Adopting a 7 year old

[jamesdeandaydream]

I took dd (1yo) to a cat shelter on Christmas Eve with full intentions of reserving a 3 year old boy I'd seen the previous day. When we introduced him to dd he just wasn't too keen on being around her so we had a look around and came across a beautiful black and white 7 year old girl who warmed to us both straight away. Dd instantly gave her a kiss on the mouth (her new habit that I'm trying to stop) and also hugged her and the cat was purring and enjoying every second. She was so loving and gorgeous. The age factor put me off but I can't not take her after seeing how good she was with dd.

Any tips on adopting an older cat? Am I doing the right thing? I'm so excited but a bit clueless at the same time - she'll be my first cat!

I got a cats protection rescue kitten when DS was 1. But we did already have an old cat who I had 14 years so far and had moved with me from house to house across country as I was growing up and eventually stayed with me in my new home as an adult with a new baby , so maybe they saw that I wouldn't just 'get rid' if anything happened.

Unfortunately she liked tormenting dogs and one killed her

We got Huntercat from Cats Protection when DS was 20 months and DD 3. Took the kids and he chose us with his bombproof reaction and genuine fearlessness in the face of enthusiastic toddler poking and offerings of litter pellets as food. Got Feistycat from the same place a year later for the same reason, fearless in the face of small people in her small pen being happy to see her. They are very different but both seem very happy in a loud house and often put themselves at the centre of the action to see what is going on.

The cat ironically named Iggle Piggle, however, took one look at us walking along the outside of the pens and hissed blue murder at us! That name could lead to a horrible presumption if someone didn't take the kids along with them to choose!

I think bullet-proof is the perfect way to describe how she reacted to dd. Dd was running towards her and the cat didn't even flinch. I obviously wouldn't let her chase her or be rough with her but it's good to know that the cat is comfortable around her. I bought some dreamies and a cat toy the other day just because I was so excited at the prospect of having a cat. I hope they will be needed!

Awww it's lovely you will be getting the cat. You need a litter tray, food and water bowls, a place to hide and a blanket or fleece to sleep on.

We have three cats and four cat beds. They sleep on radiators, window ledges, sofas, human beds, the floor and ignore the cat beds. So I wouldn't bother with a bed.

The shelter just called and said they're happy to skip the home check as it's more of a 'person check' so I can pick her up on Wednesday! i'm so excited!!

Does anyone know how quick zooplus tend to deliver? Wondering whether to order things from there or whether to go out and buy stuff.

Will definitely post pics

Well done jamesdean! Can't wait to see a photo of her. I think it's exciting to go to shops and pick things out, rather than ordering online...if you can face the shops after the long weekend! Zooplus may do next day delivery for a bit extra I guess.

You're right. Shops it is

Is it a big no no to change a 7 year old's name? I don't want to confuse her even more so don't mind keeping her name, just wondered.

It would be nice to give her a name but didn't know whether it would upset her or not! Her name is fine if she refused my choice though

Well done you.

I doubt a new name would upset her. Cats are usually great pragmatists so - a new home, new family, new name.......It all goes together and she sounds like the sort who would take it in her stride. Just use her new name with overtones of FOOD at the beginning and see how it goes.

I hope that camera is charging.

Brilliant news, I'm looking forward to the pictures!

I agree with other posters, 7 is definitely not old - H is nearly 11 and still plays with his catnip toys and runs around like a kitten!

time to think of names now! Any thoughts?

I think it's more the tone of voice that is important, rather than saying the name itself. If I speak in my "cat voice" anywhere near the cat (quite high pitched and sounding excited) he will come running over even if what I said was totally irrelevant!

Well everything is ready for her arrival

Litter tray/box, food and water bowls, bed made out of a cardboard box filled with fleecy blankets, and homemade toys made out of bits and bobs I found laying around the house that I thought would be fun if I was a cat! Am I missing anything?

Oh and I have a carrier for her too!

YAY! Huge congrats to you! Just think, she doesn't know it, but this is her last night in a shelter :)

I'd not thought of it like that ahh I can't wait to bring her home!

All sounds good. Is there somewhere she'll be able to retreat to to get some peace and quiet if needed?

She will be fine with a fresh new name, it's your tone of voice that is the important thing. Hope pick up goes well and post a picture

Yes she has plenty of places to escape to if she wants to

When do you pick her up?