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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / September 2007Shelter re-visit, new favorite & probably the One
Well, I went back today to see Ava and the White One to hopefully make a decision. They were both snoozing in the same open cage (White One on the high shelf and Ava on the lower) Ava was quite adorable with the paw-over-the-face posture and White One had cleaned herself up a bit more presentable then her roughish appearance yesterday. Although WO (I believe I would have renamed her White Russian - Rush for short since her coat is that russian blue type)came over to me after a bit and when I patted my lap she did take a step or two in that direction but she had eating and strolling on her mind. Ava was a much harder case. Today's shelter worker got into the cage (a biggish cage) petted her and tried to pick her up for me. No go, she blasted into the air, laid back ears, swiped and slammed herself into the back wall absolutely terrified. The lady told me she has actually been getting worse as time goes by, originally she hung out in the kitchen, could be picked up and held and was more interested in interacting, etc. I felt sad for her but not so sure I am up to such a shy kitty. And through it all, there was Charlotte smooching on the low scratching platform next to me, sleeping with her head on my foot. After yesterday, I found the attention slut will roll right off on her head trying to tempt you with the white tummy trap, so I keep her on there with my foot :) She is medium hair. She let me brush her, they had never tried but she was pretty good! There really isn't much hair though it is longer than a dsh. Very sparse and silky and I don't think she will be much more of a problem as say WO who has the dense coat of german shepard or something artic :) It isn't enough I think for her to matt though the lady warned about Klingons. I would trim her pants if necessary but they aren't really that much. She also let me pick her up and put her on my lap once, hey! She is adorable, little and was a kitten who had 5 kittens. She also nursed two orphans when she had hers. Awww. They call her mommy cat and also what I call her, attention whore :) I guess she didn't pick me, she is like that with anyone. But awful endearing and can't believe she lasted months there. Who wouldn't want her? She is kittenish, pretty and friendly. What is not to love? She bites. More like nibbles and a tap on nose, NO and taking you hand away stops it for a bit. Oh, and she's very smart. She stole the mousie away from one of the caged kitties (just went in there under the bars and stole it from the poor confined one. She also took somebody else's food plate same way, swipe. And she liked to play with the cat dancer they gave me, too. She uses her scratching thingy for sleeping and scratching. Hey, I think she is a pretty nice cat. Of course, of the three I asked today's shelter worker who would be better in my kind of household and it was Ava or WO. Charlotte does interact with other cats, and likes to greet new ones and mother the motherless. But she thinks she could adjust *sigh* I don't want to think of her as unhappy so am giving it a week. If she is still there next weekend I will probably be bringing her home. As nice as the shelter is I think such a kitty deserves to be a spoilt thaing at a real home, no? But if somebody comes by before and takes her I would be happy for her. She may deserve more than toys and a tree and birds and squirrels and stuff (maybe an aquarium?) than I can give her. If Charlotte is adopted or maybe even not, I met another tuxedo on my way out. Yahtzee came in with her brother and she was adopted but brought back when their other cat kept beating her up. Now her brother is gone and she is alone in the world. Friendly, short haired and spent so much time snoozing in the sun room I never met her before so haven't had a chance to try smooching, brushing, etc. Oh, and sorry I went on so long but who do you think tried to make up with me today? Yes, Sadie. The feisty. I told her she had her chance and she blew it (not being mean, but am a little scared of her since her outburst and didn't try and pet her) > Ava was a much harder case. Today's shelter worker > got into the cage (a biggish cage) petted her and tried to pick her up for [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > interacting, etc. I felt sad for her but not so sure I am up to such a > shy kitty. One thing about that - cats can become worse in a shelter environment because they're not getting enough socializating with humans. I'm not saying that shelter people are neglecting her, but they probably don't have enough staff to give all the cats the amount of attention they each need. Some cats tend to withdraw in that situation and become less friendly over time. But if given the right situation (ie, your house :)), that can be reversed. Joyce > > Ava was a much harder case. Today's shelter worker > > got into the cage (a biggish cage) petted her and tried to pick her up [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Joyce Unfortunately, Ava's condition is not something I can work with. I am not home enough to rehabilitate her and I am really scared of cats that get wild/fight/bite for whatever reason. I wouldn't even be able to get her from one room to another, that sort