they might even offer to help.
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Why not create an extra section for these types of ads so that those who dont wish to view dont have to, that way people like Dawn who have a network of contacts through email can continue to put out appeals and those who cant bare to read anymore ads just dont.
If its made so it can be 'folded' up people can forget its there, thats what i do for the instructions/help section on the main board, one click and i forget it exists.
I can see why purrs rescues feel obliged to help out when its shoved under their noses, out of sight out of mind and all that.
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I think that is an excellent idea Milly's mum and one that I would support wholeheartedly
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Brilliant idea MM :hug: As I said, I can't always help but I do have a fab contact group and it would be shame if they were in the position to help but I couldn't pass the info on :)
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Why not create an extra section for these types of ads so that those who dont wish to view dont have to, that way people like Dawn who have a network of contacts through email can continue to put out appeals and those who cant bare to read anymore ads just dont.
If its made so it can be 'folded' up people can forget its there, thats what i do for the instructions/help section on the main board, one click and i forget it exists.
I can see why purrs rescues feel obliged to help out when its shoved under their noses, out of sight out of mind and all that.
yes good idea (i had suggested it before funny enough)
What do peeps think ?
I really think it was be wrong to ban all posts like these because so many times someone on purrs has come up trumps and helped a cat from these sites
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Fab idea MM... as the other have said at least this way if we have time, fimances and or space we can look or those who don't then don't have to look.
If we can incorporate a post at the top of this for guidelines for folks trawling these sites who come across such ads, i.e. such as standard email, etc then that may also be useful ??? yes??
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Its funny cos while I have been away tonight I was wondering if something like that would work , within the current guidelines of course.
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I wholeheartedly agree.. and was thinking along the same lines myself earlier (wow scary!)
I don't go on the sites myself as I just get angry and upset by it all, but I occasionally get people email me asking if i'm still looking to rehome- they really don't read my posts on CC well :evillaugh:
I direct them gently to come to this site and explore CC and put thier case themselves.... the last woman who contacted me sounded interested but I've yet to see her turn up.....
I got a catchat advert with my t-shirt today that I plan to put in my car for all to see.... If anyone else would like to use my car for free advertising (how about a poster on neutering?) PM me so I can drive it round the south, never know we might catch a few peoples attention ;)
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Hopefully a seperate section would please everyone, if thats possible!!
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I'm afraid I'd have to go on and check the section!
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It wouldnt help those of us who check the majority through e-mail. I still think people should be given CC links to their area first, in case there are rescues they dont know about.
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I still think people should be given CC links to their area first, in case there are rescues they dont know about.
Maybe that can be done as well as posting them on a separate section.
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Whilst a new section might resolve the visibility issue to a degree, some people will view new posts by section so could easily ignore if it they chose to, but others don't, they view recent posts added or all unread posts so will see them anyway, it depends on the user.
To be clear, we never banned posting these before, we just asked for people to take care about how they posted the information about where that ad could be found. The reason we started to moderate this a little more is that a past member (who no longer posts here) would, daily, review the free ads papers, and whether they could help or not, would start threads here which naturally became emotive and angry, and a couple times we were in danger of being targetted legally had we not moderated. So that's why the guidelines came about.
I agree with Tan's suggestion, though if a new section is created I'd still like our current guidelines to remain with the inclusion of a step by step of "what to do if you see one of these ads before you start a new thread" added.
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I agree with Tan's suggestion, though if a new section is created I'd still like our current guidelines to remain with the inclusion of a step by step of "what to do if you see one of these ads before you start a new thread" added.
The problem I have with this is that people dont read the guides we put up, infact many do not even know they exist, just like all the helpful stuff in links.
How many times do you join a site or download something that says check the box to confirm you have read the terms and conditions, but you just check box and continue ;), I know I do !
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Received the following reply from preloved -
Hello Angie,
Many thanks for getting in touch. Apologies for the delay in response.
We are keen to do whatever we can to encourage our members to act responsibly when rehoming animals and we currently just in the process of making some improvements in this respect. For example, we have just published an article encouraging people to use rescue centres, and have introduced rules for rescues advertising on the site to provide more information about the care they provide:
http://tinyurl.com/5xm72o
We have more plans for articles similar to this, including care sheets for different breeds, and an article about the risks of offering animals free to a good home. I agree that information relating to neutering would be very valuable and we will add this also. Do you have any specific advice relating to this that will help us?
The improvements will be in two stages - firstly getting the information available on the site, then secondly promoting it as much as possible to try and ensure it comes to the attention of all people using this area of the site. This process won't be immediate but we hope to make some solid progress over the coming weeks.
If you do have any further suggestions, we would be happy to hear them.
I'd like to respond to them - any suggestions?
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Angie i have a few notes i was going to put in order tonight.. but not a letter more bullet points. I see no problem giving out CPHQ neutering email or tel number and there is a great article that the Cat Action trust do on why to neuter as well...
Links to Purrs, Catchat, Freetogoodhome website and Hove perhaps as well...
But there has to be guildelines for points like that otherwise we are going to be swamped!
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Thats a positive response angie, shame the other sites are not open to suggestion :(
The only thing i see that may put people off the neutering vouchers is that quite a few CP sites still say you need to be on benefits to get the help, they dont advertise the full cost yellow vouchers or the fact that a low income passes too. Some cant afford the £25 towards it so would rather advertise an entire animal.
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HI Hunnies
Thanks very much for all your feedback about this. I will read through everyones and let ya know what we will do asap. :Luv:
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I have only just caught up with this topic, I think it started when I was on holiday. So many of my personal thoughts have been posted by members of rescues. I myself have taken in a few cats mentioned in posts, but as we are always full and have lists of cats waiting to come in, it does mean that a local cat has to wait a little longer. To be honest and I know one or two will hate me but occasionally I have thought it is all very well them posting but they never do anything to help the situation other than bring it to rescues attention when they are already so stressed with the cats they already know about in their own area and cannot help immediately. Having said that I can see both sides.
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The only thing i see that may put people off the neutering vouchers is that quite a few CP sites still say you need to be on benefits to get the help
Perhaps when you notice that on a site you contact CP HQ and ask them to remind the branch of the new guidelines.
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To be honest and I know one or two will hate me but occasionally I have thought it is all very well them posting but they never do anything to help the situation other than bring it to rescues attention when they are already so stressed with the cats they already know about in their own area and cannot help immediately. Having said that I can see both sides.
I think anyone can associate with those feelings Ela, I still have mixed feelings about a lot of the posts but by the same token, if someone can help, great. I am stretched to my limit at the moment and still have feral mums and kittens to catch but sadly they will have to wait until I get the Manchester cats sorted and hopefully rehome some of my others. I've had 2 in the last few days and both have given birth, not what I had hoped for but I'm glad I got them when I did. I saw an ad in the vets yesterday about 3 persians looking for a home due to owners ill health, I can't help so I'm not even going to get involved and I know everyone is stretched at the moment and as I've said, I've got a few to sort of my own. Luckily the ones I've got to trap the mums can go back but I still have to find somewhere for the kittens, it's never ending and puts a lot of pressure on rescues at this time of year. I also have 2 parrots to sort and there doesn't seem enough hours in the day :tired:
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I was discussing this with someone today and I think it applies more now than ever. Rescues are pushed to the limit so people posting about other cats off freeads etc is just making rescues feel more pressured than ever. There will always be animals on these sites all over the country. I think if it was a desperate situation such as a blind cat, or one due for PTS, it might be different but we can't save the world sadly.
