Adopting older cat

[SunshineSuperNova]

Hello all

As some of you know we lost our lovely elderly tom last weekend. We were planning to adopt eventually, but a friend has asked us to take her beautiful 12-year-old. He's an absolute darling, but is very stressed due to a new baby and the utterly vile neighbours bastards who have been bullying him.

He's been very well looked after and my friend is gutted to be losing him - he's her furbaby :(

Can anyone give me advice about adopting? All my cats have been from kittens.

It was bound to be emotional, Yes.

I had thought your friend might have some problems. (There's the added complication that cat issues might have been masking stresses with the new baby and with the cat problem now 'sorted', there's no longer an excuse for dealing with other things. But that's for another board, I think.)

She's an old, old friend and probably going through a rough spot. If you're feeling low about your old cat, she'll be feeling just as rough.

Personally, I'd keep on dropping her regular emails of cat progress (with pics). Not effusive, just matter of fact and being sure to let her know - as you would - that you're there for her for other things. Say once a week.

Very difficult for you, Sunshine.

Thanks cozie, much appreciated. :)

Kittens take up so much attention that you often simply don't have time to feel low - but an older cat, even one with his own problems, is a different matter. It should work out though.

Oh dear, I'm sorry it's getting stressful with your friend, and I'm sorry you're finding it emotional having another cat in your house. Totally and absolutely normal, though, both those things. You feel how you feel, and that's okay.

If its a strong friendship it ought to survive, you haven't kidnapped her cat she can't provide a safe environment for him at the moment.

She would feel much, much worse if he had been harmed by the scum bag neighbours.

We had a good chat tonight :) and we're good, which is a huge relief. Thank you x

I'm pleased for you both.