Feeling downhearted.

fiestiemaestie

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If you are anywhere near Suffolk/Essex there is cat 77/kitty kat rescue who both have ALOT of cats needing homes and can be very understanding about different living situations?
 

Ratface

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Thank you all so much for your kind support.
This is the first time in my life (old widow woman) that I haven't had a companion animal. Previously, I have had two cats, a dog and a cat, or a combination of both. Always had horses, but they don't suit living afloat!
Had an exhilarating spin on AOH this afternoon - pheasants always cause a good laugh! He was so good. Pheasants = spin/dive/major tantrum. Not today. Continued in steady self carriage. What a star.
 

P3LH

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If it makes you feel better many moons ago, following articles in local newspapers about our rspca and CPL being overwhelmed with kittens and young cats - we applied at both.

Both home visits resulted in us being declined because ‘we had terriers that would kill cats’. During the rspca visit the dogs and existing naughty tortie were asleep in a pile in front of the fire as it was hammering it down outside, and during the CPL one the cat was chasing the terriers around the garden.

I tried once more, in 2015. We were catless for the first time as our gang had met their makers, the last two went via traffic accident and antifreeze poisoning. That was in 2014 so a year later we looked at rescues and I stated that as our area had become more built up (we are at the edge of the city and the surrounding countryside didn’t once feature as many housing estates and roads) we’d be looking for a pair of kittens for house cats with access to secure run. Declined again.

I think they don’t always help themselves. Previous cats were happy with murderous terriers.
Present cats are happy indoor with run access - if they were to go outside it would be lambs to the slaughter due to traffic.
 

Ratface

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Pearlsasinger, thank you for your concern. Much appreciated.
I don't like bothering my neighbours.
I spent my professional life visiting gangland families. That said, my supervisor always knew where I was, and that I would phone in after a visit. If I hadn't, police would turn up.
Our rural police force are thin on the ground. Officers have been killed, carrying out their duties.
My YO has the address/Google map images of BC's owner and the time I'm going to visit.
Once I get BC's owner's address, I'll send it to YO, with a request that if she hasn't heard anything after an hour, she'll alert police.
I'm old and skint. I worked in high security prisons. I can deter people etc
 

Pearlsasinger

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Pearlsasinger, thank you for your concern. Much appreciated.
I don't like bothering my neighbours.
I spent my professional life visiting gangland families. That said, my supervisor always knew where I was, and that I would phone in after a visit. If I hadn't, police would turn up.
Our rural police force are thin on the ground. Officers have been killed, carrying out their duties.
My YO has the address/Google map images of BC's owner and the time I'm going to visit.
Once I get BC's owner's address, I'll send it to YO, with a request that if she hasn't heard anything after an hour, she'll alert police.
I'm old and skint. I worked in high security prisons. I can deter people etc



I would have gone to all sorts of households in my professional capacity and felt 'protected' by my professional status - and as you say someone always knew where I was. However it is rather different when we are older and retired, some elements of society see us as 'vulnerable' and an easy target. I am sure that if you tell us where you are, someone on here will be happy to help.
 

Ratface

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Last night's post, which in the event, I didn't send. Fell asleep reading a book.
Gloom. BC's owner appears to have vanished off the face of the earth. No info about house number, being delayed . . .
This morning. Still howling with grief, re deceased cat. BC's owner sends reply re my queries about current vaccination status, (doesn't need them, apparently, as doesn't go out, obviously never heard about humans bringing in a virus . . .?) insurance, unnecessary as house cats never get ill (who knew??) Veterinary Clinic? ("Why do you want to know all this ********?)Wants me to go there NOW . Also to stop (insert foul language of choice) her about.
I said I wouldn't be contacting her again and closed the conversation. Not a good outcome.
I hope The Right Cat will find me. My animals usually do.
 

Ratface

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Setting off to a small rural town to meet an unwanted adult long hair ginger lady cat. The photos only show a pink stomach and two feet . . .
One does hope there are two more at the other end. A head and tail would also be useful.
Lady Cat is being sold because "it's stopping us going out". Interesting. Is LC locking them in? Barring windows? Destroying the home environment in their absence?
I must remember I am a guest in their home and maintain a pleasant manner at all times . . .
The ransom is £80.
 