of thing even. It would take tossing a blanket over her or something along those lines and that certainly isn't going to help her problem any, is it? They are going to need to get her into a foster home and worked on before she is adoptable. And I am wondering if maybe something neurological is going on. It might not be all shelter environment, etc. I am starting to wonder about shelter cats. It makes me think more about maybe a kitten wouldn't be a bad idea. To give it a good early life, and maybe avoid some of these things I am seeing. Shadow was raised an only cat and certainly was not a basket case. Hell, I hauled her around a lot in her "formative year" and you couldn't even call it all that stable a home environment though she was well cared for and trained. I repeat, she did not become a basket case. Either she was the one well-adjusted cat in a billion or there is something wrong with the cats I am seeing in shelters. I am looking for a companion. It doesn't have to be a lap cat or one that sleeps with me. The cat has to be able to tolerate routine handling. I want to make a difference in my life and a homeless kitty's life. Mutual benefit sort of thing and I don't think there is anything wrong with that! But I cannot take on something that is beyond me :( >> > Ava was a much harder case. Today's shelter worker >> > got into the cage (a biggish cage) petted her and tried to pick her up [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > benefit sort of thing and I don't think there is anything wrong with that! > But I cannot take on something that is beyond me :( Sue, get the cat that's going to suit you and your lifestyle. All you want is a companion animal and not a "project" (and it's a "project" that would probably fail since you've already stipulated that your work doesn't allow you the time to devote to it). We can't all be cat rehabilitators even though we'd all *like* to save all the poor little lost ones. Remember, even if you choose a kitten, you're still saving a life. About adult shelter cats - you are always taking your chances when you choose one because there's usually a reason they are shelter cats (behavior problems like biting or scratching, litterbox problems, or former strays who were never socialized well). And you don't have to feel guilty about not taking on a problem cat - it's easy to tell someone *else* how to save a problem cat, but they're not the ones who have to deal with it! Personally, I would recommend getting a kitten - a kitten will usually adjust to your lifestyle. And as long as he/she has lots of toys and things to play with, he/she should be fine as an only cat (Bandit was an only cat from the time we got her when she was 6 weeks old until we got Demi when Bandit was 8 years old - and she was quite happy as an only cat). I think you're being very wise to take your time and be careful in your choice since it's a choice you'll have to live with for the next 15 to 20 years. After Bandit died I rushed too quickly into an adoption of a cat who wouldn't fit into our clowder and it broke my heart to have to bring her back to her foster home. Hugs, CatNipped > Sue, get the cat that's going to suit you and your lifestyle. All you > want is a companion animal and not a "project" (and it's a "project" that [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > > CatNipped I didn't want to snip a word because you are so right. And thank you very much for the hugs. I really need them right now as I don't want to participate here anymore and am even thinking this whole "give a kitty a home" thing was a bad idea :( I want to take care of them ALL. And I would if I had the time and resources. But I can't see what is so bad about wanting to give a nice animal a nice home. I have a plan for a kitten. A big play cage while I am gone and my mother would come by once a day for a play session too and smooches. I would do much smooching at night. If they like smooching :) Once suitably adjusted to being on their own during the day kitty would have climbing trees, aquarium, animal channel, whatever. NICE windows. I want to love and spoil a loving companion. Not take on a losing proposition for both parties. Is that wrong? >> Sue, get the cat that's going to suit you and your lifestyle. All >> you want is a companion animal and not a "project" (and it's a >> "project" that would probably fail since you've already stipulated >> that your work doesn't allow >> you the time to devote to it). We can't all be cat rehabilitators (snippety) >> Personally, I would recommend getting a kitten - a kitten will >> usually adjust to your lifestyle. And as long as he/she has lots of [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > to participate here anymore and am even thinking this whole "give a > kitty a home" thing was a bad idea :( Why on earth don't you want to participate here anymore? Pardon me if this sounds a tad harsh, but is it because you haven't quickly found a cat that you would feel comfortable with? > I want to take care of them ALL. And I would if I had the time and > resources. But I can't see what is so bad about wanting to give a > nice animal a nice home. There's not a thing wrong with it. But the cat has to fit into your lifestyle and you want the cat to be happy.... it's a two way street and nothing you should feel you have to rush into. > I have a plan for a kitten. A big