What to do with my cat

Newlysinglemum1 · 2024-08-09T22:34:34+00:00

My circumstances have changed unexpectedly and very drastically and I think I need to rehome my cat but I'm not sure how best I can go about it. He's 15 (possibly older as he was a stray so that's an estimated age) and he's not been in the best health recently - losing weight but the vet can't find a cause all tests have come back normal. I'm very reluctant to go to a shelter because I know he'll struggle massively (hates other cats) but I don't know anyone who could take him for me and I can't afford to put him into a cattery until I get things sorted. Any advice? In an ideal world I'd keep him but I don't see how it will be possible.

Dozycuntlaters · 09/08/2024 23:40

I don't think it's fair to rehome a 15 year old unhealthy cat. If you really can't keep him then I think having him put to sleep would be a kinder option.

Original poster

Newlysinglemum1 · 09/08/2024 23:45

If he was sicker than he is I would consider it, but he's in no pain that I can tell- still active and alert and good coat etc it's just the weight loss that we can't seem to get on top of so it seems harsh to pts when he could easily live a few more years. He's just slightly underweight and I'm struggling to get him back up into the healthy range but he's not exactly skin and bones either. I'm very worried about how he'd manage a transition he's been with me a long time and I had to work very hard to help him settle in as he was very afraid at the start, now he's a lovely cuddly lap cat.

OP posts:

Spendysis · 09/08/2024 23:47

Could a friend or relative take him in for you

INeedAnotherName · 09/08/2024 23:48

Agree, as hard as it is he wont be able to cope. If he is losing weight and the vet doesn't know why, nobody will adopt him so he will be stuck.

I'm so sorry, what a really horrible decision to make 💔

Original poster

Newlysinglemum1 · 09/08/2024 23:52

Spendysis · 09/08/2024 23:47

Could a friend or relative take him in for you

Unfortunately not, I don't have anyone I know who likes cats but doesn't already have one (which I don't think mine would tolerate). I know I'm going to be homeless and staying with family for a bit with my toddler and I'd hoped to just bring him with me but their dog is reactive and my family member keeps expressing how uncomfortable she is with the idea of my cat staying as well which I understand.

OP posts:

Ponkpinkpink15 · 10/08/2024 00:01

I'm sorry you're facing being made homeless, I hope it works out ok with your relatives.

have they done kidney function tests?

TomatoSandwiches · 10/08/2024 00:11

I'm sorry about your circumstances but it absolutely would be the kindest thing to have him pts.

INeedAnotherName · 10/08/2024 00:36

Okay, have you tried contacting The Cinnamon Trust? I thought they were only for dogs but apparently they also help out cat and bird owners 😯 If not, they might be able to signpost you to another fosterer in your area.

https://cinnamon.org.uk/cinnamon-trust/

sunsetsandboardwalks · 10/08/2024 08:23

I'm really sorry but at that age and with health conditions, the kindest thing to do would be to have him PTS

Stickytreacle · 10/08/2024 08:32

So sorry for your predicament, but if I were you I would be euthanising.

Young healthy cats can't find homes at the moment and all the shelters are full to overflowing with most of them unable to take in more cats.

A new home would be very stressful for your cat and fifteen is a good age, pts is the only way to guarantee he wouldn't be neglected and miserable down the line.

There are worse endings than quietly going to sleep in a loved owners arms.

Spendysis · 10/08/2024 09:24

I am so sorry you are facing homelessness have you contacted any local rescue centres to see if they have any foster carers who could take him into their home

our local rescue has had to stop taking in more cats as they are full already I would be tempted to help him over the rainbow bridge if I were you as I think at 15 life in rescue would be really stressful for him and they are struggling to rehome kittens and young healthy cats at the moment so i think that would be the kindest option for him

mondaytosunday · 10/08/2024 12:44

I had to give away my mothers 23 year old diabetic cat (my son had severe cat allergy). The Cats protection League took her.
Frankly if it's a choice between putting him down and him having to learn to get on with some other cats I'd do the latter!

Words · 10/08/2024 12:55

Cinnamon Trust is a good idea. They may be able to foster him for you until you're settled again?

I don't suppose there is a way to keep him in a separate room from the dog?

You will also need to be careful with your toddler around the dog as well. It sounds so stressful. I am really sorry.

Original poster

Newlysinglemum1 · 10/08/2024 13:53

Words · 10/08/2024 12:55

Cinnamon Trust is a good idea. They may be able to foster him for you until you're settled again?

I don't suppose there is a way to keep him in a separate room from the dog?

You will also need to be careful with your toddler around the dog as well. It sounds so stressful. I am really sorry.

His liver, kidney, thyroid and diabetes tests came back normal but there's obviously something going on. I'll give cinnamon trust a call but I'm not sure if they're in the area I'm in or if it's just mainland UK. I rang the shelter I adopted him from and they'll take him but advised that I should check with the vet first if pts was the kinder option depending on his health at the minute.

I know I really worry about the dog and the toddler absolutely. He's used to bigger children but my son has grown up around our dog who we also had to rehome and he was so gentle that it worries me my son won't understand this dog needs much more space. Hoping I won't need to be there for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

OP posts:

Words · 10/08/2024 14:19

I am so sorry OP to hear you have also had to re home your dog. What a heartbreaking situation all round.

Hoping with all my heart that Cinnamon Trust can help. They are absolutely lovely. It's good news his results are OK. Have they checked for thyroid issues? ( symptoms increased energy and appetite but weight loss.)

