Please help prospective novice cat owner - Me!

[ChrisH]

Once again, thanks to you all, you are a real help to me. Nothing new to tell today, haven`t had a home visit yet, should do before Wednesday though, so I can bring my cat, whoever it may be home then. I was very tempted to go to the shelter today but I have had too much I need to catch up with around the house, and tommorow too.
Got the food & food bowls, littertray & litter and a scratching post, a nice one too. David, who owns and runs a pet supplies business, and has been delivering the food and stuff I needed for, must be nearly five years, he is such a nice guy. He gone to a lot of trouble to help over those years, helping me find the right food for Bob and lots of things like that..... anyway, he picked out the food and stuff (he supplies the shelter) and, because he knows how I have to watch my pennies all the time, and that getting a cat is going to be stretching me to the limit, he got some money off coupons for the food and also suggested that I can pay for the post as and how I can. Isn`t that so nice of him?
Between his help and the help from you fellow Pet Talkers, I think I maybe I am going to be able to be one happy cat mom!
I will keep you all posted!

[Pam]

Chris we look forward to you soon posting on the Cat Boards as a Cat Mom, whomever that kitty may be!

[sasvermont]

Chris, each and every cat has it's own little personality. Some are a challenge and some are easy as pie! You get what you get - but taking your time to getting to know this furry creature is the answer. I just recently adopted a 4 yr. old cat but have the luxury of knowing who he lived with before I got him. He seems to have adjusted but not changed dramatically. If I am not mistaken, you are intended on getting the Mom cat, right? 3 1/2....so she will be pretty well set in her ways. It will be fun for us to hear your take on the big adjustment. It may turn out to be easy, easy, easy.

I often bring dogs into my house with my three cats. The cats don't mind it and I usually keep the dog on a leash for awhile until I see that they will not eat each other!

Keep us posted. Can't wait to see some pictures of your newest member of the family!

[Edwina's Secretary]

My family had cats when I grew up but a) they were ...like all the animals...my mom's! and b) we were out in the country where they were outside as much ...if not more...than inside. And...I'm allergic to cats! So when my husband wanted a cat....it was an adjustment!

I am so excited for you....and Bob.....you know I am in love with Bob...right???

Onward to adventure!!!!!!

[SANDY FROST]

It's wonderful to get a cat for the frist time. You'll br great because yhou're a pet person. Get a good vet, a good hoew to cat book and subscribe to
a good cat magizine like Cat Fancy and ypu'll be fine. Cats are easy.
Nice home,good food and lots of love. I keep my indoors and they are happy and have no desire to go outdoors. IN fact they will be healthier in the
long run.
Sandy Frost

[ChrisH]

Just to let you all know, I am getting the home visit in about two hours! I am so nervous, isn`t it silly! I don`t what I willl be like before going to get my cat on Wednesday! If I am approved that is. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

[Miss Meow]

Good luck! I know you'll pass with flying colours

[ChrisH]

No-one came! I don`t know why. I know they are short-staffed because when I called to see if whoever was coming wanted directions I was at first told that someone was taken ill and I may not get a visit after all, then, after checking, I was told that a volunteer who lived fairly close to me would make the visit. Then nothing, no message, zilch. I did call but I just got the recorded message stuff. I will call again in the morning and try and find out what happened. To say I am disappointed is such an understatement...

[Edwina's Secretary]

Keep the faith! Volunteer organizations (heck ANY organization) struggle so today to meet commitments with short staffs.

Maybe they have decided your reputation needs no validation and you're already approved!

Love to Bob....sigh

[ChrisH]

Edwinas Secretary - yeah, I know youre right, I am just not feeling too good and you know how it is when you`re off colour, stuff sometimes feels worse than it is.......I didn`t mean it as a moan against the shelter people, they really do a great job.

What...oh yeah, Bob says to send you tailwags and a big slurpy kiss!

[NoahsMommy]

ChrisH, Don't worry, the right one will come along...you'll see. We volunteer at the shelter on Saturdays and each week, there is a new cat that leaps into my heart. There are many special little guys and girls out there.

[jenluckenbach]

I know how frustrating it is when people break appointments, but don't take it personally. Mostlt, they are overwhelmed with things to do, and emergencies (that need immediate attention) around every corner. Maybe this was for the best, if you aren't feeling the best, you may not show off your "true colors" in an interview.

[BastetsMum]

Hi Chris,

Don't be scared about getting a kitty. If they could they would look after themselves *laughs*. Cats are highly independent creatures with minds and characters of their own.

Bastet is only 2.5 years so I was a newbie 2.5 years ago too *laughs*. I went through all the problems too of her being lonely and away from her brothers and sisters and the fact she slept on my chest for 3 weeks! I let her because I knew that eventually she would know that I would always be there for her.

As for the indoor/outdoor debate - I beleive that having an indoor cat not only saves you the worry of roads and nasty people but also saves the wildlife as well. Bastet has a wonderful time inside. I hide toys for her and little pockets of food. She gets to see me when I get home. She has places to watch the outside world and really she is very contented.

I think its commendable that you are considering a shelter cat too! When I did work at the RSPCA here in Australia - it was always the older cats there that didn't find their forever homes. Some of those cats had the best personality! It was a shame at that time I could not take them all home and love them but I did go in whenever I could to sit and stroke them and be their company.

The older cats (not from my experience mind you) do not have any trouble adjusting to an indoor environment.

I wish you all the best!

[SANDY FROST]

TOMORROW WILL BE A BETTER DAY! Had a rotten day at work but there was a dog tied up outside the store where I work. So I spent My break with the
dog huggy it and talking to her. I forgot about my bad day. HANG IN THERE!
Sandy Frost

[krazyaboutkatz]

Chris, I just want to wish you good luck. I'm sure that you'll be approved and then you'll find just the right cat to adopt.