Our branch like many other rescues has such a long list that even the waiting list has been suspended until the numbers are down :(
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Mark, I don't think anyone (myself included) posts about these cats to add pressure. But that's what rescues are for isn't it? To help cats that are likely to be in a precarious situation?
It doesn't hurt to draw someones attention to them. If they don't have space, it's not like people will hate them and think them negligent. We all understand things are overwhelming at the moment.
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It adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Any of us can find needy cats by trawling through freeads any day of the week. I would be interested to know what rescue people's point of view is.
I would be surprised is there is any rescue that doesn't have a waiting list of cats to come in. Any other cats that are helped just means "bottom of the pile" waiting list cats such as healthy strays just get pushed further back down the list.
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I don't look at the sites anymore.. some cats on our waiting list have been there since May and we have been unable to do anything. We just get strays and preg cats and we never touch the list at all. With the amount of calls we are getting lately (most homed cats need to be rehomed) we have to tell people are waiting list is long and all it takes is for a cat to be found in dire need at the vets and its another foster place gone..Rescues run on priority system i suppose.. and its just a matter of peoples perception of priority.
Never easy But we would not be able to take in cats that are poorly if daily more cats are posted on free sites...Zareth or Hyper T Walter (both strays) would not be in our care either..
But the solution it education and people having abit of responsibility.. neither are easy to accomplish with things are desperate
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It adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Any of us can find needy cats by trawling through freeads any day of the week. I would be interested to know what rescue people's point of view is.
I'm afraid I agree with Mark and I feel that, although the intention may not be to do so, it does put pressure on us rescues and make us feel guilty, overwhelmed, useless, a whole mixture of emotions that are not nice., (or at least that is how it makes me feel)
If rescues had places they would look through these sites themselves and help the desperate cases but there are now too many desperate cases for us to be able to help, let alone the ones that are not desperate. Every day there are cases of healthy cats being put to sleep because no one wants them and there is no rescue space. All these cats are deserving of a space and I know that there have been cases where some of these have been helped because of the postings on here but all that means is that another cat is being pushed down the list or is on the waiting list for even longer. What is their crime? Are they just not desperate enough? How long is it before they are the one under threat of pts?
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I have to agree, it really does make you feel useless and guilty reading some of these posts, and what I dont think a lot of people realise is that we have more than enough pressure with just the phone calls we get, without going through free ads, or being alerted to free ads - I only rang someone yesterday to pick up some bric a brac and got asked if we could help a friend's cat - I know we are probably going to say no, which then makes me feel guilty as they do donate food and bedding to us and then we can't help when they know of a cat needing help.
Yes, JS, we are here to help cats in precarious situations, but as I said above, we also have our phone calls/e-mails to contend with.
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Sharon was telling me yesterday that Julie dealt with 18 calls on Tuesday. Bearing in mind we have no space at all, not very nice having to tell people we can't help them right now. As I said in an earlier post, it is a different story if the cat in question is highly vulnerable such as blind or due for PTS. I also said to Sharon that Most of the ads are same apart the wording is different. Whether they say FTGH or £10 or need to rehome - it's all the same, Poor cats that have been born into a world where they aren't wanted and usually out of stupidity or greed of humans.
It is a double-edged sword though :(
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I understand the immense pressure as rescues that you are under at most times with ref to taking cats in.... Could there not be another Sect maybe for the Free Ad types.... That way you can look if you want etc....
I know it must be hard to have to bypass them as a cat is a cat no matter what its background, but then I also understand peeps wanting to help out these cats!
Maybe I just keep dreaming of that "perfect world"! :tired: :hug: :hug:
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I understand the immense pressure as rescues that you are under at most times with ref to taking cats in.... Could there not be another Sect maybe for the Free Ad types.... That way you can look if you want etc....
Why should purrs have a dedicated area and be promoting these sites ads?
Last time i went to PAH there were over 50 kittens on their board, how awful did that make me feel, i didnt post them all here to avoid others feeling like i did - useless.
All cats are in need but the rescues have more than enough threats of i'll dump it, pts, drown it if you dont take now. The saying ignorance is bliss comes to mind, the less you know the little bit better you feel
Mark, I don't think anyone (myself included) posts about these cats to add pressure. But that's what rescues are for isn't it? To help cats that are likely to be in a precarious situation?
The way everyone is bursting at the seams you have no choice but to only help the ones already in a precarious situation
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I'd just like to clarify something; yes I do look on free ads for these adverts. But no, I don't usually intend to post the cats on here myself. That only happens when I'm really concerned about a specific cat and think that maybe a rescue would want to help due to that cat being at risk. (And not necessarily a rescue, there are members that just like cats who might have space in their homes and hearts for one more cat.) I usually send the poster information on good rehoming sites and explain the dangers of posting on free ad sites.
Mark, Desley and Angie - I'm sorry you feel that this is putting more pressure on rescues. I personally don't feel it is, as at the end of the day you all know which cats need assistance more than I do.
MM - I only feel useless when the kittens are just being given away. People asking for money for them rile me, but at least I know someone will have to be willing to pay for them to give them a home.
Just my opinion and not meant to offend anyone in any way. :hug:
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I did'nt mean a dedicated area where people can post these ads willy nilly, No need to even have the name of the ads mentioned.... ;)
Okay a poop idea I know.... Just I myself have rescued a couple of them type ads so I know that us the non "Greenies" can sometimes assist! ;)
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I have removed my post coz to be honest i cant be arsed with this thread
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Well I've been monitoring our phone line for 6 of the past 7 days. Yes, I did handle 18 calls on Tuesday. 13 the next day. 12 on Monday. 9 today. :sigh: ALL of them thought they had a special, urgent case. Only 2 actually were that urgent. We could only help one of them, which in turn meant yet again our waiting list doesn't get touched this week. The rest made me feel totally pointless and a complete failure. So... 2 cats rehomed this week that I know of, another 25-30 asking for spaces that I had to turn away.
This is how I cope :nice cuppa: Anyway fancy a cuppa? :grouphug:
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I have removed my post coz to be honest i cant be arsed with this thread
Now I'm wondering what you put......it's like when people say something quietly and then say "it doesn't matter" when you ask what they said! :doh: :evillaugh:
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This is how I cope :nice cuppa: Anyway fancy a cuppa? :grouphug:
And yep, always! Just remember the starfish story.....it's entirely right. :) :hug:
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. I would be interested to know what rescue people's point of view is.
i do look when i get spare time and, if i could think where to put it, would respond to someone giving away a pregnant cat or cat with young kittens. at the moment there is nowhere and no doubt if there was , that call-that-could-not-be-refused would come in anyway and soon fill it up.
