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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Adopting a rescue cat

40 replies

BacallsEyes · 05/10/2017 11:03

I'm looking for postive stories about rehoming/adopting a rescue cat.

I've been applying to all my local charities for two months now and I haven't had any luck so far. I'm wondering what it is about me that means I'm not being chosen.

I know they're supposed to match cats with potential owners to ensure that they're a good fit but in all honesty, I didn't think it would be this difficult.

I've deliberately applied for cats which I think would suit me (so senior cats/adult cats as I'm out at work for 8 hours a day) but I've noticed that the cats I've applied for and not been successful in getting are still on the sites weeks later. Is it the fact that I work? I have a nice big house, big garden. Not on a main road. Fields at the back. No children or other pets.

It feels a bit like being on a dating site and being constantly rejected! Grin

I've had cats before but never had a rescue and I'm wondering if this is normal.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 05/10/2017 11:08

Maybe try a smaller rescue? I work 13 hour shifts and they were happy to let me have two indoor cats. And the rest is history!

Toddlerteaplease · 05/10/2017 11:09

The rescue I got my girls from has a pair of Older Tiffany cats who they are struggling to rehome due to their age. 13 &15 I think but both healthy.

Polter · 05/10/2017 11:10

If you're out at work an adult/older cat or bonded pair would be ideal.

Polter · 05/10/2017 11:11

Have you actually been to meet the cats and talked through what you can offer? When we homed PolterCat I explained what we can offer and they recommended cats who'd be a good match. I didn't choose.

Polter · 05/10/2017 11:13

What I mean is, I didn't look and say I like/want X cat, instead I got to spend time with a couple and PolterCat just stood out as perfect (he made me laugh).

DancesWithOtters · 05/10/2017 11:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Vitalogy · 05/10/2017 12:07

We went to the rescue place and was under the impression we could basically pick which one we wanted. We had no other animals or small children. We have a garden. So chose a 6 year old male. They did a home visit and that was that.
Could you actually go into the centre and speak to someone face to face, get to the bottom of what's going on, hopefully you can pick one out and get the ball rolling. Hope you can be settling in your own cat very soon!

Vitalogy · 05/10/2017 12:09

Ps, we still have him 6 years on. When they did the second check up visit they were trying to get me to adopt another one, they're crying out for adopters.

Santawontbelong · 05/10/2017 12:11

There was a poster on here yesterday needing her 3 cats rehomed. Maybe mn should have a pets to be rehomed section? I got lots of help when I had a foster dog. .

Her cats sounded - and looked - gorgeous!!

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 05/10/2017 12:45

Last time we were looking we asked Battersea if they ever got a gray kitten to let us know. They did shortly afterwards so contacted us. We said we'd happily take another from the litter as well but were told they were all accounted for. A few weeks later they phoned us and asked if we still wanted another one? Grin.
We were not home checked - just filled in a form there. I think they realised we were experienced cat owners.
We'll be going back for another two in the new year - hopefully it will be as straightforward.

Original poster
BacallsEyes · 05/10/2017 12:47

Interesting. No, I haven't been to any of the rescues, I've just applied online (CatChat, RSPCA, BlueCross) and they say that if you haven't heard anything after 48 hours then it's a no but I'm going to spend this weekend visiting those within a 30 mile radius so that they can see that I'm nice and normal (hopefully).

Agreed - MN needs a 're-homing' thread!

OP posts:
Vitalogy · 05/10/2017 12:53

OP, they're maybe too busy to even check and reply to the emails. I'd say once you go into the centre you'll be fixed up in no time. Good luck. Please let us know/post a picture.

OliviaStabler · 05/10/2017 13:11

I'd second going in. It shows commitment and you can meet the cats and staff.

Original poster
BacallsEyes · 05/10/2017 14:05

Just had a look at the thread with the three cats for adoption but sadly Durham would be a three hour drive for me!

Yes, I'll go in and let them know that I'm looking.

One thing though, I've noticed that a lot don't show the address of the shelter, just the shop. Do I go in the shop or call the centre? I'm not sure what the shop could do.

OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 05/10/2017 14:17

I wish you were near London. We have literally thousands of cats and are desperate for homes. You sound like a perfect adopter. I don't understand why they're not biting your hand off. Can you contact them to ask them what the problem is?

DancesWithOtters · 05/10/2017 14:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BacallsEyes · 05/10/2017 15:08

thecatceuterer It's odd isn't it, I also assumed I'd be a good candidate to adopt. yes, I think I'm going to spend Saturday visiting and ringing round to see where I stand.

No Dances I'm near Birmingham so all the shelters I've contacted have been around there.

I think the shelters may be struggling with numbers and keeping up with admin. whilst looking after animals. You'd think if they'd rejected you for one cat they'd say sorry, you missed out but we have got kittykat who'd be perfect for you I'll keep trying though. It may just be down to luck in the end.

OP posts:
YesItsMeIDontCare · 05/10/2017 15:14

I got Leroy from Avon Cat Rescue, it’s not that far from South Birmingham. Try them directly? (And buy a 2018 calendar ‘cause Leroy is “July Boy”!)

scootinFun · 05/10/2017 15:23

Hi BacallsEyes, I've pm'd you

joangray38 · 05/10/2017 15:26

I rang up the local rspca and asked for a male black and white cat - got him with a week as they are inundated with them and they are the hardest apart from black cats to regime. He is the loveliest most loyal cat I have ever had. Ring and ask what needs rehoming - some cats in my local rescues have been there for over 6 months or wait till after Christmas when the novelty of Christmas kittens has worn off!

thecatneuterer · 05/10/2017 15:55

Well yes there is often an admin problem. We have the same problem. Not enough staff/time to deal with all enquiries as quickly as we should. It's awful that sometimes we lose homes because of it.

Original poster
BacallsEyes · 05/10/2017 16:24

YesItsMeIDontCare I always have a cat calendar in my kitchen! How lovely to have a famous boy cat!

Yes, you're all right, I'm going to contact them directly and see if that helps. I'd imagine they'll be very busy on Saturday and Sunday though.

Fingers crossed!

OP posts:
Original poster
BacallsEyes · 05/10/2017 16:28

Yes Joan such a s shame for black cats. Apparently, people don't want them as they don't go with the decor! I'd love any cat to be honest and have applied for elderly, FIV, black, black and white and those with other ailments too. I just don't understand it. I suspect it's the fact that I'm out all day though. What the online forms didn't allow me to put though was that I get seven weeks holiday a year and frequently work from home and don't go out much because I'm unsociable Grin

OP posts:
DancesWithOtters · 05/10/2017 16:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DanHumphreyIsA · 05/10/2017 17:17

I know its been suggested, but try going into an RSPCA, as my experience with adopting from them was pretty much walked in off the street, paid adoption fee and walked out with a kitten. (The rest of our cats found me Grin)

We did actually plan to adopt for a while, but on the day it was kind of a spur of the moment as we were walking past a shelter, and I imagine we seemed pretty clueless (we had to buy all the cat bits from them at the same time). I imagine they were desperate for people to adopt, they were asking us to take 2 lol.