I have six beautiful and playful kittens that are free to good homes. Pics available.
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I have six beautiful and playful kittens that are free to good homes. Pics available.
Never EVER say "free" because you'll get all sorts of whackjobs looking for fighting bait, research laboratories, etc. ALWAYS charge an adoption fee, even if it's only $25 as most labs won't pay.
A double AMEN! to what Moosmom said!
Snake food! YUP! People with large snakes grab up "FREE kittens". BEWARE!
Please get the mother cat spayed!! There are too many cats that need homes, and too many are put to sleep because there are not enough homes!!
In reply to everyones negative response, #1, I would love to get my cats spayed, but I have six cats that need spayed or neutred, all homeless cats that came off the streets. I could of let them starve or freeze to death, but I really love animals and could not do that to them. I have five small children that I am having a hard time keeping them fed and clothed. But we manage by the grace of God. I wish with all my heart that I had enough money to rush all of my cats to the vets this very moment. The vets that I called in my town charge approximately $150.00 per cat. This is why there is so many unspayed cats running around our city. I offer free kittens because some people cannot afford to pay 25.00 for a kitten. I have turned people away because, after talking to them, I could tell they did not have my kittens best interests in their hearts. I have a gift of seeing into people's hearts. I am so ashamed of the responses I received this eve. You guys or gals are very judgmental. I can only imagine how you felt about Tiger Ranch. I am a person who gives my heart and soul to my children and cats. I have very awesome adult cats in my home that were homeless with nowhere to go. My neighbors hate cats, the people two doors down feed any stray cats they can find to their dog, and I am only supposed to have two cats and if my landlord finds out I have more, I will become homeless myself. A true cat lover helps any cat that needs a home regardless of whether they can afford to spay or neuter their unwanted and desparate cat. I called the pound to help me and they charge $100.00 to take in a stray cat. I have met people who told me to take the kittens to a creek and drown them. I have had the police tell me that I am not allowed to leave out food for strays or I will be fined. For the people who were so rude regarding my post, why don't you spend your energy on helping anyone who is willing to take time for animals instead of criticizing people who really care. My offer still stands: Free kittens to good homes!!! Rebecca
No one meant to make you feel bad, just to put that info in any ad or flyer, to discourage people who want the kittens for less-than-noble purposes. You don't necessarily have to follow through, for example, you can charge them $5, and make them promise to spend the money instead on spaying or neutering. Then put the $5 in a jar towards spaying the momma when you can!
I also second Karen's reply as well. No criticism was meant, just concern for the safety of the kittens. Instead of giving free kittens, you might try giving a few cans of free kitten food and vitamins when someone purchases a kitten from you. In this way, a minimum amount of money is spent but the safety of the kittens is assured. We all recommended that you charge a fee because, unfortunately, experience has taught us that, if you don't, bad things can happen to them. We already understand that you're doing what you can. Otherwise, you wouldn't have posted on this forum. Good luck. :)
Whoa!!! Got your pm.All those who responded were not being " judgemental." These are folks who have been involved in rescue for eons, and know what happens to " FREE " kittens. We all understand the vet costs, many of those
who posted have multiple cats and care is not cheap! And we all do the best we can...
Here is a list of low cost spay/neuter programs. I got my 2 spayed through a spay/neuter clinic for $45 each. This list should really help you. Also call your local animal shelters and ask them about low cost spay/neuter centers.
http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html
I think in this area the rebecca and I live...we never hear of anyone charging for cats or kittens unless they are a humane society or a rescue. Rebecca's kitty's are just strays that come to her home and just a hobby she has out of her own home...not a nonprofit or anything...so I don't think she meant any harm by saying free kittens. Unfortunately, people around here will not take kittens if they have to pay...they only pay for rescues and shelters because they already have all their shots and spayed/neutered, but if a kitten doesn't have that yet, they won't pay for it...that's just the sad mentality of people around here and most of the surrounding area is old-fashioned, conservative farmers who believe cats should be outside chasing out the mice from the barn...grrr. :eek:
Did you check out the low cost spay-neuter links for your state? I think they were in another thread....
Srinters mommy,from one of the previous posts is right. People around here will not pay. There are free kittens all of the time. People have told me that they don't want to pay the shelter costs. I had a man that wanted a kitten for his barn,and I said no. I have turned down people many times,including my own friends. I listen to what people say regarding how they are going to raise the kitten. I have found some awesome homes for my last few litters. A lot of prayer works too.