My dislike is the amount of "urgent" that get posted when most of it is just day to day stuff.....
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Everyone's idea of urgent is different. Maybe you (and other rescues) should specify on this thread what each individual rescue feels merits the title urgent? Just an idea.
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Hi Hunnies
Please try not to let this thread turn into a them and us. :hug: It's certainly not what Purrs is about for me and if i ever felt that Purrs turned into a cat rescue V cat lover then i would not like to keep it going. :hug:
My passion for Purrs is that we work together all cat lovers, rescue and cat slaves helping where we can, helping the ones who can do more for the needy cats than the usual cat lover /owner, the rescues whom most of thier lives are dedicated to helping the cats in need.
This thread i have thought hard about and i have to honestly say, i can't think of a solution. I certainly don't want Purrs to give any more pressure to the rescues than they already have, we are here to support them and through them the needy cats, that is our main goal. But i also feel concerned about stopping cat lovers posting about a cat in need in an urgent or difficult situation as there just maybe a member rescue or cat lover that can help as it has prooved to be on quite a few occassions.
Ya know the real thing is here, is that so very very sadly there are so many cats that need help all over the UK and many more abroad. No matter how many fantastic cat rescues and wonderful cat lovers who help them, there are always going to be more cats in need and i feel it will always be overwelming. I think only law to force spaying etc could help a little to reduce the amount of "unwanted" births. The disscussion on the other thread strated by Louise is a good one. :)
Plus as much education to potential cat owners as possible.
I was lucky, that i was brought up with animals that were always spayed or neutered young so never thought any differnet when i became a slave myself. It was something that was a part of the responible care. Sadly there are many people out there that think the opposite or simply just don't care! :(
Any sugesstions are always welcome on any thought for Purrs, i think of us all as a team and love to hear any members thoughts ;D
I don't feel a sep board for the classified ad cats will help, One, cause we certainly don't want to be helping advertise these sites as there is no control over where the poor animals end up and Two, i would be worried that the board would turn into an extended classified ad section with lots of cats needing help that us as a small forum would not be able to help.
I feel that Cat Chat site is our main site for helping and advertising the cats in need and they do such a brilliant job doing that. It is now a full time job for them. It just goes to show how many unwanted cats there are :'(. Here our main goal is to aid the cat rescues with support and funds, to support all cat lovers with advice and friendship, spread the word about good cat welfare and care. Within this goal, we also help individual cats out if we can which is fantastic :) What a wonderful feeling to hear that a needy cat in rescue or private home has found a loving family with a Purrs member ;D
I am interested to hear what you all think on this (i am thinking out loud here so to speak, nothing has been decided or any restrictions/rules set in place which is something i would like to aviod :) ) ... Is a compremise to limit posts from classifed ads to urgent / difficult cases only. The wonderful people who help these classified cats do a great job in helping and notifiying the advertisers on these sites about the dangers of this kind of classiffed advertising. Unfortuanlety until these ad sites continue to accept aminal adverising, people wanting "rid" of their aminals will continue to use them.
If we did this, then we have another "question" and that has just been raised below ie what do people class as Urgent or difficult situation!! I would like to hear your thoughts on this. :)
:Luv:
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I think all of your post is extremely valid, Tan.
And in all honesty, I do only post the cats that make me more concerned than a little. Unspayed females and kittens that are potentially going to perpetuate the situation are to me pretty urgent. But like I said, I think people need to clarify what's urgent to them.
I don't want a them and us situation either, it's not what Purrs is about and that's why we all love it so much. ;)
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Mark, Desley and Angie - I'm sorry you feel that this is putting more pressure on rescues. I personally don't feel it is, as at the end of the day you all know which cats need assistance more than I do.
I am really surprised by this comment - how can you still feel that this isn't putting pressure on rescues when everyone who responded to say it does, does some element of rescue work?
My idea of urgent would be unneutered females, unneutered males (As they produce more kittens), pregnant cats, young kittens, cats at risk of pts - the only problem is the amount of people that lie - Sam was treated as urgent last Dec cos we were told he was an 8mo female, and we felt the likelihood of a cat that age being neutered was slim, so rushed to pick him up and he turned out to be an elderly male. And people will bend the truth or use emotional blackmail to get people to take cats in, which then leaves us unable to take in a true emergency case.
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Mark, Desley and Angie - I'm sorry you feel that this is putting more pressure on rescues. I personally don't feel it is, as at the end of the day you all know which cats need assistance more than I do.
I am really surprised by this comment - how can you still feel that this isn't putting pressure on rescues when everyone who responded to say it does, does some element of rescue work?
Because I know when I or anybody else posts about cats needing homes on here I don't assume it will be a rescue offering help. As I said before, this section isn't just for organised rescues to my knowledge but people that purely want to help cats. I obviously meant no offence by any of my comments, I just think if you can't ask for help on here - when can you ask for it? And your idea of urgent is pretty much the type of cats I post about; unspayed females that are already used for breeding purposes, or cats with the threat of PTS. I think I'll refrain from commenting any further in case I word things wrongly and upset more people! ;)
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I certainly don't want Purrs to give any more pressure to the rescues than they already have
I don't think anyone is blaming Purrs.
I'm afraid I agree with Mark,
Me too. Not only are there pleas on the forum, there are also the PM's and the odd e-mail that rescues receive too, when everyone knows or should know full well that we in rescue are up against it, if we had room and the capacity to help in any way we would be shouting from the rooftops that we were in a position to help. I feel sometimes rescues are put under too much pressure from some who should know better, but feel they do it as they think they are helping and I suppose it eases their mind but perhaps they do not realize the pressure on those in rescue is really too much and not fair.
I would also say that when someone in rescue receives PM or an e-mail quite obviously they are being targeted in the hope of offering help.
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I have removed my post coz to be honest i cant be arsed with this thread
Now I'm wondering what you put......it's like when people say something quietly and then say "it doesn't matter" when you ask what they said! :doh: :evillaugh:
ok.....
Well the phase i used a few times was "us and them" (had you read mine before i removed it Tan lol) and that is one reason i stay away from the rescue section because I dont feel welcome at all.
Yes you guys do a WONDEFUL job let me make that clear first
but what is the difference when a non rescue person puts out a plea ? A cat in need is a cat in need surely ?
see... "us and them" !!
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but what is the difference when a non rescue person puts out a plea ? A cat in need is a cat in need surely ?
see... "us and them" !!
I hope I wasn't involved in an 'us' and 'them' comment. But I think the answer is stress and frustration.
When i see an individual post something like that I have visions os someone with a few cats, no doubt a spare room somewhere, who, if they really wanted to help could take a cat in (even if temporarily).
When i see a similar plea from a rescue , I see it as coming from someone who might recognise a serious problem (dealing with URGENTS all day long and trying to sort out those that really are), someone whose place is not only FULL of cats but overfull as they try to squeeze the last emergency in to the detriment of themselves and their own family (human and animal).
