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Original poster

Rehoming cat - what to tell 2.5yo

11 replies

cakeywakey · 12/04/2010 20:27

We're having to rehome one of our cats this week. He's going to one of the big, reputable, 'we don't put animals down' shelters on Friday.

We need to do it because we've had to operate a one-in one-out policy with next door as my cat tries to kill hers whenever they see each other. We've tried various ways of working around it but it means that both cats are cooped up for long periods of time on different days and we each have to keep doors and windows shut. It's not really fair on the cats or us.

My worry is how my DD is going to take it. She's 2.5 and loves both this cat and our other one. She doesn't interact much with the cat we're rehoming as he's a bit standoffish, but she chats to him and is affectionate when he's about.

I was going to tell her that he's going to a new home to help make another family happy, and that it's sad that he's going, but he will be able to get out and about more so be happier too. I was also going to take a few new photos before he goes and take her to the shelter with me to so that we can both say goodbye properly. What do you wise MNer's think?

OP posts:
peggotty · 12/04/2010 20:29

I think what you are going to say is fine. TBH, she will have forgotten about him in about 2 days unfortunately. That's just the way 2.5 yr olds are!

ouchitreallyhurts · 12/04/2010 20:42

I agree. Tell the truth but do it in terms that your little one will understand.
When I was small my parents told me that a man was taking our dog 'for a walk'. I waited for hours by the front door for my dog to come back. Turned out, he'd been rehomed for showing some aggressive traits so they'd acted in my best interests but its something that I've never forgotten
I'm not sure I'd take her to the shelter though, but that's just me.

Original poster
cakeywakey · 12/04/2010 21:57

Thank you for replying. I hope she'll be alright at the shelter, it's a very nice one and I want her to know that he's been left with nice people who will look after him

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taffetacat · 12/04/2010 22:12

How sad for you op. I think its good its happening now as she is really too little to understand the upsetting part of it.

I expect you will be upset and that is probably more likely to affect her. Can you get someone to have her for a bit whilst you go to the shelter and for a bit afterwards?

Original poster
cakeywakey · 14/04/2010 17:32

Just wanted to update - took cat to shelter no problem. DD slept through the whole thing so didn't get upset. I've just had a call to tell me that he's tested positive for FIV and they won't be able to rehome him.

I can reclaim him but, morally, would have to keep him as an indoor cat as I wouldn't want any other neighbourhood cats to become infected. He would absolutely hate being an indoor cat. So now I'm faced with the possiblity of having him put to sleep

Am also having to take my other cat to be tested at our vet in the morning (she would be happy as an indoor cat though).

This was hard enough when it was just simple rehoming case - and I'll have to let all the neighbours know too as it would be wrong not to

OP posts:
LetThereBeRock · 14/04/2010 17:55

There are a number of smaller animal rescues which will take FIV cats. They can be rehomed.

You may be able to find one. Which area are you in?

LetThereBeRock · 14/04/2010 18:03

He will have to be an indoor cat though, or only have access to a secure garden.

It is possible for him to adapt to being an indoor cat,most cats will adapt albeit reluctantly, though it will take a lot of work.
A local animal rescue may be able to find an owner who can do this and some rescues even keep FIV cats longterm in heated outdoor enclosures often with some access to the outdoors.

Original poster
cakeywakey · 14/04/2010 18:03

I'm in East Anglia, this shelter used to rehome FIV cats on the stipulation that they were either kept indoors or within a secure garden so as not to spread the virus further. They found that while people agreed in principle, they didn't follow through in practice. He'd hate to be an indoor cat and is a fighter - so is highly likely to pass it on to other cats. I don't think that would be fair on him or other cat owners.

OP posts:
LetThereBeRock · 14/04/2010 18:08

There is this rescue in Norfolk which prioritises FIV cat rescue. It's called Venture farm.
It seems that they have access to the garden there.

LetThereBeRock · 14/04/2010 18:13

It may be that euthanasia is the only/best option for him but perhaps it's worth speaking to them first.

Original poster
cakeywakey · 14/04/2010 18:15

Thanks LetThere, will give them a call

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