Am I setting myself up again???

[AdoreMyDogs]

Am I setting myself up for another heartbreaking failure, or will it work out??? I went to the MHS Rochester Hills shelter yesterday to look at what they have. Getting another pet is a big decision and I want to explore all my options before getting an animal, so I went to two different places yesterday...first to the Michigan Humane Society, and then to a foster home for a no-kill cat rescue organisation. When I walked into the kitty room at the MHS there were maybe 40 or so cats, most of them were sleeping, some were playing, one was crying. I looked at every single cat...but there was this one little cry that I kept ignoring. I looked at the crying cat and saw that she was a 2 year old female all-black cat (black cats are, for some reason, my last choice based on looks), but after ignoring this crying kitty and seeing every other cat, I knelt down to her cage (her cage was one on the floor-level) and put my hand up to the bars and her motor box kicked on, she stopped crying and started rubbing back and fourth against the bars trying to "pet" me. I sat down on the floor and stuck my hand in her cage and pet her for a LONG time. I read a bit of her cage card bio, that said she's a 2 year old stray named "Kelly". I felt too worried about taking home a 2 year old cat for Minion, so I got up and started looking at the younger cats again...she started crying again

Several people walked in the cat room at various times during my visit but Kelly kept her eyes on me. She just kept crying and watching me try to make friends with the other younger kitties. After finally not having any connection with any of the younger cats, I started petting Kelly again and she was soooo happy. She purred and purred. It broke my heart. I get teary eyed just thinking about her. MHS is a VERY high kill shelter. She is the oldest in the room (that I saw anyway) and she is black, and the shelter employee said that black cats get overlooked often.

Anyway, I broke down and took Kelly's paperwork to the front desk and asked to hold her. I filled out an application, got approved, and then they took Kelly out, handed her to me, and we walked to the "acclamation room". It was a very large room with lots of benches and seats and lots of stuff to explore, but Kelly plopped down on my lap, motor box going a zillion mph, and layed down on my lap for about 20 minutes, until it was time for me to go. She didn't have any desire to explore the room, or jump off my lap. She was so charming and she had a beautiful little spirit. Not only that, but she will be the first cat "pulled" when they are out of cage space

So now I am considering inviting a 2 year old cat into my home...I imagine that will be even more difficult then a 1 year old cat. I just wish I could speak cat language and find out if Kelly would like to live with two big dogs and an adult cat and be an indoor kitty for the rest of her life. I wish I knew what the best thing to do is.

Donna I still want to see the kitties at your shelter on Saturday, but if I don't see anything that jumps out at me, I may drive right to the MHS shelter and pick up my new girl and see how things go. I do believe in fate, and Kelly was VERY vocally trying to get me to take her out of that cage. I hope that if it is not meant to be with Kelly and Minion, that Kelly will be adopted by a loving family and I find the right cat as a match for Min.

It would be nice if it were as easy to introduce cats as it is to introduce dogs

[Uabassoon]

She sounds like such a sweet cat and she really needs you. I really hope that she ends up in your home and everything works out for you and the furkids.

[ramanth]

Ohhhhhh!! She sounds like a doll.

I support you 100% whatever you decide.

[Barbara]

Kelly sounds very sweet. And cats know who could be the right human for them

She also doesn't sound too complicated as she was glad to stay with you in that room.

And didn't she already reserve a small place in your heart?

[Steffi N]

Kelly sounds like such a love. I hope that she can become a member of your family, but I know you will make the best decision for all your furkids.

[wolflady]

Oh my gosh! What a sweet sounding cat! It sure does seem that she wanted your attention. Remember, cats choose you, not the other way around It sure sounds like Kelly chose you.

How old is Minion now? Introducing opposite sex cats should be pretty easy. I'm not sure about the dogs, but I hope everything goes smoothly for you and that Kelly gets a new and loving home!! Also, I don't think her being 2 will be a problem. I have to wonder if that is a staple age that vets use when they really can't tell how old a cat is. They look at the teeth to guesstimate age, and they told me that my little Sergei was probably two. After having him inside now, he seems much younger than that! I would be surprised if he was even one! He's still very much a kitten, but I think he's always been and outdoor kitty. Who knows, Kelly could be younger than two years of age, but even if she is, I think that should be fine with Minion.