Sadly at the moment, whoever it comes from we can't help..... :( and yes it is something I feel very personally , not being able to do anything when its something I feel very passionate about and do my utmost to relieve the situation.
I have a friend who says that if everyone who liked cats could see it to have an extra one then the rescues would not be overrun.
Well , you did ask and I sat down and thought about it! :hug: (and am still thinking it though hence the number of modifications!)
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Angie, the problem there is that there might be a lot of people on here with a spare room (in fact, a lot of my cat owning friends do, but never offer to foster) - but it isn't just about having the room to keep them, it is about having the funds to be able to feed them and provide necessary vet care, back up on rehoming (and even rescues have to take cats back, that isn't an option if it is an individual helping out), and more importantly, not everyone is able to take a cat in and then let it go, and in the current climate, not everyone is able to afford the necessary care, so I completely disagree with your friend - and she isn't taking into consideration those people who have cats who completely detest others, and would be unhappy with their owner having an extra one.
I am sorry you dont feel welcome in the rescue situation Michelle, and I wasn't aware things came across as 'them and us', the only thing I can think of is similar to Angie's, that people who post the pleas just see the pleas, they aren't also dealing with the numerous calls/e-mails that rescues take, so the priority level is different.
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Angie, the problem there is that there might be a lot of people on here with a spare room (in fact, a lot of my cat owning friends do, but never offer to foster) - but it isn't just about having the room to keep them, it is about having the funds to be able to feed them and provide necessary vet care, back up on rehoming (and even rescues have to take cats back, that isn't an option if it is an individual helping out), and more importantly, not everyone is able to take a cat in and then let it go, and in the current climate, not everyone is able to afford the necessary care, so I completely disagree with your friend - and she isn't taking into consideration those people who have cats who completely detest others, and would be unhappy with their owner having an extra one.
As you say, who offers to foster even though all bills are paid by the rescue? Our pleas fall on deaf ears and we have spent hundreds of pounds advertising.
As and for my poor cat hating felines, she just shows her displeasure by spraying and often refusing to come into the house for days on end.....
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We couldnt get any new fosterers despite months of advertising. I do believe it takes a certain kind of person to be able to take cats in, give them the love and care they need and then give them up - and not everyone can deal with certain kinds of cats - we didn't have any other fosterers who were willing to deal with the two terminally ill cats I took in last year, and Sam came to me cos his fosterer was reluctant to deal with an elderly cat with health issues. I personally will do anything but kittens!!
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but what is the difference when a non rescue person puts out a plea ? A cat in need is a cat in need surely ?
You are right Michelle but if a person seems to make it their personal crusade and rescues get it full barrels constantly in different ways, e.g on the forum, e-mails and PM's it becomes increasingly heartbreaking when you cannot do a thing.
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I personally will do anything but kittens!!
Know the feeling ;D but in reality I am sure to save a life we would take in kittens.
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We couldnt get any new fosterers despite months of advertising. I do believe it takes a certain kind of person to be able to take cats in, give them the love and care they need and then give them up - and not everyone can deal with certain kinds of cats - we didn't have any other fosterers who were willing to deal with the two terminally ill cats I took in last year, and Sam came to me cos his fosterer was reluctant to deal with an elderly cat with health issues. I personally will do anything but kittens!!
I agree with you Desley regarding these respects, I myself adopt the elderly cats with health issues or terminal cats, as you know - my sister has told me she couldn't cope. I am considering fostering but not sure how I will feel until I do - as you say that too takes a certain type of person. If I choose to I will get an outside pen as I don't think my cats would be at all happy with them inside so it just isn't that simple.
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I actually find fostering helps to deal with the oldies, as you get to enjoy having young, playful adults around which can help. Or, you could offer to foster elderly/terminally ill cats, but then there is the extra emotional impact on you, as well as the time they need with your other cats.
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I'm really saddened to see a feeling of 'them' and 'us' being perpetuated to users as this is not what purrs is about and I truly hope that I have not added to anyone's feelings in this way.
I think reading through this thread it is a very emotive and sensitive topic and I think that Angie's statement of stress and frustration hits the nail clean on the head.
When we have (on the very odd occasion) had time and space I will look at the freead sites and you have to way up the potential risks of each scenario because there aer just so many cases on there of who to help. Unfortunately, especially here, most people do not wish to work with a rescue to rehome their cat and often take umbridge at being advised so you often feel yourself hitting a brick wall.
For the last few months we have been SO full trying to find space for genuine emergencies has been a real ordeal but no matter what we always do our best to get thelittle one's on the street with no one to look after them in and into safety. Pregnant mums or unspayed females and their kittens have to come as a priority too or kittens found wandering a garden, etc. Not to mention the cases where people put additional pressure on your by telling you that if you don't take the cat(s) they will put them to sleep.
The emotional pressures, stress and general feeling of helplessness we go through every day can take its toll and can get us very very down indeed. I think that when I see posts on the board unless I know I can definately help I just don't read it and perhaps that is what others should try to do?
I realise that everyone is not trying intentionally to put the burden on rescue's for each of the cases posted but I think what you will find is that WE put the pressure on OURSELVES and with already feeling low and defeated unfortunately you may find that you get the brunt of our frustration as we battle with our own cases and a never ending waiting list that only gets longer. Those of us rescues you will find see these cases as you do.... as a case of I wish I could help that little one... following by our frustrations of ... my hands are tied and there is nothing I can do which adds to our feelings of frustration, stress and defeat. It is great to see cat lovers join together to help these cases when they can but please remember that on the initial posting of the thread and when we may read it our first reaction is most likely "oh no another one!" followed by distinct knocking from my head hitting the table in frustration followed by concerns that you may be taking on more than you realise as many cases can become costly in terms of treatment for illness, spay, vacc's etc and unless you have financial backup to cope you may find yourself in a very difficult situation and that worries us too.
One other thing I would like to mention is that we have a friend who has adopted from us in the past and has recently become more invovled in the rescue directly. Something that she said to me a little while ago was that the outside perception of 'rescue' by the public or even as a friend is nothing compared to the reality of it day to day. She feels her eyes have been very much opened and doesn't know how we continue to go on with the work we do despite the lies, heartache, tiredness, manipulation of the public and the pure scale of the problem not to mention the financial side of trying to find the money to treat, feed, vaccinate and care for the little ones.
Personally I don't think these topics shouldn't be posted but perhaps not with URGENT in case it is life or death scenarios. Rescues - well I think we need to perhaps check ourselves and realise that people aren't trying to intentionally put pressure on us as rescue's and as for everyone else, I hope that this post perhaps explains why we are so frustrated and defeated and why you may get some of the responses you do please just try to understand :Luv2:
:hug: :hug:
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but what is the difference when a non rescue person puts out a plea ? A cat in need is a cat in need surely ?
see... "us and them" !!
I hope I wasn't involved in an 'us' and 'them' comment. But I think the answer is stress and frustration.
When i see an individual post something like that I have visions os someone with a few cats, no doubt a spare room somewhere, who, if they really wanted to help could take a cat in (even if temporarily).
