Rescue Feature
MATURE IS THE NEW KITTEN
With many of us leading increasingly busy lives the idea of taking on a kitten is not always practical or appealing, however much we want a new feline companion in our lives.
Also, as none of us are as young as we once were, the long-term commitment to a kitten may present other worries. What if the kitten outlives us? Who will be willing to take him on when he is fully-grown and in his middle or later years?
Groups such as The Cinnamon Trust and the RSPCA are doing excellent work to highlight the need to future plan for our pets, as well as our human family, and ourselves - and this is all part of responsible pat ownership.
The benefits to both physical and mental health of pet ownership have been well documented and so, it seems, we should not put off the older pet owner, or those in poor health, but encourage them to make the best choices for both themselves and their new pets.
In many ways taking on an older cat can give peace of mind to many as we can sink happily into middle age, and older, with a cat that no longer insists on racing up the curtains, tripping us over on the stairs and constantly wanting to play with the knitting wool you are trying to turn into a tea cosy, or sit slap bang in the middle of the book you are trying to read. Not that older cats don’t have these endearing habits, and more, but they are not as busy or speedy as kittens.
Many insurers are also willing to offer policies for older rescue cats these days, thus easing another worry… that of an older cat being the bearer of ever increasing vet bills. Indeed the cat will have been fully checked over whilst at the rescue centre, so they will be able to advise on any existing or enduring health problems that a new owner would need to consider.
This month we are featuring some more of the cats looking for homes from groups with links to Cat Chat, many of them are ‘Senior Kittizens’ seeking new forever homes for a variety of reasons. Cat Chat brings together many rescue groups in one place, on the Internet, to make searching for your new feline companion a one stop experience.
MIKI
From Whinnybank Cat Sanctuary, Fife
Tel: 01337 840414
Miki is a 14 years old friendly, pure black female. She is looking for a new home, due to bereavement. “Hello peeps!
Miki’s the name, and I am usually quite a jolly cat, but just lately I’ve been feeling a bit down. You see, I have been at this cattery for a whole and I am not taking to it too well. The folks here have decided they need to try to find me a ‘forever home’ (not sure what that is... never had one of those before!) as soon as possible to make me smile again. I am described as “a petite cat with delicate mannerisms and habits... yes, even in the bathroom!”... sounds good eh? If you would like to adopt a cat, then I hope you will consider me. No young children or dogs please. A house with a garden is a must”.
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HOLLY
From Kirkby Cats Home, Notts
Tel: 07881 430387 or 01773 784586
Holly is a 9 years old black shorthaired female, she is neutered and microchipped. Poor Holly - a pet for 9 years, loved and adored, and then disaster struck; Holly’s owner had a baby, a happy occasion you would think. Well not for Holly. She became another victim of the line of thought that thinks cats and babies don’t mix. Holly was deposited at the rescue to try and find another home at the age of 9. Holly is healthy, she is also bewildered and upset, but then who wouldn’t be if they were uprooted from their long term home and dumped in a strange place? Holly is friendly and affectionate and desperate for attention, a nice comfy bed, a warm house and a knee to sit on in the evenings. Historically black cats are reputed to have magical powers and be lucky. Well, maybe if you are kind enough to offer Holly a place in your pad then good luck will come your way. You could always try letting her choose the lottery numbers!
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IZZIE
From Kingsdown Cat Sanctuary, Nr Deal, Kent
Tel: 01304 363071
Izzie spent all her life being pampered when, sadly, her owner had to give her up through ill health.
Izzie is a dear little cat and quite timid, so would suit an older person, and live as a house cat.
