Topic: What's best companion for my cat? (Read 6715 times)

sheilarose · « **Reply #23 on:** June 12, 2014, 07:18:24 AM »

I wonder if you would consider an FIV positive pal for Ollie? It has been proven that the possibility of transfer of the virus in a secure home environment is negligible, but many rescues who maintain a No Kill policy for FIVers prefer to rehome them as indoor cats to reduce the infections they may pick up on the outside.

There are many rescues who specialise in these forgotten characters, the majority of whom live long, full, enriched lives and give far more that they take. Think about it?

http://www.catchat.org/fiv.html

Hippykitty · « **Reply #22 on:** June 11, 2014, 11:49:31 AM »

What happened? Was a kitty adopted? Please update.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2014, 21:06:17 PM »

3 more days, 3 more days..... Wooop wooop!!!

Well said, Sam. Most "rescues" don't have the luxury of time, bless their hearts. The aim is to get a cat in a settled home where they can be happy to the best of their ability, regardless of what that might comprise.

SamMewl · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2014, 20:38:37 PM »

want a cat? want to volunteer? your not likely to get past us without taking home a friend or getting signed up!!

seriously it frustrates me too. if someone wants a cat they can get one. it is better for the cat and the person if the cat comes from a rescue where its neutered, chipped vaccinated and there are knowledgeable people on hand for advice.

not all cats fit all homes, its our job in rescue to make sure that each person takes a cat that will work for them. its not our job to interrogate people and make them think twice about going back to a rescue.

we do home kittens to indoor homes as they are cats that have never experienced going outside. whilst cats do enjoy the outside if its not safe for them and there is a loving home waiting its seem strange to pass it by. its not like there is a shortage of cats coming soon!

three more days Angela! good luck

Mymblesdaughter · « **Reply #19 on:** April 28, 2014, 10:38:15 AM »

I agree Sue. When I hear of the things people are asked by rescues I sometimes get angry. I wasn't an ideal home on paper for my two as they can't easily go outside. But as the rescue got to know me before I adopted, they realised I would give them a loving home, lots of attention. In fact totally spoilt them.

The not getting back to people, there is no excuse for as far as I'm concerned. There are volunteers who would be happy to do it but unfortunately being taken on as a volunteer can sometimes be as difficult as adopting.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #18 on:** April 28, 2014, 06:55:08 AM »

I think approaching rescues at times can be very off-putting, particularly for people who may be new to cat ownership. Some will only home to indoor homes. Some will only home to outside homes. Some will only re-home in pairs. Some wont re-home to anyone who lives near a busy main road, regardless or indoor/outdoor policy. Some will only re-home in a specific area and some take weeks to get back to people who ring to make an enquiry.

There are fantastic rescues out there doing brilliant work, but there are some who dont make adopting a pleasurable experience at all.

(There may be some sense in that - if people are determined to adopt, regardless of how unwelcome they're made to feel enquiring, their tenacity may be its own reward

)

Sootyca · « **Reply #17 on:** April 27, 2014, 18:47:40 PM »

One of my cats is indoor by her choice and she has previously had access to the outdoors - she will occasionally go out if I am outside but the doors have to be open for her to get back in. My boy cat would scream blue murder if he had to be kept as an indoor cat, it just wouldn't be pleasant!

Hope it all works out next week for you.

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #16 on:** April 27, 2014, 18:15:28 PM »

I think you have to weight it up against is it fair for the cat to continue living in a rescue centre, or be given the opportunity of a loving forever home with a family. My cats have always seemed to be happy with being indoors (if I lived out in a quiet area, then I would want them outside). As long as people are made aware that indoor cats require far more attention and stimulation that an outdoors cat, then I think rescues should change their policies. A couple of rescues that I looked into will either re-home an indoor cat if an existing one is there, or you re-home 2 cats so that there is always a companion. I can already tell that Ollie is bored without his brother there to get up to mischief with, and I also think it's important that they have another animal who speaks their same language.

Mymblesdaughter · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2014, 22:52:39 PM »

CHAT used to have this policy but they were asking people on facebook recently if they thought they should home more cats to indoor homes as they have so many cats to home. Most people agreed that indoor was ok if the cat hadn't been used to being outside and was homed with another cat. So I wonder if they will change their policy.

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #14 on:** April 26, 2014, 22:33:54 PM »

Thank you.

Cats Protection will re-home to an indoor only home, if the cat was indoor before. Other than that, they would not re-home any cat or kitten to be indoors. Totally understand that you wouldn't make an outside cat into a house cat, that wouldn't be fair. I see nothing wrong in rehoming a wee kitten to be indoors.

They weren't the only ones. I can't remember the name but there was another rescue centre that had the same policy.

I hope everything works out with the one Im meeting - roll on Saturday!!

emmmy_lou · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2014, 22:14:42 PM »

I did see this before and thought a kitten would be ideal - they are always easier to introduce.

I was just wondering do cats protection not re home any cats as indoor cats????

That seems ridiculous to me. some cats are used to being house cats and young ones will adapt if they have plenty of stimulation.

maybe it is up to each branch I don't know.

sorry to digress, but glad you have found a kitty that should fit in with your family.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #12 on:** April 26, 2014, 19:49:37 PM »

Ooooo - fingers well crossed!!

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #11 on:** April 26, 2014, 19:34:52 PM »

Good news! Im going to meet a 5 month old male next Saturday. Fingers crossed we like each other, and most importantly that I think he'll get on with Ollie.

