To adopt a cat or no?

[livingfortoday]

So, I have a question for ya'll. I was at Petsmart the other night, and they have a section of the store where animal shelters can put up cats they have for adoption. There was one cat, a big fat furry fella who was nearly 12 years old, who was given to the shelter because his owner had to go to a nursing home. And the thought that a life-long companion of somebody got taken away from them, and stuck in a metal cage where he would spend the rest of his days just broke my heart.

Now, I've had numerous cats through the years, but am currently living in a studio apartment on the second floor of a building with no easy outside access. So I really can't have a cat that would wanna go outside or would need lots of room to run around.

So here's my question. I think we can all agree that the cat in question, and in fact any of the cats up for adoption would be happier in my crappy studio than a metal cage. Since they're older cats, and people tend to go for kittens (to avoid behavioral problems, plus they're cuter), it may be a long time until these cats get adopted, if ever. Uh, so, the question is, should I get one of these cats? It's certainly not an ideal situation for them to be in at my place, but again, when the odds are against them the way they are...

Also, I'm fairly certain Illinois doesn't have no-kill laws, right? I know when I lived in Florida they did, but not here, I think. So these cats could end up dead, also. Hmm.

What would you do?

[Unorthodox]

Go for it.
Kitty cat only has 2-6 years left anyways.

Meow.


Fun fact: Did you know that the word ***** is censored?
I can't say ***** cat!
I'm outraged!

[livingfortoday]

Fun fact: Did you know that the word ***** is censored?
I can't say ***** cat!
I'm outraged!

Really? *****! ***** cat!

Wow, check that out, you're right!

[ChrisWB]

If the cat belonged to an elderly person it probably never went outside. In fact, it is unhealthy for cats to go outside in the city.

[Xander562]

I know what you mean livingfortoday, I passed by the adoption section at my local pet shop the other day and couldn't help just going, "awwwww....." :o.

As long as we're on the subject of cats, check this out.

LINKY (www.kittenwars.com)

[livingfortoday]

As long as we're on the subject of cats, check this out.

LINKY (www.kittenwars.com)

This is my old cat from Miami on there:
http://kittenwar.com/kittens/43528/

That photo is from when I found him on the street. Starving, with fleas and mites, and generally in really bad shape. He grew to become the most insane cat I have ever owned. Sadly, he ran away from the girl that was catsitting him when I was out of town about a year after I first found him.

[Frisco]

Get the kitty! You'll both be happier for doing so.

[Hummer]

Adopt the *****, make him happy.

[Lau]

Two friends of mine have had two cats, and have made a point of only taking older cats from animal shelters who were house cats in the first place. I think this is a good way to go — it's great for the cats to get a nice home assuming that they won't want to go outside. They took their current cat back to my friend's parents' house, and tried to show her the outside, but she hated it and ran back inside, so I think she's happy in their flat. :D

[livingfortoday]

Well, the consensus seems to be to go with the cat. Can one of the people who voted against it or for the fish maybe lemme know why they think I shouldn't get a cat? Just curious.

[Warbrain]

Adopt the cat. It's a shame that the cat couldn't continue living with it's owner. I have one cat now that was give to me by my brother since he couldn't take care of it anymore. She was only a year old at best when we first got her, but I don't think I could live without her anymore. I love her to death.

[plinkoman]

don't downplay the benefit of your apartment for the cat. it is 12 years old, lost it's life long companion, is trapped in a metal cage all day, and will probably be killed if no one adopts it. It's life sucks right now; having a loving owner and the freedom of an apartment(even a small one) instead of a cage will do wonders for it. Let it live out it's last few years in happiness.

[WildCowboy]

Absolutely get the cat. As you and others have pointed out, it's not likely to be adopted quickly. As good as the folks at the animal shelter or SPCA are, the cat will be better off with its home and someone to call its own. And yes, indoor cats can be quite happy, and they live more than twice as long as outdoor cats.