Hi Rebecca, I've put together a list of shelters in your area and how many miles away each one is from your town. The first two seem the most promising. The Rainbow Animal Refuge and the Butler County Humane Society, which I called and got some information. It was just an outgoing message and it has the same info that is on their website but it could be a solution. It appears that they will take a litter of 2 or more kittens into their shelter for a total fee of 100.00. I know you said that you have 5 kids and already have 5 adult cats that you have rescued (which I think is wonderful of you by the way!) so I'd like to offer to help by donating something towards this and hope that maybe some others on PT might help too?
There might be some other options as well via the shelters that I will list below that may not have any cost associated with surrendering kittens. We just need to start calling them. I'd be happy to call a few of them.
Right now I'm trying to look up spay and neuter options and their costs as well for your adult cats and maybe we could help you with that instead if we can find a shelter that will take the kittens at no cost. I'll keep searching. :)
Here is the list of shelters:
Rainbow Animal Refuge
Lyndora, PA (1 mile)
724-287-8334
Butler County Humane Society
Renfrew, PA (5 miles)
724-789-1150
Critter Care Adoptions Inc.
Evans City, PA (9 miles)
724-538-8494
Lyons Den Rescue Inc.
Slippery Rock, PA (16 miles)
724-548-4520
Orphans of the Storm
Kittanning, PA (20 miles)
724-548-4520
Animal Friends, Inc
Pittsburgh, PA (22 miles)
412-847-7000
Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley
New Kensington, PA (22 miles)
724-339-7388
Promises for Pets
New Castle, PA (22 miles)
Grove City Area Pet Rescue
Grove City, PA (23 miles)
724-748-3610
Beaver County Humane Society
Monaca, PA (24 miles)
724-775-5801
Lawrence County Humane Society
New Castle, PA (24 miles)
(724) 654-8520
Furever 4 Felines
Beaver, PA (26 miles)
724-775-4160
Animal Rescue League of Western PA
Pittsburgh, PA
412-661-6452 (27 miles)
Kiski Valley Cat & Kitten Rescue Inc.
Apollo, PA (27 miles)
724-727-7032
Western Pennsylvania
Humane Society- Northside
Pittsburgh, PA (28 miles)
412-321-4525
FosterCat, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA (29 miles)
412-481-9144
Paws of My Heart
Western PA, PA (29 miles)
412-537-3588
Animal Advocates, Inc
Pittsburgh, PA (31 miles)
412-928-9777
Cat Sense, Inc.
Murrysville, PA (31 miles)
724-733-3979
Pet Connection, Inc.
Avonmore, PA (32 miles)
724-845-1803
Pet Solutions
Mercer, PA (32 miles)
724-662-4485
Judge’s Park
New Castle, PA (33 miles)
724-272-0378
Waggin Woods Animal Sanctuary
Franklin, PA (37 miles)
814-437-1113
White Oak Animal Safe Haven
White Oak, PA (37 miles)
412-672-8901
Animal Appeal
Sharpsville, PA (38 miles)
724-962-9284
Humane Society of Mercer County
Hermitage, PA (38 miles)
724-981-5445
Pet Friends Inc.
Irwin, PA (38 miles)
724-863-7722
Angels For Animals, Inc.
Poland, OH (39 miles)
330-549-1111
It’s a RUFF Life Rescue
North Lima (south of Youngstown) OH (40 miles)
234-759-4100
(cats and dogs)
Venango County Humane Society
Oil City, PA (41 miles)
814-677-4040
Western Pennsylvania Humane Society
Fallen Shelter
Elizabeth, PA (41 miles)
412-751-2010
Four Footed Friends, Inc.
Indiana, PA (42 miles)
Indiana County Humane Society Inc.
Indiana, PA (42 miles)
Black Sheep Rescue
Youngstown, PA (43 miles)
Club Pet Adoption Inc.
Transfer, PA (43 miles)
724-962-0877
Community Angel Network
Greensburg, PA (43 miles)
724-396-5401
Humane Society of Westmoreland County
Greensburg, PA (43 miles)
724-837-3779
Valleycats Animal Rescue
Boardman, OH (43 miles)
330-788-7123
Hancock County Animal Shelter
New Cumberland, WV (44 miles)
304-387-4102
Here is a possible option for spaying and neutering the adult cats:
Spay Neuter Clinic
11644 Frankstown Road
Penn Hills, Pa
412-244-1202
(prices as of March 2008)
Cat neuter = $28
Cat spay = $47
It says it includes exams in these fees as well.
