Wwyd - taking on a cat

[Floyella]

I grew up with cats, but for the last few years I've been living in flats so not able to have one.

DH and I are now finally able to get a cat, and we've been looking at rescues.

BIL and SIL have a cat that they're desperate to rehome - they have a small DD who seems to be allergic, and their house was never really suitable for a cat.

They'd love us to take on their cat, but it's just not a very nice one - I usually love anything feline, but this one is scratchy and stand-off ish. It's also a pedigree, so I'm worried about insurance and vet bills.

I'd much rather go to a rescue, and find a friendly mog. But then BIL would probably have to rehome his cat, quite possibly to the same rescue, and that seems insane.

Any ideas??

Has the cat always been bitey and scratchy? Could it be that a quieter home without any DC is just what the cat needs? Just wonder if it might turn into a nice cat in a different environment?

I'm sure BILs pedigree cat will be quickly adopted from the rescue.

You should get a cat that suits your needs, family and home.

Surprisingly FogCutter pedigrees are often not quickly adopted from rescues. In fact we find it generally much easier to home moggies. Partly because a lot of pedigrees seem to have 'difficult' personalities (and bengals are the absolute worst of the lot) and often seem to need extra care (grooming of persians for example). So I certainly wouldn't assume that a standoffish and bitely pedigree will easily find a home - exactly the opposite I would have thought.

It's a really difficult one. How does the pedigree feel about other cats? Maybe get that and a moggie?

As a cat charity volunteer I have seen many swipey, unpredictable cats turn into a loving, affectionate cat in the right environment (sometimes a calmer, quiet home - sometimes the opposite, a larger home with a big garden and lots of stimulation) so I wouldn't necessarily assume their cat will behave the same in your home.

Thank you, all - plenty to think about!

I hope this cat will turn friendly. Perhaps we ought to take our chances on her (which would also be better for family dynamics, but that's a whole other thread...)

What sort of pedigree is it?

British Blue Shorthair.

She's v beautiful.

Oooops, name changed and forgot!

But yes, British Blue Shorthair.

Oh, not that I'm any expert on pedigrees but I think they are generally less troublesome that other types, so that's a positive - both from the point of view of getting homed from a shelter and from the chances of her being ok with you.

My friend used to have 4 British Blues. I definitely found the females a lot more aloof than my own rescue moggies and none of them were lap cats but she had a big male who was a total teddy bear. How about getting a rescue one as well? I have never had a problem introducing resident cats to new cats apart from may be a week of a bit of hissing and spitting.

Oo I'd love a BBSH! They are stunning!

If the British Blue did not belong to BIL would you even be considering her?

Rehoming a cat is a commitment to them for many years to come hopefully and I would say it is important to get your needs met. Of course it would be a neat solution to take the cat offered, but you have to live with the consequences.

How about a 2- 3 week min trial with the clear understanding that it is not a permanent adoption?

The cat might settle and reveal a pleasant temperament - or not but you will have the full picture and not be left wondering if you should have taken her.

I would follow your internal sense re the type of cat you want; if you are after a cuddlesome friendly poss lapcat type, why should you not have your needs fulfilled?

Best of luck , whatever you decide.