If you have a nice calm, caring home in the south east, sweet natured Izzie would dearly love the chance of a real home again. |
ROLO
From Cat Action Trust 1977, Shaw Branch, Lancs Tel: 01706 838820
Rolo is a wonderful, affectionate, mature gentleman who needs a special home. Rolo is a loving, vocal cat who is boisterous and will need access to a secure garden. He is very forward with other cats, which can cause issues, so would be ideally suited to either a single cat household or to a household with chilled out cats who can manage his outgoing character. He does have a peculiar walk which we believe is due to his lack of a tail! Rolo needs a loving family who will monitor his specific dietary needs and keep up with his regular grooming. |
O’MALLEY
From Pawz For Thought, Sunderland
Tel: 0191 567 5194
Hello, my name is O’Malley, and I am looking for a loving home. I am 6 years old and am FIV positive, so need an indoor home. I am a big character as you can see from my photo and I need a home of my own without other cats as I crave human company. I will be a very special cat to someone who will open their heart and their home to me. I was living rough before being rescued, so was very unkempt and dirty at first, but now my fur is soft and clean. I love company and attention but will give affectionate nips if stroked longer than I think is acceptable, firm but gentle, just so you know I am boss!
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POPS
From RSPCA Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone, Kent
Tel: 01622 682857
Pops is a 14 or 15 years old shorthaired tabby and white male. He was taken into Mote Park vets as a stray and was very thin when first taken in. He has now been fed up and is a healthy lad with a healthy appetite.
Pops would be best homed with a family with no other pets or young children, as he can be a bit grumpy at times (well, he is getting on in his years!), but he is still a lovely lad. Pops is getting on in years and really deserves some comfort in his retirement years. |
BLOSSOM
From Clacton Animal Aid, Essex
Tel: 01255 860062
Blossom is a sweet natured girl who is about 10 years old. She loves a fuss and likes nothing better than to sit on your lap.
Her greatest wish is to find a kind family to take care of her and if your greatest wish is to find a cat to sit and relax with, then Blossom maybe just the one for you. |
TOOTSY
From Freshfields Animal Rescue, Caernarfon, Wales
Tel: 01286 880808
Tootsy is a 10 years old deaf female with no teeth!! She is a dear little cat and is very sweet natured. Tootsy is used to other cats. He owner moved house and left the cats behind for the new owner who neglected them.
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THOMAS
From Animal Accident Rescue Unit, Nottingham
Tel: 0115 920 5172
Thomas has maintained his gentlemanly cat-itude since arriving at his fosterers’ house. He had a very tough life as a long-term stray, finding good where he could, trying to keep warm on thos really freezing nights, but despite all that, he has the most dignified, proud and gentle nature. Thomas really appreciates the care and warmth of his temporary home. Apparently he looked around when he first got there, as if he couldn’t believe his luck.
Heating, food, a bed and, best of all, someone to stroke him - he thought all his birthdays had arrived at once! His fosterer has spent time combing his lovely, long coat and getting rid of all the knots in it. Thomas is very tolerant of this and is so thankful he doesn’t have to try and do it himself! His needs are simple - a quiet night on the sofa sitting on a lap. He is learning how to play and is partial to a nice bit of string. Thomas doesn’t expect fancy expensive toys, as he’s never had them. Thomas is a dreamboat of a cat, playful and alert.
The only minor issue a new owner needs to be aware of is that Thomas now needs to take heart tablets for the rest of his life. But please don’t let this put you off. The treatment isn’t expensive and the condition is under control. Thomas is around 13 years old and now just needs a loving home for his senior years. |
* Full details of all these cats, and many others, can be found at www.catchat.org , as well as details on volunteering and helping either Cat Chat or a group local to you. Just visit the group’s Cat Chat page and you’ll find contact details for a wide range of groups the length and breadth of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By SHEENA STRATTON
Following on from last month’s rescue feature on Cat Chat we are looking to establish a rescue column as a regular, monthly part of OUR CATS.
If you run, or know of, a rescue group who would like to be featured in future editions of OUR CATS please contact Sheena Stratton via petreporter@aol.com or telephone Nick Mays, Editor, ourcatseditor@aol.com 01302325079
We are keen to feature groups from all over the UK, and also hope to do ‘Special Reports’ featuring specific groups of cats e.g. FIV cats, Ferals, Pedigree Rescues, Special Needs Cats etc, so there is space for everyone, however big or small your group is.
If you have any ideas on how to establish and improve this coverage we’d love to hear from you.
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