Buying a cat for someone else.

[LaTrucha]

Is there any rational way i can do this.

My stepmother's cat was killed by a car a few months ago. She really wants a new cat. My dad is not opposed to it but not very keen.

If they do get a cat it will be a rescue cat, which is lovely, but I know my Stepmother would love a siamese (a cross would be fine - it's the temperament of the breed she likes).

They live on the other side of the country. We have no car and a 10 month-old baby who we'd be taking on the train.

I'd like to buy her a cat for Christmas. Is there any rational way we can do this?

I've always just had moggies which I got from local farms so have no idea about buying one.

You could get a siamese from a rescue centre, as could she
Could you ring a centre local to her, and ask them to ring you if a siamese comes in/is already there?
They will have to do home checks and things.

That's a good idea. I sort of thought that as siamese are a 'breed' they wouldn't end up is a rescue centre butI guess people could be mean to (or die on) an animal they'd paid for!

It might kill the surprise though. I suppose this is not the most important thign with an animal though.

Or they might have a baby and decide they dont want the cat, etc etc, or have to move into residential care, cant take moggy...It would remove the surprise element, but its the thought that counts!!!

True, true.

You could also try www.siameserescue.co.uk and see if they can be of local help to your family. I think it is something you should discuss with her really to ensure they are fully prepared for a new cat in the house when it comes. Rescue centres usually need to do a home check before they will rehome anyway.
Good luck

sorry correct that to .org.uk instead at the end.

Couldn't you involve your Dad in the subterfuge if you really want it to be a surprise?

You say he is neither against or keen so perhaps would be considerate to involve him tosound out how he "really" feels about it.

If he is happy to go ahead then surely he can arrange visits when your SM is not there and also arrange to pick the cat up, pop it in a basket with ribbons etc and a card from you and Voila!! Fab pressie with no stress for you and no underlying resentment from your Dad either...

If he isn't prepared to assist there is a danger he would not be too thrilled with you delivering a new cat as a present IYKWIM!!

you can have mine if you want...you can read all about them
here

LMAO - they sound like little charmers!

Thanks for replies. Useful link about the siamesey place.

My dad doesn't really like anything until it's already done. The last cat was abandoned on them by my brother and he didn't want her at first but really came to love her.