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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Has anyone tried to adopt a cat recently?

34 replies

Planningspringflowers · 09/10/2021 17:59

We have a fast approaching one year old. Usually I adopt adult cats but I think with such a young child we’d be better with kittens.

I wondered if it was likely we’d be allowed to adopt or if the age of our child would be a problem. I much prefer rescue cats if possible. However if not is there a breed of cat notably good with children - was considering Burmese?

OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 10/10/2021 12:31

@maofteens We (Celia Hammonds) have hundreds of kittens right now (and loads more that really need to come into us but which we don't have space for). Kitten season was late to get going this year, and demand was still high at the beginning of the year, but now the second season of the year is in full fling we are utterly inundated, and demand has dropped off considerably.

I know that London does have more than it's fair share of unwanted kittens and strays, but I'd still be surprised if other rescues were completely kitten-free at this time.

Puisanceel · 10/10/2021 12:32

We gave up trying to rescue a cat. First we lived too near a busy road (even though we were more than willing to adopt an indoor cat and/or cat proof the garden apparently that still wasn't good enough), then we had too young a DC....just was impossible so we bought our two. They're eight years old now and in excellent health and are absolutely adored so clearly the objections the rescue places raised were not insurmountable ones.

I get why they do it but it does make it very difficult to adopt a rescue.

SparklingLime · 10/10/2021 12:32

On the Cat Chat website you can find the smaller, independent rescues in your area who it could be worth talking to: www.catchat.org/index.php/38-main-bottom-information/248-shelter-finder

thecatneuterer · 10/10/2021 12:33

OP - if you're in London (or within easy reach of it) message me. We have a few family-friendly cats available right now.

Seriously79 · 10/10/2021 13:29

@TheBalletCats I'm not sure what the answer is to be honest. I'm just not sure what they would of gleaned about me from looking at my bank statement? That I spend too much at Amazon? I have too many takeaways?

I didn't have a problem with them talking to my son, he's a good boy. But for all they know, we could of told him what to say (we didn't).

When I was younger, we got 2 cats from a farmer that my dad knew. I don't think they ever went to the vets, moved house 4 times and both lived a fine life until they were 12 and 16.

mostlydrinkstea · 10/10/2021 13:44

We are awash with kittens as well. We have adults and it is worth contacting the rescue centres as they know their cats and there might be a family friendly adult cat for you.

CottonSock · 10/10/2021 13:58

The rescue I'm looking at is asking people to consider adult cats. Very sensible, I'll copy it below.

Kitten season is slowing down. We still have a waiting list to get through. So we thought this is a perfect opportunity to explain the advantages of adopting an adult cat.

When adopting an adult cat, their personalities are in full swing already. It's so much easier for you to find an ideal match. If you're looking for a more chilled cat, we can pair you. If you're looking for a cuddle monster, we can pair you. If you're looking for a sassy cat, we can pair you. They have already established their favourite litter, favourite food, routine. There will be less accidents. Older cats do play, we can let you know what toys that specific cat enjoys. You can go to work, do the shopping and not worry because an adult will happily chill out until you come back. An older cat has had life before and feels the change, unaware of what's happening, finding themselves in a place that isn't home through no fault of their own. They need that second chance. A kitten will always find a home, adults are always second in the queue. With a kitten, they're at the stage of figuring out their personalities. You know who you're adopting with an adult cat. We have absolutely every personality at the moment. We have chilled cats, boss cats, shy cats, busy cats, naughty cats, human cats 🥴 (cats that prefer to get involved in everything you do than be an actual cat) and frisky cats 😬 (don't apply for a frisky cat if you have kids, these cats are reserved for the more experienced cat parents). If you're considering adopting, please consider an adult. They won't disappoint. They need a home, you can give them a new beginning.

lljkk · 10/10/2021 19:27

both times I told shelter I wanted strongly preferred an adult cat but they steered me towards kitten instead.

couchparsnip · 11/10/2021 07:41

We just adopted kittens from Cats Protection. They prefer kids to be over 5 but preferably older.

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