Thoughts on missing cats at Christmas ....

[Crewella]

*I started this as a reply on the 'Cats and Christmas Trees' thread, but didn't want to take over so I thought I had better start a new thread. I hope nobody minds me saying this, I know for a lot of you I'm preaching to the converted.*

Mark, I really don't want to bring things 'down', but I just wanted to say how lovely it is that you're posting cute videos of Ingrid demolishing your Christmas tree. I know that you, along with several of us on here who have been through similar, had a tough year after losing first Alice and then Laz, and I know you won't have forgotten them, but it's wonderful to see that two youngsters (as well as Dom, I still think of Dom as a recent addition!) who had a rotten start in life are now enjoying the love and care that I know you lavish on all your cats.

I'm missing Peaches and Minnie, and poor Pugwash and Greebo who didn't get to stay with us all that long, but am taking pleasure in seeing my recent addition, old boy Paddington, enjoying his warm comfy bed and regular meals. I know that this will be his first 'happy Christmas' in a very long time and he very nearly didn't get to see Christmas at all - it's lovely to see him happy.

For anyone else missing a cat or cats gone to Rainbow Bridge, I just wanted to say that I know how painful it is, and I know you will never replace the furry that held such a place in your heart, but if you can find the strength please do consider taking on another cat - a homeless cat that needs your love and care. You would be doing a wonderful thing for that cat, but also it does help to fill the cat-shaped hole in your life, and it helps to focus on something that needs you. I know it helps me, and I'm sure that the cats I've lost would understand and approve of my offering 'their' space to another needy cat.

Instead of being lonely and sad this Christmas, you could be the answer to some poor, lonely, hungry cat's prayers.

[MarkB]

Hear Hear Helen,

I have always said the other cats and taking on newbies is what has always got us through here. Sadly, Christmas time is when I always think of Willow. She had CRD and only lasted a matter of months - I think it was because she was always a tiny cat and never weighed more than 2.5kg - she had no reserves. Anyway, I will have to dig the photo out. but she was going downhill around this time and barely eating. Apart from syringe feeding, the last thing she ate was when she jumped on the table and swiped a piece of turkey off my plate Xmas day 2009, we had to let her go on 2nd Jan 2010. I had the camera handy

Anyway, back to the point - I agree that we can never replace them, but there are plenty more out there that want and need what we were able to give our other cats.

Which reminds me, I think I am going to be coerced into taking in a cat for Sharon over xmas - I am dreading it as we get so attached. She is at the vet with nowhere to go at the moment.

[Crewella]

No, you never do forget, do you. And I wouldn't want to. xx

Uh oh, it really is hard to let them go again, and even harder to say 'no'. But bless you for being coerce-able!

[MarkB]

I am holding on in case something else comes up for the cat. I would rather not, as I always feel guilty and feel like I am spreading myself thinly as it is. Maybe just the mood I am in. It was 2 years last weekend since we lost Alice too, so maybe that doesn't help. She was the first cat that started in the attic!

Not the photo I was looking for, but I found a dodgy video of Willow eating Gourmet Gold with Renalzin mixed in! in Willow style http://vid305.photobucket.com/albums/nn ... I_2640.mp4

[Crewella]

Oh bless her - what a dainty little madam she was!

[MarkB]

She used to make such a meal out of a meal!

She would only ever eat 3 or 4 kibbles at a time, but ate round the clock.

Once when the vet was telling me off about Kylie's weight, he said I needed to put food out for 10 minutes and then remove it. I said Willow would starve to death! - I ignored his advice.

Sorry Helen, I am going off track on your important message.

[Crewella]

No, it's fine Mark. That was such a sweet video, and it's just as important to honour the cats that we miss. For that reason, I just dug up this clip of Peaches creeping up on her beloved Daz on our first summer here, not long before we lost her to the road. It's lovely to remember them as they were.

http://vid35.photobucket.com/albums/d15 ... 0265-1.mp4

[MarySkater]

Having been without a cat for 8 months, today I brought home two from the RSPCA. They're still finding their way around, but as they've been in care for 4 months, I hope they'll find Christmas more interesting than it might have been. As for me, I'll be cleaning up the ginger fluff which the semi-longhair tortie is leaving all over the place Fortunately she's tolerant of being combed, so in time I hope to get her coat a little more under control.

Mary

[Crewella]

Oh Mary that's wonderful! Congrats on your new additions, and I wish you all a very happy Christmas together! When you get the time, please do post pics and let us know how they're settling in.

[MarySkater]

Thanks, Crewella. No photos yet, I'll let them settle a bit first, and maybe try to get them by a window so I can take pictures without flash.

Background info is sketchy. Apparently the owner has been hospitalised, probably permanently. A neighbour had been feeding them, and the inspector never saw the owner, but the notes say "poor home - neglected." They're thought to be about 6 years old, and believed to have been mostly indoors. RSPCA Carlisle don't have an animal centre, so they've been lodged in a commercial cattery. Obviously they've been cared for there, but they've got a bit more space with me, even while I'm keeping them in. The tortie is Bridie, she's outgoing and friendly. The B/W is Rocky. He's more timid. I could stroke him in the cattery, but once I had him home, he lurked behind the sofa for several hours before coming out for a look around. He looks at me rather nervously, and I'm not forcing contact, just letting him take his time and get comfortable.