How many adult females do you have and how many males?
Be careful about taking your kittens/cats to the shelter. My local shelter is high kill and put down over 500 KITTENS last year. :eek:
That is a good thought. The shelter that is closest to Rebecca, the Butler Humane Society, is thankfully a no-kill shelter so it might be a good option if she is interested.Quote:
Originally Posted by 3muttsandaboston
Upon further reading, the Rainbow Refuge isn't a shelter but uses foster homes instead so not sure if that would work out.
Rebecca, if you want to find homes for the kittens yourself, would you be interested in getting help with spaying and neutering your adult cats? It would stop more litters from coming which could be overwhelming in the future.
Emerald Green posted:
Hi Rebecca, I've put together a list of shelters in your area and how many miles away each one is from your town. The first two seem the most promising. The Rainbow Animal Refuge and the Butler County Humane Society, which I called and got some information. It was just an outgoing message and it has the same info that is on their website but it could be a solution. It appears that they will take a litter of 2 or more kittens into their shelter for a total fee of 100.00. I know you said that you have 5 kids and already have 5 adult cats that you have rescued (which I think is wonderful of you by the way!) so I'd like to offer to help by donating something towards this and hope that maybe some others on PT might help too?
There might be some other options as well via the shelters that I will list below that may not have any cost associated with surrendering kittens. We just need to start calling them. I'd be happy to call a few of them.
Right now I'm trying to look up spay and neuter options and their costs as well for your adult cats and maybe we could help you with that instead if we can find a shelter that will take the kittens at no cost. I'll keep searching.
Here is the list of shelters:
---------------------------------------------
Thanks so much for your help Emerald Green. I called rainbow refuge a couple weeks ago. She is willing to put the kittens on her website. She said that she would give my phone number out and I could interview the people and choose homes for the kittens. I am hoping that the people that go to rainbow are people that really want kittens and not people that will use the kittens for all of the wrong purposes. I was telling someone on the board the other day that my last litter of kittens, some man wanted my kitten to be a barn cat and chase mice. I said no to him. I like my kittens to be house cats. It keeps them safe. I have lost too many cats to cars. I live on a very busy street. One day my kitten went out the back door. We tryed to catch him. In one second he jumped off the balcony. In three minuetes he was hit by a car. It is hard for me to have all of these cats when I live in the city, but you would not believe how many homeless cats are outside my house. I leave a big bowl of cat food outside and some water. Every day it is gone. I used to buy my catfood at five pounds. Now I think I buy it at 20 pounds a few times a month. I have a few strays that are spraying my house now because I have all of these females. As far as the shelters go, they want 50 dollars for kittens and 100 for adults. I don't even think this is the right solution. I heard that the humane shelters in my area were taking their cats to Tiger Ranch. I hate to see my kittens sitting in a cage for who knows how long. I have found really good homes for my kittens in the past. I have had people wait three weeks to get their kitten and they tell me about the food and the toys and how they are taking them to the vets. They have normally been couples with kids that have taken my kittens. If they have very young kids I won't let them take them because I feel that younger children can be very mean to kittens. I have first hand knowledge of this because when my son was five he sprayed the kittens with lysol. I was so mad that someone in my family left lysol down in the first place. I had to take the kittens and put them under the faucet. They all survived, but it taught me a very big lesson. Don't let small children around your kittens. As far as the list goes of all of the places that you gave me to call, here is the problem. I do not have a car and I don't have anyone that has cars or is willing to take me to pittsburgh. It is an hour away. I found a vet 4 miles away. That would probably cost 10 dollars to take a taxi. If I have to do that it is fine with me. My solution to this problem is to get great homes for the six kittens and get all five adults fixed. I really think some are pregnant now. Do I let them have the kittens or do I get abortions. I am not sure because I have never been in this position. Alls I know is that I want so despartely to take care of this problem and I promise everyone and God that I will never get into this situation again. If I get a stray I will immediately try to find a way to get it fixed. I guess I just never realized how serious this problem can become. Thanks so much for all of your letters and concern. God Bless! Rebecca
Hello everyone. I wanted to show you some of the cats that I have taken in, but cannot afford spay or neurtering. The calico cat and the two black and white cats were found on my patio a few months ago. Their mom abandoned them or maybe she was killed on my busy street. I would go out to see them and they would run to the neighbors yard under the fence. I started leaving food out for them. When they got bigger it was winter. They found a hole in my basement and they all came in. When you try to pet them they hiss and run. I talked to the Calico cat and I said "someday you will love me". Today, she demands that I pet her. She will grab my arm and if I don't pet her she licks me to death. Her brothers and sisters are not that easy. (The two black and white cats). I think they are funny. Why do they want to live in my house, but not want to be petted. Even though they don't want nothing to do with me, I love them to death. The pics of the kittens are just some of the six that I need homes for. Are they not adorable? I am going to start training them next week. If anyone knows of a good home, please let me know. I only want the best for them. I am just a major cat lover and I can't help it and I am proud of that. Some people think us cat lovers are weird, but I believe anyone who does not love cats is weird. What do you think? Thanks everyone for caring and listening. Love Rebecca
Aww that orange kitten is so cute! I want an orange cat so bad but I cant have a cat while living with my parents... My friend is looking for a grey tiger, black, white, or black and white kitten but your too far for her to go.. I hope they all get great homes they are all so adorable.
