Abyssinian Needs a Home ASAP - California

[Uabassoon]

Terry who knows the cat said that he doesn't get along with other cats. I know that sometimes cats are just like that and it really stresses them out and upsets them. My roommates cat is already like that and I feel so bad for her. It's been almost two years and she's just barely starting to relax, she stopped eating stopped going to the restroom. And even now 2 years later getting her to eat is still hard for my roommate. When she sleeps on the windowsill she sleeps with one eye open, it's really creepy. I don't think I'd feel right having another cat like that around, not if she can find him a home where he could be the #1 cat.

[terry]

Thank you, Uabassoon, for understanding that I don't want to test Alfie at this point in his life. It wouldn't be fair to another cat, for one thing, if Alfie hissed or got mad at it. I've just started looking for a home so I'm sticking with him being #1. I know that will eliminate nice offers but I don't want nice people to waste their time and good intentions. I could be wrong and am not totally closed-minded because you all know so much more about cats than I do. I'm really basing it on his hissing at cats outside where he lived in a trailer on the beach. Or, at my 2 dogs inside the trailer but he tolerated them. This was normal, I'm sure. So,
if the right situation came along, another cat might be good as a companion. Thank you all for your interest in this saga.

[Bari_d]

I've known very few cats that wouldn't adjust to having others in their lives. In fact, one or two other cats if they are introduced separately and slowly usually makes for a happier cat in the long run. Males usually adjust more readily, especially if he is the one being introduced to a strange house rather than defending his existing one.

I understand Marjorie's concerns, and certainly wouldn't want to say send him a long distance just to find out it wouldn't work. But I agree, it would be nice to "see" if it might work if someone nearby could try to foster or something?????

Bari

[terry]

OK, I do like that idea, Bari_d. If anyone wants to try it, please let me know. I'd be so happy to someday see a picture of Alfie with friends.

[NoahsMommy]

I know that Wolflady wanted to try and see if her cats would be OK with him...she said she could foster him if it didn't work out and find him a happy home.

I do have an interesting option though. My mother-in-law called me and asked me to help her friend find her one or two cats. Her father passed away and she's very lonely. She came to me because we volunteer at the Humane Society and thought it would be better to really know something about a cat. She DOES want an older kitty, not a kitten. Do you think that would be a good option for her? Can you tell me about his personality? Is he a lap cat? Does he like attention? Is he loving? I know you said he seems to have a chip on his shoulder, but do you think that if he had lots of attention, he'd be better?

Please let me know.

Thanks,
Kelly

[wolflady]

Hmmm...I can understand not wanting to risk Alfie not getting along with other cats. However, if you do find that he gets along with other cats, do let me know and Kelly will help get him to me.

If not, I think the option of your mother-in-law's friend is a good idea, Kelly!! I'm sure we'll get this boy a home one way or another!
**hugs**
Karen

[terry]

Thanks so much Kelly and Karen. First off, I do love the idea of the friend because it's a one-on-one and the lady will give him a lot of attention that he sorely needs. He's lived in nice places with food and water but "nobody's been home" so to speak. He hasn't been treated like the special cat that he is. I had him for 3 months while his owner had brain surgery in August and I saw a new side of him that I never saw in all the years I've known him as a "visitor". He's not only a lap cat, he's an arm, head, leg, hair cat as far as wanting to get close. Always wanting to cuddle! Loves to sleep with you and purr loudly at times. The sound is so comforting. When he gets into a little ball to take a nap I just can't believe how precious he looks.
He would need time to get used to the new situation, of course.
Bari said if he was going to be with other cats, it would be best if he entered some other cats' territory instead of vice-versa so he won't be territorial like he can be. You all know this stuff! By the way, his breeder emailed me today and remembers him and his owner from almost 10 years ago. Amazing! She saw my ad some-
where. She still has a business and you can talk to her if she gives me permission.
Can you tell me more about the friend? Where does she live, how old is she, has she ever had pets? I assume she loves animals and understands them and is responsible blah blah blah.
Stay tuned, Karen.

[terry]

There's an owl on this cat page and it's ME. I stay up very, very late and sleep in until 10, 11, or so. So, in case you're wondering why I'm not responding it's because I'm asleep!

terry (Alfie's friend)

[terry]

More news on Alfie: his breeder just told me that his father was a National Winner in the aby world. His name was Tinbats Searching for Caleb and his owner was a Lynn Martin, probably in CA. I think it would be fun to find her and see what happens. The mother still lives at the cattery and is doing well at 14 along with her sister. The father passed away but I don't know when. He had Alfie's green eyes. We are talking a beautiful and special cat here! He should be ready for adoption by 6/8/3

terry

[NoahsMommy]

Wow....Alfie just keeps getting better!

I called my mother-in-law's friend this evening and am awaiting a phone call. I'll ask her all of the things you've asked. I know she has had cats in the past. So that's a GOOD thing.

I'll keep you informed.

[terry]

Thanks a lot. I forget where you live. Is it in CA? I'm on my way right now to buy him a bigger kennel and the owner and I plan to take him for exam and shots on Saturday. I've heard from the breeder all the details about his family and she's been trying to find a home for him, also. So, please keep me posted and it would be good if the friend and I could talk if she's interested

M'Lee

[terry]

Noah's Mommy- it might be better to email me at [email protected] It's less hassle, more private and I can save it in the Alfie file!

M'Lee

[terry]

Great news!! Alfie got adopted yesterday by a really nice man who is a former client of his breeder. He loves Abyssinians and
wanted to replace the one he lost awhile ago.

By putting the word out there, this wonderful event was able to take place and his former owner is in awe of the whole process. He kept waiting for a "bomb" to go off as he waited at the vets yesterday while Alfie got his shots and exam. But, the new owner knew how to handle him so well that he stayed right in place and didn't complain. The next challenge is for Alfie to learn how to get along with his other cat and a huge dog. I wasn't aware he had those at first but I knew he could always go back to the breeder if things didn't go right. Lucky to be a purebred, I must say.

I want to thank those of you who responded to Alfie's plight. You are all so generous and kind. I learned a lot from listening to you.
I'm ready for the next animal who needs adoption

terry

[Bari_d]

Terry, this is just the best news!!!!!!! So wonderful! Oh! I kept hoping we'd hear from you this weekend that it had worked out.

People, this really does tell us how much we can do with the sharing of information online...thanks to everyone who cared!

There are many sad endings to possible adoptions...this one is a winner, and we are so thrilled for Alfie. Our best to his "master" and to his new "purrson!" May the Lord smile on all of you and Terry too - you did a great job, girl!

Oh, and Terry, I know you wanted to "keep" a copy of Alfie's web page. I'll copy it to a Word doc before I delete it and send it to you to "keep!"

Bari and the Pride

[moosmom]

That is wonderful news!!! Have a great life, Alfie!!