I've ordered a cat tower for them - hope it arrives before Christmas.

Mary

PS - my avatar photo is of the two cats I used to have. When I can get a nice picture of the new ones, I'll update it, but of course I won't be forgetting my matched pair of tuxedo cats.

[bobbys girl]

That's a lovely little film. They are so nice to keep. I am glad I took some of my babies playing.

Our local rescue centre has closed it's doors to folks wanting cats/dogs over the Christmas period. Good idea really, there are far too many pets given as gifts over Christmas and, unlike the decorations, you can't put them back in the box when it's all over.

[Kay]

giving a homeless cat a home is, I have always thought, a good and unselfish thing to do, even if you do not really want a cat, or another cat - it always bothers me a bit when anyone who has lost a cat says they couldn't think of having another, when there are so many living hand to paw out there

subsequent bonding is of course a bonus

good luck with your early Christmas presents, Mary - I suspect the moulting is at least partly due to the unseasonably mild weather - my Tiffany is currently shedding clumps of ginger fluff everywhere, which she certainly wasn't doing a month ago

I rather hope rescues don't apply a blanket shut down over Christmas as a quiet household where potential owners are working might find the Christmas period, when they have time off work, a good time to bed in a new cat

[Crewella]

I'm glad they seem to be settling in well, Mary. I've noticed your pair of tuxedos in your avatar before - it's a really great pic, eyecatching.

That's a good point, Sue - our rescue won't rehome over the Christmas period either. Officially. Funnily enough, my very first contact with them was a few years ago when my oldies were reaching their late teens and I'd started to lose them. I was looking to adopt a couple of older cats that were sociable and good with other cats, and the rescue had a pair that were over 10 and from a multi-cat household that they'd had for months. We had no plans for Christmas, and it made sense to settle them in whilst I was off work and at home, so they actually were happy to let me collect them on Christmas eve!

[Crewella]

We cross-posted, Kay, but I agree. It was their willingness to be flexible, and the fact that the lady put the cats first and wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to home a couple of cats that were desperate for a chance (and to an experienced home) just because of the date, that impressed me about the rescue and made me want to get more involved.

[MarkB]

Congratulations Mary. Not only will they have a better Christmas than they would have done, so will you, I'm sure

Helen - those videos are great so have, but sometimes sad to watch too. I have one of Alice that gets me every time. I will have to dig it out. There is a sad-sounding song on the radio in the background. She is purring like a tractor. I say something to her and she chirrups back at me - gets me every time

I know Sharon at CP had a general rule of not rehoming over Christmas, to avoid cats/kittens being given as thoughtless presents - not to mention them being brought into homes with lots of noise with people coming and going - she was always willing to rehome to the right people over xmas though. I remember one didn't work out. Sharon was willing to bend the rules after a couple who were both teachers wanted to adopt kittens. They assured her that they would be home alone over the holiday and they were both off work for two weeks. The woman said she wanted one of the two 12 week old kittens that were in care. Sharon said that she rarely rehomed young kitten singly. Only in pairs, or a single kitten with mum. The woman agreed to take two. we pulled the stops out and I did the homecheck on xmas eve, despite not being well. No sooner had I gone in the house and the woman said she had changed her mind and only wanted the one, I told her it wasn't going to happen. She got really stroppy and literally escorted me to the door

Another one was a call that I will never forget. A man wanted to know if we had any kittens. I said I didn't know which cats or kittens we had in, but I would pass his details onto Sharon. He said what he really wanted was a white kitten and did we deliver on christmas day!!! - I told him, it was unlikley we had a white kitten and even if we did, we wouldn't home it over xmas and additionally, we were volunteers who wanted to be at home on xmas day ourselves! - he said - "Well you want homes for these cats, you might do better if you put yourselves out a bit" - I humoured him and said if his little girl wanted a kitten, we could arrange a homecheck and maybe there would be a kitten in the new year. He told me to forget it as his plan was to give his little girl a white kitten on christmas day as she would have loved it and it would have been a nice cheap present.

That has to be the classic.

PS - The cat Sharon has told me about probably isn't ready for homing yet. She has bald patches due to having a flea allergy and she was pulling her fur out. She has been given advocate and a course of ABsand is likely to need more. Canterbury CP have no space, although they have said that she would be at the top of the list for rehoming in the new year. Sharon is in the process of speaking to the RDM (in charge of Kent and East Sussex) to agree to pay for any vet bills. I will get an update. I am seeing Sharon on Sunday week (we are going to see Star Wars ) but something needs sorting before then. PS - Sharon has given her the rather unfortunate name of Cinderella. I usually keep rescue cats names, but would definitely change this one!

[Crewella]

Oh good grief ..... some people ..........

Poor 'Cinders' sounds like she's had a rough time of it - I'm sure you'd be the best thing to have happened to her in a long time ...... no pressure......

