CATS - Urgent help and advice needed

[asterid]

So, I have started 2012 on a sorry note.

I cannot afford to keep my flat on anymore that I rent due to cuts at work. There is a lady I can share a flat with that is the best option. However she has a dog. I have two 8 year old cats who are my lovely boys. I cannot take them with me.

I have searched several million options of housing for me, cats, sharing with others e.t.c I am not giving up my horse as my horse is my life outside of work and gives me much pleasure. I do not have a man and quite frankly do not want one!

So options are:

1. Ad in paper for re-homing - but with so many cats and kittens out there finding a good home will be hard

2. Friends and family not interested.

3. Cat shelter - where they will live in a cage for god knows how long!

4. Have them put to sleep. - This is the most horrid option of all, and not sure whether the vets will do it. But at least I will know they wont be passed from pillar to post and have had 8 fab years.

Thoughts and advice please.

 

[Winklepoker]

that makes me feel sick at the thought of having to give up mine. Not much help, I am sorry, I would rather live in my horses stable with my cats than give them up. - Can you find them a temporary home until you are re-established?

 

[MiCsarah]

Could your cats not possibly become yard cats? Make them somewhere lovely to sleep and cosy?

 

[touchstone]

Is the reason you can't take them because of the dog? If so then it is possible to introduce cats and dogs so that they can live happily together; I have four cats that lived with two dogs and have now got a different dog that was a small animal chaser and who shares the home happily with three cats and a small furry kitten. All were introduced at different times, so it can be done. It all depends on the other sharer and the practicalities though.

 

[sleepykitten]

My cats and dogs live together quite happily, if they are given time to get accustomed to each other, they should be ok. I think you will struggle to find a vet who will pts two healthy cats, I know mine wouldn't.

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

What an awful predicament.
Is there any chance you could look further as rehoming or pts seems incredibly sad. I have two boys who are coming up to 10 & 11 and I could not bare the thought. But I cannot fully understand having not been in your situation. I would try rehoming them by putting up notes in work or at supermarkets and vets, everywhere you can think of.
My sister gave up her two cats and was going to take them to a sanctuary, i was furious, it was not a lack of money in her situation. I took the two cats and rehomed the younger one and kept the old girl until I lost her age 19 just 6weeks ago.

Please keep trying, if you want your boys, i know that is easy for me to say, but to give them to a charity who are no doubt busting at the seams already or pts seems terribly sad.

I am sorry if I am not of much help, this is a terrible situation for you, but please dont give up just yet, have you tried any of my above suggestions?

 

[highlandponygirl]

I think I saw on the news something about pet fosterers who take on peoples pets who have had problems (domestic abuse, financial difficulties, losing their homes etc) and then you get them back when it is suitable for you. I don't have anymore info on this, sorry, but it might be worth trying to search for something simelar near where you live.
Dont know what Id do if I had to make that kind of choice for my 2. x

 

[sleepykitten]

I think I saw on the news something about pet fosterers who take on peoples pets who have had problems (domestic abuse, financial difficulties, losing their homes etc) and then you get them back when it is suitable for you. I don't have anymore info on this, sorry, but it might be worth trying to search for something simelar near where you live.
Dont know what Id do if I had to make that kind of choice for my 2. x

Oh yeah, good point, we actually did this for somebody once years ago when they were having their house renovated. we looked after them in return for cat food! (it wasn't an arrangement through any sort of business though, just a good turn!) Whereabouts are you? Maybe someone else could help you?

 

[Chestnutmare]

Sorry to hear this, my hubby and I lived in a spare bedroom on a few occasions and our cats stayed with us... sadly they stayed in our bedroom and was let out everyday for a good run about, they are very much indoor cats anyway, at one stage in our life when it was really rather bad was we had no other option but to put them in cattery for a couple of months until we sorted out our own life... as I could not bare to part with them ever, we've had them since kittens.

We then ended up at my mum and dads they had the run of the house, my parents were very kind in letting me take them too but they knew how much I loved my cats.

I fully understand where you are coming from with this.... and at one place there was a dog that hated cats..... badly!! so we had to confine him to a room and let the cats have the run of the place for a hour or two whilst we were there too just incase.