They're all so adorable. I love the calico but I'm partial to calicos. I wish I could take one. Sometimes I want a kitten so bad I can taste it. But I'm maxed out at 7, most of them special needs and my vet bills are horrendous as it is. I sure hope you find good homes for them soon. We're praying here.....
I agree with Medusa, I would love to take some or all but with 10, 3 are coons, we are at MAX CATAGE right now. We have one pure feral and one half.
Sweety the Feral will let you talk to her but if you come with in 5 feet she is off and running. Boots her dauther will let me pet once in a while, but my wife NO WAY.
I understand completely where you are coming from as i have been in a similar situation, although somewhat different, my two Nikki and Ellie-mae are my babies as a result of an irresponsible owner who neglected them and let them breed continuously.long story, and most on PT know about it, i was also the lucky recipient of some much needed help from a very generous PTer,someone i hold dear in my heart and will never forget her kindness.
It is good to see all the information being posted here for you, but from what i understand even a cheap deal of $45 is probably not affordable,you obviously do what you can for these babies, thank goodness you have a warm heart and are willing to help them, getting them fixed would be the ultimate though wouldn't it ? it would make your life a lot easier too,not having to find homes for the babies all the time,you are really in a catch 22 situation for sure,and i totally empathise with this difficult situation.
The babies are adorable, i wish you every success in finding them loving homes, and from what you write you are not going to let them go in a hurry, you are going to make very wise choices in the homes they are given to,very comforting to know that, i wish you the best of luck with everything you are doing for these kitties and bless you for everything you do for them.
Because you don't have a car and would need a ride or have to take a taxi, finding a place that can spay and neuter your adult cats that is near you is the first thing to sort out. I don't know the PA area very well so it's hard for me to find out which is closest to you. I have MAPQUESTED a few of them but there are quite a few and I think it would save time if you looked through the list to see if any are near you? If there is one, then maybe we could try to begin putting a plan together for you with you adult cats. I would be able to send a donation to the spay/neuter clinic directly. I don't have alot but I will get together what I can. If we can get a plan together, others on PT might be willing to help?
How many males do you have and how many females? Even if we could get all of one sex fixed, that would at least stop the cycle until you can afford to get the rest of them fixed. I'm assuming you don't let them outside as this would make the situation that much worse. It sounds like you don't though because of that busy road.
Here is another list of low cost spay and neuter places in PA. Are any near you?
PENNSYLVANIA
PA P.E.T.S. (Prevent Excess Through Sterilization)
PO Box 64
Lewisburg PA 17837
Toll free 1-866-472-7387
Low cost s/n to qualifying residents who live in Union, Snyder, or Northumberland counties.
The People-Pet Partnership
Philadelphia PA
215-629-2350
Animal Rescue and Referral
PO Box 16
Richboro, PA 18954
215-752-7556 or 215-322-9251
Information about low cost spay/neuter for feral cats.
City of Pittsburgh
Bureau of Environmental Services
3001 Railroad Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412-255-2036
Voucher program for residents of Pittsburgh. Call for information.
Morris Animal Refuge
1242 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-735-3256
Sells low-cost certificates for spay/neuter for pets of lower income people in the Philadelphia area. The pet owner presents the certificate to a participating veterinarian.
CATS (Changing Attitudes for Tomorrow's Solutions)
Pine Grove PA
570-345-2229
Web: catswithnoname.com
For pet cats, farm cats, stray cats, and feral cats in the Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Pine Grove areas of Pennsylvania.
