Am I doing something wrong with pets4homes?

[TheGirlWhoLived]

Could somebody help me because I really must be doing something wrong… I keep looking on pets4homes because my dd’s (15 and 11) are desperate for kittens. We looked throughout December to see if any litters would be ready to go from January onwards, I’ve even purchased the ‘premium’ version in order to get access to ads sooner.

I just cannot seem to get anyone to reply! I’m trying to see which kittens are female if they haven’t stated with a picture, or I’m asking if I could reserve one but are we meant to click ‘reserve’ before messaging!? I’m not looking for anything special, just a mixed breed under £150…

If someone could help I’d be really grateful… I’m in Worcester and so anything an hour out would be acceptable. I’ve been stalking this forum like a mad woman for tips, got all the litter trays, comfy beds and the house is all prepped and safe but I just cannot find the kittens! (Obviously will pay cat tax as soon as I am able to acquire 😁)

Have you tried rescue centres? I’d personally avoid Pets4Homes.

The cats protection said we wouldn’t be able to adopt from them as we have a semi-busy road too close (despite me saying that they would be primarily house cats with monitored outside time!)

I would love to rescue but not sure it’s an option for us

Could I ask what’s wrong with pets4homes? I thought it was more reputable as they had pictures with the mothers etc. I really didn’t want to get one through gumtree/facebook due to the dodgy ‘breeders’ so will definitely avoid if it’s not a-ok!

What does monitored outside time mean? Have you tried monitoring cats outside?

We have an enclosed garden with a pergola that we would be able to enclose (to make a ‘catio’) which we are hoping would allow the kittens freedom to be outside without the dangers of going missing or predators. This was the idea anyway, I wasn’t keen on using a harness or leash but if needed I suppose we could think about this!?

There are loads of smaller rescues that would let you adopt given the set up you've described. Just keep asking around. Lots of the smaller good ones pop up on Facebook - check they are charity commission registered and go for ones using mainly fostering as the cats get more of a home experience. Not all rescues have the same criteria for adoption and as one of the biggest Cats Protection are a bit rigid whereas smaller rescues can be a bit more flexible.

Please don't be sucked in by breeders appearing to be reputable on line. The ones making all the money know how to hide their dodgy practices and might appear fine on the surface but aren't in reality. Just having the mother or even letting you visit a home is no guarantee. Even so called registered breeders of predigrees can be keeping cats in cruel conditions. Kept in cages for long periods and not in a family/home environment, constant back to back litters for the mothers and the males keep apart and alone. It's very very difficult to find a truly 'ethical' breeder.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2ky4g8m6jo

Agree - contact smaller local rescues - they are literally bursting at the seams trying to home cats and kittens!

Definitely going to have a deeper dive into local rescues, thanks!

I can’t understand why people buy from breeders when there are so many rescue kittens waiting for homes. Breeders disgust me.

I understand you may think it difficult to get a rescue but this is for good reason. They ensure the cats go to safe loving homes not just whoever tips up the money.

Given your setup to ensure a safe space outside for the cats try a decent rescue who will vaccinate/ neuter/ chip and flea the cats for around £150 donation. This is much less than the actual cost so if that’s what you are looking to spend on a cat remember those additional costs on top.

Cats Protection are a bit rabid with their rules and regulations. See if you can find a smaller local rehoming shelter instead.

Having said that, if you want the cat to be indoors-only, rescue shelters will have adult cats available which fit that description.

Try https://catchat.org/find-a-shelter for rescues in your area.

Breeders don’f sell kittens for £150. Plenty of reputable breeders on pets4homes with registered, health checked purebred kittens. They don’t ‘breed’ moggies. They breed for showing and you definitely can’t just reserve a kitten by clicking. Breeders are not the problem.

To answer your original question OP - no it’s not unusual and probably nothing to do with you. We bought a kitten (now aged 5) in lockdown through Pets4Homes (most of the rescues were shut at that time) and I had a lot of advertisers not respond to my messages, If the advert has been up for a week or two most likely the kittens have sold already but it seems people just leave the advert up and ignore further enquiries. Really frustrating but got there in the end.

https://www.avoncatrescue.org/homing

this charity is near Stratford on Avon, perhaps may be worth contacting ?

Do bear in mind that it isn't kitten season yet - come March/April the rescues will be over run with unwanted or stray kittens!

Be prepared to fully cat proof the garden or convert the pergola into a properly secure catio before you try to adopt; as you can understand I'm sure rescues are wary of people saying they'll do this then not bothering once they have the cat.

Also have a think about an older kitten or young adult cat, say 18 months. The (destructive) adorable phase of kittens tends to be over by about months, then it's after that they start to develop their adult personality. With a slightly older cat, you have a good idea whether they will be independent, a lap cat, playful or not, do or don't like attention etc.

OP said £150 in her post. That’s where I got the figure from, I wouldn’t know how much they are in that despicable market.

Breeders are a problem. Anyone who puts a cat through pregnancy and birth is a disgrace whether it’s been negligent with spaying or for money.

As PP said consider a slightly older cat. Also I was advised not to mention my DC were desperate for a pet. Better to say they're interested and well informed; not viewing it as a play thing.

Have you tried Cramar Cat Sanctuary B48?

I would have loved a rescue cat as my previous boy was a rescue. Unfortunately the batshit 'rules' that many rescues, including the small ones, have meant that it wasn't going to happen. They need to realise that one size doesn't fit all. My gorgeous BSH is currently fast asleep on the bed and I wouldn't change him for the world.

I imagine if you made your garden secure now then that would probably go some way to making smaller rescue centres happy with your set up OP.

All our cats are/were rescues and it worked out brilliantly.

I used to Home check for CPL and I certainly wasn't "rabid"
I am surprised you have been turned down OP, if you have then try other Rescues, my FB feed is full of kittens needing homes (must resist)

We had a similar issue in October last year with pets4homes. Must have contacted over 30 people. We were looking for a young adult cat 1-5 years but 90% of people didn't even reply. Then some who did reply were really evasive with their answers about health or medical history etc. eventually got desperate and applied for a 6month old. Had to drive an hour to pick him up, he also had zero history with the vet including kitten vaccinations plus he had fleas. We had to start from scratch. Neutering, chip, two sets of vaccinations, flea and worming etc. he was very small for his age, the original owner said he was a runt (he bloody wasn't! He's massive!!) he gained a kilo in the first month with us and went outside for the first time at 8 months (he lived in a high rise.)

Very glad we got him as he's very entertaining and glad to 'save' him from that tiny smelly flat but not sure if I would do it again had I known as it was very expensive. He now very happy and settled if a bit nuts.

Just to say be very careful and if you continue with pets4homes and eventually you'll get one but its very hard to fall in love with a photo of a beautiful creature and then hear nothing.

lol Cats. are excellent mothers and mostly birth easily. Your post is ridiculous.

We know a lovely rescue in Henley/Reading if you're near there OP?

We had a similar issue of being refused by a rescue. We ended up adopting an ex breeding queen, and weren't even charged for her! Still only 4 years old now, and absolutely part of the family. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Good luck.