Ratface

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I've not had any address sent yet. However, I have received a photo of LC's head. Like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Sadly, in this case, wearing an expression of pinched anxiety.
Won't be meeting her today as I have a dislike of travelling unknown and unlit lanes in the pitch black. I do so regularly when travelling back from seeing/riding Mr Horse, but I know that route well.
Patience is not my strongest suit . . .
 

paddy555

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does Mr Horse have a vet? if so have you tried asking the practice? ours used to have cats and other animals needing homes adverts in their waiting room and speaking to the receptionist they may know of one coming up or a problem cat they would rather not PTS that could be rehomed or indeed someone who has just had kittens and is wondering what to do.
 

Ratface

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Paddy555, that is a really good idea! Mr Horse is signed-up with two veterinary clinics/hospitals.
A bit late in the working day, especially on a Friday, so I will contact them tomorrow. I know the reception teams at both, and large boxes of lovely chocolates will be their rewards if a New Fur Friend is sourced by this route. A box for you as well, Paddy555!
 

Ratface

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PS. Within a 30-mile radius, kittens that are surplus to requirements are being sold (on commercial sales sites) for prices ranging from £80-300 each. They're the Moggies. Anything which has any smidgeon of breed in its' genetic inheritance is a great deal more costly. £1100 for a Persian x ?
No thanks. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of modern breeding. It seems fashion trumps form.
 

Shady

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PS. Within a 30-mile radius, kittens that are surplus to requirements are being sold (on commercial sales sites) for prices ranging from £80-300 each. They're the Moggies. Anything which has any smidgeon of breed in its' genetic inheritance is a great deal more costly. £1100 for a Persian x ?
No thanks. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of modern breeding. It seems fashion trumps form.
Where are you Ratface?
My step sister was seriously thinking about re homing her rescue Ragdoll( might be a mix I haven't seen it ). She's in or very near St Leonards on Sea. Covid casualty cat and now she is out more and has also moved into a middle floor flat. Cat is stressed and lonely so waking her up every night for attention. A very fixable problem and apparently he is amazing. Just a thought and things might have changed, but I can try and contact her if you like.
 

Ratface

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Aha, HHForum/Shady to to the rescue! I'm only 40 miles away from St. Leonard's on Sea! (I knew it well in my professional role - children's homes ++) Definitely interested. Can provide vet refs, photos of barge interiors, whatever. I have a friend who has a Ragdoll. An adorable creature.
Thanks so much for thinking of me.
 

Shady

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Aha, HHForum/Shady to to the rescue! I'm only 40 miles away from St. Leonard's on Sea! (I knew it well in my professional role - children's homes ++) Definitely interested. Can provide vet refs, photos of barge interiors, whatever. I have a friend who has a Ragdoll. An adorable creature.
Thanks so much for thinking of me.
I have left her a message but she might be on a photo shoot somewhere. I know she loves this cat dearly and is very upset about what's changed. Mum said last week that she's not coping and wants to re home him. She might have found somebody or changed her mind, but if he's meant to be yours I will get you together if I can. I will contact you either way asap. x
 

Ratface

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Update alert!
Found a local ad for a six-year-old ginger male (matchy-matchy with Mr. H!) . Going to see him tonight. He's a couple of miles down the road and current owner said "he's only a tenner and I want him gone tonight". Apparently, they're moving, and he can't go with them. I'll update later.
 

Rumtytum

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Update alert!
Found a local ad for a six-year-old ginger male (matchy-matchy with Mr. H!) . Going to see him tonight. He's a couple of miles down the road and current owner said "he's only a tenner and I want him gone tonight". Apparently, they're moving, and he can't go with them. I'll update later.
Good luck!
 