My last dog was dog reactive. A patient, affectionate sweetie with all humans including small children but so unpredictable when meeting other dogs on walks. Although it improved with professional input, it became very stressful indeed.

I can see adding a cat into the mix is probably not realistic. I am so sorry this is happening to you. Your toddler sounds lovely.

Words · 10/08/2024 14:20

Sorry, see thyroid checked.

johann12 · 10/08/2024 14:24

Maybe if you take him to the shelter you could take him back when you get a new tenancy ? Sorry you're dealing with this

BlackCatsAreBrilliant · 10/08/2024 14:30

I hope the Cinnamon Trust can help. If not, any small, local rescues that can foster him out? I know we have one local to us that will try to help in such difficult circumstances - hopefully there's similar near you.

Original poster

Newlysinglemum1 · 10/08/2024 14:55

johann12 · 10/08/2024 14:24

Maybe if you take him to the shelter you could take him back when you get a new tenancy ? Sorry you're dealing with this

Edited

That's my hope if he's still there then. It's in my adoption contract that I need to return him to them if for any reason he needs to be rehomed and they will prioritise a space for him I just need to check with the vet that his health is actually up to that in the first place.

It was easier for my dog because he was able to return to his breeder who we kept in touch with and who will look after him so well. She was so sad to let him go she kept all the rest of his litter so knowing he'll have a lovely life there makes it easier. Just not as easy trying to work out the best option for my cat unfortunately. I'm just gutted, it took me so long to build up his trust initially. I just wish I could bring him with me.

OP posts:

xxSideshowAuntSallyxx · 10/08/2024 16:55

So many cats live to older than 15, why are so many suggesting the OP put an otherwise healthy but slightly underweight cat down? It would never cross my mind.

Has the vet checked their thyroid OP? My cat (who sadly died last week) wasn't putting on weight, turns out she had hyperthyroidism (her death wasn't connected). Could you contact a rescue to see if they have a fosterer who could take him in?

Also If rescue centres weren't so picky with their rehoming criteria there wouldn't be so many in rescue centres and they wouldn't be struggling. They're turning perfectly good homes down without even speaking to people.

I've tried a couple had no reply from two and turned down from another. I've rescued cats before, I currently have one curled up on my lap but apparently I'm not suitable when I was 2.5 years ago and nothing has changed in that time.

AgnesX · 10/08/2024 16:58

Has anyone suggested the Cats Protection to foster until you get sorted out?

sunsetsandboardwalks · 10/08/2024 17:01

So many cats live to older than 15, why are so many suggesting the OP put an otherwise healthy but slightly underweight cat down? It would never cross my mind.

Because at 15, OP's cat is already considered elderly and unfortunately, elderly cats don't do well in rescue centres. Stress can make even young, healthy cats unwell and can kill an old cat. I know that's awful to think about it but it's the reality, unfortunately.

There are thousands of kittens and young adult cats who can't find homes - the chances of an elderly, potentially unwell cat finding one is, sadly, absolutely miniscule.

Original poster

Newlysinglemum1 · 10/08/2024 17:30

xxSideshowAuntSallyxx · 10/08/2024 16:55

So many cats live to older than 15, why are so many suggesting the OP put an otherwise healthy but slightly underweight cat down? It would never cross my mind.

Has the vet checked their thyroid OP? My cat (who sadly died last week) wasn't putting on weight, turns out she had hyperthyroidism (her death wasn't connected). Could you contact a rescue to see if they have a fosterer who could take him in?

Also If rescue centres weren't so picky with their rehoming criteria there wouldn't be so many in rescue centres and they wouldn't be struggling. They're turning perfectly good homes down without even speaking to people.

I've tried a couple had no reply from two and turned down from another. I've rescued cats before, I currently have one curled up on my lap but apparently I'm not suitable when I was 2.5 years ago and nothing has changed in that time.

His thyroid is fine - that was our first thought as well. He doesn't cope well at all with change. A foster would be ideal if they can find one, but you're right they're very in demand.

OP posts:

Stickytreacle · 10/08/2024 19:31

xxSideshowAuntSallyxx · 10/08/2024 16:55

So many cats live to older than 15, why are so many suggesting the OP put an otherwise healthy but slightly underweight cat down? It would never cross my mind.

Has the vet checked their thyroid OP? My cat (who sadly died last week) wasn't putting on weight, turns out she had hyperthyroidism (her death wasn't connected). Could you contact a rescue to see if they have a fosterer who could take him in?

Also If rescue centres weren't so picky with their rehoming criteria there wouldn't be so many in rescue centres and they wouldn't be struggling. They're turning perfectly good homes down without even speaking to people.

I've tried a couple had no reply from two and turned down from another. I've rescued cats before, I currently have one curled up on my lap but apparently I'm not suitable when I was 2.5 years ago and nothing has changed in that time.

Our local rescue has over 90 cats and kittens in their care, last week they rehomed two, with a non fussy rehoming policy. They are turning multiple cats away daily, an old thin cat would spend a long stressful time in a rescue, I wouldn't inflict it on mine.

I was at the vets a few days ago getting a feral neutered and she'd just had to euthanise a young cat as no rescues would take it.

Animal rescues and welfare are at rock bottom at the moment, there are simply too many cats in need and more being bred due to people not neutering because of costs. Then you get the ill ones that aren't treated and cats given away to god knows where, cruelty increasing etc it's never been so bad.