Be sure to post pics so that us cat lovers can ooh and aah! :D

[livingfortoday]

Alright, the yea's have it. I'll get the cat tomorrow evening if I can make it, or Tuesday.

So... anyone in the Chicago area have a spare litterbox/litter they don't need? Or any cat toys or scratching posts? Eh?

[bousozoku]

Chinese food is always good. Cats always make good (fake) beef. :D

[it5five]

This is my old cat from Miami on there:
http://kittenwar.com/kittens/43528/

That photo is from when I found him on the street. Starving, with fleas and mites, and generally in really bad shape. He grew to become the most insane cat I have ever owned. Sadly, he ran away from the girl that was catsitting him when I was out of town about a year after I first found him.

Me and my girlfriend did the same sort of thing for a cat we found. We found it roaming around the desert. It just ran up to us meowing, really really skinny and his fur a tangled mess, so we took it home. It liked being outdoors, so we never brought it inside (unless it was raining). We had him for about a year or so. He gained a lot of weight (couldn't see it's spine anymore), and his coat got really nice. One day though, we didn't see him anymore. He probably left the safety of the gated back yard one night and ran into a coyote. It was the saddest day of my life when I had to tell myself he was never coming back. :(

Post pictures of the kitty when you get it.

[MACDRIVE]

I adopted a cat from the Fresno SPCA about four years ago....I only had to pay $50 for her....if you offered me a billion dollars for her....I would turn you down in a millisecond. Yes you're right, I feel very strongly about cats; in my eyes and in my heart, they are perfect.

livingfortoday, the most important thing to offer a cat or any animal that is in need of a home, is to give them love. An endless flowing supply of love is what they need the most; and if you're the right person, which I think you are, that will be easy for you. :)

[Leareth]

Adopt the cat, the shelter might be so happy that someone took an "unadoptable" cat that they might waive the fees altogether.
at 12 years age the cat is mature but still has a few good years left, just no rough play and make sure the teeth are good.

As for the studio apartment space, it will be more than enough as long as the cat has an area where it can be alone, like a little tent-cave etc. and a window to look out of. maybe get is cat grass once in a while.

[Lollypop]

i would addopt the cat as well, at that age they dont really run around a lot, and will spend most of the day sleeping. :rolleyes:

If you get ***** please post some pics!

Just as a side note, my cats name is actually *****... :eek:

[takao]

i guess the cat has still some years ahead of her... our cat is actually 17 years old but she isn't as big

[jlcharles]

My wife and I adopted two kittens from a shelter working with the Petsmart in my area. We would have gotten older cats, but seeing as we have a rabbit, we were afraid an older cat would think dinner time. I think this is a Petsmart policy, but they may adopt out two cats for the price of one if you are interested.

Do it.

[Cybergypsy]

I am doing the same thing....open up your heart,,,,

[techound1]

Where are the pics of the cat???

[quigleybc]

We adopted billiethecat <- avatar, and it was the best thing we ever did...!!

pets are important and can seriously improve your life.

Don't even hesitate.

[quigleybc]

Chinese food is always good. Cats always make good (fake) beef. :D



not funny :rolleyes:

[decksnap]

The SPCAs usually have some info on the cat. Like, 'is it an indoor or outdoor cat?' would be an obvious piece of info they should have. I would suggest that if it is an outdoor cat, you either make it your good-deed crusade to find it a home, or you take it home with you with the hope and intention of eventually finding it a home where it can roam. Anything is better than leaving it there of course.

[mpw]

I've only ever had two pussies and both we're relatively old when I had them. Sure most people like young pussies but they can be too excitable and a bit of a handful, the old pussies I've had we're just happy to lay there and let me stoke them all evening.

[Counterfit]

Booooo! :rolleyes:


And the thought that a life-long companion of somebody got taken away from them, and stuck in a metal cage where he would spend the rest of his days just broke my heart.
Are you talking about the cat or the old guy? ;)

[p0intblank]

Definitely get the cat! :) It seems like you made up your mind, so you know what comes next... pictures!!!

