We need to find a new home for our 14 year old cat :-(

[Meid]

We are emigrating in 12 weeks time and think it will be too traumatic for Smudge if she came too.

She is almost 15, has arthritis and is used to being an only cat. I wonder what the chances are of managing to find someone to take her on?

Does anyone have any advice on how to rehome her?

I am going to ring the local Cats Protection League tomorrow, and I'm asking everyone I know to think of anyone they know.

She's lovely and I've had her since she was 6 weeks old so this is an impossibly hard thing for me to do.

Meid x

I also think she knows something is up as she's been following me around meowing all morning.... although that could have something to do with the roast dinner I'm cooking!

where are you emigrating to? if within the eu she wouldn't need to be quarantined so would be doable without too much stress to her.

Thanks.

We are moving to South Africa. We will be staying with my SIL to start with and she's allergic to cats. So, depending on how long we take to find our own place to live she'll be in a cattery. Its not an impossible option, but not the best option - she stayed in a cattery for a few nights when she was about 6 and didn't eat the whole time she was there. She can be quite a nervous cat.

Do you have any friends who might take her on?
If she goes to a cat rescue place she would probably be in a cage until someone chose her. I think some cat resue places have foster care (ie in a home) outwith the rescue centre, though at the place near me they will only use that if the cages are all full.

I hope you find a home for her.

I agree with mmj - far kinder to have her pts.

Having her put to sleep is definitely a viable option.

I discussed her life expectancy with the vet a couple of weeks back and she said that they tend not to see cats long-term with arthritis. So I guess she's in her final year(s) anyway.

I am not sure if my actual vet would put her to sleep though - I think they have a policy not to do so unless completely necessary (and I don't think her arthritis quite warrants it yet). I'm not sure where else I could take her with such a request?

Go to www.rescuehelpersunite.co.uk

There is an older man on there looking for an old cat.

Even if he does't want to take on your cat there are plenty of people out there who would like to take on an older cat.

PTS, Isn't the only option and I think EVERY cat no matter the age they should be given a 2nd chance.

you have several months to try and find her a home, please keep pts as an absolute last resort

Thank you LuckySalem. I will check that website this afternoon.

PTS is definitely a last option.

Meid - I hope you can find her a new home. If I didn't have 3 here already I'd take her till a new home was found.

I foster for all sorts of rescues through that site so you'll prob find a foster home for her.

Where are you Meid?

I'm in Bexleyheath, Kent (South East London).

Meid - Hope you dont mind but I've posted on that site for you asking if a rescue could take your cat on with a foster home or straight into a new home.

Wow thank you. I'm just looking at that site now... do I need to register to see all the posts?

I would have taken her for you but my cat is 14 and the vet has advised she wouldn't cope with feline company. Sorry.

Yeh you do....

When you register if you look under Animal Chat for (14 yr old cat to be PTS) thats the post i've put for you. we're just about to move it into homes needed part but I dont know which rescue is in your area (dumb blonde...lol)

I can see you meid. Glad you've managed to get on there.

I really hope this works out for you and she finds somewhere.

We are in Kent meid. I will have a word with my mum, but she has three cats already and a mad dog. Give battersea dogs and cats home a call - they will have a list of foster carers. Cat protection leagure are pretty good too.

If you are totally desperate and don't mind the mad dog as a last resort, my email is flypusher1ataoldotcom.

Let me know if you are having major issues. I am not that far from you and can possibly pull some CPL strings if it comes to it though no promises.

LucyEllensmummy, that is very kind of you. I will bear your offer in mind.

Beautifulgirls, if I'm not having any luck in a few weeks I will let you know. Thank you.

Thank you so much to everyone who has had input in this thread. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

Meid - I saw you'd registered on that website. It sounds like there maybe an offer but keep trying in case it doesn't pan out.

Where are you? We have a woman who lives in our area who takes on cats in your situation. She has like a cat sanctuary type thing. Maybe there is someting like this in your local area??