Rescue cat reserved but getting cold feet

[Eekisthistherightkittyforus]

Go easy, please –total cat virgin here!

We've never had a cat before and have found a female one who's about 2 and reserved her, but I just don't know if she's right for our family. I've seen her four times now and she has "raised her paw" to me as if to swipe –I don't know if this is just a playful thing though? She's a bit timid and today one of the volunteers said she can be a bit 'crazy', and that she doesn't know if she wants to be loved or not?!

We've wanted a cat for ages (3 DC age 13 down to 8) but I'm thinking we should wait ... no? I have always wanted one that comes right up to you and wraps him/herself round your legs, sits on laps, is placid etc ... but maybe they are the exception rather than the rule?

Or should we persevere and accept she's likely to be a bit spooked in a rescue centre with dozens of other cats around and would be different at home? HELP!!

[Eekisthistherightkittyforus]

Aww, it's so lovely hearing all your stories. And interesting that some of you feel males are more cuddly and affectionate. GoofY, I'm near Glasgow which I don't think is where Mowgli is! Willing to travel slightly but within reason

[Eekisthistherightkittyforus]

Ah, I see the other pic ... Eastbourne. A wee bit of a long haul but thank you!

[viccat]

I agree with the comments that even the friendliest cat is rarely ready to approach you on first (few) meetings. Cats are not like dogs, they take their time getting to know you... Of course there are different types of shy cats - those who are super sweet but shy, and those who can be slightly defensive because they are scared.

Also someone upthread said "rescue cats are not for everyone" or something like that - perhaps the poster is talking about cats who were strays or (semi)ferals. At our charity approx 70% of the cats come from homes, mainly reasonably good homes, and are originally bought from private sellers and now given up due to moving somewhere that doesn't allow pets, moving abroad, allergies in the family etc. They are no different from any other cats though in terms of their personalities and ability to adjust to a new home.

Not all cats will be happy in a busy family environment; it takes a confident cat to cope with the inevitable noise and fast movements of children compared to living in a calm adult-only home.

[CompletelyUnknown]

I definitely agree with pp. I have a black female and she goes from super cuddly to complete psycho but in a playful way. We got her before my DD came along so every day is a new breakthrough with how tolerant she is to a 1.5 year old. Stick with it. The cat does choose you. She strolled right up to me and (play) attacked my foot. I love a bit of character so knew she was for me. We have nightly cuddles after DD goes to bed. Every so often I catch her cuddling DH but the moment she spots me she runs away and hides.. traitor

[Toddlerteaplease]

Ok I'm going to St Francis on Friday. Hoping for a cuddle with Mowgli! But apparently the lady who runs the rescue has fallen for him!

[Toddlerteaplease]

I meant Ooo not ok!
St Francis have some beautiful cats in from
A breeder who had to give up due to illness.

[Itsear]

Agree that you should go with your instincts but is very hard to get a true picture in a short space of time in a cattery environment. One of my girls was super affectionate at the rescue, all over any visitors and was thought to be a lap cat. In reality she is super affectionate when greeting you in the morning/coming home/feeding time but has never sat on a lap and ignores you 90% of the time. Still think she is great! I agree that a slightly older cat is likely to be less ‘crazy’, one will come along soon 🐈

[PersianCatLady]

You have to wait for a cat to choose to come to you in their own time.

My Dad didn't like cats so when I got my cat he showed no interest in her.

Of course that made my cat want to be his frien and she goes up to him as soon as he comes in the door.

[PersianCatLady]

The cat in the advert you have posted is a EXOTIC SHORTHAIR (AKA shorthaired Persian) and they are great cats!!

This is my one

[PaleBlue]

I am also near Glasgow. For my first cat I decided to go to the large rescue centre but it did not go well. I ended up with a cat that was not suitable for my home.

For my second cat I went to a cat charity who do home visits, unlike the large rescue centre. They got to know me and they know their cats very well so matched us with the perfect cat. A lovely 7 year old female cat who loves sitting on my lap. She is perfect for us. t

I would take your time to find the right cat. I definitely would not rule out older cats. Our cat is perfect for us. She is 10 now.

[Toddlerteaplease]

I fell in love with a photo of one of my girls, and as she was inseparable from her sister I got them both. Very nervous first. And still are But they are very very affectionate and cuddly.

Persians are a brilliant breed. Although due to their crap start in life, mine are ru bush at 'catting'
I took a chance on two cats I'd never met until I picked them up and won the lottery!!

[Toddlerteaplease]

Shameless photos of my princesses!

[PersianCatLady]

ToddlerTeaPlease
Your cat is absolutely beautiful!!

[PersianCatLady]

Forgot to ask -
How old are your girls now?

[myusernamewastakenbyme]

Ive taken on a cantankerous 17 year old female cat...she was almost feral and you could barely touch her without getting clawed....18 months on and shes a different cat...always on my lap purring and rubbing against me.....sometimes they just need some time and a lot of love.

[Findingdotty]

It is very hard to work out how a cat will be in a home. My timid rescue cat who had a tough early life, pregnant under one, etc is my cuddly loving cat. It has taken time to get her to relax but my other cat, kitten who we had from 8 weeks, is bitey and scratches and generally crazy but we raised her but her nature is nuts. (We love her, visitors don’t so much!) You can’t always tell especially when they are in a centre. You have to remind yourself that you should be going in to thinking that you are giving a cat a home, not getting a cat to suit your wants. Cats are not very keen on suiting their owners!!

[goldenlilliesdaffodillies]

We got 2 male rescue kittens from a cat rescue centre. We had long discussions with them as to which of their cats would be most suitable for our home. Originally we were going to adopt an older cat but on the advice of the rescue centre they said the kittens would be the best fit for our older cat (who might feel threatened by older cats). We now have 3 male cats, none of them spray and all very loving and cuddly (much more friendly than female cats we have had in the past).

Talk to the rescue centre and tell you your worries- they should be able to suggest a cat which who would be happy to adopt you!

[Toddlerteaplease]

Persian, they are 7.

[Eekisthistherightkittyforus]

Ahhh those pics are gorgeous!!

PaleBlue what is the cat charity that does home visits? Is it the one in Bearsden–CatFlap or something? Agree it's a shame the big centre no longer does home visits –it all feels like it's happened a bit too suddenly (that sounds as if it's all been out of my control; of course it hasn't, it was me who decided to reserve her and now I've disappointed the DC ... )

[OVienna]

We have a gorgeous St Francis cat!!! Maybe try Rushden too.

[Veterinari]

Eek try Lothian Cat rescue
Mini Me looks perfect for you
lothiancatrescue.org/rehome/cats-needing-homes/?_sfm_child_friendly=Possibly&_sfm_age_years=0+7

[Toddlerteaplease]

OVienna, what was your St Francis cats name?

[Eekisthistherightkittyforus]

Ah, MiniMe does look lovely, Veterinari–thanks for spotting him! I may investigate– was hoping not to have to travel quite that far but yep, it's the cat that chooses you ...

Hadn't heard of Lothian Cat Rescue so maybe there's similar over west here.

[Allergictoironing]

I have loads of rescues close to me, including the place my DSiS got hers from (North Kent), but ended up going practically to the south coast for mine. And they were worth every mile of the trip

[ScreamingValenta]

Just to say a cat that appears quiet and reserved at the rescue may develop into a playful and outgoing cat at home. I fell in love with my girl at first sight although she seemed very shy - it turned out she was probably just overwhelmed at the time, after a week at home she was literally bouncing off the furniture and on our laps all the time!