If you're cat is moulting like mad at the moment...

[patothechiefexec]

Is it a problem all year round?

Went to look at a lovely cat today at the rescue centre but he is moulting like mad at the moment. I came away with a new fur coat. He is 3 to 5 years old, has just been neutered, is short haired white and ginger.

Any comments appreciated.

Did they say if he likes being brushed? Some cats can't stand it which might make it tricky when he does moult. If he likes being brushed it makes things much easier! We have 2 cats, mother and daughter, both short haired, but one seems to have an extra layer of fur the other one has (she is so so so lush and soft!). But she needs furminating fairly frequently if we don't want hair everywhere. Luckily it's pretty easy as she quite likes it; I take her out into the garden, put her on the patio table and go for it. It's amazing what comes off and then she's lovely and sleek for a while after. The other cat hates being brushed but she doesn't seem to need it much so that's OK...
Really difficult to say which cat to pick! One of ours was overly affectionate at the rescue centre but chilled out a lot and became much more independent once we were home and she gained confidence. The other was very very quiet at the rescue and at home, not hiding or anything, but letting the other cat take all the attention. It took months before she showed us her true personality and she is now a total cuddlebum and ridiculously affectionate (but only to me and DH which we love - visitors get the cold shoulder!).
Good luck whatever you decide, whichever you pick I am sure they will settle down and make themselves thoroughly at home in the end.

That's a good point, moggie.

I've asked to see number two when he arrives at the rescue. If big fat monkey boy is still available I'll see him on the same day.

I think a few days of not thinking about it will help. I normally tell people to wait if they don't know what decision to make as the answer normally comes in one form or another.

Thank you all for the sound advice. Will let you know what we decide!

PA - you have to get the monkey! He sounds adorable.

Crikey, I just have to update...

DH enquired about another cat last week at the RSPCA only to be told that he was already reserved pending a home visit. Anyway, he got an email yesterday to say that the cat was available again as the people had changed their minds. We both thought there might have been a reason we were both dithering. Anyway, I spoke to someone at the RSPCA today and gave her the lowdown on us/our home set up. She said we sounded perfect and said she would call me back to arrange an appointment once she had spoken to her manager.

A few hours later, she called me back to say that her manager thought we were unsuitable as we are both out at work all day and the 10 month old little man is a bit sensitive. WTF?! It's just me and DH, no other pets, no children, living in a house in a quiet cul de sac that backs on to the woods, with a microchip cat flap. It's a bleeding cat utopia here!!! The RSPCA thinks that this cat can cope with young children and other cats though...

Was rather when I got off the phone.

Oh no, what about the ginger boy? He sounded perfect and obviously loved you! Can't believe they are being so picky, I bet you guys would give a cat a great home...

I'm out all day, it just makes him love me more.

Plus he has time to stalk the cocky blackbird

I agree it doesn't seem right. Try a different rescue.

Still no decision here...

I saw both of them again today. Ginger boy was pretty much the same but did bite me a couple of times (not nastily). I also felt a bit wary as to where I put my hand a few times as I got the distinct impression that he may have given me a bit of a swipe! I did feel a little bit different this time about him.

The subdued boy was transferred to the rescue centre today. It was probably too soon to see him as he wasn't at all happy. He spent the whole time sitting in his litter tray. He did let me stroke him but every now and again would growl. I did feel sorry for him.

I'm now wondering if either of them are actually right and I'm dithering for reason. Our cat is pretty central to our life so I want to feel right about it. Does anyone else have as much problem choosing as me?!

Maybe you just need to bear in mind that it must be pretty stressful for both those cats living in a shelter and so you're not seeing the best of them? It's hard tho as you want to make the right decision for them and for you. Hopefully they'd be more relaxed and friendly in a settled home...

Yes totally. Our last boy was very subdued in the rescue. When I look back he was a completely different cat at home. He was a complete joy.