When i see a similar plea from a rescue , I see it as coming from someone who might recognise a serious problem (dealing with URGENTS all day long and trying to sort out those that really are), someone whose place is not only FULL of cats but overfull as they try to squeeze the last emergency in to the detriment of themselves and their own family (human and animal).
There You go !!!!
Whether You meant it to or not that really does say it all with the "us and them" :(
But for the record...and I can only speak for myself...although I'm not a rescue member
I have 11 10 cats, half of which are either rescue or i have taken them on as strays
I have a 2 bedroom house...so no spare room
HOWEVER I have helped many cats
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The emotional pressures, stress and general feeling of helplessness we go through every day can take its toll and can get us very very down indeed. I think that when I see posts on the board unless I know I can definately help I just don't read it and perhaps that is what others should try to do?
I realise that everyone is not trying intentionally to put the burden on rescue's for each of the cases posted but I think what you will find is that WE put the pressure on OURSELVES and with already feeling low and defeated unfortunately you may find that you get the brunt of our frustration as we battle with our own cases and a never ending waiting list that only gets longer. Those of us rescues you will find see these cases as you do.... as a case of I wish I could help that little one... following by our frustrations of ... my hands are tied and there is nothing I can do which adds to our feelings of frustration, stress and defeat. It is great to see cat lovers join together to help these cases when they can but please remember that on the initial posting of the thread and when we may read it our first reaction is most likely "oh no another one!" followed by distinct knocking from my head hitting the table in frustration followed by concerns that you may be taking on more than you realise as many cases can become costly in terms of treatment for illness, spay, vacc's etc and unless you have financial backup to cope you may find yourself in a very difficult situation and that worries us too.
One other thing I would like to mention is that we have a friend who has adopted from us in the past and has recently become more invovled in the rescue directly. Something that she said to me a little while ago was that the outside perception of 'rescue' by the public or even as a friend is nothing compared to the reality of it day to day. She feels her eyes have been very much opened and doesn't know how we continue to go on with the work we do despite the lies, heartache, tiredness, manipulation of the public and the pure scale of the problem not to mention the financial side of trying to find the money to treat, feed, vaccinate and care for the little ones.
Personally I don't think these topics shouldn't be posted but perhaps not with URGENT in case it is life or death scenarios. Rescues - well I think we need to perhaps check ourselves and realise that people aren't trying to intentionally put pressure on us as rescue's and as for everyone else, I hope that this post perhaps explains why we are so frustrated and defeated and why you may get some of the responses you do please just try to understand :Luv2:
:hug: :hug:
I can get that, and see both perspectives.
I think that on the one hand any cat which urgently needs a home should be helped if possible why not, and if they are posted it doesn't necessarily mean for rescues to take them it can just be any member who can rescue the cat......... On the other hand rescues will generally always feel the pressure to help and when we're not in that situation it's sometimes difficult to feel what they do. I think this is difficult one to solve :hug:
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I hope I wasn't involved in an 'us' and 'them' comment. But I think the answer is stress and frustration.
When i see an individual post something like that I have visions os someone with a few cats, no doubt a spare room somewhere, who, if they really wanted to help could take a cat in (even if temporarily).
When i see a similar plea from a rescue , I see it as coming from someone who might recognise a serious problem (dealing with URGENTS all day long and trying to sort out those that really are), someone whose place is not only FULL of cats but overfull as they try to squeeze the last emergency in to the detriment of themselves and their own family (human and animal).
There You go !!!!
Whether You meant it to or not that really does say it all with the "us and them" :(
That really not fair - I hadn't though of it in those terms before it was mentioned here! Shame on you!
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I realise that everyone is not trying intentionally to put the burden on rescue's for each of the cases posted but I think what you will find is that WE put the pressure on OURSELVES
Very true. We perpetuate it by helping in these cases as well - how many of these posts have been resolved by existing rescuers and how many by someone stepping up? It certainly makes me feel under pressure to step in and help when I see these posts.
Even not reading the thread, just seeing the title "URGENT,....." raises my stress levels nowadays!
If you want a happy life.. don't get into rescue. :'(
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I don't think there will ever be a resolution to this issue and as individuals we all have generally different points of view on everything and we need to understand and consider those prior to posting and be mindful of what we do post, something I have said many times in the past. Something posted in innocence, such as Angie's comment re rescue and non rescue members, as we can see has been taken personally and hurtful by Michelle though it is a basic founding of the purrs board itself. It doesn't mean that 1 member is better than another or cannot help.... it acts purely to identfiy those of us in an organisation of rescue.
The only thing that matters and should be considered important is that as members of purrs we work together to help as many puddies as we can which I believe was the founding principle for Purrs and it does this very very well. As indiviuals we will never all agree 100% on each and every matter but we should respect each others opinions and points of view and re-read our posts and write with sensitivity to other members.
I can see everyone's points of views in this topic and really don't think it will reach a conclusion where everyone agrees .... sometimes we just have to accept each others opinons and agree to disagree????? :hug: :hug: :scared:
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If you want a happy life.. don't get into rescue. :'(
very very very true Angie! :) lol
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If you want a happy life.. don't get into rescue. :'(
very very very true Angie! :) lol
and the other problem is its even harder to stop >:( :briggin:
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I dont really think you have to be in rescue to have your heart broken by furries, my heart is breaking over Oliver at the moment
And honestly Angie I dont think Michelle needs this today :shy:
Fair enough you work in an organised rescue but what about us peeps who take in the odd stray cats and help them, they have not had to go to rescue so not adding pressure to them. Just because we do it on a lesser scale does not mean our help means nothing...it means something to the cat at the time :)
And yes if I had the time I would work in rescue!
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And honestly Angie I dont think Michelle needs this today :shy:
what i have done to offend her? If Michelle is offended by my comments she can PM me and I will apologise. This is NOT a personal attack on anyone so please do try to make it into one.
Fair enough you work in an organised rescue but what about us peeps who take in the odd stray cats and help them, they have not had to go to rescue so not adding pressure to them. Just because we do it on a lesser scale does not mean our help means nothing...it means something to the cat at the time :)
and to these people I am in admiration and will always offer to help anyone who does this locally. I am not dissing anyone here - after all us 'organised rescues' are very often one man bands.
And yes if I had the time I would work in rescue!
And what make you think I have the time? :briggin:
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Hi Hunnies
Sorry :hug: i am going to ask to avoid this turning into a us and them situation. It really sadens me to see this and is not what Purrs is here for. Sometimes it is best if you are feeling upset or in a vulnerable position it is best not to post at that time on sensitive thread as if there is someone with a differnet opinion/view it can really upset you more. :hug:
Sarah i tottally agree with your post ....
I don't think there will ever be a resolution to this issue and as individuals we all have generally different points of view on everything and we need to understand and consider those prior to posting and be mindful of what we do post, something I have said many times in the past. Something posted in innocence, such as Angie's comment re rescue and non rescue members, as we can see has been taken personally and hurtful by Michelle though it is a basic founding of the purrs board itself. It doesn't mean that 1 member is better than another or cannot help.... it acts purely to identify those of us in an organisation of rescue.
