Here’s my problem… I keep bringing cats into my home because my love for them!
About 10 years ago, I walked into a pet shop with my two youngest girls – Emily, 9 years at the time and Kimberly, 7. They fell in love with kittens that were there for adoption. At first I didn’t want to bring cats into the house because I already had 2 dogs but they begged so much that I had no choice than to adopt the kittens.
We named them Lilo and Stitch, they were boy and girl siblings which we later found out. They are pure bred Maincoons. Little by little, I fell in love with not only my cats but cats in general because of their unique ways and realized that all people said about cats not being lovable and smart was so not true. As time went by, my girls found many kittens and adult cats in our neighborhood which I took in. I took care of them and did find homes for some of them but many of them are still here with me.
Just recently I thought that my strict requirements might have been the cause. I wanted the person who would adopt my cats to keep in contact with me at least every four months to keep me informed about the cats well being. I think those strict requirements have led me to have 10 adult cats and four 5 month old kittens at home right now.
But then again, what am I supposed to do? I have grown to love these creatures so much that I cannot see them out there to fend for themselves let alone give them up to just anybody knowing all the cruelty that goes on with these darling creatures! Maybe I need some help and advice on how to deal with this situation?
Even though it has put a stress in my finances and has me overworked due to all the cleaning up and making sure they’re doing well, I have to admit that the experience has been amazing yet surprising!
I never thought cats could be so loving, interesting yet so intelligent! I have cats that take walks with me while I walk my dogs, I had one that would wait till I mopped the floor so she can come slide on the wet floor over and over again and would get vocal on me as if she would curse at me when I told her to stop!
So you see, these cats have become part of my family but now I’ve been questioning my affection to them. Has this become an obsession or am I doing the right thing in taking them in and having strict requirements as to who adopts them?
I need your sincere feedback guys. I know everyone is here because we all love cats but I might be taking it a little too far. My children and husband think so and every time I tell my friends about it, they look at me as if I was crazy or something. I would really appreciate if you guys give me your sincere advice on all this and maybe I will change my ways or keep doing what I’m doing but I really need some feedback!
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I shouldn't really say this, but keep doing what you're doing. We're up to 6 cats. Almost had 7 the other day. They are all rescues of some sort that were abandoned at different places/times. I work with a woman that has 27 cats. She actually has a 'cat house' set up in her garage for all of them w/heat and play space. Some of them are outdoor, some indoor, but all have access to food, water and healthcare.
Try to utilize groups like Spay and Save, and get in touch with other local rescue groups (not SPCA), and vets. That may will help with costs. I will say, one of ours is a dibetic cat, which means they ALL need to eat special food. The cats eat better then we do! But I wouldn't for the life of me, change one thing about that.
We also have a dog (rescue); and 3 love birds (also rescued).
It's people like you that are the reason that animals can have a GOOD happy life.
I applaud you and your efforts.
I have a feeling that we will be at 10 cats sooner then later ourselves.
Best of luck.
Shannon
Thank you so much for your support Shannon. It's crazy because sometimes we tend to believe what others say but I guess we have to stop and think that it is why we're all unique, because we have different interests and likes. I appreciate your advice, I will contact local vets and groups and that hopefully will help much with my expenses.
I also have birds and dogs that I've rescued also, I guess we have much in common!
Hope to stay connected,
Marilu
Hello Marilu, I firstly would like to say that you have amazing strength and courage to run your rescue for such a long period of time…i know each and every kitty will have benefitted from your help..I in no way wish to make judgement on your situation but would love to share my situation with you which i hope helps..
I too ran an animal rescue from 1991 to 2008, taking in dogs and small rodents, rehabilitating them and placing them back into the community, new parents would have a strict form to adhere too and a 3 month check with the animal returned if it didnt work out, i was fortunate to have only a few returned but if that was the case they would end up staying with me permanant.
It soon became 7 days a week, 24 hr call out but i was fit and healthy and in a good place financially.
Towards the last two years it was beginning to have a strain on us emotionally and financially, i was like you ending up with more cats living with me than being rehomed, it became a problem. So after many sleepless nights i had to make the hardest decision to close my rescue down, only then was i able to see why and what it was doing to me, my family and most importantly the animals.
For me firstly it was pure acts of kindness rescuing, then as my life changed with a husband and children, i changed emotionally..i was then taking in cats etc to relieve my distress and emptiness in areas of my life and without realising causing problems for them by overcrowding and sometimes incorrect care. I had to take stock of myself and realise that i had been fortunate to help but my children and family had to also have a voice on the situation..it is difficult running a rescue from home and it will un doubtedly place huge strain on you all if we use the rescue as a means of `rescuing ourselves` .
I have wonderful memories of the rescue years and now enjoy my life in a comfortable relaxed manner with three beautiful cats and a happy family around me.
May i suggest you find a local cat sanctuary or rescue centre to help, it will ease your worry of not helping all the unwanted and cruelly treated kitties, you will have like minded people to converse with and you could help raise funds on their charity days, leaving you free when you go home to relax and enjoy your family.
Best of luck in your ventures
diane :) x
From what I've heard and seen, this isn't an uncommon situation. Just a few weeks ago my boss was talking about another cat he and his wife (who works in animal rescue) ended up keeping. Of course I think it's wonderful to be doing such a kind and loving thing for the kittehs, but I agree with Diane in that too much may not be beneficial to all. I live in a small place with my cat and she's happy, and then I rescued two ratties. I find myself not having nearly enough time for them (especially since my cat gets jealous of them!), but I do all I can. If you have the means and the time, nothing wrong with loving a mass of animals. But you need to take care of your own situation too. :)
When I adopted my cat, the shelter had strict guidelines to ensure their cats went to good homes, which I think is a great idea. (They also post signs in the spring saying they won't sell bunnies until after Easter.) I think you could lessen the amount of checking in you'd like people to give, just to make things easier, especially the letting go part. ;) Also as mentioned, hooking up with other good shelters might be a good idea, you could seek other foster parents to help out.
Hope things work out!
-Aurora
Geez, Marilu–
I wrote a long comment back to you, then got a call and somehow my reply went into the Nether… Yikes I hate that…
Anyway, I'll write a story about my life and times with the Siskiyou Humane Society (SHS) for another time. The bottom-line is that I have 10 cats and had to stop fostering them because we just couldn't give them up much like you. Nobody was good enough, it seemed. It was foolishness, I know, but those were closely held beliefs. Of course, we did not have any evidence to back it up.
So we started volunteering at the SHS and seeing first hand how the kittens were put up for adoption, playing with and socializing the kittens so they would make great pets, and participating in the care of some of the more difficult cases that eventually found extraordinary forever homes, all because of the dedication of the staff and volunteers at SHS. Aurora is right–the no kill shelters not only allow you to volunteer and participate, they need your help and benefit by your word of mouth! The kittens get better diagnostic care and treatment than we can give without going to a lot of expense. The suggestion of hooking up with a vet is another huge help. They know when a beloved cat or kitten family member dies and can properly steer a loving "parent" your way or to a shelter where you bring your fostered kittens when they are ready for adoption (shots done, spayed/neutered, no health issues). I know you will do the right thing in however you determine how to moderate your love of cats and give the best attention and care to your own special cat family.