Spay & Save
PO Box 122
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-279-9714 or 610-277-6187
Low cost spay/neuter for pets of those needing financial assistance.
Pennsylvania SPCA
Centre Halle, PA 814-364-1725
Philadelphia, PA 215-426-6300
Homeless Cat Management Team
Pittsburgh PA
412-321-4060
Spay-neuter for feral cats in southwestern Pennsylvania. Leave a message in voice mailbox 4.
Animal Birth Control
2643 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-434-8434
800-SPAY-PGH
Email: [email protected]
This organization has a network of 35 participating veterinarians in western Pennsylvania for low cost spay/neuter of pets. They can also help people find services for feral cats.
Animal Rescue League of Western PA
6620 Hamilton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-661-6451
Low cost spay/neuter clinic.
Animals in Distress
PO Box 168
Catasauqua, PA 18032
610-264-5554
Allentown area.
Animal Education League
Woodlyn PA
610-544-9535
Lost cost s/n in PA, DE, and NJ.
Delaware County SPCA
Media, PA
610-566-1370
Low cost spay/neuter for pets of people with low income.
Lehigh Valley Humane Society
Allentown, PA
610-797-3439
Low cost spay/neuter for all pets.
Spayed Club
PO Box 1145
Frazer, PA 19355
610-275-7486
Various low cost and subsidized spay/neuter programs throughout Pennsylvania's Delaware Valley.
Sanctuary Hollow
2820 Audubon Village Drive
Norristown, PA 19403
610-666-6312
Gives information about low cost spay/neuter.
Humane League of Lancaster County
Lancaster, PA
717-393-6551
Low cost spay/neuter for unowned cats such as feral cats and barn cats.
Humane Society of Lackawanna County
967 Griffin Pond Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
717-586-3700
Low cost spay/neuter for pets of people of need financial assistance to do so.
Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA
Minersville, PA
717-544-2920
Low cost spay/neuter clinic
Spay Neuter Assistance Program
Enola, PA
717-732-5377
This program has a listing of participating vets in the area (central PA) who will alter cats at low cost.
Animal Rescue Inc.
New Freedom PA
717-993-3232
Pennsylvania SPCA
Centre Halle, PA 814-364-1725
Philadelphia, PA 215-426-6300
Rebecca ~ I sent you a PM.
Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know what is happening on my kitten and adult cat situation. I found a vet only four miles away who works with animal friends and the ABC low cost spay and neurter program. I have asked them to send me six applications. Because I have so many cats, they will charge me 30 for each cat's physical and shots in order to get them spayed. I figure with the low cost program each cat will be taken care of for around 100. I will be able to afford one cat to get spayed in April and a very nice lady has told me that she can send 100 to the vet; therefore, that will take care of another cat. That will leave four cats. I have to move fast because I think two may have already become pregnant. I have had seven replies to kittens so far and a nice couple came by today and chose a kitten. Their cat was 16 years old and had to be put to sleep. They want a kitten for their 8 year olds birthday. I am being very careful about who I select, especially after the warning everyone gave me. Thank so much. I will update as things change. Rebecca
Yes, those little buggers will do that. When I was actively involved in rescue, they multiplied so fast that I could hardly keep up. I'd no sooner get one altered then another one would show up. Two cats gave birth on my porch on the same day. I came home from work and had 7 more kittens to contend with. When I bought this house, I still had 27 outdoor cats that I had to place before I moved. What a stressful time that was! So I can definitely empathize w/you. It seems like you've got a good handle on things, though.Quote:
Originally Posted by rebeccahowes
Hi Rebecca, it sounds like you have a good plan set in place. I'm so glad that someone has offered some help to you and that you have 100.00 of your own money to go towards this.
I too would like to send a donation to the vet where you are having them fixed. As mentioned before, I don't have alot right now but I really want to contribute something because you obviously love these cats and want to stop the cycle.
Would it be okay with you if I cross posted this thread in the 'cat general' section? It might be that not everyone has seen this thread and perhaps we can generate some help towards getting your cats spayed and neutered via donations.
Could you PM me the name and address of the vet clinic you will be using? Then I will send something to them on Monday morning. And if anyone else on PT is interested in helping, could they PM you for that info too?