play cage while I am gone and my > mother would come by once a day for a play session too and smooches. > I would do much smooching at night. If they like smooching :) Once > suitably adjusted to being on their own during the day kitty would > have climbing trees, aquarium, animal channel, whatever. NICE > windows. Sounds like a great plan to me, but what do I know? I've never had a kitten. > I want to love and spoil a loving companion. Not take on a losing > proposition for both parties. Is that wrong? Of course not. It's the way you *should* be approaching it. Best of luck and don't rush things! Jill >> Sue, get the cat that's going to suit you and your lifestyle. All you >> want is a companion animal and not a "project" (and it's a "project" that [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > participate here anymore and am even thinking this whole "give a kitty a > home" thing was a bad idea :( I hope you don't let yourself be overly influenced by anyone posting to UseNet! When you post to an unmoderated forum like this, you have people from all over the world (plus trolls - who don't count as people in my book) - all from different cultures, different backgrounds, and with different personalities, etc. There are some regulars here who, I would say, are sometimes a bit, um, acerbic. They mean well, and their hearts are in the right places, but their posts sometimes come across as less than sweet, shall we say? Also, take into account that you can't read emotional intent from the written word (I can't tell you how many times I was meaning to be witty, but was taken seriously). Posts can't convey tone of voice or body language. And, let's face it, there are times when we're just having a bad day (maybe PMS-ing) and shoot off a note that we later regret. > I want to take care of them ALL. And I would if I had the time and > resources. But I can't see what is so bad about wanting to give a nice > animal a nice home. There is *absolutely* nothing wrong with that! > I have a plan for a kitten. A big play cage while I am gone and my mother > would come by once a day for a play session too and smooches. I would do > much smooching at night. If they like smooching :) Once suitably adjusted > to being on their own during the day kitty would have climbing trees, > aquarium, animal channel, whatever. NICE windows. Sounds like a good plan to me! I wouldn't necessarily keep the kitten in a cage, maybe just put him/her in a separate room if you're worried about her/him tearing things up (but that's something you'll have to deal with for a year or more since they only get more destructive as they get to be *bigger* kittens - until they're adult and start to settle down). But I've heard others use the cage method and it seems to work - use your own judgement as to what would work for *you*. And that's the key here - as I said before, we're all a bit dotty about cats here so we'd all like to see every "unwanted" kitty homed and rehabilitated, but *WE'RE* not the ones who have to live with that kitty for the next 15 to 20 years, *YOU* are, so do what's right for you! > I want to love and spoil a loving companion. Not take on a losing > proposition for both parties. Is that wrong? Not at all. Like I said before, even adopting a healthy, well behaved kitten is saving a life because healthy, well behaved kittens are being euthanized by the thousands for want of a good home. And I know I've already made people here angry with things I may have said in the past (I'm sorry) and for having to bring Tayla back to her foster home, and this will probably only make things worse, but.... People, *LIGHTEN UP*! If you care so much about homing a "difficult" cat, don't flame someone else for not doing so - go out and get one and do it yourself! Hugs, CatNipped > Sounds like a good plan to me! I wouldn't necessarily keep the kitten in > a cage, maybe just put him/her in a separate room if you're worried about [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I've heard others use the cage method and it seems to work - use your own > judgement as to what would work for *you*. I believe it is how it is handled by many professionals. A broken lamp can be replaced, a kitten's broken head not so easy. Chewed wires can be patched, electrocuted kitty can't. A kitten can get into too much trouble and shouldn't be left unsupervised for long periods of time since no home can be truly kitten proof just like a child proofing. It would have to be a pretty bare room to go with the room method. All moot since I have come to the conclusion I don't have a suitable lifestyle or personality for a cat anymore and won't be getting one. I will make a donation and volunteer some time to brushing and petting (gentle!) kitties. Can't hurt to make a kitty pretty to be a bit more desirable,no? > Hugs, > > CatNipped Thanks for the support, it was really appreciated. >> Sounds like a good plan to me! I wouldn't necessarily keep the kitten in >> a cage, maybe just put him/her in a separate room if you're worried about [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > can be truly kitten proof just like a child proofing. It would have to be > a pretty bare room to go with the room method. Ah, I see. I've long, long, long since kitty- (and baby- *and* grandbaby-) proofed my home! ;> > All moot since I have come to the conclusion I don't have a suitable > lifestyle or personality for a cat anymore and won't be getting one. I > will make a donation and volunteer some time to brushing and petting > (gentle!) kitties. Can't hurt to make a kitty pretty to be a bit more > desirable,no? I'm sorry to hear you're not going to adopt - but you're the one who best knows your temperment and lifestyle. Hugs, CatNipped >> Hugs, >> >> CatNipped > > Thanks for the support, it was really appreciated. >> Sounds like a good plan to me! I wouldn't necessarily keep the kitten in >> a cage, maybe just put him/her in a separate room if you're worried about [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > (gentle!) kitties. Can't hurt to make a kitty pretty to be a bit more > desirable,no? If you substitute the word crate for cage, crate training a kitten of puppy works out nicely. As long as the crate is big enough. Kayla likes her crate still and sometimes puts herself to bed at night. Kittens may require a lot of supervision, but they sleep a lot too. We have done just fine raising a few while working full time. It helps that when we aren't working, we are pretty much always home. Like many others we don't have a huge amount of experience over forty years. Most of our cats lived very long lives. I can't believe Jake is nine years old now. Check out a few other shelters, or at least I would. And volunteering is always great. (Besides that gives you first dibbs on the next real love bug that comes in looking for a new home) Jo > If you substitute the word crate for cage, crate training a kitten of > puppy [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > raising a few while working full time. It helps that when we aren't > working, we are pretty much always home. These play cages aren't actually crates. They are more cage than crate (think big play pen) but quite large and meant for this and also acclimating ferals into the middle of the house. Quite a bit of room to play, jump etc. My puppy was crate trained, though (enough room just to move around in) even though both my husband and I worked then we worked different shifts so there was except for maybe an hour two hour window someone home all the time. But the crate training went wonderfully. It was her bed for quite awhile (she was only crated with door closed until housetrained) until she really got too big and looked so ridiculous squeezing herself into it at night. She wanted to go in there. Yes, every night when I went to bed she went into her crate on her own. She loved her crate :) But when she was a big girl we had to have a talk with her and tell her it was time for a bigdoggy bed. If I ever did get a d-pet again (very doubtful) I would definitely go the crate route. I think it worked great. > Like many others we don't have a huge amount of experience over forty > years. Most of our cats lived very long lives. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > always great. (Besides that gives you first dibbs on the next real love > bug that comes in looking for a new home) Unfortunately I have met my love. Attention Whore Charlotte. Hoping to keep brushing her until she is even more gorgeous and somebody better than me will give her something better than my little boring apt and lonely life. I can't imagine why she hasn't been adopted. The lady mentioning klingons, maybe is scaring some away. Some brushing and attention won't hurt the other kitty's chances none, either. I like brushing kitties who like being brushed, this could work. >> If you substitute the word crate for cage, crate training a kitten of >> puppy [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] > being > brushed, this could work. An apartment does not have to be lonely for a cat--and if you are lonely, a kitty companion could enliven both your life and the cats. I would not want to try to talk anyone into adopting a cat if they do not feel ready for it, but I also hope you will re-read some of these messages. I don't think anyone was trying to talk you into being a "cat rehabilitator." We were just commenting on some of the problems you noted and making suggestions (and you did specifically say in your earlier message, "please feel free to share thoughts"). As Sherry said, you really are making something hard out of something that isn't. There are many "uncomplicated" cats that are left at shelters, and most of them are--tragically--destined for euthanasia. So, you don't have to concentrate on "troublesome" cats if that isn't what you want, but you also don't have to assume that all cats will require rehabilitation. It is true that you need to provide some care and attention, but one of your earlier messages referred to toys, cat trees, etc. That's just what an indoor cat needs (along with some playtime from you) provide an enjoyable life. MaryL >> Unfortunately I have met my love. Attention Whore Charlotte. Hoping >> to keep [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > you noted and making suggestions (and you did specifically say in > your earlier message, "please feel free to share thoughts"). Yeah, I didn't get the feeling anyone was brow-beating her over not wanting to take home what could be a problem cat. As I said in my Ping: Sue post, Persia was an unknown equation. I had no experience whatsoever with cats. If she had turned out to be a problem I'd have taken her to a no-kill shelter in an instant. I wasn't equipped to