[Cube54]

I agree!!

Go for it livingfortoday. But I admit to being a biased long-term cat lover.

I would like to rant (:mad: ) about the mean family members who let this cat go up for adoption rather than keep it on behalf of the owner who moved into the resthome. But I won't .....yet. :rolleyes:

And yes do post pictures if you can.

Enjoy your new pet :D

[Cube54]

I've only ever had two pussies and both we're relatively old when I had them. Sure most people like young pussies but they can be too excitable and a bit of a handful, the old pussies I've had we're just happy to lay there and let me stoke them all evening.

Isn't this topic about cats???? :confused: :D

[livingfortoday]

Where are the pics of the cat???

I'm workin' on it! I went to Target today and got a litter box and a food/water bowl combo and some litter. Gonna go tonight to get some organic cat food for older cats from the grocery store near my house. Gotta cat-proof this place before tomorrow. And yes, in the morning, I'm gonna go adopt him. Or, if he's been taken, another cat with an equally sad back story.

[Cube54]

I'm workin' on it! I went to Target today and got a litter box and a food/water bowl combo and some litter. Gonna go tonight to get some organic cat food for older cats from the grocery store near my house. Gotta cat-proof this place before tomorrow. And yes, in the morning, I'm gonna go adopt him. Or, if he's been taken, another cat with an equally sad back story.

Phone and put the cat on hold for you & I mean right now! They will. Tomorrow morning could mean 'something else'.

Like I said I love cats

[OnceUGoMac]

I got my cat Tom from Petsmart a couple of months back. He's the greatest cat ever. I say do it.

[livingfortoday]

Okay, I went down to Petsmart today and played with the cats and filled out an adoption application. The cat I was talking about earlier has an "adoption pending" sign on his cage, so that's good. Hopefully he'll get a good home. I still put him down as my third choice on which cat I'd like to get. My first choice is a 9 year old orange short-hair whose story is even more tragic, to the point that I'm almost suspicious that they're making them up. Apparently his owners froze to death last year (according to the info sheet). So yeah. i put him as #1. #2 is a big 10 year old tannish poofball cat named "Winter".

I snagged photos of them in there with my cameraphone, but I have to email the pictures to myself, so when they get to my inbox, I'll post 'em here. I'll have to wait a few days to see if my application gets accepted, but I'll keep you all informed.

Thanks for all the support so far!

[Cube54]

Sounds great, look forward to seeing the pictures. :)

But what's with the 'application gets accepted' business & it takes a few days. What more could they possibly want than a willing pet owner? :confused:

[WildCowboy]

But what's with the 'application gets accepted' business & it takes a few days. What more could they possibly want than a willing pet owner? :confused:

At the SPCA here in San Francisco, there's is a whole application and interview process to ensure that you understand what you're getting into and you have the means to provide for your animal. They don't want the animals to end up neglected or being abandoned or returned to them.

[livingfortoday]

But what's with the 'application gets accepted' business & it takes a few days. What more could they possibly want than a willing pet owner? :confused:

It's a four-page application that you submit, including your living info, some standard questions about things like "What would you do with the pet if you moved?" and "Some pets need more than a month to adjust to their surroundings. Will you be able to accommodate that?" or something along those lines. There's also a "past pet" section, as well as references you have to provide. It's good, because it helps them screen out potentially bad owners, but it's bad for me since I already poured out litter in the box thinking I was getting a cat today!

[Cube54]

Thanks for the info. I understand it better now. As far as I know nothing like that goes on where I live. Perhaps it should.

P.S. I hope you remembered to buy a 'Scratching Post' you're gonna want one. :) And some catnip too! Works wonders when it gets a little stressed. :D

[techound1]

I already poured out litter in the box thinking I was getting a cat today!