Have you spoken to the lady with the dog at all about taking your cats with you?
could you not temporarily keep them in the room you'd be living in? or perhaps put an advert up seeking accommodation where you can take your cats too?...

I really hope you get something sorted soon

 

[Honey08]

I'd think about looking at other house shares where you may be able to take the cats.

Speak to your yard about possibly having them as yard cats and sleeping in the barn - saying that you will still pay for their feed and injections etc?

What area are you in by the way? Someone may know of a possible home?

 

[Tickles]

I would agree with the comments about slow introduction to dogs. Having said that I personally would be unhappy leaving some cats alone with some dogs. You may wish to consider having them in a separate room? (I'm not generally a house-cat fan but as you have two they could possibly be quite happy together - especially if this turns out to be temporary.)

Failing that I'd consider re homing yourself, possibly to your yard. I've taken on many small fluffies from adds on gumtree/craigslist/etc over the years and all have a home-for-life and, I hope and believe, are happy and well cared for. I always let owners ask any questions they want about how the animals will be kept and send pics/updates if they are interested.

There are good homes out there.

Good luck.

 

[WandaMare]

Have you spoken to Cats Protection, cats.org.uk. they might be able to help by possibly finding a foster home. A friend of ours was in a similar situation last year and they were so helpful to her.

Personally I couldn't even consider having two healthy animals pts. Hope you manage to find a solution.

 

[BonneMaman]

Go and find a flat that will allow you to keep the cats??

 

[guesstimation]

I was in the same prediciment with my one cat, luckily a friend was able to take him on temporarily and then I then I managed to find myself a home where I could keep him thank goodness. Do you have any one who would maybe consider this on a temporary measure?

A friend of mine keeps hers at the horses field now, she has two and they settled in really well up there, they have a proper shelter and she is up there quite a bit.

You could try advertising in freeads etc as there is no harm in giving that a go and just seeing what responses you get. Some people do want a older cat or two, I know if I were looking it is certainly something I would consider.

Again also no harm in ringing any rescue centres near you to see what they say.

Is the dog particularly bad with cats or is it just that your cats and the dog have never lived with other animals, if the dog isn't known for it's hatred of cats a slow intriduction may be worth a go ensuring there are lots of high up places and escape routes for them to keep away when they wish and are settled

 

[Hairy Old Cob]

I really feel for you I would hate to give up my two "Stray Cats" who took me on try the Cats protection league.

 

[jendie]

Horrible situation. Any chance you could find alternative accomodation where the cats would be welcome ? Could they go with you and stay in your bedroom? At eight they aren't even middle aged yet so I wouldn't PTS unless as a last resort. The Cats Protection League do a great job, why not give them a call and see if they can help ? It might just be possible to rehome the cats straight from you and that would be less traumatic all round. I don't think 'house cats' would settle happily as 'yard cats'.

 

[Kittykins]

I'd ask the lady who you're moving in with if there's any chance of attemtping to introduce them to each other. If she knows what your situation is, I'm sure she'll be understanding.

Alternatively, ask friends and neighbours whether they'll take them temporarily. We did this a little while back as I got posted abroad for work for a year - our neighbour had just lost her cat, so mine went to live with her for the year on the understanding that I'd have her back when I returned. The cat didn't have to move far (just next door, in fact), so wasn't too stressed by the changes in ownership and I knew she was being well cared for.

Also, parents etc tend to be more amenable to taking in animals if they know it's not going to be be forever, particuarly if you offer a bit of money to cover food.

 

[Fantasy_World]