Shady

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Update alert!
Found a local ad for a six-year-old ginger male (matchy-matchy with Mr. H!) . Going to see him tonight. He's a couple of miles down the road and current owner said "he's only a tenner and I want him gone tonight". Apparently, they're moving, and he can't go with them. I'll update later.
Oh good luck Ratface. Keep us posted:)

Just to add for other posters. I sent Ratface a pm to say my stepsister wants to try a cat behaviourist , just in case he can be helped. I know what the problem is and personally I think she is wasting precious time, but i'm not going to get into one with her( at this point) and she does love the cat, soooooo.............:rolleyes:
 

Ratface

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I'm getting icy feet, re GC; mainly about him running away, drowning, getting run over, squashed by a car/train, not adapting to a small barge (he's in a demi-det house with a garden front and back) etc. None of the above-mentioned have happened to any cat/kitten in my care, however, I'm never one to let a good worry go moderated by common sense, still less by sensible money management.
Hand-holding, please.
PS current owner not offering any of his kit/food etc.
Off to Asda to get litter tray, litter, Feliway diffuser and spray, Felix dry and wet food. Still, he is only £10. Lucky not to be bought for dog bait.
 

Crazy_cat_lady

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Dear goodness what is wrong with some people, it sounds like the "owners" are making it worse for you at an already stressful time. I agree, having a cat makes a house a home!

If Shady's friend does want to rehome the ragdoll, it would be worth jumping at the chance as they are a WONDERFUL breed, I've got one and my parents have them and I absolutely adore every inch of her (bar when you have to wipe their bum after a dodgy poop those pantaloons do get in the way!) They mustn't go out as they can't sense danger and are open to being stolen as they are so trusting

Re adverts and useless "owners" when looking for OH's AC replacement (Alley Cat) he enquired with a "breeder" as he wanted a BSH. I got him to ask the guy when the kittens were fleaed only for him to be told they don't bother fleaing as there's no point as the cats who go out bring them back in ??? ran very fast in the opposite direction

Have a look at the cat (when you can actually see all of it) to ensure it looks in decent condition. Also the environment of the home it's in. In hindsight we should have walked away from AC but it's hard when there's this cute kitten you want to give a nice home to. We were only allowed in the porch (it was covid so sort of understood) but the state of the floor made my eyebrows raise. I don't live in the ritz or obsess over cleaning so that says a lot.....

AC arrived riddled with fleas despite apparently having been flea treated. AC visited the vet in December, as one of his eyes had gone all clouded. Vet suspected FIV even though we had him vaccinated as soon as we got him at 8 weeks, as he said he could have picked it up before his jabs. AC stomach also felt suspicious.

Come May AC has really gone downhill, not eating properly and not taking much interest in anything, stomach swollen. Took him to the vet who suspected FIP. AC was pts in June, the day before he was booked in for a scan for FIP as he went really downhill in the night

On looking back at photos of AC viewing, his claws were caked in dirt, so I will always suspect he picked it up there especially as the dry FIP doesn't come out as quickly

Screenshot_20211018-134838_Gallery.jpgScreenshot_20211018-134820_Gallery.jpg
 

Ratface

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The best-laid plans . . . etc.
Scuttled around all afternoon getting GC's necessaries. Set everything up in the penthouse suite - the wheelhouse.
Then was violently sick. (I know . . TMI) I haven't eaten much all day, three slices of Asda pineapple at about 2pm .
So, texted the GC's owner, sent her pictures of his apartment, with preferenced food on display, water to evidence good faith etc.
She's just phoned and agreed that I can go and collect him, same time tomorrow.
Hopefully, all will proceed as planned . . .
 

Ratface

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I went up to do a recce this morning. There has been a lot of green field overbuild, and GC's owner told me I'd "never recognise it now". She's right. A previous rural delight flattened under bricks.
Found it. The exterior was almost inaccessible due to tottering piles of longstanding rubbish. Curtains drawn, letterbox inoperable. Garden almost impassable.
I don't think I'll be spending much time there this evening. The current owner said GC likes to spend a lot of time outdoors . . .
I'm aware that I'm being very judgemental. I am. I'm a skint old bird. My pensions go on keeping Mr. H in a yard where all his OAP needs are fully met. Sometimes I go without food and heating to be able to meet those needs. No problem. My money, my choice.
Rant over.
 
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