Should I rehome this kitty?

[hiddenhome2]

We sort of ended up at the cat shelter today just to take a look at the cats.

There's a 10 year old neutered male cat there. He's in good health, but is very shy and has been there since April.

He came in with several other cats having been rescued from a semi derelict house that had no heating or lighting. They were being fed by a woman who's since been prosecuted for neglect of these cats.

We went into his pen and sat down and he hid in a cat tube. We stroked him lots and he started purring. He's a big softy.

He's a real cat lovers cat rather than being outgoing and confident, so we could manage him fine as we're a quiet household and have lots of experience with cats.

I'd have to phone the insurance to find out how much it would cost each month.

Would it be a risky thing to do to take an older cat on?

He looked so sad, yet was still purring. Poor soul living in that house
Go and get him then. Don't leave the poor cat there!
You know it, we all know it. Go and get him, we all want to blow him massive kisses and congratulate you on your new addition

Phoned them yet, hidden ?

Well, we've been through this morning, filled out the forms and paid the deposit. I've phoned the insurance company. They won't provide full cover due to his age and it's going to be £17 a month for the cover he will have. Hopefully, he'll remain healthy.

He seems to like dh who has a way with animals. He was watching him and taking an interest. He also recognised his caregivers voice when she walked past the pen, so he's taking an interest in things which is good. He does seem pretty depressed at the moment.

I found out his original name was BamBam which is a trifle undignified, so he'll remain as William

We have to wait for a phone call from the home check lady and I have to prove my other cats are up to date with their vaccinations.

William has to have a blood test for FIV and Leukaemia.

That's about it really. I've bought him a soft blanket to take through to the shelter. My other three have one each. At the moment, he mainly hides and all you can see are his huge green eyes. I've picked him up and he weighs an absolute ton

Ah, brilliant news hidden I'm so pleased that you're re homing William

Great news. But I don't know why they're testing for FIV. Even if he does have it it's likely he'll live a long, healthy life and eventually die of old age, and there is virtually no risk of passing on to other cats if he's neutered. Did they say why they're testing? If he's positive, what then?

My lovely (black, declares bias upfront) boycat hated me when I first brought him home. He's a naturally timid chap, but with tlc and patience he is the most adoring, soppy sausage. And my first boycat (also black) was an older rehomed mog. The only downside was that I had fewer years with him then I would have liked, but that's always the way anyway even when you have them as kittens.

They said the tests aren't compulsory, but are advisable due to me having other cats. Mine are fully vaccinated against everything. I guess I figured it was better knowing the full story.

Notabear that's good to hear about your older cats and that they managed to adapt. As long as he's happy and able to get some enjoyment and peace out of his life then I'll be pleased.

I honestly wouldn't bother with the FIV test. It generally makes very little difference to their lives anyway and your other cats aren't at risk. I've had FIV cats living alongside non FIV cats for years. Out of interest I had some of the non-FIV ones tested a few years later. They were still negative. It's really only passed between unneutered cats.

I forgot how big boy cats can be

I'm taking him his new blanket through this morning, so I'll tell them not to bother with the FIV test.

I bet you're very excited. I can't wait to see a picture of him settled in his new home
My black Tom weighs a ton too

The lady is coming out to do the home inspection tomorrow evening. She sounded a bit worried about having to see the snakes and tarantulas, but I explained that they're securely confined.

She needs to see proof of vaccination for our three cats. Then we can pick him up

We took him a new blanket over this morning and he was looking at us properly today.

Yay! Delighted you're giving him a home.

Does anyone know why black cats are so hard to rehome? I've seen it mentioned elsewhere too. I think they're gorgeous. My lovely big old boy who sadly passed away a couple of years ago was black.

Snakes and tarantula's, gulp

Does anyone know why black cats are so hard to rehome?

Because some people are not really cat people and are shallow. There, I've said it

Yellow I saw something on YouTube that suggested it might be due to superstition. Some people believe they're unlucky.

Or perhaps people just like pretty colours and patterns on cats. Black cats are my favourite though. I had one some years ago now and he was killed on the road

Perhaps they're quiet too. All the black cats I've met seem to be quiet loners.

MissMarple honestly, they're lovely

Our cats best friend was black. True story.

I don't know whether you can see him in this igloo.

I've had 2 black cats and they've been the most affectionate out of all my cats.
I too wonder if it's old superstitions and connections to witches

Just. (I'll go to the App later to get a better view.) He looks a little subdued, hidden.

Oh, yes he is subdued his caregiver said that he comes out once he gets used to you and rubs against your legs etc. I hope he'll manage okay. We're a quiet household with hardly any visitors, so the environment isn't stressful. There's no traffic noise or loud music either.

I'm sure yours will be the perfect home for him. And I'd bet anything that he'll be a confident, loving cat in a matter of weeks.

Well, as long as we can get him to the point where he's getting something pleasant out of his life then that's okay by us. Old Cat is a rescue cat and you can barely get near her without being shredded, but she's happy in her own world and likes to sit in the sun and in front of the fire.