deal with a sweet cat, let alone the cat from Hell. > As Sherry said, you really are making something hard out of something > that isn't. There are many "uncomplicated" cats that are left at [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > toys, cat trees, etc. That's just what an indoor cat needs (along > with some playtime from you) provide an enjoyable life. Exactly. Persia was perfectly happy from the get-go. Once I figured out she'd purred her way into my heart and was here to stay, I got her a (low) cat tree, tons of toys. She was just fine. She slept most of the day, and still does. Jill I have lived in apartments and had a cat. Cats don't need as much as we might think they do to be happy. Besides the basics, they need a few toys to play with. Maybe a window they can see out, a cardboard box to sit in. What I'm trying to say is what ever you have in apartment will be enough for them. Don't give up on adopting a cat. Take your time and find one that will be the right fit for you. Ann  Signatureread Sam's blog at http://kittens-3.blogspot.com/ >>> If you substitute the word crate for cage, crate training a kitten of >>> puppy [quoted text clipped - 68 lines] > > MaryL > Sue, get the cat that's going to suit you and your lifestyle. All you want > is a companion animal and not a "project" (and it's a "project" that would > probably fail since you've already stipulated that your work doesn't allow > you the time to devote to it). We can't all be cat rehabilitators even > though we'd all *like* to save all the poor little lost ones. Remember, > even if you choose a kitten, you're still saving a life. > About adult shelter cats - you are always taking your chances when you > choose one because there's usually a reason they are shelter cats (behavior > problems like biting or scratching, litterbox problems, or former strays who > were never socialized well). And you don't have to feel guilty about not > taking on a problem cat - it's easy to tell someone *else* how to save a > problem cat, but they're not the ones who have to deal with it! GMTA, Catnipped! :) See my latest post on this - I responded to the same post of Sue's, and I said just about the same things you do here. Sue, Catnipped and I say: get the kitty YOU want! Of whatever age and temperament you prefer. That is always the best arrangement for everyone concerned. Joyce > I am starting to wonder about shelter cats. It makes me think more about > maybe a kitten wouldn't be a bad idea. To give it a good early life, and [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > benefit sort of thing and I don't think there is anything wrong with that! > But I cannot take on something that is beyond me :( Don't get the wrong idea - I wasn't suggesting you take on something that's beyond you. I was just saying that her behavior in the shelter need not be a permanent aspect of her personality, but might just be a response to her environment. However, if that makes her seem too difficult for you to deal with, then you're certainly not required to adopt her. I totally agree that this should be a pleasant experience for you as well as for the cat you adopt. I hear (all hearsay since I've never had one myself) that Persian cats are very docile. Maybe there's a Persian rescue group in your area, that has one you could adopt? There could even be one at the shelter, that happens sometimes, too. I also see absolutely nothing wrong with adopting a kitten, if that's what you want. Don't let self-righteous people intimidate you into making the wrong choice. It's your home and your life, and you're the one who has to live with the consequences of whatever decision you make. So make one that you're comfortable with, not something that you think you're supposed to do. Joyce knowing your limits will keep you from exceeding them, Lee > > > Ava was a much harder case. Today's shelter worker > > > got into the cage (a biggish cage) petted her and tried to pick her up [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > benefit sort of thing and I don't think there is anything wrong with that! > But I cannot take on something that is beyond me :( > Well, I went back today to see Ava and the White One to hopefully make a > decision. They were both snoozing in the same open cage (White One on the [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > shy > kitty. When we got Cali from the Rescue place she was a biter and very stand offish having been around other cats for so long. We were originally supposed to get another cat, but Cali's adopter said she couldn't have a biter (She actually saw that we were taken with Cali). When we got Cali home we thought she was deaf since she wouldn't respond to her name or anything else. It turned out to be more of a screw you (Calico after all), which she got over fairly quickly. It took her about two years to be a lap cat and she never has liked being picked up, except for the mornings the last few years. But Cali has turned out to be an excellent cat, very bright and very affectionate, as long as it's her idea. > When we got Cali from the Rescue place she was a biter and very stand > offish having been around other cats for so long. We were originally [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > last few years. But Cali has turned out to be an excellent cat, very > bright and very affectionate, as long as it's her idea. that