The only thing that matters and should be considered important is that as members of purrs we work together to help as many puddies as we can which I believe was the founding principle for Purrs and it does this very very well. As individuals we will never all agree 100% on each and every matter but we should respect each others opinions and points of view and re-read our posts and write with sensitivity to other members.
I can see everyone's points of views in this topic and really don't think it will reach a conclusion where everyone agrees .... sometimes we just have to accept each others opinions and agree to disagree????? :hug: :hug: :scared:
The greenie membership is to identify the rescue organisations. All members are caring in my eyes and i hope that is the same for everyone. It is the reason we do not have a "karma" facility here as i would not like any member to feel lower than another. You all make Purrs what it is and you are a huge marvelous part of it. It would not exist without you all. :hug:
I esp agree Sarah with this -
The only thing that matters and should be considered important is that as members of purrs we work together to help as many puddies as we can which I believe was the founding principle for Purrs and it does this very very well. As individuals we will never all agree 100% on each and every matter but we should respect each others opinions and points of view and re-read our posts and write with sensitivity to other members.
CC noone is saying that single people not in a full rescue can not care and help cats just as well on an individual basis. This is not what this discussion is about and i certainly do not want "I look after cats better than you" scenario to start.
I have to say this is the most worrying thing for me to have ever heard about on Purrs "rescue v cat lover" It's not why i started Purrs, a community where we all work together to help cats in need, and if this starts, i will have to seriously consider Purrs's future. :hug:
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I think the people who we should be angry with here are the people that continue to breed although rescues are full to bursting, not other animal lovers on here!
We do our best to help if and when we can, I know I couldn't just "walk" past a cat in need-it usually ends up in my home!
I currently have one in that I fear may be pregnant, but I will not ask for rescue help as I was treated unfairly the last time with Saffron- I was looked upon like I was the one dumping her, although my only intentions were to get her to a safe haven then rehome her. The rescue treated the situation differently and I feel I was looked down on by doing good for this cat, although this cat was only handed over after me spending £150 of my own money and when she had finally been sorted out-surely if I was dumping her I would of done it sooner to save myself the cost!
I just wish rescues would not take the offensive with us "little people" who try to help :shy:
If you dont have the time means you dont have the time, therefor you wouldn't be able to do it at all. I am planning to get myself into rescue once my kids are full time at school, thats how strongly I feel about it :)
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Yes Tan I know- I was meaning that although we sometimes try to help, we can be looked down on by rescues as adding more pressure, this had certainly been the case with me over Saffron, not directed to anyone here at all :)
Sometimes if we cant help fully by working in rescue, by doing our own little bit-possibly helping out a couple of cats at a time then I feel Im doing something to help the cats :)
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I think the only thing on this thread that actually bothers me is the fact that these "Free Ad" type cats are surely potential strays/unloved and not looked after, maybe poorly in the same sense that any other cat with needs can be.... I gather that before most of these cats are advertised the owners (whatever) have tried local rescues (who are full) thus finding their way to these sites as they have no other option! These are the cats I worry about!!! :( :hug: :hug:
Each and all do a wonderful job on here! ;) :Luv: :hug:
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I was actually advised by a rescue to advertise Oliver on a free ad site last week, which I didnt bother doing!
Thats the point the cats are being posted on there as a last resort, if nobody trys to help what would become of them?
I have stoped looking at the free ads after Saffron, I now realise I cant help everyone :shy: but it doesnt stop them finding me...in the case of Tia :shy:
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I have stoped looking at the free ads after Saffron, I now realise I cant help everyone :shy: but it doesnt stop them finding me...in the case of Tia :shy:
I think that is one of the problems. I know Sharon said she has stopped looking at them as there is no way of helping every cat. But then if those very ads get posted on here, maybe some people will feel they can't face looking on here as well (If that makes sense). I don't think anyone thinks one cat is any less deserving than another but it really needs to be cats that are in dire straits rather than a cat or cats need a home. It can only get worse. I never look at freeads but did the other day and was amazed how many were up for £30 or £50. Those very cats & kittens will become FTGH in a matter of time as who is going to pay for a cat when they can get a free one?
I would happily line these BSBs up and put bullets in their heads >:(
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I was actually advised by a rescue to advertise Oliver on a free ad site last week, which I didnt bother doing!
Thats the point the cats are being posted on there as a last resort, if nobody trys to help what would become of them?
I have stoped looking at the free ads after Saffron, I now realise I cant help everyone :shy: but it doesnt stop them finding me...in the case of Tia :shy:
If someone phones me up today and wants to get rid of thier cat "because my boyfriend puppy doesn't like it" or "because the kid is tired of it" 'm sorry I can't help, I have no room and therefore a freead is an option for them - better to try that than immediately dump them which is probably the next step.
I'm sorry to say if you rescued a cat in Coventry I would be able to help in any way other than take it in. If you are kind enough to ease the burden of your local rescues by taking and rehoming a cat then well done you!
unless you do rehome without expecting them to take it in you will certainly have helped the poor cat but not have helped the rescue as they will have their own priority list to work down.
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Yes Mark thats true also some people just cant bear to look at them...at all!
Personially I feel if they are posted here there is a feeling that someone may be able to help, there are hundreds of members here that come from all over the country- its possible someone can help the cat in need :)
After all where are these cats FTGH going to end up? on the streets most likely which will then be a case for rescue anyway.
I think we all need to pull together on this one, its the people who continuisly breed that need something doing about.
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Angie Im going to ignore your last post, Im not arguing anymore.
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Hi Hunnies
Sorry :hug: i am going to ask to avoid this turning into a us and them situation.
I don't think we are are we? It doesn't exist - anyone who has ever helped is part of the 'rescue' - if its taking a cat in , donating money or time.
I have to say this is the most worrying thing for me to have ever heard about on Purrs "rescue v cat lover" It's not why i started Purrs, a community where we all work together to help cats in need, and if this starts, i will have to seriously consider Purrs's future. :hug:
Purrs does a brilliant job at helping cats in need. But part of its attraction for me is being able to disagree about important subjects and debate things openly and honestly.
People do not like being told what to do with their cats (rightly so!) and part of the joy about a good debate is that people on both sides of the argument have the opportunity to change their opinion.
If Purrs ever became one of those forums that you could only post 'well done' and' :hug:' then it would ( IMHO ! :-[) be time to consider the future!
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I am not going to reply to any pms either.
What I can say is...no I cant foster I dont have the space I also have 6 cats of my own plus my 8 rabbits, and 2 kids under 5- they take up all of my time to look after.
I never have and never will ask a rescue for help with vets bills for any cats I take in, Ela has offered me free neutering vouchers numerous times which I have turned down.
And no I dont believe all rescues are the same, just because I have had a bad experiance with one.
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I hope I wasn't involved in an 'us' and 'them' comment. But I think the answer is stress and frustration.
When i see an individual post something like that I have visions os someone with a few cats, no doubt a spare room somewhere, who, if they really wanted to help could take a cat in (even if temporarily).
