NVR: Cat re-homing question
In March, we took in a pregnant cat that someone had left behind when they moved. We have since found a wonderful home for both of her kittens (together) and got "Mom" spayed and up to date on vaccines. However, since June (when her kittens found their new home), we've been trying to find a home for "Mom" (we would keep her, but she and my female cat DO NOT get along and it's best for the stress levels of both of them that "Mom" find a home of her very own). We have had the hardest time because she's a bit on the finicky side (she'll scratch/bite if she doesn't want to be pet, for example). We've gotten used to her behavior and can sense when she's had enough, but new people coming to meet her can't see that.
I'm just looking for suggestions on how to find her a great home, with responsible humans to care for her and love her for who she is (no matter how moody she can be). Any ideas? :-\
I only have dogs so I might not be as much help as someone with cats... So hear it goes... Is there such a thing as cat obedience school? If there is it might not hurt to sign her up. And hey if it shapes her up you might be able to keep her. ;)
Oh and you did the right thing by having her spayed. :)
Hi K! That's a tough situation! The best thing I can recomend would maybe to try some of those pet calming items--I know they make a type of plug in that release a relaxing sent for animals--we have talked about them on vegweb before but I can never remember the name of them. I think Dr. Foster also carries a line of calmers too. Maybe if she could relax she would be more accepting of other people. Good luck--I really hope you can find a home for her!
I was in a similar situation. My cat was a pregnant stray that I took in, got homes for all her kittens (4) and had her spayed, vaccinated and put up for adoption. The problem was that the adoption center didn't have room for her so I kept her until they did (silly me, I know now I was being played all along, they knew I would end up keeping her). Anyway my cat has the same attitude. She will swat, scratch, bite if she gets annoyed with me petting her. It's been two years and there is no "training" her to stop this. She is who she is and I love her to pieces. My best advice is to give her to a single person or couple who do not have kids. Try putting her picture and profile up on Petfinder.com or if you have a PetSmart near you with an adoption center, ask them to put a profile up for her. Good luck!
I was in a similar situation. My cat was a pregnant stray that I took in, got homes for all her kittens (4) and had her spayed, vaccinated and put up for adoption. The problem was that the adoption center didn't have room for her so I kept her until they did (silly me, I know now I was being played all along, they knew I would end up keeping her). Anyway my cat has the same attitude. She will swat, scratch, bite if she gets annoyed with me petting her. It's been two years and there is no "training" her to stop this. She is who she is and I love her to pieces. My best advice is to give her to a single person or couple who do not have kids. Try putting her picture and profile up on Petfinder.com or if you have a PetSmart near you with an adoption center, ask them to put a profile up for her. Good luck!
Yeah, I don't mind the occasional scratch/bite because I've been around cats my whole life and realize that sometimes, they just do that (heck, if it was socially acceptable, there are a few annoying folks I know that I'd like to scratch/bite sometimes ;) ;D)
Can anyone post on PetFinder? I was trying to do that, but I couldn't figure out how...hmm...I will try again :-\
Thanks for all of the suggestions, ladies. I don't really think it's something I can train her out of--it's just who she is, and there's got to be someone who would love her in spite of it.
When I worked for the Humane Society we got in a couple of cats like that. Petfinder.com is good, and you should mention that she is recommended for people without children and hint at the moodiness (something along the lines of,sometimes does not like to be handled too much) and perhaps mention that this tendency may calm once she gets to know the adopter (hey, it might, in fact it often does). In fact you may want to handle her a bit more often, as more socialization will often help. When people come to see her you can be a bit more honest. The day someone comes to see her, make sure it is a good day for her, maybe feed her some treats or a can of food instead of the dry stuff, that sort of thing (just avoid catnip toys--that can make them crazy! ::) ). Finally, be honest with yourself; if you can't handle her find a good no-kill shelter and hand her off.
I myself did not post on Petfinder. When I put my cat up for adoption through Petsmart, they did it for me. I assumed anyone could post but I could be wrong. I'm sorry.