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Original poster

Taking on a three year old cat

20 replies

Northernlurker · 07/11/2009 21:32

Dh and I have always wanted a cat. We both come from cat owning homes and now live in a house in a quiet town location, well away from busy roads. Our youngest is 2.5 so old enough to start to learn about giving animals space. This morning we agreed to think about gettig a cat and I had a quick look on line spotting a beautiful 3 yr old tabby male who needs a new home because his owner is moving. I've e-mailed her and he's still available. I am very keen, dh has slight cold paws feet. What can you wise musnetters say to persuade him? And what are the pitfalls?

OP posts:
MegBusset · 07/11/2009 21:33

What are his reservations? I can't think of any pitfalls to cat ownership unless you are bothered by having your furniture clawed!

MegBusset · 07/11/2009 21:35

OK, well, seriously, pitfalls: cost of vet bills, cleaning up furballs/sick/poo from carpet, sofa and curtains scratched to bits, fur everywhere, have to get someone to look after them while you're on holiday

BellaBonJovi · 07/11/2009 21:40

get the cat

it's a no-brainer

get the cat

it's a no-brainer

get the cat

it's a no-brainer

get the cat

thesunshinesbrightly · 07/11/2009 21:49

cat poo from carpet???? unless it's a dirty cat, then i doubt it mine never get furballs and unless they are ill he shouldnt get sick, in that case it's not the cat's fault they are sick.

Their are no pitfalls, they are beautiful and will bring you all the joy in the world

MarthaFarquhar · 07/11/2009 22:11

we've just taken on a pair of cats aged 3 and 4. it's at great age at which to get them. they're young, lively and full of fun, without all the mess and hard work that come with taking on a kitten.

Original poster
Northernlurker · 07/11/2009 22:28

Oh good!

I agree about the rareness of poo, furballs and sick - plus I have three children and they've vomited everywhere so not too troubled! Holidays - we go away for a fortnight once a year so that would have to be a cattery I think otherwise only odd nights here and there but the neighbours would feed him.

I even like his name - Walter - is that not the coolest name for a cat?

Dh says we can go meet him

OP posts:
thesunshinesbrightly · 07/11/2009 22:51

So excited for you and !! awww walter bless

i'd have hundred's if i could

FairyMum · 07/11/2009 22:52

A house without a cat is not a home.

thesunshinesbrightly · 07/11/2009 22:54

True FairyMum love snuggling up with mine.

BellaBonJovi · 08/11/2009 09:18

DH always waxing lyrical about how he likes to stroke a pussy of an evening

MegBusset · 09/11/2009 21:07

SO have you met Walter yet?

Original poster
Northernlurker · 10/11/2009 17:15

We're going over there tonight. I'm very nervous!

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/11/2009 17:23

How lovely!! We took on an older cat whose owner sadly died and I am so glad we did. But it did take a good 6 months to a year for him to be part of our family ( from his perspective) but he's adorable!! Good luck.

Original poster
Northernlurker · 10/11/2009 17:38

Did he run away at all? That's my big worry.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/11/2009 18:58

Well we live fairly close to his old home, and he did wander back, but only once. The old neighbours knew we had taken him and I had asked them to keep a look out and to call me if they saw him on his old stomping ground. So when they did they called us and we went along to get him.

We treated him ( he was 7 at the time ) as a new kitten and we didn't let him out of the house for several weeks. We did [shudder emoticon] a litter tray by the back door and didn't let him out. We also had to make sure he couldn't escape out of windows etc! ( It is all coming back to me, it seems so long ago !) We let him lead the way on how much interaction he wanted initially, letting him come to us, rather than overwhelming him.

It did take a long time for him to get used to us, especially to our young children which was out of his experience. But I'm so glad we did, he is so settled, affectionate; a real old gentleman and right now he is snuggled up on the chair near the radiator !

It sounds like this cat in your thread needs a home, and you have a home to offer.

Original poster
Northernlurker · 10/11/2009 20:09

I'm really upset now

We went to see him and he ddn't show up! His owner expected him home for tea but no sign at all of him. We could go back later in the week but dh and the kids think this is a sign that he isn't the one for us. I don't know what to think - maybe she doesn't want to let him go but didn't like to say she'd changed her mind? Aaargh! I asked her what she thought of us and she said she was worried about the kids and him not being used to them. I was so excited and now I don't know what to think - except that I'm being pathetic!

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/11/2009 20:31

how frustrating

but cats do their own thing, and they don't always come home when they're supposed to, a bit like teenagers

I don't think you should take it personally!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 10/11/2009 20:35

Maybe you should call her tomorrow when the children aren't around and be straight about it, and then if she doesn't think your family is right, you will have to move on................

..then find yourself a pair of cuuuuuuuuuuuute kittens !

It must be really really having to give away a three year old cat because you are moving, she must really want to get it right, and if your young children are worrying her, then you are not the family she is looking for.

thirtysomething · 10/11/2009 21:51

northern we adopted a 2 year old female from a cattery where she had been dumped by the owner on house-moving day...they'd taken her in on a temporary basis and we heard about her and offered to adopt her - i had to call in several times one day to meet her as she was being very awkward and not coming in when called - I was beginning to think she didn't exist! 2 years down the line she's very much part of the family and loves snuggling up....so don't be discouraged - keep trying to see Walter...you won't regret taking him in!

CarGirl · 10/11/2009 21:55

Our last 2 cats were both adults when we got them. both adorable and loving and just wonderful.

We're about to take on a pair of cats next week - eek!

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