I have joined the crew

[Desley (booktigger)]

At the moment, I only have one cat of my own, although I need to accept that my long term foster isnt going anywhere - she has been here 11 months, and as I provide all the food and litter, plus paid for her dental that she is mine!! I normally have two (I only adopt oldies, and generally end up with one that costs a fortune, average vet bills for the last two years have been 4 figure sums, and that is mainly just on one cat!!), I lost one last November, and had a lot of long termers, so didnt feel the need for a second, and then when I did, i managed to pick one with cancer, so she only had 5 weeks here. My comfortable limit is 5, although it isn't good at the moment, having logistical issues!! I do normally end up with 6 though, although that is only possible when there are long term integrated cats.

i dont do kittens, i even let everyone else at the rescue have them, I have only had 4 lots in 4 years, I prefer to take in adults and oldies. I think male/female combinations are good, female/female can be tricky, and i haven't had many male fosters, so rare for me to have more than one male in the house, especially since i lost my male cat 2 years ago this month.

[pandora]

How many do you have?  4 is my financial limit and it has only got to that in the last year.  It was 2 for 6 years before that.  However, I find that it does not feel like much more work, probably because I have now got more experience with them.  Never had a kitten before though and this time I would like to do it because the cat is also supposed to be close to my youngest, who is just a year old.  I also think that the  others will accept a little one easier- they did with Theo, who was 6 months when I first got him- and a rascal! Nevertheless my finickity Martha accepted to eat next to him after just three months.  It is taking a bit longer with golden oldie girl and her at the moment, although the boys have accepted her. 

There is the other question again:  are males easier in their personality than females?  I suppose it depends on the cat but have heard more fussy anecdotes from owners of females.

[Desley (booktigger)]

It makes perfect sense, and probably why most of us do it, it is wonderful to know that a cat has had a chance they might not have had otherwise, and it is part of the reason I keep numbers of my own cats so low so I have the space to help more needy cats that dont have anywhere else, and so that it isn't as bad when i have long termers in.

[pandora]

That's part of why I am doing  it.  I also feel that despite the upset and grief, it means the cycle of rescuing a kitty in need will continue and there will always be 4 spaces in our home for someone in need.  It may seem strange but it feels like helping out and memorising the fact that he was an unwanted cat and has found a loving home.  4 is the managable number and helps out a bit.  So his unfortunate way too untimely death will save another life- if that makes sense in some round about way.

[Corporal Smokey]

Sorry to hear about Lennie, I hope his time is warm and comfy, he's going to need some peace before he goes off chasing butterflies over the bridge!

I was inspired to start rescue work by my crf cat who was called Hope. Rescue work can be so hard and you learn all the time. I mainly deal with the oldies but having seen a few litters at Ashfield I can see how difficult kittens are to care for and I really have the utmost admiration for those of you who do it on a daily/hourly basis.

I always think that Hope's legacy lives on in the rescue work I do and it's helped me to help several crf cats since. It's given me great comfort so maybe it might help you to dedicate your efforts to Lennie 

[pandora]

Thanks for the wishes for Lennie.  Had a shock this morning as his breathing was very bad and he was for the first time apathetic.  Gave him tablets and had to go to work.  Rang specialist and went to the local vet with info.  He gave injection to reduce oedema.  Lennie is better again now but it is a matter of time I am afraid.  Have arranged a burrial place for him in a memorial garden the rescue has.  He came from them as a kitten was adopted and then abandoned and then I adopted them at the age of two and a bit.  He has been with me almost six years now so more time of his life has been luxury and care. I like to think he knows that.  He certainly appreciated me giving him a good groom and a clean.  Saves him some hassle. 

Have never had any from kitten though.  Would like to and am tempted but I don't think I will get a kitten with my son.  Mind you he is volunteering with me and has been exemplary all the time.  They have been impressed.  So maybe one of the little ones I am caring for could find a happy place here. Wonder how older cats react to little ones?  Theo was 6 months already but his integration was easy compared to Malena, who is nearer to 10 years.  I would like to have one matching Theo's age more.

At least I know this way I do my bit to eliminate some sad stories out there. Malena is the best example.  Talk about greatful to have a better life- she is totally trusting me and my son but not visitors.  Occasionally she seems to have a 'flashback' to fear situations and starts running out of the blue, only to remember 'oh yeah, it's ok now.'  Mad.  That little kitty boy might be saved from more trouble- dead mum in the road, abandoned, flea infested, scared.  I really like him.  But there are lovely young adults too.  Some of the mums are mere babies.

[LesleyW]

So sorry to hear about Lenny, he has definitely had a good life with you and all the love he could wish for, sometimes they are just not meant to be with us as long as we would like.

Well done for the volunteering - I am sure it will help you through the time to come with Lenny and will give you something else to focus on.  The little ones are hard work aren't they , who would think that such little things are sooo time consuming, but well worth all the effort.

Keep up the good work and  to you and Lenny.

[Desley (booktigger)]

Good on you for volunteering, it certainly is rewarding, even though it has its downsides. I am sorry to hear about Lenny though, I am sure he has had a wonderful time with you.

[Tiggy's Mum]

Sorry to hear about Lenny    Congrats on the volunteering though 

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

so sad about lenny, lots of special cuddles to him 

[pandora]

Hi all,

It has been a while since I posted on here because work has been mad and then we were away for the summer.   The good news is that- after 4 months waiting and me giving up- I got a call asking me if I still wanted to be a volunteer with my little son at a cat rescue farm.. I was thrilled and started last week- put in four days straight away.

Lesley, if you are reading this: I now know what it means now to look after kittens- washed and blow dried seventeen so far who are not looked after by their mothers.  Also fed them.  It is a job and a half.  The other trouble is that seeing so many sad stories, you just want to take them home to give them a good life.  Have 4 at the moment, soon to be 3.  So maybe...

However, the sad news is though that my Lennie is going to die soon.  He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and is on lots of tablets but it is only kind of stabilising him.  Have spent £1500 so far in treatment by a heart specialist.  Thank godness for insurance.  Can see the lungs are filling with water again though.  Have cried buckets already but as he is still around and reasonably ok, it seems unreal that he is dying.  It will be the first ever cat I will loose and the first one I ever had, together with his sis, who is still doing well at the age of 8- which is not that old, I know.  I am giving lots of cuddles and treats to make these last weeks extra special.  I like to think he had a good life here, after I rescued him.

Starting volunteering has been the best thing to do for sure.  Just love the work and it really feels like you are doing something worthwhile.  A big well done and thank you for all of you running rescue centres.  It is hard work all around but also rewarding.