Feeling downhearted.

[Ratface]

I know In the great scheme of things, the sudden illness and death of my beloved cat is unimportant.
To me, it's life-changing.
She was pts in July. End-stage kidney failure. She owned me for the previous four years.
As with my previous cat, she came from the local RSPCA. Before, I shared my life with my dog, my work, my horses and two pedigree cats. Family/friends away, due to death/work.
Eventually, I retired. Still had one autocratic old horse, one much-loved moggy cat.
Now, AOH is still "living his best life" and has hot and cold running staff on a wonderful yard.
The local RSPCA (from whom I rehomed my deceased cat and her predecessor) have decided that I "don't fit our profile for an appropriate rescue placement".
I've looked at other rescue centres nearby. I've also looked at cats advertised on commercial Internet sites. There's warning bells ringing on both. I don't need further rejection or being ripped off.
Any ideas, other than "curtain therapy" ie "pull yourself together!"

 

[ycbm]

I'm sorry you lost your cat, it really hurts to lose any animal you love.

Ordinary moggie kittens are back down to £30-50 again on preloved.co.uk if the rescues won't let you have one. I've just picked up a beautiful healthy moggie kitten from there. He was expensive but only because of his colouring that I particularly wanted. I was speaking to someone last night who has just given away 7 kittens to friends so maybe ask around a bit?

I hope you find a new owner to help heal your heart soon.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

No curtain therapy coming from me. I lost my old pony a few weeks ago and treated myself to "moggy therapy" in the form of a kitten.

The loss of a furry friend/slave driver is always difficult. They become part of you. My oldest cat picked up on when I became pregnant. Connections with animals are unbreakable bonds.

Have you tried Cats Protection? They aren't as critical as the other lot. Four of ours have come from them.

I hope you find something to share your life with soon.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I was just going to say have you tried Cats' Protection League? My neighbour who is almost 70 took on a feral cat from them last year, he now lives inside the house, after a few months of living in the barn.

 

[TPO]

Sorry to hear about your cat.

Another vote for Cats Protection, you sound like an ideal home

 

[L&M]

The death of any much loved pet is never 'unimportant' - I grieve for my animals more than people and my pets are my family.

As always, time is the best healer so don't rush into any decisions xx

 

[Rumtytum]

No getting away from it, it hurts Ratface and I’m sorry.
I volunteered for the CPL many years ago and also had a rescue from them, hopefully there’s a branch not far from you.
Or as ycbm says perhaps on preloved.
There is a little moggy out there waiting for you….
Good luck, looking forward to photos ?

 

[splashgirl45]

sorry about your cat, did the RSPCA give you any idea of why you cant have a cat from them. seems very harsh to me especially as you have adopted from them before....

 

[Ratface]

The RSPCA person was "very concerned" that a cat rehomed to me would drown.
I have lived afloat on a tidal river for the last forty years. During that time, no cat has drowned whilst in my care.
The Killer Burmese did once try to drown the Abyssinian. He had her trapped against the pontoon, pushing her down with a burly forepaw. I rehomed her ashore after that.
Presumably, anyone living near a stream, pond or ornamental water feature would also be refused if they wanted to be considered to adopt a cat.
I've been scanning the assorted feline sales sites. Where animals are concerned, my default setting is "trust no one" .
Paranoia and grief are uncomfortable companions.

 

[Renvers]

Sorry for your loss.

Another vote for the Cat's Protection League. I used to home visit for them and often found that we would rehome a cat into a lovely and suitable home and learn that they had been rejected by RSPCA as unsuitable, always struggled to see what reason they used to justify this.

Don't take RSPCA's comments personally, it reflects their issues with rehoming far more than your ability to care for a cat.

 

[Ratface]

Thanks very much for your condolences and understanding.
I'm feeling a bit battered, at the moment.
I've even tried Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. " . . . unlikely to be accepted, due to your environment."
So, a sparsely-populated pleasant rural environment, a small, animal-loving supportive community is unacceptable?
I'm sure my next furry tyrant/best mate is . . . somewhere.

 

[paddy555]

Presumably, anyone living near a stream, pond or ornamental water feature would also be refused if they wanted to be considered to adopt a cat.

I remember someone turned down by the RSPCA who wanted to give a farm home to a cat. It apparently could possibly drown in the farm water troughs.

I'm sorry about your cat. I completely understand having been there many times. The old source of kittens used to be farms. Have you asked around your local farms. Many times I have been on farms and someone has tried to deposit a kitten in my jacket. Often one farmer may know of a colleague further away where the farm moggy has had kittens.

Try CPL. If it doesn't have to be a kitten then there are older house cats who are left behind when their owners die or go into hospital etc. All they want to do is live indoors. I cannot see there is much difference between living indoors on a boat or living indoors next to a main road. It won't be going out anyway.
One of my current cats is one of these. All he wants to do is live on the bed, settee or wait for the fridge door to be opened. Hasn't been outside in the 3 years since he has been here. That is the environment he came from and I am sure there are others like this. Good luck in your search

 

[BeckyFlowers]

So sorry to hear your lovely kitty died, sounds very similar circumstances to my beautiful Daisy, who died two years ago Thursday just gone. Nothing more to add re getting a new one than what others have said, but don't feel bad or silly for grieving. I'm still grieving for Daisy as she was the shining light in my life that was snuffed out cruelly and quickly. I hope that your new furry-face, wherever s/he comes from, will help.

