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We are getting a rescue cat - tips for choosing please

39 replies

nomadwantshome · 11/02/2013 20:15

We have been catless for a few years now and are going to take the plunge again. I'm getting a cat flap installed and we will be ready to go.

Any tips? I don't want a kitten but an older cat. Don't mind if it's missing bits and pieces and doesn't have to be beautiful. I want one with a bit of character who is good with kids, (6&8). Getting all broody Blush

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QueenStromba · 19/02/2013 18:43

I can't believe people still think like that!

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nomadwantshome · 19/02/2013 21:13

Oooo I see the thread has burst in to life again. Thanks for all the tips.

Well we registered with a couple of rescue centres in the area and we've just had a home visit. The centre doesn't have pens but their cats are fostered, so we will go and see a pussibilty tomorrow.

The first question was 'what are you looking for' to which my ds 6 piped up 'a black and white cat' Hmm I then said an older cat that's a bit laid back and ok with kids. She showed me a cat called Jooster - I think I'm in love already! He is black and white - does my ds have ESP? and dh said 'oh it looks like Cosmo.' (our other cat, no longer with us) Apparently he is a real character. I'm all excited now but a bit nervous. Ds is a real live wire (border line ADHD) and the woman at home visit mentioned his 'energy' Hmm I know the cat will be wary in any case but how do you work out wariness with incompatibility? He sounds perfect. Btw they don't know what he's like with kids as he was a stray so don't know his history - but he is very laid back.

So broody now........

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SizzleSazz · 19/02/2013 21:18

We have a black & white rescue cat - she looks like she should be on the Felix packets.

She chose us when we walked into her pen (with a 4 and 2 yr old) and she wrapped round our legs and let the kids pet her. She will swipe if she is being prodded/picked up by children etc, but only a warning shot. Kids have learnt to be nice to her Grin

Hope Jooster is your cat Smile

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MrsBeep · 20/02/2013 17:24

About 6 years ago now we took in our lovely Benji. She spent the first week hiding behind the sofa under the radiator and only came out at night to eat and poop when we were in bed (or out of the house). Now she is the most loving animal I've ever owned. We have trained her using reward techniques to be picked up, stroked and finally in the past 4 years she has been turning into a lap cat. (Took her 3 years to do that!).

It can be so rewarding seeing a little animals' life turned around for the better. She had been abused in her last home and by boys where she used to live, so she's still a bit wary of men and their voices, but once she gets to know you she loves nothing better than to play and get stroked. Her favourite activity is running up and down the stairs chasing balls and playing tennis with us!

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MrsBeep · 20/02/2013 17:27

OP...have you visited the pussy cat yet?

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Fuzzymum1 · 25/02/2013 15:31

We deliberately chose a black cat when we got our first. I was broaching the idea of having cat with DH and he wasn?t 100% sure, then one day said ?If we?re having a cat, we?re having a black one? so that?s what we got. He used to play with our neighbours? cat and when they moved away he pined for her so we went to the local rescue to pick him a friend. The available cats were fostered with a lady and we went into the room so see them. I fell for a little black and white girl but while I was looking at her a tiny tabby kitten climbed into my handbag and looked at me as if to say ?I?m ready to come and live with you? so that?s how we chose her. Both of them have now passed away and are greatly missed. Our other cats have come from various places and we currently have seven of them, Personality has always won out over colour for me though I have to say one of them was chosen purely because of his amazing ginger tabby coat.

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nomadwantshome · 26/02/2013 20:52

Update: we went to view said cat. He was amazingly laid back especially with my overactive 6 yo...well to a point. We had a family vote 3:1. Dh thought he was fat and ugly! How dare he! Anyway he bowed to public pressure and said 'don't blame me when he gets stuck in the cat flap' harrumph. Anyway, we picked him up on Sunday. He's been amazing! He didn't stay put in one room for very long. He's pretty familiar with upstairs already and will let ds stroke him....but is still wary!

The first night he meowed all night, like having a baby in the house again. At about 2am I went to see him and he was all over me for cuddles, bless! Second night he started meowing as soon as we went to bed. I said to dh maybe he needs the light on! And then he was fine....a cat scared of the dark?? But he has been naughty and ventured down stairs to raid the scrap food caddy. Here was pork fat all over the kitchen counter....

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Adversecamber · 26/02/2013 20:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

nomadwantshome · 26/02/2013 21:11

He's about 2 yo. He has the most fantabulous white chest. He is very cuddly already. He's got something missing from the end of his tail but he was a stray so we don't know what that was. I think that he will be very comfortable in a few weeks. He's been downstairs this evening and dh has given him some spare salmon! Hmm

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thecatneuterer · 26/02/2013 21:41

That's lovely. Photos and regular updates please:)

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nomadwantshome · 26/02/2013 21:47

Not sure how to do to photos but will have a bash.

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Fluffycloudland77 · 26/02/2013 22:17

That's lovely op, my dh always saves titbits for our cat. They try to make out their not smitten but actions speak louder than words.

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QueenStromba · 27/02/2013 09:59

How to upload photos:

  1. Click on "MyMumsnet" in the blue bar at the top of any Mumsnet page


  1. Click on "My photos" then "Start a gallery"


  1. Click on "Choose file" then find the photo on your computer


  1. Make sure you have selected "No" under "Keep this picture private"


  1. Click "Send file"


  1. It might come up with a screen saying it has had to resize the picture - just click "Store" if this happens


  1. Add in a description of the picture if you like and make sure you have selected "visible to any mumsnetter" under "visibility" then click "save"


  1. Your profile is private at the moment so go to "My profile" under "MyMumsnet" then scroll down to the bottom and under "Should we make your page visible to other Mumsnetters?" select "yes - make it visible to all Mumsnetters"
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QueenStromba · 27/02/2013 10:00

Woohoo! That's about the fourth time I've typed all of that out but every other time it's been in Chat so has disappeared (strangely it's always been so someone can upload cat pictures).

I'm glad you've got your cat and he's settling in well :)

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