Thinking of adopting a rescue cat, advice needed.

HigherFurtherFasterBaby · 2020-12-29T06:45:01+00:00

Morning all. I've been considering adopting a cat (not any specific one, just any cat in need of a home), for a while now. My Landlady has just given me permission to do so. I think I'd prefer an older cat, even an elderly one that's been difficult to place, because I'm a soft sod and would love to give a home to an elderly cat in their final years. I'm at home most of the time, I'm a student (I'm 34), I have 3DC who have a cat at ExHs house so they are used to cats and know how to look after them, know how to behave with them etc. However I've never been owned by a cat before [grin] What do I need to know?

Logoplanter · 29/12/2020 07:34

Would the cat be an indoor or outdoor cat? Is it safe where you are? Do you have a garden or live next to a busy road? If you decide this first then that'll help you when you talk to the rescue about suitable cats to adopt.

We have an indoor cat currently, but the majority of cats we've had have gone outside. I like the fact I know where she is all the time, she's safe and she doesn't bring us presents! However we do have to put up with having a litter tray.

Overall cats are very easy pets - feed them, give them somewhere to sleep and cuddles as they require and that's it. I'm sure you'll enjoy being owned by a cat 😸

SantasBritchesSpelleas · 29/12/2020 07:47

Get permission in writing from your landlady, as rescues will ask for this.

The older an animal is, the more expensive the insurance, so make sure you look into this. Kidney and thyroid problems are common in older cats so consider whether you'd be OK with a cat that needed daily medication somewhere down the line.

As with any cat, an older cat may take time to settle in - Feliway can help a cat feel less stressed.

Cats sleep a lot, and older cats especially - though you may find one that is still up for a game.

Consider where you will put a litter tray even if you plan to let the cat out, because it will need to be indoors overnight and in cold weather.

Good luck finding the right cat!

PurplePansy05 · 29/12/2020 07:54

We had an older rescue who was our most loved and loving cat ever. Miss her so, so much. Older cats are absolutely amazing, so much love to give. I would say they usually love warm, cosy spaces, some peace and lots of cuddles, will your DCs be respectful and gentle?

We also had rescue kittens who are now young cats and that was completely different, honestly? Harder work, they need more time and attention to be looked after, socialise, play etc. They're lovely now, but was more intense. I guess it depends on what you and DCs are up for, what your personalities are like. Keep in mind that with kittens you'd have to invest in toys, scratchers etc to make sure they don't damage the rented property. Insurance for older cats might be dearer and yes some (not all) may suffer from various age related diseases, but with a lot of them, they can live happy lives for a while just on a special diet. Kittens' insurance would be cheaper but there's more investment to be made to entertain them, spay/neuter etc. Good luck, OP. Cats are amazing.

AtlasPine · 29/12/2020 07:59

Ask other cat owners in the neighbourhood how the cats organise their territory- I say this because my late little cat was terrified by very dominant cats when I moved with her and started very anti-social behaviour as a result. So you may want to consider an indoor cat (Eg one with feline hiv) if there are lots of local cats who fight over territory a lot.

PurplePansy05 · 29/12/2020 08:08

Indoor cat "eg with fiv"? Most indoor cats don't have fiv, they are indoor cats due to their older age or simply because they're indoor cats. All of ours were/are indoor through choice, all doing just fine.

PurplePansy05 · 29/12/2020 08:10

Also cat owners won't know how the cats "organise their territories" well enough to discuss it with the OP, do you expect them to put cameras on their cats' collars and monitor their movements?? This is a ludicrous suggestion to discuss, it's not a TV show . They will know if there are some more bossy cats around but that's about it.

yellowmaoampinball · 29/12/2020 08:14

I would prepare yourself for the fact that a rescue might not home an older cat that's been difficult to place with a home with kids. I'd go with an open mind and see what cat suits your family.

Vinorosso74 · 29/12/2020 08:19

Could you afford vet bills for any ongoing conditions if you took on an older cat. You wouldn't be able to get lifetime cover for a cat over a certain age. Lifetime meaning it renews each year and will pay out again for an illness eg thyroid problems, diabetes etc
It's worth looking into insurance for the oldies before committing. I'm not putting you off but it's something to think about.
If you adopted a 9 year old then this would be less of an issue.
Definitely get the landlady's permission in writing as lots of rescues will ask for it. This holds up some adoptions if you don't have it.
A lot of rescues will start rehoming post Christmas soon however it all depends which tier you're in as you may not be able to meet the cats. Rescues are doing hands free homing so have a look at all your local ones.

