Anyone ever had a home check before?

[Lonelymum]

A charity is coming round to home check me so I can adopt two kittens. Does anyone know what they are looking for? I don't feel I can ask them as it would make it look as though I am trying to change the true state of affairs.

Hiya LM - I had this when we got our cats a while ago. They just basically want to make sure that they will be looked after. They won't be trying to catch you out or look for anything 'bad' - thye just need to make sure the cats are going to a good home
The only thing I can think they might look at is if you are near a busy road - a lot of charities are funny about letting cats go to houses by busy roads.

Charities like this (CPL and such) try to ensure that they place the right kittens with the right people. What they are trying to avoid is having the cats back through their doors again in a few months time when the new owners have decided that having a cat was too hard work, their circumstances have changed, they got bored of the kittens when they turned into cats.

I would just be yourself and let them look around. Point out honestly anything you might have concerns about yourself (surrounding cats or dogs in the neighbourhood, roads etc) be enthusiastic about cat ownership (not oooh - aren't kittens cute) relevant cat ownership history you might have had, how you feel it is important for the children to learn about caring for animals etc.

In essence, just let them see that you are a serious candidate for cats and are as concerned as they are about any potential issues they might find.

Message withdrawn

I think I did a lot of what you suggested on the phone Catbert eg talked about previous cats owned when I was a child, my children's experience with cats, the need for a cat flap, etc. But oh dear, Swiperfox, you said the one thing I can do nothing about! We do live on a main road although we have gates (not cat proof but better than nothing) between the back garden and the road. Perhaps I should have mentioned that on the phone too. Oh dear. I was getting all excited.

The cats protection league did a homecheck on us.

Basically they just wanted to know the ages of the kids and wether the street was a quiet one ie not many cars etc and thats it.

How old is your youngest ???

Ds was about 2.6 when we had our check and we were passed but only for a cat over 1, because of Ds's young age.

Message withdrawn

I emailed them and rang athem up to talk about the age of the children. They weren't bothered that ds3 was only 2.6. I didn't mention the road though. Oh no, now you have mentioned it too Nutcracker. Do you think when they ring up to arrange when to come, I should mention the road? If it is going to be a problem, I would rather find out sooner rather than later.

They want me to keep the kittens inuntil they are 6 months old and them I have to get them "Done" but I don't want them in all their lives. I think that is crueller than being by a road if the cat itself wants to be out and about.

They might be ok with ti LM - In our last house I rang up to get a kitten and they asked me my post code on the initial phone call and told me then that they thought the road we were by was too busy - so if they know where you live and haven't mentioned it, it mightn't be a problem

Plus we have ahuge garden with loads of trees (and pesky birds) and a small stream beside us. I saw a dead rat there today, ie cat heaven in terms of hunting.

No swiperfox, they don't know where I live at all.

Oh bum.

Sounds like you might be ok if they haven't mentioned it, from the sounds of your garden they should be happy with it - our house had a tiny garden and was right next to a very busy road which they knew well

Finally I have been rung up about arranging a home check. I came straight out with the news that we are on a main road and she didn't seem to think that was necesarily a problem as long as the cat flap doesn't go out directly onto the road. She is coming on Tuesday. I wish they would hurry up!