Thanks so much for your help. Definitely feel free to cross post whereever you like. I will pm you with the name of the vet. If you feel that it is safe, I can put the name and address of the vet on PT. I have been praying for a solution to this situation for awhile and now it seems that good things are starting to happen for me and the cats. I am still waiting for the applications to be sent to me for the low cost spay program. This particular vet is going to charge me 30 a cat for the physical and shots that are required before spay and neurter can be done. I will have enough money to at least get the six cats their physicals and shots so they will be ready to be spayed or neurted as money permits. Thanks so much for everyone caring. I did want to ask if anyone can tell me what to do about the two females that just recently became pregnant. Can they still get spayed? I have never dealt with this situation before and was unsure what to do. Thanks everyone. RebeccaQuote:
Originally Posted by Emeraldgreen
You'd have to ask the particular vet that's doing the surgery what their policy is on pregnant spays.
Some will do them anytime but charge extra (takes longer and is more of a pain for the vet to do).
Some will do them and charge extra but only until a certain point in the pregnancy then they refuse to do them after that time.
Some vets outright refuse to do them at all. It would totally depend on what this vets policy is.
Vet name? Phone number? Address?
Update: Rebecca / Emeraldgreen ~ Thank you for the PMs. Got the info. I called Pam at the vet and she is on the lookout for any donations. She seemed amazed that anyone was willing to help. I told her she needed to visit Pet Talk, 'cuz we're all animal lovers and whenever possible, we try to help out.
I just spoke with Pam at Suburban Animal Clinic and she was great. She spoke with the vet and they said that we can post their information here on the forum so here it is:
Attention Pam:
Suburban Animal Clinic
101 Thorncrest Dr
Butler, PA 16002-3931
Phone: (724) 287-5289
She also asked the vet if they could accept credit card payments and they said they that could. She is keeping a detailed list of what donations are coming in and from who as well and will be updating Rebecca on a weekly basis so Rebecca can keep us informed of where the donations are at.
I tried to make a credit card donation but because our postal codes here in canada are a series of letters and numbers rather than just numbers, Pam was having a difficult time processing it. I offered to send a cheque instead. But people from the states would have no problem with using a card.
I also spoke with Pam about the fact that some of Rebecca's cats are somewhat feral and asked if they had a trap they could lend out. Pam said they spay and neuter ferals all the time and they do have a trap they lend out but it is on loan right now. She will let Rebecca know when it comes available. She also said that she will be speaking today with a local woman named Cindy who traps ferals and brings them to Suburban Animal Clinic on a regular basis and see if she would have a spare trap she could lend Rebecca.
It looks like it's all coming together!
p.s. Thank you Kuhio98 for today's donation!! :D
I know what you mean about Pam being surprised that strangers would help, she was the same way when I spoke with her. LOL She seemed really happy about it.
This is Rebecca. I know that alot of people were upset when I offered free kittens. I am going to post a request I got from someone this evening. They want to get one of my kittens before the time I said they would be ready to go. I just wanted to show you what I put my future owners through before they are allowed to take one of my precious kittens. They may not write back, but I feel that if they really would be a good cat owner, they will write back and understand my process. I wanted you guys to see that I am very selective of who takes my kittens. I have turned a few people down this week just because of what you guys told me. I look at every person as someone who may feed my kitten to a snake or their pitbull. Here is an email I got this evening. I would defintely like to come choose a kitten or even two. But you said they wouldnt be ready to leave until the 9th and I was hoping if I came out saturday the 5th that maybe I could bring it home that day. Since from where I live, its about an hour drive. But thats entirely up to you. Thanks. My reply was this: Hi, I am actually letting a kitten go this Saturday. Someone is coming over tomorrow to choose a kitten. That will leave 3 kittens. It would be great if you took two because they are so much happier when they are together. All 3 kittens are adorable. I am willing, but I need to know a little bit about your situation. Do you have kids and how old are they. Have you had kittens before? These kittens are very small, are you able to protect them from being stepped on? Do you have the finances to feed them and get any medical treatment they might need. Do you love cats with all your heart. I know this seems extreme, but I love these kittens to death. I have turned down a few people because I did not believe they could provide good homes. I want the best for these beautiful kittens. Get back to me and provide me with some information so I can tell if you could be the proud parent of a kitten. I don't want you to drive all that way and I turn you down. But if you are the right person for the job, the drive is worth the while because these kittens are such Cuties. They make me laugh all day long. Love RebeccaQuote:
Originally Posted by moosmom
This is Rebecca. Someone emailed me tonight and this is what they said "didnt see a rehoming fee. you are asking this of people i hope. We have 2 "labs" around the Pittsburgh area that LOVE free pets. please screen these people well before handing over these babies. thanks, Joanne M <local rescuer/foster>Quote:
Originally Posted by moosmom
Then a person emailed me tonight and said"
would defintely like to come choose a kitten or even two. But you said they wouldnt be ready to leave until the 9th and I was hoping if I came out saturday the 5th that maybe I could bring it home that day. Since from where I live, its about an hour drive. But thats entirely up to you. Thanks.