HaHaVeryBunny · 29/12/2020 17:31

Just a small tip. The Feliway plugin is a fantastic to help cats settle in, my vet always recommends it. It reproduces a relaxing pheromone for cats.
And l think its fantastic that you're thinking of giving an older puss a chance to live a happy, loving life with you and your family, kittens are great but they will always get adopted 1st.
Good luck with it all, you won't regret it.🙂

EveryDayIsADuvetDay · 29/12/2020 18:53

www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat/adopt-a-cat-faqs

any good rehoming centre should be able to offer good advice

and be pleased to rehome an older cat.

Good luck, hope you find one who settles into your home quickly and is adorable (they're all adorable).

AtlasPine · 30/12/2020 00:26

@PurplePansy05

Also cat owners won't know how the cats "organise their territories" well enough to discuss it with the OP, do you expect them to put cameras on their cats' collars and monitor their movements?? This is a ludicrous suggestion to discuss, it's not a TV show

. They will know if there are some more bossy cats around but that's about it.

Local owners may well know if there is a particularly dominant Tom in the area scaring their cats. This is exactly what happened to my cat. It is worth finding out what it’s like for other cat owners in you immediate neighbourhood.

AtlasPine · 30/12/2020 00:27

@PurplePansy05

Indoor cat "eg with fiv"? Most indoor cats don't have fiv, they are indoor cats due to their older age or simply because they're indoor cats. All of ours were/are indoor through choice, all doing just fine.

That’s why I said Eg - for example - I didn’t list every reason you might have an indoor cat. Why are you being so snippy?

minipie · 30/12/2020 00:47

How old are the children? In non covid times rescues often like the cat to meet the children and see how both react. I’m not sure what they are doing at the moment.

My honest but probably unwelcome advice would be to wait until rescues are open to visitors again and you can meet the cats (with your kids in tow) and find out their personality and whether they are genuinely ok with kids. Otherwise it’s all a bit pot luck and you could end up with a cat who spends much of its life hiding or visiting elsewhere.

Joinedtosayhello · 30/12/2020 01:26

As PP have said definitely get insurance for your cat (or any pet you get). I have had the pleasure of having cats since I was very young and insurance saves a fortune on vet’s fees. You can get insurance that means they are covered for life for any conditions they may get (obviously check the small print and agree an excess that is realistic). Vets bills can be huge and I have witnessed fellow pet owners be surprised as the bill rises and rises when the animal needs further treatment. Not trying to scare you just a heads up! It’s one less thing to worry about if they get ill (even something minor). Separate to this, Vets for Pets does a plan where you pay monthly. This covers annual vaccinations, flea and worming treatment and an annual health check plus has others (10% off some procedures among other things). Well worth doing and saves money in the long run. Also get them microchipped.
Cats are marvellous animals with great personalities and I’m sure your furry friend will bring you great joy in their new, loving home.

MarkRuffaloCrumble · 30/12/2020 01:29

@PurplePansy05

Indoor cat "eg with fiv"? Most indoor cats don't have fiv, they are indoor cats due to their older age or simply because they're indoor cats. All of ours were/are indoor through choice, all doing just fine.

No most don’t have it, but a cat with FIV needs to be indoors, so it’s a nice way to rehome an older cat with FIV that others might not take on, which was a lovely suggestion by the PP.

Original poster

HigherFurtherFasterBaby · 30/12/2020 07:47

Thanks all, I'll try and and answer everyone's questions.

DC are 12, 10 and 5. I understand that due to my 5YO, rescues may not home certain (or any) cats with me. She is a very shy, quiet, gentle child (unlike my middle one at the same age who was like a bull in a China shop ) It's just my personal preference to have an older cat, however I'd be happy to take any that rescues feel would fit my family best.

My tenancy agreement is being renewed at the end of January and the permission will be written into that, I've already discussed it with LL, she is lovely and has several cats herself.

Insurance, I wouldn't dream of having a pet without it, it's an absolute must. I have a small pot (£500 currently) that I've put aside and keep adding to it for any vets bills.

My area is just outside the city centre, there are very few outdoor cats that I've spotted in the 2.5 years I've been here, so I'd like a cat that's indoor only as it's likely not wise to have an outdoor cat where I live.

Tier 3 currently, will probably be Tier 4 or 5 soon so I can see it being quite a while before anything can be done in person and will probably impact on how rescues can operate.

Litter tray would be in the hallway, it's a large quiet area.

OP posts: