Kitty Woes

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

So Nick and I have been meaning to get a kitty for awhile now. The problem is that our apartment agreement states "No Animals". We talked to our land lord and he doesn't mind cats at all. In fact, many tenants here have cats (You can see them in the window). He said it's fine as long as it's not a big huge dog.

We wanted to adopt a very handsome kitty but the shelter needed to see the rental agreement to make sure pets are allowed. We wouldn't have been approved to get this kitty (which broke my heart)...so...by Mephys suggestion I checked out craigslist and found this adorable kitty.

Nick and I drove the 1/2 hour to go see him yesterday and we were sort of disappointed.

He didn't come right to us. He seemed to want to go outside very very badly. He did allow us to pet him and he was purring and nudging up against our hands when we pet him but the entire time he seemed to be focused on getting outside and was meowing quite a bit. He was a stray and found his way to this nice woman's home. She is such a nice lady, calm, a yoga instructor and was even playing meditative music for him and us! LOL In the past 3 weeks she has gotten him fixed and gotten all his shots and he's ready for a home. She isn't asking anything for him.

Nick and I just feel like, what if he didn't warm up to us? What if he constantly wanted outside? (which he can't) Nick was just hoping he'd actually come to us when we were calling for him but he never did. I thought it was awesome that after just a few moments he was being so affectionate with us (I think that's a good sign after all he's been through) but at the same time, he wasn't really interested either.

We are confused as to what to do and I haven't been able to sleep. I don't want to settle for the first cat that comes along. He is adorable and everything but in my gut I really don't know if he's the right fit for us. We have been to places where the cats just come right up to us and are instantly affectionate, etc. I understand this kitty has been through a lot but it was still sort of disappointing.

What do you guys think? I have to call the lady back today (Friday, it's like 6am right now, I woke up and can't get back to sleep)

I miss having a little companion so, this is a hard decision.

[Pandora01 0]

I've had a few cats in the past and maybe I can help. I think the best thing you can do is follow your instinct. I saw a cat one day and felt a very strong bond with her, even though she wouldn't come to me at first. The lady who had her told me she was very rumbuctious, climbed everywhere and broke stuff and that I'd be better off not getting her. But that bond I was feeling made me get her anyways. Turned out I never regretted it, Karo was the sweetest cat I ever had and I still miss her even though it's been over five years since I lost her.

I know it can be hard to pass one up but if you're not sure and don't feel that special link fully, I say wait and you'll eventually find the right one for you and Nick.

[Pandora01 0]

Darn, couldn't find the edit button.

I forgot to say that Karo never broke anything and was the sweetest.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

If it was a stay its normal life was outside so they look for that at first and also they just like to LOOK outside, mine sits at the door every chance it gets. Cats have a mind of their own, one minute they could be all over you and they arent like a dog to always come when you call. Once it sees who feeds it to it will make friends, mine comes sits by my computer looking and pawing at me showing me she wants food, other times she is off on her own in the house.

I think inside you would have a special feeling with just the right one, i found mine at the farmers market stray and just fell in love with her immediately and i wasnt intending on getting a cat.

[sara..... 371]

oh ho i wished u guys lived closer to me we live on a small farm and we are always having to find homes for kitties.........one thing from all of this i can say for sure kitties pick the one the want they seem to be the owner of the person we never own them........and they are so comical.........one cat i loved too much he was very cute he was an orphan raised him from my hand from very small age he grew up huge.......but he loved my mom she dont like cats at all but is never unkind to them ........he would tease her too much to get attention in the end he became her best friend..........my advise just set back and find the one that pulls at ur heart or as in my moms case decides that ur the one.....u will know because the kittie will let u know............

sara

[trailmix 77]

I've had a few cats in the past and maybe I can help. I think the best thing you can do is follow your instinct. I saw a cat one day and felt a very strong bond with her, even though she wouldn't come to me at first. The lady who had her told me she was very rumbuctious, climbed everywhere and broke stuff and that I'd be better off not getting her. But that bond I was feeling made me get her anyways. Turned out I never regretted it, Karo was the sweetest cat I ever had and I still miss her even though it's been over five years since I lost her.

I know it can be hard to pass one up but if you're not sure and don't feel that special link fully, I say wait and you'll eventually find the right one for you and Nick.

I agree with what Pandora said, follow your instinct. When we went to get fluffy from the Humane Society, I actually wasn't even all that interested in getting a cat, but my Husband was.

There was a really cute white kitty (I believe her name was Lily) - but when Mike picked up fluffy and she just sat with him, like she always had been, well .... you know the rest

Some time ago my Sister went to get a cat or dog, can't remember. Anyway, she had him or her for 1 night and she just was not happy with her decision and took it back the next day - she was then terribly broken up about it, thinking maybe she had made a mistake in taking it back.

Long story short she ended up with a really nice cat and later a really loveable doggie.

I guess what I am saying is that if you aren't sure then it's probably better to pass on this cat, lots of time to find one

[Flames9_RN 358]

We have 2 Siberians from a breeder and we didnt have first choice. only reason why we have Siberians are they are more allergy friendly, otherwise growing up we had cat from shelters, or they just appeared. 1 lady actually came up to my sister when she was in elementary school on recess and handed her a cat and walked away,lol So we ended up with another cat,lol When it comes to picking up a cat, one just sort of knows the "right" cat! Of course cats are sneaky--case in point----last year my dad came upon a cat at a shelter, he was soooo sad looking my dad totally fell for him. So he told my mother about him, she went and saw him and he was super lovey, he totally played into their weaknesses! But once They got him home, he never was, and still isn't a lovey cat,lol he is a happy guy, but not lovey

My female Siberian loves to be around you, and petted, but not picked up. The male Siberian is a typical tom cat, very lovey and can be vocal at times. I have always preferred male cats, as they seem to be more affectionate. Cats have soo many personalities!

Many of the animal shelters/rescues will want to see your lease. they don't want the animal going where they are not allowed, THEN having people bringing the animals back. Sort of a waste of their time and most people that work for them are volunteers! What you could do is get your landlord to write you a letter stating your allowed one cat, or allow the agency to call him and verify it, but a letter would probably be better. Best of luck

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Well thanks guys

After much debate and talking about the things you all wrote, Nick and I have decided that that kitty is not the one for us.

I just emailed the woman who has him and thanked her very much.

You are right, we didn't feel a connection with him and every cat that I've had before (I've had cats all my life) I've felt an instant connection with. We'll keep looking and hopefully find a sweet cat that is just right for us!

Thanks for all your help!!!

[Nagishkaw 510]

Comb your local shelter, Laura. They destroy cats daily and if only you could save just one, God will not only pick out the one He wants you to have, but the most perfect kittie for you and Nick! You will be greatly blessed! An older cat makes a wonderful pet. Mostly people want a younger one as we all know they are much cuter when they are kittens, so usually the older cats only crime that condemns them is that they are, well, older. Also, many times they were once someones pet who once knew love., and were turned in because the owner could no longer care for them.

[Mephys 2]

Yup good thing, follow your instinct.

I see maybe 40 cats everyday, and I can say there is only maybe 1-2 /week that I really feel a connection with, they have that little something that makes me like them more than the others, and I reallly love all the cats believe me.

If you didn't feel the connection, don't force yourself into just because it's free or a good deal, etc. Just go with what you feel about the cat. Don't worry other cats will come along, just keep looking around, they might not be so far!

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Thanks guys.

Nick and I both want to adopt an older cat, doesn't have to be a kitten because we know that so many older cats need homes.

We are going to go to the shelter tonight. Our landlord is writing us an approval letter today so we can show the shelter so, yay.

I'll let you guys know how it goes tonight!

[Nagishkaw 510]

Thanks guys.

Nick and I both want to adopt an older cat, doesn't have to be a kitten because we know that so many older cats need homes.

We are going to go to the shelter tonight. Our landlord is writing us an approval letter today so we can show the shelter so, yay.

I'll let you guys know how it goes tonight!

:dance:

This may sound a bit silly, but I just finished praying that God will guide you right to that purrrrrfect cat!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Ahh, Nick and Laura, that is so good. I am sorry that rescued stray didn't click with you but I love thta you are going t rescue a shelter cat. I hope you find the perfect cat - or maybe even a pair of cats to keep each other company.

Cats who have strayed or been abandoned often have a strong period of adjustment. They have been in survival mode and also got used to their niche in the outdoors. Being inside is a big change for them. That doesn't mean that they won't become affectionate, loving pets, just that there are some obstacles that need to be overcome. Going with your instincts is a good thing - that way the right cat will find you and you will find the right cat. I am also glad you are giving an older cat a home. Kittens are lovely, but they are cats far longer than they are kittens, so it is important that you want a cat. Older cats often lose their homes through no fault of their own - an owner dies, or moves and can't take them, and in this day and age, lose their homes and can't afford their pets anymore. It is sad.

I am sure you will find the right cat. Good luck.

[MissStacey 1]

Aw- I'm so glad this was the first thread I read today. It is so sweet and heartwarming.

Good luck at the shelter tonight and I hope you find the perfect new addition to your family.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Lau, I am sure you guys will be fine!!!! This is so sweet