I'm not keen on the name either - perhaps call her the Russian version, Zalushka!

[MarkB]

Or Cenerentola (Italian)

Even Cindy crossed my mind


Nah

PS - I know this isn't the right place to make the announcement, BUT, Kylie did TWO perfectly normal poos today - probably the first time in 2 years - she is even having a wash as I type. Considering that 2 months ago or so, I thought we were going to lose her...

[Crewella]

Mebbe Cindy as in Crawford! Mebbe not ..... as you say ..... nah!

Great news on Kylie ..... perhaps it counts as a Yule Log?

[booktigger]

giving a homeless cat a home is, I have always thought, a good and unselfish thing to do, even if you do not really want a cat, or another cat - it always bothers me a bit when anyone who has lost a cat says they couldn't think of having another, when there are so many living hand to paw out there

subsequent bonding is of course a bonus

good luck with your early Christmas presents, Mary - I suspect the moulting is at least partly due to the unseasonably mild weather - my Tiffany is currently shedding clumps of ginger fluff everywhere, which she certainly wasn't doing a month ago

I rather hope rescues don't apply a blanket shut down over Christmas as a quiet household where potential owners are working might find the Christmas period, when they have time off work, a good time to bed in a new cat

While giving a cat a home is a fantastic thing, it isn't if you do not really want a cat. If people don't feel it's right, they might not get the attention they deserve.

Last year I had someone wanting to reserve a kitten to pick up on Christmas Eve as a surprise present for her daughter!

I'm going to the rescue Buster was from on Sunday looking at cats, torn between the oldies that might not get a home, or slightly younger that have been waiting over a year

[MarkB]

I know what you mean Desley. After Alice needing so much care and then Laz straight after, Nicola at Izzy's rescue said it might be an idea for us to get a couple of youngsters that didn't need constant care as we had 'paid our dues' - I saw her point, but wasn't sure what to do. As it turned out, fate stepped in and brought Ingrid and Kasper to us.

Helen - Love the yule log comment - I was seriously tempted to take a photo

[Cussypat1974]

Lovely thread...... I miss so many, especially this year. Ali and Shakey should be here (they were poisoned). Others gone, but not so unexpectedly. i won't be taking any in as have many here already and am still worried about poisonings to be honest (although I think it has been sorted). i am basically done rescuing cats, although would never walk or drive past one in need, obviously! i will find other ways to help them.

[MarySkater]

My new "Home for Christmas" cats, just over a day after I brought them here.

Rocky enjoying the fire:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/13429023@ ... ed-public/

Bridie enjoying the sofa:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/13429023@ ... ed-public/

Now I just need them to pose together. Right now they're chasing each other up and down the stairs. (Must make a nice change for them after 4 months in a cattery pen...)

Mary

[Mayday21]

Hi Mary Rocky & Bridie certainly look at home. And yes they probably can't believe they have so much space up, down & around. While they are going to have a fabulous Xmas I'm sure you will too with these fur babes.

I'm off to visit Deb at Little Paws Kitten Rescue this morning. Deb has around 20 cats with her& I need a feline fix with a like minded person.

My house is so quiet - take care & hugs to you, a Rocky & Bridie.

Vivian

[MarySkater]

Thanks, Vivian. Enjoy your furry purry Christmas!
Mary

[Crewella]

Oh Mary they're beautiful - you've got yourself a real couple of stunners there. And they have the best Christmas present ever!

I know there are several faces you'll be missing this year Cathering. (((hugs)))

I hope you had a 'catisfactory' visit, Vivian!

It is a tough decision, Desley, but a nice one. I hope all goes well on Sunday, please do let us know how it turns out.

[booktigger]

The other problem I have is I really want a female this time as the last few males have all been sprayers and fighters, they have a perfect cat, 12+, black, been waiting for over a year, but male! He appeals more than the 16yo.

[Crewella]

Oooooh I know just how you feel, it's a difficult one. We did have a 'space' here after we lost first Peaches and then old Minnie and I really did want to take on another female as we only have Grumpy Nellie now, though the boys Merrick, Daz and Basil do at least all get along pretty well. However, fate had other ideas and every cat that's turned up desperately needing a home - first Pugwash, then Greebo and now Paddington, has been male. Thankfully, they all did settle in pretty well, especially Paddington who is already very much one of 'the gang' as he's such an affable, well-mannered sort of cat.

I think it's as much down to the character of the individual cat as it is their gender - do you have any background or info on character?

[MarkB]

It's funny as we have 2 boys now and neither are sprayers. I'm surprised Dom doesn't with him being a stressy cat.Our worst-ever sprayer was a girl,Willow. She lifted her tail like boy cats - I didn't even know girls sprayed like that!

[jillyvillyvoo]

That's funny we always laugh at our neighbours girl, same she lifts her tail and sprays everything! Tail quivers like mad too. We thought only toms did this and that she was unique. Seems she isn't after all

[Kay]

Tiffany does the tail erect quivering too, as a greeting, but I'm glad to say nothing emerges!!

I wonder if it's a bladder control thing, though, in females, as even when she has had very severe cystitis she has always gone outside to pee, or try to pee