Should I Rescue a Cat?
>> Sunday, June 14, 2009
Here's the question. Should I or shouldn't I? Up until Kelly came, I always had cats. I love anything with fur and kittens are no exception. My cat, Sophie (18) had just died when I rescued Kelly. Kelly is/was the only dog I have ever had that chased cats. Of course Kelly chased anything that moved (with the exception of the other dogs). So, since I was fearful of what might happen with a cat, I got Maddie then rescued Annabelle. Our house was more than full. Now it seems quiet and slightly empty. So....do I or don't I? That's the question of the day. Help!
18 comments:
I never think it's a good idea to quickly replace an animal. Both people in the household and the animals that already exist need to adjust.
A very tough question. After we lost our best friend collie Mac, we said that was the end of owning a pet. 3 weeks latr while at the vet picking up medicine for our horse, we saw a Sheltie bouncing around in the yard outside. She looked exactly like our Mac..just a mini version. We asked who she belonged to and they said "oh, she's up for adoption". My husband immediately looked at me and said "DONE!" No questions asked. She has been a breath of fresh air ever since.
I think when the time is right, you'll know and there won't be any question.
Who said anything about replacing? Clearly any animal lover knows you can never REPLACE a dear friend. But losing a loved friend should not prevent you from loving another! Jan, it sounds like you have more than enough love to go around. And it sounds like Maddy and Annabelle will not only be fine, they're open to new friends as well. If it works for you - go for it!
I know it would be a very long time before I could find another kitty to replace either Asif or Ozzy. Neither one of them would adjust well to another cat being introduced. In time their grief would subside and I then could think about introducing another family member, but not till my cat is feeling better. There is of course our feelings of grief we have to get over also.
I think you will do what's right, but I agree with Justine. When a person has a big heart, there's always room and love for each animal. There's no replacing going on, instead I think that it honors the love of a pet to continue loving more animals.
Absolutely. Positively. Yes, Yes, Yes!! As long as you have the time and ability to care for an animal it is never wrong.
My reasons why:
*Hearing contented purring.
*Sweet meows to wake you in the morning.
*The warmth of a lap kitty.
*The amusement of watching a cat observe the birds outside the window.
*Watching the playfulness of a cat attacking a toy.
*Love, Love, Love.
Hope this helps. Rae
I believe that fate will step in and you will know in your heart when the time is right. And once you feel you are ready, I also believe that the cat will choose you as much as you choose him/her. And a new kitty is an addition to your household, not a replacement!
As much of an animal lover as you clearly are, I am confident that this is a decision you want even have to conciously make. Rather, it will be made for you by a new animal acquaintance that is in need of your love and that you simply can't resist! So keep your eyes open, even visit rescue places (no need to commit) and I bet you soon will know :)
Oh, this reminds me of you rescueing Socks so many years ago. I remember us out lurking behind bushes, then a cat box in my bathtub...and hum. Wonder if I can find a picture, you'll have a story to tell if I can.
I think cats are easier to take care of then dogs, in terms of going away, feeding and those types of things; but I don't know if I would want a new animal to take care of until life calms down a bit. Maybe after you're busy horse show season?
Question...is it my imagination or do those cats in the picture have especially long ears?
Hugs
hey...noticed you jumped up to #8 on your animal widget thingy
Oh hey, forgot wanted to ask your animal bloggers to look at my comment on your previous post. I'm hoping someone knows something about elephants and can answer that mother, baby elephant question.
Thanks
Sandy
If you aren't sure about bringing in another pet to love, you could always try fostering. Your local shelter probably needs homes for animals until they are ready to be adopted.
We have a colony of feral cats that we have sort of adopted. Thye come and go as they please but alwaYS know where shelter and food are. One of the cats had been gone for almost 3 years. She came home recently, pregnant. She had her babies here. She is still here with them. Now we got to share her joy.
Doing some updating over on Sandy's Space and realized you hadn't claimed your Kreativ Award yet.
Just a reminder
Thanks for visiting my blog and left a comment.
I'm enjoying your blog, too!
I am sorry about your loss of Kelly. It goes without saying how hard it is to lose someone we love.
I agree with what BeadedTail said: Fate will step in.
My calico cat had just passed away. Several weeks later, I was at the vet with my puppy for her regular check up. A feral calico kitten that had been abused was there for treatment. I adopted her as soon as she was well.
HI Jan,
I think when it comes to bringing in another pet, only you know when the right time is. I know you are more then capable of caring for another. The time is only right if you feel it is right.
My only concern would be Maddie and Annabelle. Do you know how they will handle having a kitty around? If they are good with cats then why not? If you do not know how they will be with a cat or kitten in the house, then possibly fostering one first would be a good idea. Talk to your local shelter or rescue about having a trial period and see how everyone gets along. Not every cat and dog is the perfect fit for every household.
Of course I do have to make one suggestion, since I am heavily involved in rescue, if you do decide to get a kitten or cat, think about two instead of one. Two kittens growing up together are so much fun. :-)
You are asking the wrong person about a rescued cat. They are dying by the dozens in shelters everywhere. Saving a life is saving a life. Just because it might be a kitten doesn't mean that it won't be put to death.
I was so sorry to read about the passing of your precious dog. I know only too well the immense pain when someone we love leaves this earth. But it looks like you, just like me, don't find the pain so debilitating that we don't place ourselves in danger of losing our hearts again and again. We continue to add little lives to our home. We have to. It's a way of life.
I see that you liked my cat blog. Look on the sidebar. I also have a personal blog, one for my dogs and one filled with delicious recipes!
I can't believe that you're even asking this question!!! You know that in 2 weeks, every cat in the neighborhood will be at your back door! Of course you should get another cat!
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