Good luck and let us know what happens! This story tugged at my heartstrings.
**hugs**

[catland]

Kelly is nicer to you than my cats are to me

She sounds like a keeper.

[catlady1945]

Take her!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

She sounds like such a sweetheart, and very laid back, and the laid back is a good thing. I, too, believe in fate, and I know you're trying to do the best for Minion, and I'm at minimum a little biased towards black kittes , and I'd hate to influence your decision if it turns out it doesn't work.....but sounds to me like Kelly has chosen you, and may have already stolen your heart.

I personally don't think adjusting has anything to do with the age of the cat, but more on the temperament of the cat. I think one of Wayne's ways of telling if the kitty will get along with others is if he can pet their paws. Didn't happen to do that by chance, did you?

I believe all of us here will support you in whatever you decide is best, but I for one am putting my vote in for Kelly.

[kitten645]

Follow your heart. I think she knows who she wants to be with and I believe that although all matches don't work, she sees in your heart and probably knows about Minion and the dawgies. As owner of two black cats I can tell you I wouldn't get another kind. They are my baby boys and the best kitties (out of 15!) I've ever had. Good luck.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Originally posted by kitten645
Follow your heart. I think she knows who she wants to be with and I believe that although all matches don't work, she sees in your heart and probably knows about Minion and the dawgies. As owner of two black cats I can tell you I wouldn't get another kind. They are my baby boys and the best kitties (out of 15!) I've ever had. Good luck.

That's really nice. Thank you. Thanks everyone. I'll see the kitties at Donna's shelter, but I think I'm already sold on Kelly. It's nice to think that she already knows about my animals because she saw into my heart. She was one of those special little souls. I do hope everything works out and I can get to her before she gets adopted on Saturday.

I think a kitten would adjust better, but I really would rather adopt a cat with fewer odds then a kitten. I think the odds are stacked against Kelly in the shelter she's in now. MHS is just so high kill it's heart-breaking. Unfortunately, they don't test for FeLuk or kitty AIDS (FIV?) so I'll have to do have them do that before I bring her home, if she is indeed going to work out. Sorry to babble on.

[PayItForward]

Black cats are the best (Not that I am biased either)

I think Kelly has made her choice......Go on, you know you want her

On a serious note, best of luck with which ever kitty you decide to adopt.

PS. Would the shelter loan Kelly to you, to see what she thinks of your dogs...just a thought

[Cincy'sMom]

Sounds like Kelly may be the one. I think after this weekend you will know for sure...unfortunatly I will gone for a week and won't get to find out til next week

Good luck with whatever you decide...If Kelly isn't the right one, keep looking. You will find Min the "buddy" he deserves!!!

[Pam]

OK - here's my 2 cents! First of all, congratulations on getting ready to try again! I think it certainly does sound like she has chosen you! Just hearing that she wanted to sit on your lap, rather than explore the room speaks volumes to me!

Leslie, I understand your thoughts regarding a kitten, but in my limited cat experience (two of my own cats and my daugher has two) it's almost impossible to tell what the personality of an adult cat is going to be when they are kittens. My Andy was a naughty crazy boy if there ever was one and has turned into the most precious affectionare lovable adult kitty. The nice part of adopting an adult cat is that their personality is already developed, and it seems that you have already had a glimpse into Kelly's personality and it sounds purrfect!

My daughter's male kitty, Guinness, (who is also black) purred so loud on the way home from the shelter we thought there was something wrong with the car's engine. We had to shut off the radio and heater to see what the noise was and it was only Guinness! He also has the most lovable personality and sounds very much like Kelly. Maybe black kitties have a gene for loud purring! LOL!

I guess what I am trying to say is that Kelly sounds perfect. I will follow this thread with interest and do hope that you can give this sweetheart a home.

[shais_mom]

Black kitties have a special place in my heart, I don't know why, I just love them. (and calicoes) But this little Kelly sounds EXACTLY like what you need/want. I agree that she seems to have picked you!
I think if she is healthy she will fit in right away with you and the furbabes and Dan.
Open your heart to her, I am sure you will see cats of colors/kinds on Saturday, but I have a feeling with as generous and loving as your heart is, you will take Kelly!
And you are not blabbing on!! I love to read your posts!