Adopting a feline friend- North London

[JollyGiraffe]

We have decided we are going to adopt a cat! Just looking for any advice or tips regarding adopting and good rescues to adopt from.

I always had pets including cats growing up and I now feel like a furry friend is missing from my life!

We both work full time and live in a quiet road in central London. Have a large shared garden and a catflap.

Have heard good things about the Mayhew, and we are also close to Cats Protection north london. Does anyone have any exoerience with these, and are there any other good rescues around this area?

How long is it recommended that you stay at home with the cat when first adopted- or is this recommended at all?

Any tips on choosing a cat to suit our family? although I understand it's more a case of being chosen by a cat

I volunteer at the North London CP! Am not involved in adoptions as the staff do that.
You will need to fill in a homefinder form which they will go through; they will check your address on Google maps to check you're not on a busy road or right by a railway line etc and will be matched with cats they think will fit your home.
We get a lot of indoor cats through if you don't have outside access. If you rent you will need proof from landlord you can have a cat.
There is a £75 adoption fee (anything on top is appreciated) and you can reserve a cat for £5 fee. Have a look on the website and it will give you all the info and you can see some of the cats currently available. The centre has been shut over Christmas so cats will be returning from foster care and new ones will be arriving.
Good luck!

Apologies I missed some of your post!
It depends on the cat as to leaving them-moat adult cats are fine but some are more needy. If you are out at work full time they won't match you to them. There is a chunky lad called Tiggy who has been in care some time (he is a friendly soul).

Worth trying Battersea - My four cats are all through them.

Thanks both!

Vino - I have fallen in love with Tiggy - as has DP! He looks like he could fit our home perfectly. Do you know why he has been overlooked? He sounds wonderful from his description!

I honestly don't know. Could be an age thing as I think he's 10ish? He's not a shy cat and I think he likes a play. It just takes some cats a while to find the perfect home!
The centre is closed to the public tomorrow but if you ring wait until later morning (once feeding and cleaning is done). The staff can give you more info on him.

I'm rooting for Tiggy!

Oh he looks gorgeous! I hope you adopt him. Older cats are wonderful!

Paws crossed it works out. It's definitely time for him to get his forever home.

He does look like a very sweet boy. Will call up tomorrow for some more info.

Only problem is we haven't bought bowls, litter tray, bed etc yet! Hoping to do that on Friday after work and then maybe go to the rescue at the weekend and meet the moggies. Hopefully lovely Tiggy will still be available!

Do Cats Protection do home visits? Just wondering how long the whole process takes

No they don't do home visits any longer (this could differ elsewhere in the country). If they are happy with everything you can take cat the same day but by reserving it gives you time to prepare everything. The centre do sell some essentials ie. carriers, litter etc.
Oh I do hope you get him.
Another poster on here got a kitten from there and I had met the kitten and her siblings (well I cleaned up their messy pen) so it's good to hear stories.

I just noticed Tiggy is reserved-have you reserved him OP?

Yes, I have reserved him! Going to meet him on Saturday

Omg. So excited! . Maybe a bit over-invested he sounds such a poppet.

Brilliant! I hope the meeting goes well. I feel a bit overinvested too Toddler. He is a sweet cat.

Omg I adopted my Dolly from there and it was very smooth. There’s a pet shop Afe doors away and a Poundland opposite they are great for bowls. I think she came on Felix which makes things easier. I don’t think I could be bothered changing a ten year olds habits. I can’t wait to see him!

And Each's Dolly is the kitten I mentioned upthread . Our lad is another from there.

My lovely little kitten came from CP North London and the staff there are amazing. Mine was the only long haired black kitten amongst a litter of black and white shorthairs - she is a little darling/ terror. Fingers crossed Tiggy suits you. Second the recommendation for the pet shop a few doors down, they even have a pet cat that helps you choose

Pickled is your black kitten from a litter this year as I remember a larger than normal litter all B&W except one black??

Yes! We got her right at the beginning of September. I think there were 6 or 7 of them. Ours was the naughty fluffy black one! She is an absolute character and we love her to bits

Thanks all, great to hear of your experiences with CP! Good tip about the pet shop for last minute supplies.

The person I spoke to on the phone was really helpful and answered all my questions about Tiggy. He does sound lovely. He has just moved to the office today to give him a break from the months and months in the cattery!

DP has never had a pet before (I have had cats, dogs, rabbits, gerbils) and he's finding it hard to understand how you can choose a cat based on meeting them.

I've explained that mostly you will need to go off the volunteers/carers description, as when you meet the cat they may be a bit more shy or not their true self. He is wondering whether it is sensible to 'shop around'(!) first and see a few before deciding. Of course there are many cats out there that could suit a certain family and vice versa, so at some point you need to decide.

I've also said that in the very unfortunate circumstance you did take a cat home and you found you were not at all suited to each other it is possible to return them and look at others.

Any tips on how can I explain this to DP a bit better?

Although I am hoping Tiggy is in a good mood and feeling friendly

It is the litter I remember then. They were a very playful bunch! Lovely to hear another is doing well.

Oh I’m excited for you. They were so lovely when I adopted Dolly. No one else would allow me as I lived in a built up area in a flat. Actually there is loads of quiet space outside. She loves going out in her own and her winter coat is growing nicely. She’s 18 months now but seems to have been here forever. She’s in the bedroom now waiting for me as she sleeps with me every night!

Ah the office is a good place for him to be. The cats tend to be happier there as they can't see/hear any others.
Hopefully Tiggy will charm your DP. If you need time to think there are cafes nearby. The staff could always introduce you to some others but they will give you time to meet him and play with him etc

Oh she is gorgeous Each!

Thanks Vino, I do hope they like each other. I could easily fall in love with any cat!

He does sound very charming and has all the qualities we are looking for. Fingers crossed it all works out.

Oh I’m excited for you. They were so lovely when I adopted Dolly. No one else would allow me as I lived in a built up area in a flat. Actually there is loads of quiet space outside. She loves going out in her own and her winter coat is growing nicely. She’s 18 months now but seems to have been here forever. She’s in the bedroom now waiting for me as she sleeps with me every night!