When is the right time to get new cat?

[DobbyTheHouseElk]

Advice please. My beautiful boy died before Christmas after a battle with diabetes. He was 15yrs and I’d had him from birth. The house is so empty without him, and I’m missing him terribly.

I’ve approached the CPL to see if we are suitable cat owners etc and to start the adoption process.

The DC and DH are keen for kittens as soon as possible. However I’m a bit cautious, still missing my boy, but wouldn’t turn a kitten away if one turned up.

CPL have a young cat ready to adopt, but DC and DH want a pair of kittens/young cats.

I don’t know what to do. Kitten season is spring apparently so it gives me a bit more time. But now I’ve seen a pic of the young cat needing a home (with a sad story) I don’t know what to do.

I’m not worried about kittens trashing our house. Old cat trashed it. Sofa is in bits where it was used as scratching post, same as the staircase.

Fostering seems a good idea. Also great way to become a cat hoarder (secret life ambition).

Take the kids to visit SadCat. They won’t be able to resist him, once they see him, especially if you promise an additional kitten in spring.

How did it go showing DC?

Yes, DC keen on the young cat. Asked if it was a kitten I said not, but year old, so they decided it must be a teenager.

Only DH to win round now.

Still feeling wary as sadcat has been mistreated by children. Wonder what problems that could bring? I’ve never rescued before, so don’t know. Any advice?

All the cats I have looked after - just let them be. Give them as much time as they need. Ignore them and eventually their curiosity (and need to be seeeeeen!) will win the day.

Sounds like the stars are aligning for SadCat.

Cats like to act like they are super fragile, but they are tough as old boots really, and will rebound in the right home.

Well the CPL said sadcat has refused some families already. So maybe if he likes us.....

Will have to find out how we get to see him, as his location is top secret when I asked I was told a very vague area. Also not near us, so will involve a bit of a journey.

I waited a whole fortnight before getting another rescue cat. Didn't mean to be this quick, but felt lost and there are so many cats needing homes. Incidently, I wouldn't worry one bit about a rescue cat's previous. Our first cat apparently was at the shelter for terrorising the grandchildren and spraying in the house. He was the soppiest thing, very clean and friendly once he knew who you were. This new one's from a semi-feral colony and is currently chasing her own tail inside a bag for life. Go see SadCat.

I was going to leave it a while after Maia died to see how her sister settled. But I missed having two and I think Magic was not happy either. Went to visit cheddar a week after Maia died and she was just perfect. She fitted straight in. I saw Magic visibly relax when the carrier was put down in the hall.

I have arranged to meet sadcat. I’ve heard his sad story. 😥

There is a possibility he won’t like the dc. Similar age children he has been frightened of, so we may get rejected.

What questions should I ask when we meet sadcat.

hmmm...

What about trigger behaviour and/or reactions?
e.g. Does Sadcat overgroom as a stress response
What was the makeup of her first home - who was her main carer (as in, might she be cautious of a certain male/female/adult/child combo)
Does she respond well to treats, toys, catnip etc
Exactly why was she given up previously - I see so many stories where because the animal wasn't the "perfect pet" they got sent back (NOT saying that's you!)
Are they used to multi animal/solitary households?

Stuff like that

Good luck.

Thank you.

I know he was mistreated. I heard the thing that happened to him and it wasn’t nice. Children mistreated him. They said they don’t know much, but I need to ask more about his previous life.

He has toys and they told me what games he likes to play. He is being fostered currently.

Apparently he is very bored at the moment.

@DobbyTheHouseElk what did you end up doing?
(no judgement either way, just asking )

@CallMeSirShotsFired

Thank you for ask8ing and thank you for your help with questions. We did go to see sadcat.

I then had a wobble, but in the end said we would adopt sadcat.

He arrived on Sunday and is currently asleep on the armchair snoring.

Oh and the reason sadcat was at the rescue was he was a cruelty case and had been removed from his previous owners.

Does he like your kids?

That's brilliant. Hope it won't be long before sad cat turns into happy cat.

Photo? Pleeeeeeaaaase

Yay! I hope sadcat soon turns into jollycat!

He arrived on Sunday and is currently asleep on the armchair snoring.

Oh that is wonderful! I feel a bit teary now (genuinely).

The king of cats saw sadcat snorecat and knew he had the perfect home for him with you. And so the aligned to make it so.

You are fab and your beautiful old boy is pleased to see this turn of events from his comfortable spot on high.

Getting a new cat really is the best way to move on from your late Dcat. You will never forget him. And Snorecat is not a replacement for him. It's just a new phase.

Aw,, thanks everyone. Sadcat is so different and he is very sweet. We were told he would be a very scared cat and hide due to his background, but so far he hasn’t. He’s been very cuddly and loving. Kids love him and he loves them. In fact I think he’s crept off and is asleep with them now.

I’ll upload a photo.

SnoreCat. He’s only been with us 3 days and he seems to have settled in really well.

He isn’t scared or sad. He has had a rough ride previously. Few things on his body I can see. But he’s in a loving home now. He’s under 12 months.

He's still plenty young enough to adapt and grow with your family. We adopted an abused cat at an older age and were told she was very difficult - she actually attacked the charity owner while I was there! (And I still took her ) She was the sweetest thing and never even scratched us by accident. Sometimes they just settle right in.