Why doesn't anyone want my cat?

[FrankTheCat]

I've posted this in The Litter Tray, but am also cheekily posting here for traffic.

Hello,

I have to, reluctantly, give up my 2-year-old Maine Coon boy. For personal reasons I can no longer provide him a suitable home.

I've put up an advert on Pets4Homes, and NO-ONE is interested. He's a friendly energetic boy, GCCF registered, neutered, up to date with all of his jags, cuddly if you catch him in the right mood, and completely gorgeous.

AIBU to think SOMEONE would be interested in rehoming my cat, or is everyone just interested in kittens?

I would love to help, but I have an old boy myself who is dead set on being the only house cat. I hope you can find a new owner. Maybe a bit of a blurb explaining the vague outline of your situation, and your desire to find a loving home rather than to achieve the maximum price, would help?

I think my DH would have a nervous break down if I got another Maine Coon with all the hair. They're beautiful cats but so so hairy

Where are you OP?

In my experience main coons are very large, smelly cats who shed hair everywhere and need lots of brushing. All the ones I've known were very moody!

They are large and they are hairy but they're not smelly at all. And my Maine coon is very friendly (more so than the dog actually) and very affectionate

For people asking:

I'm in Scotland, he's not too big (around 12lbs), and he's completely healthy with no behavioural issues. Any prospective owner would have to spend a little bit of time with him to get to know his nature, and we'd be happy for to pay for a check-up if anyone wanted that (although he did just have his annual last month - recorded in his book - and all is fine).

He's never lived with another cat, so I'm not sure how he'd be with them.

I don't know why my breeder has not got back to me. Not much I can do about that one.

OP, I'm sure you've thought of this already so am posting just in case you haven't: there are a number of specialist breed rescue pages on Facebook. Have you tried those?

So, I'm not necessarily looking for a sale - just loving new owners.

But that's not clear if you've put a price on the ad, is it?

I'd be worried about the breeder too. They don't sound that reputable.

I'm not on FB unfortunately, and neither is my DH.

@kissthealderman I'm saying nothing 😀but sadly Scotland is much too far for me, Durham was pushing it. Otherwise I'd have thought about it. Maine coons are just lush and an adult cat would be good.

I must stop trying to rescue cats off here. Good luck OP I hope you find someone soon. Heidi found me, so there is hope!

Does he get on with other cats? We're in Scotland and would love a Maine Coon, but we have another cat, a tuxedo cat, who's only 2.

The contact for Maine Coon rescue is

07515492082 or email [email protected]

And the breeder is very reputable, actually.

He's had multiple, multiple checks by different vets over his lifetime, he's chipped and neutered and has had all his injections and boosters. He was only separated from his mother at the appropriate time, and I had to go and visit and spend time with him before the breeder agreed the sale.

I don't know why she hasn't responded. Perhaps she's unwell or something. Who knows what happens in people's lives!

Who's the breeder, OP? I'd know of them if they're reputable.

I'd be wondering why a cat of that size and temperament was an indoor cat, and I would suspect he was defective in some way if it was me.

Aw, he sounds gorgeous! I wish we could afford one. My son would love a Maine Coon.

And my cat's parents have won several championships at shows in Scotland. I'm not sure disreputable breeders even enter those.

And the breeder is very reputable, actually.

ICant says a reputable breeder would have committed you to a contract about rehoming. Was that the case?

I have a different large cat breed. When I’d had DC a few years ago and was struggling with PND I considered rehoming them. They were utterly miserable too thanks to colicky D.C. and being indoor they had nowhere to escape to. I contacted the breed rescue by email and they sent a lovely non-judgmental email saying what my next steps would be. Thankfully DC started to cry less and it never came to it (and would probably have investigated a temporary home for them with family first in our situation) and I still have them. However, the breed rescue were great and I am so grateful to them for that. I think they might be a great help for you and to know your cat is going to a good home.

I'd be wondering why a cat of that size and temperament was an indoor cat, and I would suspect he was defective in some way if it was me.

Most Maine Coon cats, like most pedigree breeds, are indoor cats as far as I'm aware.

Shame you're in Scotland, I don't have much money but I would have cared for him. Good luck x

There was an agreement to contact her rehoming was necessary, yes.

*if

Get on to facebook. There are some dedicated groups such as www.facebook.com/groups/114814582450797/

or ring up the Maine Coon rescue number.

For goodness sakes, don't give away for free or place adverts - these are well known for getting responses from unpleasant people involved in dog baiting.

I'd be wondering why a cat of that size and temperament was an indoor cat, and I would suspect he was defective in some way if it was me.

Most breeders make you sign a contract saying you will keep a Maine Coon as an indoor cat. Its pretty standard for breeds like that. Mine is mainly indoor but my DH built an enclosure for him that he can go in and out of from a window in the house, plus he goes in the garden when I'm in there

I'm sorry it must be very difficult to give him up. Personally I'd always go through a shelter as I trust them to be honest about temperament and vaccinations etc. (Not that you're not honest but if you were a stranger I would feel uneasy).