is similar temperament to my old Shadow. She wasn't a true blue lap cat though liked my lap the best whenever I got back from the hospital with some abdominal surgery or another :) And of course kneaded with her trusty claws OUT She slept with me when it was cold only and I had the electric binkie on :) She was her own cat. But she could be handled (sometimes with body armor or at least a towel) for claw clipping or med giving or putting in a carrier when it was time to see TED. She didn't like to be held but could be restrained if necessary! Shadow was, frankly, a normal cat and she didn't even start out from a home or a shelter but a pet shop! I know you mean about Ava, but I think Ava is beyond what I am capable of dealing with. If I can't get her from the bedroom to the living room so I can put on the A/C or get her into a carrier to go to the vet without animal control or a blanket, it isn't going to be much good for her. I love her. She is tiny and sweet really but scared too death or something else too, maybe. Odd head posture and they say she is getting worse and I have only seen her two days in a row and see deterioration. I personally think it more than shy or even shelter environment. I wish I could be around more and take care of her. > Well, I went back today to see Ava and the White One to hopefully make a > decision. They were both snoozing in the same open cage (White One on the [quoted text clipped - 76 lines] > blew it (not being mean, but am a little scared of her since her outburst > and didn't try and pet her) Look, either choose a rescue cat from the shelter which is likely to have some "issues" which might be difficult and you will have to deal with or don't and adopt a kitten from a private home which you can meld. Cats do *not* blow it. They do things we do not understand quite yet. Tweed I assume because you THINK the one cat you liked might be there in a week, this is a no-kill place. If not, hope you left your number to be called before the cats number was up? >> Well, I went back today to see Ava and the White One to hopefully make a >> decision. They were both snoozing in the same open cage (White One on [quoted text clipped - 98 lines] > > Tweed > I assume because you THINK the one cat you liked might be there in a week, > this is a no-kill place. If not, hope you left your number to be called > before the cats number was up? a) It is no kill. One cat has been there 3 years b) I liked many of them. Too many of them. I wish I could provide all the different environments their various personalities are suited for c) A happy reasonably adjusted kitty has just as much a right to a home as one that issues, I think > Look, either choose a rescue cat from the shelter which is likely to have > some "issues" which might be difficult and you will have to deal with or > don't and adopt a kitten from a private home which you can meld. > Cats do *not* blow it. They do things we do not understand quite yet. Look, not everybody is a professional cat rehabilitator. Some people might just want a reasonably adjusted companion. Sadie is fine. I was kidding about her. But, no I won't pet a cat that is unpredictable. I suppose just anyone should go in and get pitbulls out of shelters too because we are bad people if we don't want to try and rehab animals with behavior issues. And yes, I just might get a kitten now. Perhaps even a purebred with a predictable temperament. >> Look, either choose a rescue cat from the shelter which is likely to have >> some "issues" which might be difficult and you will have to deal with or [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > And yes, I just might get a kitten now. Perhaps even a purebred with a > predictable temperament. A kitten needs someone who is home for a longer proportion of the day than an adult cat, and purebred's do not necessarily have a "predictable temperament." One thing you are seeing is that shelter cats have usually been "dumped" or abandoned. Is there a rescue group in your area that places their cats and kittens in foster homes? If so, those cats will be socialized and the foster parents can probably give you a better idea about their personalities than shelter staff where cats often reside in a perpetual state of stress. When I adopted Duffy, I noticed that I could hear the almost continuous sound of dogs barking. Imagine the stress that would cause to a cat that had been a small cage for several months. It's no wonder he wouldn't eat much and was very thin -- but staff in that shelter had obviously done their very best for him. MaryL > A kitten needs someone who is home for a longer proportion of the day than > an adult cat, and purebred's do not necessarily have a "predictable [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > MaryL There are several animal welfare groups around here that have them only in foster homes. Since the bite that made me cat-phobic was from such I don't know. But I really think a lot of this is from cats being in largish groups. Stop me if I am wrong but lions are the ONLY felines that form groups and what we do now with domestic cats is a little deviant from the norm of their evolution? Maybe their makeup just leads to problems when they have to adapt to a group hierarchy. I don't know. Most of you have clowders. But for years, nobody thought anything of an "only" cat. It was sort of the norm. And