Advice on rehoming a cat urgently needed...

[KateBeckett]

My mum has taken in a cat due to an elderly neighbour's health deteriorating and no lover being able to live at home. It wasn't a very thought through decision due to the circumstances of the neighbour's illness and the fact they have little to no family around. Unfortunately my mum isn't really in a position to keep the cat long term due to the fact she works long shifts (sometimes from 8am one morning, to 10pm the next day, with a 'working sleep' between. The cat isn't getting the care it needs and I live too far away to help out. We can't take the cat on (much as I would love to!) due to some of the reasons outlined below.

The cat is lovely, very affectionate but very very timid and seems to strongly dislike men. Or at least, my dp (the only man we've seen it have contact with.) who she behaved very aggressively towards. It is also an indoor cat, and wasn't let out by my mums neighbour. We think the cat is around 12-13 years old, though doesn't look it!

We realise that it will probably be tricky to find a new home for her due to her age and timid nature, but would hate for her to be put down...

Can anyone offer any advice? It's not fair on the cat to be living the way she is at the moment (though obviously better than the alternative which would probably have been being put out onto the streets or put down?)

[steppemum]

Actually, if your mum was willing, there is no reason she couldn't keep her.

Cats are not like dogs who can't be left for long periods. If the cat was offered dry food and wet food, you can leave dry food down for her for the time your mum is working.

Litter tray for one cat is fine foe a day or two. The cat needs somewhere warm and safe to sleep, and food and litter tray.

Obviously if she is used to company, it would be better if she had company, but it isn't the end of the world.

If that isn't possible, then contact cat's protection league, or blue cross and ask them.

[BeatricePotter]

Agree with steppemum. Cats are much more independent. If your Mum is there every day to feed and water her/give her a pet then she should be okay. It sounds like she had a bad experience with a man but cats can overcome things like that if he gains her trust/is gentle with her.

Blue Cross can rehome and even offer a home-to-home rehoming service if you don't want her to go into the rescue.

It was very kind of your Mum to offer to take her. I hope you manage to find a solution.

[thecatneuterer]

If your mum is willing to keep her then the cat will be far better off with her than with any alternative. It will be ok not to see her that much. It has a comfortable home, and food and a non=scary human around some of the time. That really isn't bad.

Elderly cats struggle to find homes. All rescues are full anyway as we are in the middle of kitten season. If your mum can keep her then that really would the best thing.

[Thurlow]

It's not ideal, but I do agree with the others - for an elderly cat, that will be hard to rehome, this doesn't really sound like a bad life at all. You can buy timed feeders so that fresh food is released every 12 hours or so, if the cat likes wet food. Otherwise it is, as said, a nice, calm, quiet home for a timid cat and probably for the best, if your mum is happy.

[Toddlerteaplease]

My cats are left from 6.30-2030 regularly and are absolutely fine. So he would probably be ok. There is a rescue in the London area that specialises in older cat rehoming called golden oldies

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Cinnamon Trust specifically rehomed elderly pets from elderly owners and would be the first place I would try. Local cats protection league as well.

[RubbishMantra]

Yes, cats are loners by nature. If you and your mum are worried about her being lonely, perhaps taking on another cat of similar age might be a solution. If the new cat didn't work out (aggression etc.) then you could explain all this to the shelter from where you acquire new cat friend for resident cat, with an agreement that you return new cat to the re-homing centre if it doesn't work out?

If you decide that route, I would consider a male cat. Cats have a matriarchal society, and IME males seem to let female cat be the boss.

[abbsismyhero]

you can get timed feeders put the radio on for company if she thinks she is lonely

[AngieBolen]

I don't think an older cat will be bothered about being left that long, especially with a timed feeder and water dry food left out.

I wouldn't recommend a young cat be left indoors that long, but as long as the cat has a comfy place to sleep, water and food it will be fine.

[Wordsaremything]

You say the cat was aggressive , op. What form did this take?

[clarrrp]

I agree with those who said that it shouldn't be an issue for your mum to keep her if she was happy to. If the cat is an indoor cat than she is used to being inside and will not be looking to go out (one of our cats kicks up a mightly wailing fuss every morning to be let out - despite the fact that there is a cat flap there she demands the whole door be opened).

This cat will be used to doig her own thing and amusing herself while her owner isn't there. Provided there is food and water and a litter tray for her to use then she'll be fine - so long as she is getting the attention she needs when your mum is there the cat won't mind.

Especially if she is older she won't be as active and will most likely do what our older cat does - spend all of her time sleeping on the window ledge