Oh help me, I looked at the "cats needing homes" page!

[SureJanOK]

Hello all

My 18 yr old cat died peacefully 3 weeks ago following kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. I have been surprised how "ok" I've been. I think I did all my grieving these last 7 months since she was diagnosed.

I've been away twice already since, just for a couple of days. And I'm booked to go on a city break 26-28 July. I had had in my mind also to go to the USA end of Sep which is my next annual leave. The only major thing still on my bucket list tbh (I'm 41). And then to look into adopting another cat when I came back. I've not had any holidays for years, they've never been that high on my list of priorities, esp when the cat was older.

But I STUPIDLY looked at the "Cats Needing Homes" page on my local rescue. And there's a 12 year old there who's been at the rescue for nearly 2 months already. She looks ideal for me. (Wants to be a single cat in a quiet adult home with garden).

What to do?!!!!!!!

Assuming I went, met her and fell in love...I wouldn't want to immediately go away for the weekend.

And SHOULD I get the US trip out my system? Or save up for a few years more (it would clear out my savings).

I'd feel SO AWFUL if I came back from the US and she was still there and I ended up adopting her then. She would have had to wait MONTHS for me.

I live alone and have never used catteries or pet sitters. I have SOME family but not sure I'd trust anyone enough with my baby!

Should I phone the rescue and see what they say?!

Also am I crazy to adopt a 12 year old and set myself up for another load of heartache and expense in just another few years?

Thanks

Looking forward to the photographs. (Cat tax)

You know you want the cat. 😉 If you speak to the centre and reserve the cat could you go on holiday now then get the cat once you get back? OR just get the cat and once it's settled in get a person to pop in two or 3 times a day to feed it. When my DS goes on holiday I pop into his house 3 times each day to feed and play with/give company to his 2 cats. He moves back home for 2 weeks each year to look after my 2 dogs and 2 cats and then pops back home to feed his own cats. They are all fine with this. Cats are quite independent pets. Don't leave it too late or it might be gone.

GET THE CAT OP!😼😹😽

Not the same re holidays etc but we adopted our new boy indecently quickly after saying goodbye to our darling girl. I saw him on the Cats Protection website, and just knew.

My DP was going abroad for work and reluctant to get another cat at all as I had been (still am) so heartbroken, but long story short by the time he came home a small ginger boy had moved in. (With his blessing, once he saw photos and videos he was smitten too!)

So you haven't actually booked a trip to USA ?
who are you going with - or by yourself ?

I wonder if the rescue would prefer you to adopt cat after your weekend away tho ?

Excellent! Love a ‘Will she?’ ‘Won’t she?’

Nope nothing is booked for the USA. i'd just be going by myself so no-one else is affected.

I've already texted my family to see if they'd pop in during the weekend I'd be away.

But as a pp said, they often keep the cat for a few days after they've been selected, for final vet checks etc. So maybe I meet her but don't actually take her home til I come back from my weekend away. (I could visit her every day in between!) Depends what rescue say. But yeah maybe she still is better here in my house with me, even if she'll be left for a wee bit than at the rescue longer.

If she is "The One", maybe you could offer the rescue an extra small donation to keep her until after your weekend away?

Probably too late for you to see this as you'll be camped outside the rescue waiting for them to open... but earlier this year we went to view a specific pair of cats the rescue recommended for both our needs and theirs, then we adopted a different pair instead. Sometimes you just don't bond when you actually meet, but the cat you went to see sent out the vibes on behalf of one of its friends... I think all of the anecdotes above boil down to the simple adage that the cat chooses you.

Sadly the pair we originally went to see in January are still there today according to their website. But what can I say? These two were the ones.

Hi everyone!

Well I have adopted Izzy! Here is her advert on the rescue's webpage.

She has been a bit hissy/hiding/lashing out etc but intermixed with cuddles and purring also. She has eaten some dreamies out my hand so fingers crossed we will soon be great friends!

The Rescue were so pleased I took her. They were getting quite concerned that she would be there long term due to her age and nervousness.

Congratulations OP - she lovely - and I'm sure will make you very happy. As you will her.

Yay! Snacks out of your hand on day 1 is a superb start.

Ah, gotta love a naughty tortie.

Torties rock! Wonderful news.

I think it's better to leave her where she is until you're home tbh. I visited my kitten every day until she came home and only went out to walk the dog for quite some time.

She's gorgeous! You are obliged to post daily updates for the first week, then a couple of times a week should do us fine! 😁

Excellent! Yep. Daily updates required.

Izzy is beautiful. I’m so glad you’ve brought her home. Looking forward to seeing regular updates.

Great news OP. Izzy looks marvellous 😺.

Welcome Izzy
I love it how cats can call the shots - No Kids/No Cats/No Dogs/Garden/Understanding Adult Home ........... and the Cat Slaves accept this

Our cats were viewed online on the Tuesday , viewed IRL on the Saturday and with us on the Sunday . With a list of 'he;s shy / quiet home /need a garden/ need to go as a pair '
Five years later the pair of them are still ruling the roost .

I'm rejigging my trip so that I'm only away for 24hrs. And I already have 3 family members going to come in and check on her.

I think on balance that is better than her being in the rescue another 2 weeks.

And then we will spend the entire rest of our lives together!

Thanks for all the well wishes.

She can get used to the new abode and decide just where to leave you little presents when she goes out .

She is ADORABLE! I'm sure she'll enjoy making her domain totally her own - having their own territory is so important to cats. I bet she relaxes and comes into her own when she realises 'Yes, this is my home'! 😻 I'm sure you feel better for having her with you too.

I sense this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship... 🤗

Beautiful Izzy.

I am so glad she will have a family again. It must be hard to lose your human and your home after so many years.

Thank you OP. Not many people would be prepared to take on a ‘golden oldie’.

Congratulations on your new boss op.