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2014, 23:20:48 PM »

It's ok Sue.

That's good to know that you had different ages and know others with different sexes. Im very nervous about bringing another cat into my home but it needs to happen soon. Ollie's always been a Mummy's boy and I don't want him to get used to having me to myself or think there will be huge jealousy issues.

Thank you for your help. Will see how I get on tomorrow.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2014, 18:17:40 PM »

Ah - apologies Angela - I hadnt grasped that they were indoor boys. Yes, you can definitely go for a male.

We homed Moray when he was four months old and Tinks (our other cat) was about 16 months. Then again, Pav, another of our members, took on a young male when she had an existing young female and that worked out fine too.

A suitable kitten will come along, but I know how desperately frustrating it is when you're waiting.

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2014, 18:13:56 PM »

Thank you. I think I forgot to say, Ollie is indoors and so would the new kitten be. Cats Protection won't re-cats to be indoor. Contacted them before too but got no reply from both West Lothian and Peebles. That was over a week ago.

Will phone round them all tomorrow again. Now, that I know that a male would work out too then my chances of a kitten may increase.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2014, 18:01:06 PM »

Angela - not sure if their little female kitten at the bottom of the page is still available, but I notice this was updated yesterday.....

http://www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian/adopt-a-cat

What beautiful boys Harvey and Ollie are. I agree, I think it's more fun having two cats and they can be great companions for each other. Hoping yu can get a friend for Ollie very soon, and sure Harvey would be very approving.

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2014, 17:44:13 PM »

Thank you. A rescue centre had got in touch with me to say that they had a 5 month old kitten (I think male) and would I be interested, they thought the temperament would be suitable for Ollie. However, I replied straightaway 2 days ago and have never had a reply back. I know they are extremely busy but it can be so frustrating. I can easily see why some people resort to 'scumtree'.................don't worry, I wouldn't!! Others don't take your details and you have to constantly keep phoning them. I'm beginning to feel like a rescue stalker!

Fingers crossed I get him a wee friend soon. Ollie's an indoor cat so he really does need a wee companion to run about mad with and I always believe that there should always be at 2 of each species (where its possible) so that they have a friend to talk to.

I've attached a photo of my 2 boys (Ollie is the one with the white on his face).

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2014, 07:54:23 AM »

Very sorry to know you lost Harvey, and think that a companion for Ollie may give him a renewed lease of life.

Availability of kittens does seem to vary from area to area, but I agree that sometimes kittens that are out of those early stages of kittenhood can be just as easy to slot into a family as very young kittens, so might be worth asking about cats in the 4 - 6 month brackets too.

I dont think sex matters too much either (although on the whole I do thinks females are bossier than their male counterparts

)

With regard to introducing your new family member when the time comes, there's loads of good advice on the forum int hat regard and we'll all be happy to help the process along if you get stuck. We will also hector and badger you for photographs, so be prepared.

Do you have any photos to share of Ollie?

sheilarose · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2014, 23:57:18 PM »

I wish you well in your search. Like Sam says, a kitten won't be hard to find, just bide your time and their will be one along any minute. I'd be inclined to talk to local rescues about slightly older Cats who have been behaviourally assessed too, often a cat at 6 months will exhibit clear signs of companionship that an unpredictable kitten can not. Think about it? Then come back with scrummy kitten photos

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2014, 23:24:45 PM »

Thank you. I was getting so confused with all the information I was being given. I have bought a cage to give the kitten a safe place until they bond, and to give Ollie peace.
My boys were litter mates so already bonded so not got great experience. I feel so sorry for Ollie having lost his brother. He struggled to begin with but seems a bit better now.
I was told by a couple of rescues that they are not as inundated by kittens as people think so perhaps it's not as bad up here......which is a good thing. Ive got everyone looking out for me so fingers crossed!

SamMewl · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2014, 23:05:18 PM »

any sex of kitten willl be fine. they will adapt to you and Harvey's brother. Just make sure he has a kitten free place to have his 'big cat nap time'

'kitten season' is well on its way. at Yorkshire cat rescue ( i know not very useful for you!) we have more and more kittens coming up for adoption. Coming in to May and June they will be coming out our ears! it maybe slightly slower up your way as its dependant on day length. don't know if this has any real impact on numbers of kittens but there is sure to be a kitten needing a home soon near you.

Try your local rescues again. we are lucky as we have our kittens growing up in foster homes. good for them and easy for us to know what's 'coming soon'!
as ever search catchat.org
xx

Angeladeedah · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2014, 22:42:51 PM »

5 weeks ago I sadly had to say goodbye to my beautiful boy Harvey after a long illness. He had a heart murmur and chylothorax so it was a long painful journey for us both.
I still have his brother, who is 8 years old, and I am looking into getting a companion for him. He can be a feisty wee fella, especially when I used to bring Harvey home from the vets. He would be really aggressive for days.
I have been contacting local rescues and my head is pickled with getting different advice (and also there are no kittens available)
What would be the best option for bonding with Ollie? A female or male kitten?
I had been told female and then another rescue said sex didn't matter, but that the temperament was more important since females could be really bossy. I now have no idea what I'm looking for, other than a kitten.
And anyone know anyone looking to home a kitten in the Edinburgh area?
Thanks for your help.

Author Topic: What's best companion for my cat? (Read 6715 times)