So everyone knows because I know that everyone is very concerned about me giving my cats away free. I replied "Hi, I am actually letting a kitten go this Saturday. Someone is coming over tomorrow to choose a kitten. That will leave 3 kittens. It would be great if you took two because they are so much happier when they are together. All 3 kittens are adorable. I am willing, but I need to know a little bit about your situation. Do you have kids and how old are they. Have you had kittens before? These kittens are very small, are you able to protect them from being stepped on? Do you have the finances to feed them and get any medical treatment they might need. Do you love cats with all your heart. I know this seems extreme, but I love these kittens to death. I have turned down a few people because I did not believe they could provide good homes. I want the best for these beautiful kittens. Get back to me and provide me with some information so I can tell if you could be the proud parent of a kitten. I don't want you to drive all that way and I turn you down. But if you are the right person for the job, the drive is worth the while because these kittens are such Cuties. They make me laugh all day long. Love Rebecca
You guys have all got me very paranoid. I am not complaining. What I have found is that everyone from everywhere is concerned. I wanted to show you the conversations I have had and how I react to them. I am definitely being extra careful about who my kittens go to. Maybe to the extent that I may not be able to get them homes because I am being so particular. I would rather have 13 cats than my kittens being abused. I love them so much. The point is this, I am doing everything I can to make sure they go to only great and fantatic homes. In my area, people don't pay for cats. There is alot of free cats. The pounds charge way to much. My job is to screen and make sure the kittens go to very loving homes. They need to go to people that love cats as much as we all do. I want you guys to know that I will not let you down. I will keep all of the kittens before I will let them go to a bad home. You have my sincere promise. I am getting scared by these emails, only because I did not realize there were so many people that could be so mean to animals. We need to find a way to stop them. I love you guys for your advice and support. Love Rebecca P.S. If I say free kittens, it seems like I either want to get them off my hands or I want to offer something beautiful for free. They were free to me. A gift from God. If I ask for money, it seems like I am trying to sell them on Ebay or something. It seems like I am putting a price on something that is priceless. Either way, I am the bad guy. I am so confused right now because of this last email to me. I need advice please! Thanks!
Hi Rebecca, you obviously love these little guys and there is no doubt about that. I think that you shouldn't worry about what it looks like to other people if you put a price on these kittens. The fact is, the sole purpose would be for their protection and nothing else. As others have mentioned in previous posts, people who are trying to round up kittens to sell to testing laboratories or to use as snake food will not pay 25.00 or even 20.00. But a person with a good heart and home who loves animals would pay this amount if they felt a connection with one of your kittens. It's also another way to ensure that they can 'afford' to raise a kitten and keep a cat. If they don't have 20.00 they probably don't have enough money to spay or neuter them and that sort of thing. In the end, it's a great way to weed out people who may not be the best people for you kittens. And, any funds you receive from the kittens could go to help the adult cats that you also love so much.
I'm not sure where you are posting the ad for them but is there a way to also post their pictures? It might help people who have good intentions to fall in love with them and be willing to pay the fee to have them.
As you said, if no one came for them because of this fee, they would have a good home with you. But it does seem like alot for you to take on, especially with all the work you're undertaking with the adult cats, not to mention your own family. Don't forget that if you can't find good homes, the Butler Humane Society takes litters of kittens for a total of 100.00 and they state on their website that they are a no kill shelter. I only mention that to you because it is one more avenue available to you. Here is the link to their website: Butler Humane Society
I will continue to pray that the most wonderful, loving families contact you to provide homes for your remaining sweeties. :)
p.s. I think you're doing a terrific job of screening potential families for the kittens!
