Should we have a rescue cat or a kitten?

amy312003 · 02-02-2007

Kittens always have easier times finding homes. Your daughter is right in wanting to adopt/ rescue a cat from a shelter. These kitties deserve a chance, too. Sometimes they've had a rough life, and just need a little TLC, which I'm sure you all can give a new kitty or kitties, whichever the case may be. I lost my kitty Gunsmoke after his battle with CRF (Chronic Renal Failure). He was 18 when he passed, also. I waited a bit, it was hard coming home to an empty house, but I knew he would want me to try to help more kitties, which I did. Here's what I did:I would've gone straight to my shelter where it only costs $60 to adopt a kitty, plus they offer FREE spay/ nuetering, but I'm not supposed to have kities in my apt unless I pay a deposit...so, (they always make sure homes are appropriate, which is wonderful, but I can't afford to pay a $250 deposit, plus $25 extra rent per month, so... to make a long story short:I looked in my local newspaper. Got one kitty from there, (a kitten..boy is he trouble but darling.)The next one I took for a relative, he was a few months old, since they couldn't have them in thier apt, either, but hers is a bit strickter than mine.And the last boy we got was already 2 when we got him. I built a feral (wild cat) shelter and dedicated it to my boy Gunsmoke who had passed away. Well, I looked onlinr to see if any one knew of a feral cat colony where I could place it with out any one messing it up. A lady said she feeds a cat colony in DC, and could place it there. Well when we went to put it there, this dirty, dingy "feral" cat came up to us and wanted us to pet it! We tried to catch him, to TNR (Trap/nueter/return) but he'd have none of that. Well, a few days later, the lady told me she had been able to trap him. Turns out after a visit to the vet, he had been someones pet and they just dropped him off with these other wild cats. He had been declawed : ( , but nuetered : ), also. She said we could come pick him up whenever we could. Hes thesweetest thing!. If I hadn't made the shelter in honor of my kitty who passed, I'd have never met this boy. Big green eyes, white face and black spots. He cleaned himself up nicely, too!He's got such a personality... I can't image why anyone would give him up. I hope I didn't write too long of a book.My condolenses with your loss, and I would suggest finding one who really needs a home. Kittens always do, the older and just as cute ones don't.

horselover · 02-02-2007

we rescued a 3 year old cat and shes great! she was about to be put down. i would get an adult for a lot of reasons. 1: because they are a lot calmer. 2: they tend to scratch less. 3: older cats really need rescuing because everyone wants kittens. they are all going to die.

Tracie · 02-02-2007

Kittens are fun but they grow up. I adopted 2 5 month old boy cats from the Humane Society and they are so wonderful and lovable. They are great company for each other when no one is home. It took 2 to replace the one I lost after 17 years.

Misha'sMommy · 02-05-2007

I also vote for a rescue cat - especially since your daughter suggested it and knew how wonderful it would be to give them a home.

You can definitely bond with a rescue cat- my cat, Misha, is the best. I cannot understand why anyone would have gotten rid of her. She sleeps with me, follows me around, plays, she's not needy or neurotic like some cats. She has a sparkling personality and was there for 6 months! I think because she's very large (not fat- just BIG head and paws and body!).

The older cats are SO appreciative of having a home that, while they might be frightened at first, they will be so glad and so loyal - I've heard this from so many who have shelter cats. Everyone wants the kittens - but it's so fun to watch the older cat get his/her personality back and feel alive again.

You will probably want to take your children along and avoid cats that seem especially afraid of them (Misha is fine around my 4 year old nephew and even lets him pet her, though my mom's cats run for hiding when he's in sight!). If you want to get two - perhaps get two that came in together -they are always harder to place and they will be so grateful to stay together in their new home. Check out the local shelters and petsmarts. Let us know how it goes!!

Catrancher99 · 02-05-2007

You know, I think Misha's Mama's about got it covered. Although my rescue cats came from the streets, they do seem to appreciate having a home after going without food and shelter and loving for a while. A few times I've visited our local ASPCA-affiliated shelter and was sad when I had to leave because I couldn't take every one of them home, but they have almost a hundred cats at times. Where would I sleep once they discovered the bed?