Adopting cats

[Dolceandgabbana14]

We're ready to adopt after we lost my gorgeous boy in June, and his sister two years ago. We've had cats before but not from a rescue. Will I need to take them to the vet for check ups when I bring them home? We're in the early stages of looking for some furry friends and I'm nervous but excited. I feel a bit disloyal to my old cats but I know that's silly and we can offer a good home to two cats in need. I'm sure when we bring them home I'll be fine - has anyone else felt this way? Has it worked out alright?

My last cats were black and white (tuxedo markings). I know black cats are harder to rehome, but I don't want to see the new one and mistake it for my old cats, IYSWIM.

I think I just need some reassurance and a bit of encouragement!

[thecatneuterer]

It's lovely that you want to rescue. They shouldn't need a check up when you get them, but I suppose that depends on the rescue. If they haven't already had vets look at them/treat them, then you should. But most large rescues will already have done that.

[Dolceandgabbana14]

Thank you. I went to a Cats Protection branch today but their cats weren't suitable for families with children. I'm calling another rescue in the morning and they have a few on their website that look like possibilities. Any advice re cats vs kitten decision?

[TheLongRider]

Adult cats tend to have definite personalities. If the rescue is any good they should have an idea of the type of personality the cat has and whether it'll suit your family. Kittens, god knows, you could have lap cat or a bitey, scratchy beast.

[Dolceandgabbana14]

I'm trying to be open-minded - it's more important to find a good fit with our family. But I am a bit more inclined to go with young adult cats rather than kittens - I suspect they're overlooked because everyone wants cute kittens!

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Harry was about three when we adopted him and when I told the rescue I didn’t want a kitten they couldn’t get round here fast enough to do the home check. He’s coming up to 13 now and still acts like a kitten —menace— most days.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Strike through fail there!

[Dolceandgabbana14]

That's interesting, PinkSparkly. I'd love kittens but I'm under no illusion that they're easy. I thought a young cat might do less damage to the furniture and curtains.

I'm so excited about having cats again. It's been a quiet four months since my lovely boy cat died. I said when we lost him that we'd never have more pets, but there are so many looking for homes and we've got a lot of love to give!

[Sentimentallentil]

Totally depends on the cat too, I have a kitten that is the most laid back little thing you’ve ever met, she’s like a little lapdog and I have a four year old cat who climbs the curtains and jumps on you.

Though I raised the kitten from two days old when I was a fosterer so I knew her personality when I decided to keep her.

Adult cats you have a bit more knowledge about what you’re getting.

[Sentimentallentil]

If you get a kitten that’s been with a fosterer they want the best match for both kitten and owner because they really care about the kitten.
So they’ll be able to tell you a bit more about them.

[Dolceandgabbana14]

Thanks, Sentimental. I guess they're all different so it's a case of being open minded and calling around to see if there are any fur babies that would be a good match with our family. I do love the idea of a very laid back kitten or two though!

[Dolceandgabbana14]

That makes sense. Where would I be more likely to find one that's been fostered rather than in a shelter? Presumably a smaller charity than some of the more well known ones?

[Sentimentallentil]

Cats protection often put their pregnant mothers and kittens with fosterers as it’s a nicer environment for them and the kittens get better socialised.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Please look at black cats, they are so often overlooked as being not pretty, but they can be gorgeous.
I have four cats, my littlest is my all black one and she has the biggest personality.

[Dolceandgabbana14]

I'm watching their adoption pages waiting for a suitable match. Also got the number of a smaller charity where the cats seem to be fostered around the community, rather than having a central location with cattery-like cages. I'll give them a call in the morning. Thank you for your advice

[Dolceandgabbana14]

Brillohair, my last two cats were black and I loved them to pieces. They were fabulous. Every now and then I see a black jumper on the bed and mistake it for one of them and it makes me so sad. The only reason I'm reluctant to get black cats again in the memories they would stir up and I'd want them to be their own personalities and not seen as replacements. Not sure if that makes much sense, I've worded it badly!

[Sentimentallentil]

Get in touch they often don’t post when they have kittens.

[ownedbySWD]

We adopted a mother/daughter pair last summer, the baby was about 3-4 months old I think? She was no trouble at all. I don't know is if that's because mum was a calming influence or we just got lucky! They are both very sweet.

[Wolfiefan]

Oh I get that. We lost our old girl aged 19. She was black and white. When we were looking at cats again I said I didn't want another black and white. Too many memories. I know that sounds daft BTW!
Our first cats were a 2 year old mum and her 18 month old son in rescue. We went to the rescue and said we wanted a pair. They showed us every pair we had and we opted for the ones who chose us!
After we lost them we got two tortie kittens. They were in foster.
A rescue will have done vet check etc. You may have to take them to your vet to register so they can prescribe flea and worm stuff etc.
You're not being disloyal but I understand why you would feel that way. (I did a bit!) The new cats aren't a replacement. They will be different. And that's ok.
Good luck.
If you want to share the region you're in people might recommend rescues.

[Allergictoironing]

If you had pure black before, how about black & white? I gather they can be almost as difficult to home as black.

Depending on the age of your children, you may find it easier to rehome adult cats rather than kittens, as many rescues are wary of kittens going to homes with very small children due to the higher likelihood of there being injuries (to both kittens & children). Adult cats can get away easier & can be less likely to scratch/bite. And as a pp said, you can be more sure of temperament if you get an adult.

[Weedsnseeds1]

I think a young adult cat is a good idea. I don't know the age of your children, but young kittens and kids are not a great mix sometimes.
Good luck with the search.

[Dolceandgabbana14]

Thank you for all your replies. Wolfiefan, I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling this way. My last two cats were such big personalities it is hard to imagine having any more who I would love as much, I worry that they'd be in the shadow of my old two, but I'm sure that they would find their way into our hearts very quickly!

I hadn't thought of a mother/daughter pair, but that is definitely another option. We just want two that will get along together! Good point about sombre cats not making it into the websites, so I'll definitely call round. I'm in Hants/Berkshire area if anyone recommends any to try!

My children are both at school, youngest is in Reception. He was good with our old cats so I'm sure he'd be okay with kittens if we went that route.

I'll call round some rescues today. I'll update when we've found new companions - with photos, obviously. Then you lot can help with ideas for names

[Taffeta]

Battersea Windsor?

[Taffeta]

www.battersea.org.uk/cats/mr-lonely?filters=true&returnID=15103867522716481563&id=309221

Mr Lonely looks divine!!!

[DavetheCat2001]

I found our RSPCS rescue cat advertised via a local vets FB page. I didn't want to get a kitten (our house is full of crazy already!) and know that adult cats often have a harder time being rehomed.

Love our girl..she's great around 2 noisy kids..unfazed and friendly. Love her 'mask' markings too

Good luck finding your new furry friend OP.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Mr Lonely was on the Battersea FB page this week and I’d have already adopted him if I could! He’s FIV+ but that wouldn’t put me off, nothing could put me off that little face!