I'm in waiting agony with you, Alex! :p

[decksnap]

And some catnip too! Works wonders when it gets a little stressed. :D

I guess it depends on the cat. Catnip makes my cat surly and violent. Kitties don't need drugs! :)

[Cube54]

I guess it depends on the cat. Catnip makes my cat surly and violent. Kitties don't need drugs! :)


True but the cat is 9 years old and will be stressed after the move, as it appears to have been where it is since last year. But don't give it very much.

My cats love the stuff . Just a little sprinkled on the scratching post works wonders.

[Counterfit]

But I won't .....yet. :rolleyes:
Good, because you don't know if they were even able to.

[techound1]

Love your 'tar counterfit. How'd you get a pic of my cat?? :p :D :D

[Cube54]

Beware Counterfit ! I train my cats properly in all ways :cool:

I don't qualify for an Av yet but do click my public profile :D

[joepunk]

Really? *****! ***** cat!

Wow, check that out, you're right!
Don't know why but it took me a few minutes to figure out what you were typing :o

***** cat

[macartistkel]

don't downplay the benefit of your apartment for the cat. it is 12 years old, lost it's life long companion, is trapped in a metal cage all day, and will probably be killed if no one adopts it. It's life sucks right now; having a loving owner and the freedom of an apartment(even a small one) instead of a cage will do wonders for it. Let it live out it's last few years in happiness.

YES, get the kitty!! OMG, how sad, I could cry right now. I am the BIGGEST cat lover and my heart goes out to this little thing. Cats are SOOO emotional and this ordeal has probably broken its heart. It would love you to adopt it!! :)

I understand your situation...I have a small apartment and I sometimes feel like my cat is miserable because I am gone all day at work. But she sticks with me cause she loves me no matter what!! Hopefully I will have a bigger place with a yard soon for her!!

[livingfortoday]

Well, I went to some more adoption places today, since my application for the other cats was apparently denied. I don't have enough income, it seems.

This is the kitty that will most likely be coming home with me tomorrow, if the girlthing approves:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b236/livingfortoday2/IL40.jpg

I didn't take that picture, it's from her online profile. I'll get more photos when/if she comes home with me. The cat is very overweight, though it doesn't show it in the picture. So much, in fact, that I will have to wipe its butt, since she cannot reach. Dang. It's a "special needs" cat, and will need a special diet as well. She's 9 years old, I believe.

[Leareth]

Any updates on the feline acquiring situation?

[bowens]

Go for it.
Kitty cat only has 2-6 years left anyways.

Meow.


Fun fact: Did you know that the word ***** is censored?
I can't say ***** cat!
I'm outraged!

Let's try. ***** cat. Wow, that's crazy.

[livingfortoday]

Any updates on the feline acquiring situation?

Yeah, I went in yesterday, and she'd been throwing up and was under observance by their in-house vet, so I couldn't take her home. If she's not better today or tomorrow I'll have to wait until Wednesday when they're open again. Here's the link to the shelter's page, btw:

http://www.treehouseanimals.org/

[Leareth]

Update on the cat situation please...with pics...:)

[MACDRIVE]

WARNING !!!

Do not start your cats on Fancy Feast - Cod, Sole & Shrimp Feast. You will regret it.

They will wake you up at 4:00AM to feed them. :eek:

http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/129051.gif

[xJulianx]

I want one!:(

[livingfortoday]

Update on the cat situation please...with pics...:)

I am calling the shelter tomorrow as soon as they open (noon) to see how the cat is doing. Her name is Princess Leia, btw. :) I figure I'll just call her Leia. If she's ok, and they clear her to be adopted, I'll take her home that afternoon. I've got the litter box sitting in the corner for over a week now, somebody'd better use it!

[livingfortoday]

Apparently she's still under observation, and they will call me next Tuesday to let me know if I can come get her. If I can't because it turns out she has some serious medical problems they didn't know about before, I'm going to get a shy little black cat named Grant instead. They wouldn't let me take him home when I first went, since they don't let people adopt black or white cats in October.

[FFTT]

I am in the process of trying to find good homes for several cats and 4 kittens.