I haven't followed this thread the entire way through but my suggestion is $25 a piece. Anyone who objects, let them go. Some hunters around here use kittens to train their hunting dogs and they also use them as target practice. Of course, I'm not saying that all hunters do this but I've had hunters here tell me this to my face, so giving them away for free or even for $5 is risky. I know, it's easy to tell others what to do when you're not in their shoes. When I was actively involved in rescue, I was down to 27 outdoor cats to find homes for before I moved and people actually said to me "Why don't you take them w/you?" Yeah, ok. As if it wasn't difficult enough to put out houses and food for all those cats. Now I'm expected to transport all of them. Where I lived at that time, it was easy to hide all those cats because I lived high on a hill away from view. But the house I live in now is in a neighborhood and I can only imagine the reception I would've gotten had I brought 27 outdoor cats and houses w/me plus my own 8 indoor cats. I would've been called a hoarder, even though the majority lived outdoors. I had every one of them altered and up to date on shots and meds before I found them homes and I did it out of pocket, so I truly can relate to your situation, Rebecca. It ain't easy. Plus you love the little critters and want what's best for all of them. I sure wish I could take one but, as I mentioned earlier, I'm maxed out on cats and money. I wish you only the best in your endeavor to find good, permanent homes for these babies.
Oh Rebecca my heart goes out to you, i can completely understand your situation,here in NZ people always offer their kittens free to a good home, it is just the standard, and until i became a member of PT i had no idea that people would use kittens for such terrible purposes,and i had never come across such a thing in NZ, however when i rescued my ellie and Nikkita, the previous owner's son joked he had taken some of their kittens for eel bait, i was sick to the stomach, and to this day i don't really know if he was being truthful or not,sadly i think it was the truth and it hurts so much to think he might do something so awful, knowing my darling ellie and nikki's nature and having rescued about 12 of their babies to a cat shelter, i feel sick everytime i think this poor excuse for a human being could even do such a disgusting thing.
You have every reason to be worried, but i think you are doing the best job ever at screening prospective owner's and really what more can you do,they are very fortunate to have you,they have a good chance of a good life, remember that, without you they would have no chance at all, but yes i can well understand you being so scared.
Luckily in NZ people don't take kittens for those awful reasons,most are genuine and just want a pet,alot won't pay because they know they can get them for nothing, it is only but a few nasty's that do the above here, thank god.
I wish you all the best ,and trust you will do an excellent job of finding loving owners for your kittens, HUGS.
Giving an update for everyone. I have homes for four kittens. Got two to go. I have found the most awesome homes . I turned away many people. I even turned away a friend and he got mad at me. I said "sorry, but I am putting you through the same credentials that I do everyone. Since you guys have let me know about people who feed their cats to snakes, lab rats, and feed to their dogs, I have been quite the "bitch". Excuse my language. A lady came over tonight and wanted me to take a kitten to her car because her kids were sick. I asked how old they were. She said two and five. I said that I was sorry, but I could not give one of my kittens to her. My reason is that my seven year old, when he was five, sprayed my kittens with lysol. They almost died. He also through them down the stairs when I was not looking. I am scared of the people who feed their cats to snakes and to their pitbulls, but I am also scared of small children. My grandchildren come over and always pick the kittens up by the necks and drag them around. I totally freak out. I am scared of snake people, pitbull people, small children, and grandchildren. My twenty year old says "mom, just get homes for the kittens" she is so upset that I turn away so many people, but I love these kittens to death. They have made me laugh to death for the last couple weeks. I have no clue how people could not like cats. I took a couple more pics this eve. I wanted to share them with you. The calico cat is so beautiful. She was a small kitten on my back porch. She grew up and came into my home through a hole in the basement. I said to my husband, "someday she is going to love me". Today she is the most awesome cat I have ever met. She was feral and I helped her to become tame. My hopes are that I can get her sisters to love me. They are the most prettiest cats. They look like cows. They are black and white. You know what amazes me about cats. As I type, one of the black and whites is going in the cat litter box. They lived outside for a big part of their lives, they went to the bathroom in gardens. Now they come inside my house and go in the cat litter box without no training whatsoever. Aren't cats beautiful? Gosh I love them so much.
In my last post the kittens and cats did not upload. Here they are. Look at the pretty calico. She was feral and today she is such a friendly cat.
Your kitties are beautiful!
You are doing a good job screening homes for your kittens. I was an adoption counselor for two years for a humane society. At first I was stunned by all the rules and fees, but after a while I realized that the whole point is to make sure they go to a forever home.
So, we did not permit kittens to go to homes with children under seven. If they wanted a cat, we would counsel them to take an older, calmer cat that could handle the children better. Or even a puppy.
Usually they would refuse the older cat. Which meant to me that even if they did get a kitten, they would lose interest in the cat when it was grown up and they might abandon it.
Stick with it and do the best you can. Good luck finding them forever homes!