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.

Aw I’m sorry he’s done this
I think you can persevere with him though. Our white boy was a grumpy rescue who would on occasion do a similar thing. But we learnt to anticipate it and avoid him accordingly. He ended up being the best lap cat ever and we were devastated when he had a stroke 2 years later and ended up having to be put to sleep.

Pesto
Thank you. I probably needed a bit of reassurance that’s all. When I was dithering about rescuing him this was something I asked the cp. I don’t want the dc becoming scared of him. T he CP said they hadn’t experienced any aggression from him. But he was in a Cattery pen most of the time, so I’m wondering if he has been overwhelmed by it all. The only trigger I can think of is that we left him alone all day. He hasn’t been left yet for more than a couple of hours, but as he sleeps all day, i thought he would be ok. Nothing noisy happened while were out. So I don’t think it’s that. It was like he didn’t know who I was. He looked like he was expecting a beating. Sad really. We haven’t hurt him.

He has neutered recently so maybe his Male homones are still in his system. I don’t know.

We will keep loving him and looking after him, but it’s hard not to be wary. Then that can be a self fulfilling thing if he detects fear I know.

Why don't you suggest that your dc write his life story and then they read it in a room where he is. Calmly and gently.
His life story can be as real as they know or a total fantasy. His story. Told by them in voices he is getting used to. Obviously he won't understand what is being said but the tone can help.

Also try leaving a radio or telly on, so he doesn't get lonely. If you go out.

I might put a radio on for him next time. Although I don’t think it’s connected us leaving him for the day. Because in the morning he hissed at one DC and it was unprovoked. He was sitting on the window sill watching them walk in a room and he hissed at them. So maybe he was in a funny mood. I don’t know. He’s been ok since Monday.

There is nothing I can think we have done to cause him to react like that.