Ages ranging from 9 weeks to 2 years.

We have 14 in all and while we do our best to take care of them, I know that
they will be better off in a home where they are someone's one and only special friend.

Our priority is to find homes for the 9 week old kittens and three young males.

All our adult females are finally spayed.

Anyone interested and living in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, please PM me.

[n8236]

I adopted my cat (Bubbles) a little less than 2 yrs ago and it's been the best thing that's ever happened to us. I used to have cats in China, but when I immigrated to the US, our family was w/o a pet for over 18 yrs until now. I first saw Bubbles at my friend's place, she was apparently one of the volunteers at her local SPCA. Bubbles at the time was only a month or so old, she was ADORABLE!

Pets help alleviate stress and help people become happier. You can't go wrong.

[viccles]

WARNING !!!

Do not start your cats on Fancy Feast - Cod, Sole & Shrimp Feast. You will regret it.

They will wake you up at 4:00AM to feed them. :eek:

http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/129051.gif


My cat eats Fancy Feast and she's the same way! :eek: I didn't realise that you had to have a certain amount of income to adopt pets. I have adopted two cats from the pound. My first one was 5 years old and she lived for another 5 years after we adopted her (She had a lot of health problems and would have died if she had been left at the pound) My second cat I've had for 5 years now and she's 6. I cannot tell you how much I love my cat.

Picture

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/viccles/mepud.jpg

[viccles]

WARNING !!!

Do not start your cats on Fancy Feast - Cod, Sole & Shrimp Feast. You will regret it.

They will wake you up at 4:00AM to feed them. :eek:

http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/129051.gif


My cat eats Fancy Feast and she's the same way! :eek: I didn't realise that you had to have a certain amount of income to adopt pets. I have adopted two cats from the pound. My first one was 5 years old and she lived for another 5 years after we adopted her (She had a lot of health problems and would have died if she had been left at the pound) My second cat I've had for 5 years now and she's 6. I cannot tell you how much I love my cat.

Picture

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/viccles/mepud.jpg

[viccles]

WARNING !!!

Do not start your cats on Fancy Feast - Cod, Sole & Shrimp Feast. You will regret it.

They will wake you up at 4:00AM to feed them. :eek:

http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/129051.gif


My cat eats Fancy Feast and she's the same way! :eek: I didn't realise that you had to have a certain amount of income to adopt pets. I have adopted two cats from the pound. My first one was 5 years old and she lived for another 5 years after we adopted her (She had a lot of health problems and would have died if she had been left at the pound) My second cat I've had for 5 years now and she's 6. I cannot tell you how much I love my cat.

Picture

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/viccles/mepud.jpg

[livingfortoday]

Well, I just gave a much-delayed update on my Powerbook thread, so I figured I should update this one as well. I have yet to get Leia, to my utter embarrassment. I was going to pick her up that first weekend, and ran out and bought a litter box, litter, and even cat food:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b236/livingfortoday2/catthings.jpg

But she was sick, as noted earlier in the thread. It took a MONTH for them to clear her for adoption, since they didn't want a recovering cat to be in the shock of a new environment and relapse. But I've had to further delay getting her, since I will be out of town for three weeks in December. No one I know in Chicago would take her in, and without leaving my gas-burning room heater on all the time (I don't even trust it when I'm IN the room), it seemed like it wouldn't be a good idea to leave her here alone in the cold. Plus, no one I knew was willing to clean the litterbox AND her every day (she is a "special-needs" cat).

*sigh*

I figured that since she was in a shelter that's basically a big house, where the cats wander free with a loving staff (no cages at all), she'd do better to stay there another month than be in a crappy environment all month without me around.

In early January, though, I am going to go get her. Yay! And honestly, since I've started this thread I've been really excited about the prospect of having another cat! They're great companions, and just the thought of having her around has really psyched me.

So, thanks again to all your support and suggestions, and thanks to all who helped me out in the Marketplace. I will felt you were entitled to an update and an explanation.