for all you with happy loving clowders, maybe there are a lot more with cats that would be happier not in one but being the one and only. Can we be sure? I have found a happy, well adjusted cat in Charlotte. She was there along these two days with her head on my foot :) My concern is for her, I am not being fussy but she is a sociable little thing and I don't know if this only cat life (combined with an owner that works long days!) will be enriching enough for her. But I will try! That is why I didn't scoop her up today when I realized she was there all along. I didn't know it but the shelter people talked last night after my first visit and the consensus was that I would take Charlotte! I would have never thought so last night LOL Giving it a chance that somebody that has more people, more activity, more something at home might come along this week. She is in no danger whatsoever. It is also best for me to take a new kitty on a Saturday so that I may spend maximum time with them before leaving them a whole day (though my mother will come by and visit while I am gone but take a cat like Ava, she would have a heart attack if somebody came by :( I really am thinking of the cat. I am trying to find a cat that can be happiest in the kind of home I can provide. Not of me as much in all this decision making process. But am wearied now defending myself. And yes, a scaredycat like myself probably is better off with a kitten and it is close to that, too. >> A kitten needs someone who is home for a longer proportion of the day >> than [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > close > to that, too. I wrote a long (probably *overly* long) message about my experiences. As I said in that message, I have had only four cats over a span of more than 45 years. My first two cats were only cats. They were happy, and they were wonderful companions. Now I have Holly and Duffy. Holly was an only cat for several years, and I took a very slow, careful period for introduction. That has also worked out very well, but Holly previously would attack any cat in my vicinity. So, she was also happy as an only cat, but she has also adjusted beautifully to Duffy. She will even go to the doorway and wait for Duffy if he is slow to arrive at mealtimes (but both of them usually scamper together down the hall, leading me toward the kitchen). I am convinced that the slow period of introduction did the job. I do believe you would be much better off to adopt one cat unless you adopted a pair that were already bonded. It's much more difficult to introduce more than one cat simultaneously into a new environment. I also think a well-socialized adult cat is a better choice than a kitten if you are going to be gone for a large part of the day, and it sounds like that would be true for you. MaryL >> A kitten needs someone who is home for a longer proportion of the day >> than [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > close > to that, too. We have almost always had at least one cat, and often two. But even when we have had two, they have really never bonded with each other. When you say most here have clowders. I'm not so sure about that. An awful lot of us only have one or two cats. The only bonded cats we've had were Henry our second Siamese and Oreo, a tux boy that lived a couple of houses down. When we would go out in the morning, Oreo would come running over, and you could tell he wanted to know if Henry could come out and play. They roamed the orchard and empty lot together, rolled in the catnip and basically behaved like a couple of ten year old boys. They each ate and slept at their own houses but were inseparable otherwise. Jo > I really am thinking of the cat. I am trying to find a cat that can be > happiest in the kind of home I can provide. Not of me as much in all this > decision making process. But am wearied now defending myself. And yes, a > scaredycat like myself probably is better off with a kitten and it is close > to that, too. Sue, have you ever had a kitten? If so, you know they are a lot of work! They are much fun, but can get into everything and need training early on. We have many holes in our drapes from kittens climbing them in fits of craziness. If you have the time to put in, kittens are fun. I would probably get two at once so they can chase each other. I think they'd burn off some energy that way. Rhonda > > A kitten needs someone who is home for a longer proportion of the day than > > an adult cat, and purebred's do not necessarily have a "predictable [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > scaredycat like myself probably is better off with a kitten and it is close > to that, too. Sue, don't get me wrong--I really admire the forethought you're giving this deal. But I think you are making something hard out of something that isn't. You're complicating the thing beyond what's really necessary. All shelter cats aren't neurotic. Plenty come in fresh from a loving home where their owner has passed awy or gone to nursing care. Or Daughter has gone off to college. Or Newly Pregnant Mom thinks she has to get rid of Kitty. All good, loving, cats. Just unwanted. Plenty come in that the only thing wrong with them is, they owner has too many cats. Just ask the questions, and find out the history. As far as Charlotte goes, once she's on a home with one-on-one attention, she might just mellow and not