When i see a similar plea from a rescue , I see it as coming from someone who might recognise a serious problem (dealing with URGENTS all day long and trying to sort out those that really are), someone whose place is not only FULL of cats but overfull as they try to squeeze the last emergency in to the detriment of themselves and their own family (human and animal).
There You go !!!!
Whether You meant it to or not that really does say it all with the "us and them" :(
That really not fair - I hadn't though of it in those terms before it was mentioned here! Shame on you!
But Angie read what You have put !!
You have said that when you see a post from a non rescue person you think "I have visions of someone with a few cats, no doubt a spare room somewhere, who, if they really wanted to help could take a cat in (even if temporarily)"
Why do you automatically think that.... ?
and then you continue to you that when you read from a rescue person you think "someone who might recognise a serious problem (dealing with URGENTS all day long and trying to sort out those that really are), someone whose place is not only FULL of cats but overfull as they try to squeeze the last emergency in to the detriment of themselves and their own family (human and animal)"
Sorry am i alone here ?
Can nobody else say how this comes across
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Michelle please don't fan the flames .. I was musing aloud. As I also stated in the post when i was constantly editing what i had written.
pot calling kettle - i did not mutter the 'them and us' word first.
I also stated in the many posts that it didn't matter who asked - the bottom line is too full to help so thats not discriminating.
And yes, I do think people can sometimes be more helpful - like the lady in Coventry who reported Ziggy to us (the not old oldie). Posh house , one cat of her own, large garden backing on to allotments and could not feed a stray??? The next person who tells me face to face "I don't know what to do with fluffy, I can only think of PTS " will find me taking them and the cat to the vet so that they can do what they threaten.
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I could not take in another cat, but would always feed a stray which appeared in my garden, and supply it with an outdoor kennel and any vet treatment, including neutering, at my own cost - and fuss too if accepted
I wonder if more rescues should not be encouraging this approach? it wouldn't do for pregnant cats or kittens, but many Mr Tramp type cats could lead a decent life like this, surely
would it be cheaper to provide a Mr Snugs kennel, for instance, than take into care? or a cat flap for a shed?
rescues need to be able to put their main energies into trapping and neutering, it seems to me, rather than having to keep reacting to urgent cases requiring a lot of input and expense
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I could not take in another cat, but would always feed a stray which appeared in my garden, and supply it with an outdoor kennel and any vet treatment, including neutering, at my own cost - and fuss too if accepted
I wonder if more rescues should not be encouraging this approach?
Some rescues do :sneaky:
we are always happy to put cats on to our website if the 'finder' is willing to look after and I'm sure most other rescue are only to happy to support this, though of course I cannot speak for them.
The only thing to bear in mind is that while the vast majority of the people on this site would not try to fleece a rescue in the real world there are many people who would happily let a rescue fund food, meds and a nice shelter in the garden.
Again not speaking for anyone or having a go at anyone but I am sure this would lead to rescues funding some peoples pets (now there's a solution!)
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I could not take in another cat, but would always feed a stray which appeared in my garden, and supply it with an outdoor kennel and any vet treatment, including neutering, at my own cost - and fuss too if accepted
I wonder if more rescues should not be encouraging this approach? it wouldn't do for pregnant cats or kittens, but many Mr Tramp type cats could lead a decent life like this, surely
would it be cheaper to provide a Mr Snugs kennel, for instance, than take into care? or a cat flap for a shed?
That is what we do with the ferals and have done with strays Trigger. infact people that come and see the ferals, eg when Pep's fosterer came she was surprised at how healthy and happy the ferals were which she saw, also our local CP is nearby and they were grateful that we were prepared do this when they are just too full to take any more cats in.
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sadly I expect your right, Angie, about people taking advantage - which is why I was not thinking of rescues paying for food etc unless they knew the 'minder' was really hard up - I suspect a fair percentage of the 'minders' I have in my mind would be pensioners, who are more likely to notice a stray hanging around, and more likely to get pleasure from helping out an old codger cat if the job isn't too challenging
but I was just musing - as you do ;) - if rescues are in a postition to help out indirectly by supplying stray 'minders' with discounted food, kennels, cat flaps, meds etc rather than funding completely
are you able to bulk buy, for instance, and pass on the savings, perhaps even making a small profit for yourselves?
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ely
are you able to bulk buy, for instance, and pass on the savings, perhaps even making a small profit for yourselves?
definately a no on that one!
it maybe different for the national charities such as CP or RSPCA. If not they at least seem to have a monopoly on the food bins in all the supermarkets and vets round here.....
when we get bonanza's like the pilchards we are more than happy to pass on to other groups and individuals (in fact I'm sure some of them were hiding behind their sofas last time!)
as far as helping the old ladies look after strays, sadly the old ladies here don't want to and they are some of the ones we prioritise to get in :(
but keep musing on..... many a true word and all that! :sneaky:
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It would be brilliant if an all round solution could be found! :wish: There's many a good brain on this Forum and sometimes its the most simplest of suggestions that can work out.... Thinking caps any one? :sneaky:
*My brain is out of action* so i'll just :allears: and :popcorn: if ya's dont mind! ;) :hug:
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The majority of people just want the problem gone without any involvement on their part. We sometimes joke about it but it is a fact that people are really surprised when they phone about a stray or something that we aren't going to jump in a little white van an collect it within the hour :tired: - as has been said before, they always give a multitude of reasons why "their" stray is different to all the others on the list.
I have never forgotten a case I have posted about before. It was not long after I started volunteering and I was running the B&B at the time. I had a house full of guests and Sharon rang me saying a woman said there was a young cat and it was in danger of being run over. Sharon asked if she could keep it somewhere safe - ie a shed or garage until one of us could get there (also there was going to be a space available at Sharn's cattery in the afternoon) . She said she was allergic and couldn't go near it. As soon as I had finished breakfast, I left all the clearing up and went over. The cat was in her garden and she was fussing it. I asked her about the allergy and she said "you have to tell a few white lies to get things done sometimes don't you" - I felt like decking her >:( - to add insult to injury, the cat hadn't been anywhere near the road. I took the cat back to the house and had him in the kitchen, much to Willow's chagrin. He was a lovely cat. She hadn't fed him and he ate 3 trays of Sheba before falling asleep on Willow's bed :Luv2: - I cleared up the kitchen and it was lunchtime by then. So then we drove to Sharn's and literally passed the woman's house on the way :tired:
A week later, she phoned my mobile nearly in tears asking if she could have him as she had got attached to him. If she was that attached, WTF hadn't she fed the poor thing? :(
Anyway, I still have his pics :)
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I suppose I have been musing on the problem because I have Tosker living in and out of my enclosure, and seemingly quite happy to settle for food, kennel and tray, none of which costs me a great deal of time or trouble to provide
because he was rehomed to me I hope to domesticate him one day, and he is only 2 - but had he been a stray used to the outdoor life I could have done as much anyway
also I sit on a 50+ Steering Group run by Carmarthenshire Council, and have been considering suggesting some kind of neighbourhood scheme to care for pets of elderly people hospitalised or needing general help - that recent thread re someone needing help with litter trays made me think too - that a cat should have to be rehomed, and the owner deprived of it, because she couldn't manage the litter tray, seems such a shame
now I am thinking along the lines of a kind of stray starter pack - cat flap for shed or kennel, litter tray, bowls, flea spray/wormer, bed etc - to be given out to anyone willing to look after a stray - perhaps linking them to donations from inidividulals and local firms along the lines of £xx will save a stray
sorry for hijacking this thread, but the problems of rescues are new to me, and as there is no nearby rescue to help out directly I can only sit here and muse aloud :thinking:
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We need a sample of your DNA Trigger so we can clone you and spread you around the world! ;) :hug:
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Maybe I am too soft, but I really wouldn't want to be involved in giving people packs to allow strays to live in their garden, they deserve much better than that. I am also not a fan of direct homing, as our first attempt at it went completely wrong and the cat ended up in our care after all - and I dont know what the woman was doing, as her description of him was nothing like the cat I cared for.