 

[Shady]

I am sorry for your loss Ratface. The death of any beloved pet is never unimportant xx
Might be worth contacting fb groups or clubs of the breeds that you like to see if any are retiring queens. Posters on here have found amazing cats needing a new life that way and I know for a fact that some breeders would consider a life such as you offer perfectly acceptable. My oldest friend sold a Siamese kitten to a lovely lady who lived on the river and she had a wonderful life.
You will find something for sure. He or she is out there waiting for you

 

[Ratface]

Thank you for your kindness and understanding.
I've had a trawl through the Freeads/Preloved pages. In my present state, I'm even less impressed with the human race than usual.
The number of human suffering from "allergies" appears to be heading towards epidemic.
CPL & Co require forms to be completed.
I'm turning into one of those tiresome "yes, but . . ." people.

 

[Supertrooper]

We lost our rescue boy in May, like you he’d owned us for a good while. Although we knew his time was coming it makes it no easier

We knew we’d always rehome another and I’m a great believer they find you. Two weeks later one popped up on our local CP Facebook page

 

[Supertrooper]

He was very scared when he arrived but four months in he’s blossomed

We feel so lucky that he found us because he is totally awesome and a right character

There will be one for you as well I’m certain of it

 

[Ratface]

He looks like an excellent feline tyrant! A very similar expression to that of Ancient Horse: "Don't You Know Who I Am??" I do, I've traced his lines back to the mid-1700's! As far as I'm concerned, he's worth every penny of the pensions. Note the plural . . .

 

[Ratface]

So sorry to hear your lovely kitty died, sounds very similar circumstances to my beautiful Daisy, who died two years ago Thursday just gone. Nothing more to add re getting a new one than what others have said, but don't feel bad or silly for grieving. I'm still grieving for Daisy as she was the shining light in my life that was snuffed out cruelly and quickly. I hope that your new furry-face, wherever s/he comes from, will help.

So sorry to hear your lovely kitty died, sounds very similar circumstances to my beautiful Daisy, who died two years ago Thursday just gone. Nothing more to add re getting a new one than what others have said, but don't feel bad or silly for grieving. I'm still grieving for Daisy as she was the shining light in my life that was snuffed out cruelly and quickly. I hope that your new furry-face, wherever s/he comes from, will help.

I'm so sorry that you're still grieving the beautiful Daisy. Is she the subject of your avatar?

 

[BeckyFlowers]

I'm so sorry that you're still grieving the beautiful Daisy. Is she the subject of your avatar?

Hehe no, that's Grumpy Cat in my avatar

 

[Ratface]

An expression to be cherished!

 

[Ratface]

Re Cat Hunt:
I've found a possible feline accomplice on Preloved. Two years old, can't take him to new flat . . . You get the picture. He was initially advertised alongside his female co-resident. She appears to have been sold.
I've tried researching the advertiser, who lives in a somewhat dodgy area, about 3 miles away. No joy. Difficult as using a "pen name".
Allegedly, BC (Black Cat) is neutered, but advertiser "can't find the papers/remember which vet it was/where BC came from."
All sounding strings of red flags and worse. Area is one where dog fight bait is always required.
I know if I go and visit BC, I'll want to bring him home. Vaccinations will be done, fleas etc repelled, comprehensive insurance arrangement done.
Cats Protection haven't responded to my lengthy and detailed application.
Advice, please? Kittens are still in the £££ bracket, but at least they've had their initial health-related requirements met.

 

[TPO]

If the cat has made it to 2yrs old and looks healthy and bright when you view him I wouldn't worry about pre existing conditions anymore than I would buying a kitten at this time.

Good luck

 

[Ratface]

OK. Thanks, TPO. I've requested a viewing, and will report back.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

At least with a male it is easy to check if he is 'done' or not. I love black cats, fingers crossed he is coming home with you.

 

[Rumtytum]

Sounds like the poor little soul needs rescuing! (sorry not sensible advice). As TPO says if he looks healthy and bright …. I really can’t see you not having him ?

 

[SOS]

If he’s a boy it’s much easier to tell if they are neutered and if he’s not it’s a very straight forward op.

CPL are normally very good but normally run solely on volunteers. I’ve found them better over the phone than via email etc. They have been very sensible and my family and myself have had a few cats through them. RSPCA wouldn’t rehome a cat to myself as I worked full time… as a vet nurse. This was an adult cat not a kitten and I was willing to take time off. Cat would of been an outdoor cat too. They have silly blanket rules.

 

[Ratface]

The allegedly "desperate" owner is not responding to my messages.
Patience and understanding are not my strong suits at the moment. I'm in floods of tears about the loss of my cat, every time I feel a set back.
Off to see if a deathwish spin on AH will put things in perspective.
I'm surprised at my apparent lack of patience and understanding after the death of my late cat. When the lovely vet came back with her and explained why euthanasia was the way forward, I was completely calm. I felt cat's heart stop as I had a finger on her carotid artery. I'm a pragmatic "better a week too early than a day too late animal owner. Perhaps it's because I no longer have any other companion animals at home. AOH is in full livery 8 miles away. Wonderful place, but a private yard with limited access.
Oh well. Kick on.

 

[Ratface]

Had a lovely ride on AOH. Very much on his toes, and pointy orange ears in my face for most of it. Pheasants clattering up and a herd of feral ponies in adjoining land added to the general gaiety of the nations. He always makes me smile, and is worth everything I give up for him. Food, heating, going anywhere not yard related. Like a considerable number of us.

 

[BlackRider]

I home without a pet feels so empty (after you've had a pet), its a horrible feeling.

Hopefully the right cat will find you very soon xx