be nearly so needy. Boots did that. Don't second-guess yourself out of a really loving companion, if that's what you want. Don't worry so much! I'm kind of glad all my cats got pushed off on me now. I didn't set out to look for any of them. So there wasn't much of a decision to make. :-) Sherry >> Look, either choose a rescue cat from the shelter which is likely to have >> some "issues" which might be difficult and you will have to deal with or >> don't and adopt a kitten from a private home which you can meld. >> Cats do *not* blow it. They do things we do not understand quite yet. > > Look, not everybody is a professional cat rehabilitator. Yes, agreed. >Some people might > just want a reasonably adjusted companion. But I am not sure you will get one from a shelter, is all I am saying. Some, if not most, will be there because of behavioural issues that their previous owners could not tolerate. Your best bet would be to find a youngish cat at the shelter whose elderly owner had died and even better if you could find room for a pair since you are away from the house a lot and keep your kitties inside. > I suppose just anyone should go in and get pitbulls out of shelters too > because we are bad people if we don't want to try and rehab animals with > behavior issues. No, I don't think I said this, or even implied it. > And yes, I just might get a kitten now. Perhaps even a purebred with a > predictable temperament. Do whatever suits you. Why are you so angry with me for pointing out that if you go for shelter kitties you may have to tolerate some behavoural problems? It's true. Tweed > "Sue" <spamnotsewti@nospamyahoo.com> wrote in message >> Some people might >> just want a reasonably adjusted companion. > But I am not sure you will get one from a shelter, is all I am saying. Some, > if not most, will be there because of behavioural issues that their previous > owners could not tolerate. > Your best bet would be to find a youngish cat at the shelter whose elderly > owner had died and even better if you could find room for a pair since you > are away from the house a lot and keep your kitties inside. I've adopted all my pets from shelters, and have rarely had any major problems. Licky and Smudge have their spats, but individually they are each wonderful cats. However, it's true that all the cats I've adopted from the shelter have been kittens, and I bonded with and raised them all from very young ages. On the other hand, sometimes I think I might have had cats who were even more cuddly and affectionate than the ones I have if I'd chosen adult cats. With an adult, you know what you're getting. With a kitten, you do get the chance to teach them what you want them to learn, but on the other hand, you won't know their basic personality until they grow up. I don't have a strong opinion either way, as to the most practical choice for Sue. I certainly don't have a moral judgement about it. There are pros and cons to both, and she just has to weigh the options. But I hope, Sue, after all this has died down (I know, I'm not helping any here), you'll reevaluate and decide you can adopt a cat after all - one who is just right for you. Joyce no cat, no matter the genetics has a predictable temperament, I want you to have the cat that is suited to you but please don't expect any cat purebred, shelter, or otherwise to be predictable, Lee > > Look, either choose a rescue cat from the shelter which is likely to have > > some "issues" which might be difficult and you will have to deal with or [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > And yes, I just might get a kitten now. Perhaps even a purebred with a > predictable temperament. Too true! The only way a cat can be "predictable" is if you've let one own you for several years! And still they will do something that will surprise you! > no cat, no matter the genetics has a predictable temperament, I want you > to [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] >> And yes, I just might get a kitten now. Perhaps even a purebred with a >> predictable temperament. Signaturehttp://www.firstgiving.com/nalee1131964 About my charity: Monroe County Humane Association Established in 1956, the MCHA is the longest standing animal welfare organization in Monroe County. The MCHA is dedicated to "Leading, Advocating and Educating for Animal Welfare." Find out more at www.monroehumane.org. > Well, I went back today to see Ava and the White One to hopefully make a > decision. They were both snoozing in the same open cage (White One on the [quoted text clipped - 76 lines] > blew it (not being mean, but am a little scared of her since her outburst > and didn't try and pet her) It happens. When I went to the shelter when I adopted my little Mimi, the first cat I saw was an absolutely adorable little fluffy tabby girl, like a picture out of a children's book. I touched her, she promptly bit me, and I said "Sorry." Then I saw some lovely enormous neutered boys-- I've always liked great big cats, and I had no problem in theory with adopting an adult -- but they had just had their shots, and were too sleepy to show much personality. Then I saw Mimi-- so tiny and neat and pretty with her white mittens and black mask. I picked her up, she *exploded* with purrs, and that was that. Nonetheless, we're purring that all those kitties get homes.
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