As I have always said, there are multiple ways of helping rescues, and it doesn't have to just be fostering, or physically going spending hours at the rescue centre, there are so many things that people can do, and what most of the people on here do, to help out rescues.
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Maybe I am too soft, but I really wouldn't want to be involved in giving people packs to allow strays to live in their garden, they deserve much better than that. I am also not a fan of direct homing, as our first attempt at it went completely wrong and the cat ended up in our care after all - and I dont know what the woman was doing, as her description of him was nothing like the cat I cared for.
As I have always said, there are multiple ways of helping rescues, and it doesn't have to just be fostering, or physically going spending hours at the rescue centre, there are so many things that people can do, and what most of the people on here do, to help out rescues.
I don't think I would agree with packs to allow strays to live in gardens either and it is always best for a cat to have a home but I am not against cats mainly living outside if they have the proper care. Our ferals are very well cared for and do go in next doors with her ex-feral, none have been lost to the road because they are in a safe area. Then there is Matty who I found out was a stray and liiving with the old lady and her son. he doesn't live indoors but has beds in the greenhouse to sleep in he never leaves her garden since I got him neutered and seems really happy there.
You're right there are lots of ways to help and as you say many of us do that :)
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Ferals are different in that they are used to it and in the whole dont like the human company, and there are cats who much prefer to be outside, but when I look at some of the pics of the strays I have picked up in their new home enjoying being on sofa's and beds, I would hate for them to be living in a shelter in someone's garden, and it could be harder to keep an eye on certain health issues too - look at Rosie - she was someones much loved pet, but because she never used the tray or drank in the house, no one knew she had CRF.
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of course living in a garden isn't ideal - but until there is a loving home for every cat, it's surely better than nothing
or am I missing the point here? do all unwanted cats and strays find a loving home?
and I have to say that my Trigger, a Russian Blue, would much prefer to live independantly in a garden than be in a pen or a house full of strange cats
there ought, IMO, be more than one solution to the problem of so many cats in need
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Ferals are different in that they are used to it and in the whole dont like the human company, and there are cats who much prefer to be outside, but when I look at some of the pics of the strays I have picked up in their new home enjoying being on sofa's and beds, I would hate for them to be living in a shelter in someone's garden, and it could be harder to keep an eye on certain health issues too - look at Rosie - she was someones much loved pet, but because she never used the tray or drank in the house, no one knew she had CRF.
Yep, true although most of the ferals will quite happily come very close to me now and I do think that some actually like us a little other than for food because if I sit and talk to Zippy eg she talks back and does that rolling round showing off behaviour.
Yep, the old ones, I am concerned about a few of ours now as they are getting older some are over 10 now infact I was thinking the other day some of them could have health issues and we wouldn't know, I will keep a close eye on them but what can we do other than that.
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I wonder if more rescues should not be encouraging this approach?
That is exactly what we do until we have the space to take the little one in. The problem is that often when people think a cat is a stray they feed it and don't ring us until the cat is ill, pregnant or it starts to get cold at night. If only they would contact us immediately they suspect a cat is a stray then by the time it really needs help we could have either found its owner, had it spayed or it would already be in care and hopefully have found a new home.
What I think bothers some people in rescue on here (and as previously posted) is that most people know we are always full to bursting and it is fine to post for help for a particular cat. But rescues do not want the same person contacting them in other ways requesting help when they know full well the position. If the request was ‘how do I place a little one on your list of cats waiting to come in’ that would be a different matter, then again once you have advised them they should know for the future; D It is just not fair we have enough to worry about.
Maybe I am too soft, but I really wouldn't want to be involved in giving people packs to allow strays to live in their garden, they deserve much better than that. I am also not a fan of direct homing
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I am with you 100%. What I find in most of these cases is that as soon as the cat needs to see a vet it suddenly becomes called a stray and ‘not my responsibility’.
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I think the most important thing anyone can do (and thank goodness Its preaching to the converted on here!) is spread the gospel of neutering and adopting from rescues. Ultimately less cats is the only solution... :(
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think the most important thing anyone can do (and thank goodness Its preaching to the converted on here!) is spread the gospel of neutering and adopting from rescues. Ultimately less cats is the only solution
Totally agree.
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I agree Angie, and i have said on one thread in the past few days about the larger charities changing their adverts to a neutering one, rather than the cruelty one currently seen. I wish that the people who dont neuter their cats could see the heartbreaking side of rescue, it might make them change their mind.
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Talking of cruelty ads. I spoke to a woman this morning who runs a drop-in centre who confiscated a cat and it's one surviving kitten from a client with mental health issues. She phoned " a well known organisiation" first and was told that as she has taken the cat, it is now her responsibilty. Also they will assume that any signs of ill treatment were caused by her! - she said she put the phone down on them! - she has the cat booked in at the vet today at her own expense and is trying to find a rescue space although she did mention possible PTS if the cat is too sick. Apparently, the cat and kitten had been left in a disgusting flat alone for a week.
The lady has a large dog that doesn't like cats. She said she isn't a cat person herself but had to save ithe cat and kitten. It is being looked after short term by her neighbour in a pribvately rented flat with a "no animals" clause.
btw - Space allowing, this is the type of cat we need to be able to accommodate quickly :(
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A tv campaign would be great... Some people still have the view not to get their cats neutered... Some of it is that they are unaware of the risks and most of it is total stupidity!!!
I see lots of ads on tv via RSPCA etc... Surely to advertise about the neutering schemes etc would get word around better? :Crazy:
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Totally agree that changing public opinion via education about the need for neutering and rehoming via rescues is crucial. It is not just the back street breeders for profit that need stopped. It is the 'decent' people who allow their cats to have 'just one litter' who are oblivious to the extent of the crisis. My intranet at work allows kittens for sale ads although I have asked them to change their policy. Now, whenever I see an ad for kittens for sale I post my own ad at the back of it asking anyone who can provide a loving home to a needy cat to contact their local rescues and I provide the Catchat link to list of rescues in my area.