What is wrong with pets4homes etc?

[marylinmonroeroe]

Is it because they're making money out of animals or other reasons too?

[thecatneuterer]

I'm not sure what that is. Is it like Gumtree?

Well yes, if you want to get rid of a pet then it is obviously much better to do it through a rescue as they will do proper home checks and home only to people they are happy with. Horrible things can happen to cats homed through Gumtree and the like.

And if you want a cat/dog then it is also better to go to a rescue. You should never pay anyone for kittens/puppies as it encourages them to carry on breeding. There are already more cats and dogs in the country than there are homes available, so basically every new cat or dog born means another one gets put down in a rescue or gets left on the street as the rescues are full. Even if you don't pay it still makes the owners think it's ok to let their cat/dog breed as it's easy to get rid of the offspring.

'Don't breed or buy while strays die' is a motto worth bearing in mind.

[thecatneuterer]

Oh and of course some of these animals are kept in appalling conditions in order to breed, which as well as causing suffering often means the animal you end up with has severe health problems.

[MimsyBorogroves]

Notorious for puppy mills/backyard breeders advertising.

[MimsyBorogroves]

Notorious for puppy mills/backyard breeders advertising.

[marylinmonroeroe]

I think it is like Gumtree yeah. I will go to a rescue instead

[RubbishMantra]

I bought my pedigree cat from a breeder, ( wanted a particular breed known for being friends with other cats, dogs, goldfish etc.) She's never placed ads on pets4homes.

I chose this breed because Original Cat is neurotic and full of angst. I think he may have been Franz Kafka in a previous life.

[Jungfraujoch]

But lots of rescue centres are on there too - just refine your search to 'adoption'. That's where I just found our lovely boy!

[RubbishMantra]

*... also there are a lot of scammers on there. My Dsis got scammed by such people advertising on one of those sites.

When making tentative enquiries about the breed I wanted, based in Reading, I received an email informing me that his wife had kidney failure, so they'd had to relocate to the Isle of Man, because that's where the world's kidney experts were based. They required money through Western Union Transfer. I declined.

If anything seems dodgy, (ie. can't visit kitten and parents after the 5 week age) BEWARE. My breeder continually sent me photographs of the little lad and updates on him right up until we took him home. After I'd passed ^the interview", face to face.

[thecatneuterer]

A good place to look for rescue cats in your area is //www.catchat.org

[marylinmonroeroe]

I have an 18 month old dd - would it be better to adopt a kitten or an adult cat?

[RubbishMantra]

I'd say a youngish adult cat, who's lived with children the same age as your own.

I know of a 3 year old who "loved" 2 kittens to death, by squeezing them too hard.

Please don't leave little person and cat unsupervised.

[thecatneuterer]

Adult. Definitely!! Toddlers can be a danger to small kittens. And with an adult cat you know the temperament you are getting. With a small child you need something we generally describe as 'bomb proof'. The rescue should be able to point you in the direction of the right sort of cat. With a kitten their personalities haven't yet had time to develop.

Also you really should never get kittens singly. They need a littermate to play with and for comfort. So if you only want one then it should be an adult.

[marylinmonroeroe]

Thank you. I've seen a 4 year old handsome chap who has grown up around toddlers. I'm going to try and arrange to go and see him at some point this week!

[afterthegoldrush]

He sounds lovely

I have a 20 yr old pussy who is brilliant with children - she is used to being 'loved' a lot. She will come down in the morning if she hears them playing in the playroom for a fuss. She can leave wherever she wants - she can get a stair gate between her and the little ones

[afterthegoldrush]

He sounds lovely

I have a 20 yr old pussy who is brilliant with children - she is used to being 'loved' a lot. She will come down in the morning if she hears them playing in the playroom for a fuss. She can leave wherever she wants - she can get a stair gate between her and the little ones