Sorry but there is no way I would even dream of considering putting to sleep a healthy cat just because of circumstances. It is not the cats fault that you're not getting as much pay and need to move.
A few options a) change jobs for one where the pay is better so you don't have to give up the flat.
b) depending on if the flat is one or two bedroomed considered having a sharer in yourself to help with the costs. Yes subletting may not be allowed in the tenancy agreement however we all know that it goes on and tbh as long as the landlord is getting the rent on time who gives a ****.
c) if the reason for the cats is the dogs then I can't see why that is a total problem unless the dog hates cats. I have quite happily housed both together even though the cats were here first, one was aged six months, the other a year old. One dog was a 2 year old when I got him and the other a pup. I had further cats, two were kittens. One was a rescued cat who was approx aged 5/6 and was a stray. He too got on with the dogs.
For personal and sad reasons I had to rehome two cats some time ago ( not an easy decision). There are good homes out there, just be vigilant and I think most people can spot a genuine animal lover from one who wants a pet on a whim.
d) As described above, try finding homes for them yourself, preferably together so that they settle in their new home better. I don't think we give enough credit to our animals to be able to adjust to a situation.
e) Try looking further afield for a place that will allow the cats. If possible try and get references from your vet to explain that your are a responsible pet owner who takes good care of their animals.
f) offer them to a rescue centre and explain your situation.

 

[Shantara]

I agree about not putting them down, I know you have to consider everything, but 8yrs isn't old for a cat (Mine's 17 and still in her prime!!)

My dog was introduced to the cat when she was 2years and the cat was 6.
We shut the cat in the kitchen and let the dog sniff the door. When she had had a good sniff, we put the dog on her lead and opened the door.
The cat was NOT happy at all, but after sitting with the dog on the lead, acting like nothing was happening (We had the TV on, sitting on the sofa) the cat wandered over.
We kept doing things like that for a few weeks and after a scratch from the cat, the dog knew her place.

Years later, they're good friends! They even curl up next to each other

 

[Luci07]

Everyone is picking on the pts option. OP was listing her options, I didn't read it as her first choice!

Definatley try the mixing cats and dogs together first. Also you need to check that this is the real reason ...your flatmate might actually have other concerns like damage etc

 

[FairyLights]

I'm sorry to hear of your predicament. Have you contacted your local Cats Protection League people? They are very helpful and sometimes rehome straight from the cat owner to the new owner so the cats never have to go into "kennels". Try googling them for your area.
Hope this helps.

 

[Fantasy_World]

Maybe that is because the word PTS should not even be under consideration.
They are healthy cats as far as we are aware and not that old either.
Would you consider putting to sleep your kids because your circumstances had changed?
Maybe a bit dramatic but what the hell. Start the year as I mean to go on.
We are not talking about some elderly horse here who could end up in the wrong hands.
We are talking about two cats who are still in their prime at 8 years of age.
Sorry but it winds me up when I see people posting about the thought of putting healthy animals down. There are far too many of them which are pts already at rescue centres because they cannot be found homes.
The OP has many options available to her and yes it is bloody hard considering what you are going to do witn two cats when you realise you need to move. At the end of the day though it isn't the cats fault they are in that position.
Rant over ......

 

[mightymammoth]

So, I have started 2012 on a sorry note.

I cannot afford to keep my flat on anymore that I rent due to cuts at work. There is a lady I can share a flat with that is the best option. However she has a dog. I have two 8 year old cats who are my lovely boys. I cannot take them with me.

I have searched several million options of housing for me, cats, sharing with others e.t.c I am not giving up my horse as my horse is my life outside of work and gives me much pleasure. I do not have a man and quite frankly do not want one!

So options are:

1. Ad in paper for re-homing - but with so many cats and kittens out there finding a good home will be hard

2. Friends and family not interested.

3. Cat shelter - where they will live in a cage for god knows how long!

4. Have them put to sleep. - This is the most horrid option of all, and not sure whether the vets will do it. But at least I will know they wont be passed from pillar to post and have had 8 fab years.

Thoughts and advice please.

I would join the below forums and post your story and pictures of them stating how desperate the situation is and your faced with the prospect of PTS. These forums have a brilliant network of people who can provide foster/rehoming etc...

They helped me rehome (on behalf of a lady that was going into a care home) an old cat think she was in her twenties who would have otherwise been PTS. I had tried all the rescues but they couldnt help as they were chokka..

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/
http://www.petforums.co.uk/cat-rescue-adoption/
http://www.catchat.org/

I hope it works out for you

 

[AmyMay]

Pop a rehoming advert in your vets?

 

[Honey08]

OP??

 

[mightymammoth]

I have pm'd my above post so hopefully she will get it if she doesn't cone back to the thread