Conference misery::feline_v1

    I am truly sorry about your recent loss.  I felt that way when my
    dog passed away 2 years ago.  It was odd, because I, at first, turned
    away from my cat, Sunshine, because I felt so guily giving my love
    to another animal (my dog lived at my parent's home, but it grew
    up with me for 17 years).  But I also felt it wasn't fair to her
    as she tried to snuggle up to me and I'd just be there to give her
    the basics--food, water, etc.
    
    I finally realized that it wasn't fair to Sunshine.  Happy will
    always have a special place in my heart, no matter how many cats/dogs
    I have.  They are all special in their own way.  You will, in time,
    put your grief aside, and remember the special and happy times spent
    with Kitty Lou.
    
    As far as litter box odor, I've tried all kinds of kitty litter,
    and the one that has worked best for me is CONTROL.  It doesn't
    give that "dusty" effect, and really contains those oh so familiar
    awful odors.
    
    Good luck!
    
    diane
    

    Cathy,
    
    You won't be replacing Kitty Lou.  No cat could replace her.  You
    will be getting two more cats which you will also love.  Besides,
    Kitty Lou will prefer you to be happy even though she is no longer
    with you.
    
    	-Nancy
    

    Hi! I'm not familiar with the Cat Shelter you mention, but, I have
    three healthy kittens that are ready to leave my home (we have 6
    at the moment).  2 short hair/orange tiger males/housebroken
    9 weeks old.  One has some white on him, bib,mittens,belly & boots.
    The other is solid orange tiger, both will probably have vivid stripes.
    They can be split-up or go together, I've enjoyed watching them
    discover the indoor world available to them.  
 
    The other one in the litter is a long hair/female calico. All quite
    playful and healthy.
    
    I love them dearly but, my 6 yr. old 15 lbs male has put up with
    them long enuf.  I understand the grief you are going thru, I live
    on a busy street and have resigned myself to utilizing harnesses.
    Scuff gets all excited when he hears the harness jingle, even if
    you only pick it up to move it.  I start all my cats early wearing
    the harness around the house, then we graduate to outside.  
    
    Whatever your source, maybe you can consider a harness for the new
    member of your "family".   Good Luck.....
    

    

    I am...
    
    	very sorry about your loss,
    
    	certain that she will not be "replaced", but rather succeeded by,
    
    	pleased that you will keep the next ones inside with you,
    
    	very supportive of getting two (or more) to be pals, and
    
    	wish you the best in your search!
    
    Gary

    Have you read 1815?  Cathy in that note is trying to place her
    cats, 1 female, 1 male.  Both are only indoor cats, in fact they
    are declawed and neutered and both are only a little over a year
    old.
    
    I have agreed to take the male cat, but can only take one - in fact
    I haven't broken the news to my husband yet!- as two is my limit
    and we already have one at home.  As much as I am looking forward
    to taking Trigger, I feel terrible that the female hasn't found
    a home.  So if you think these cats would be what your looking for
    and want them both I would feel better if they could both have a
    home together!
    
    But you would have to be "rushed" into a decision because Cathy,
    in note 1815, is leaving the country tomorrow night!  She lives
    close by in Leominster, so maybe you could see the cats and make
    a decision after seeing them!

    I to am very sorry about your loss, I don't know how I would handle
    one of my four passing on.
    
    Have you read notes 1641 & 1791, about a very needy little lady
    that needs a home and has to be an only cat?  If so please consider
    her since her chances aren't good at finding a very loving home,
    like you could provide her.  
    
    Please consinder Natasha, she is a love that is looking for someone
    to love!
    
    Thanks for considering...
    
    Lorna
    

  I feel so terrible about your loss! But I think that taking in
  another cat will help you recover from this loss faster, and
  I'd also like to put in a good word for poor Natasha.

  I'm the person who first found her on Rte. 62 that night,
  and, believe me, she's a wonderful, wonderful cat. She's
  just SO affectionate. She just wants to be with you, and lie
  in your lap, and purr and rub and purr...

  But, as you'll see in notes 1641 and 1791, she needs to be an only
  cat. But, really, she's probably more affectionate than any two
  other cats put together! (And she definitely doesn't feel lonely
  about being apart from other cats.)

  She's in a foster home right now, but really needs a permanent
  home where she won't have to be locked away in a bedroom all
  the time.
  
  And I think Kitty Lou would be very pleased that you took in
  a cat who so desperately needed a home. She would never feel
  that you "replaced" her, but that you, in effect, saved another
  cat's life.

  If there's anything else you would like to know about Natasha,
  please feel free to call me at (dtn) 226-6072 or home (508)443-3921.
  --Debbie    

    Well,
    
    Just to let you all know...
    
    I went to the Volunteer Humane Society (Lancaster, MA) on Saturday
    with my husband.  We adopted a sister and brother combo.  Their
    names are Pumpkin and Ninja.  They had been living at the shelter
    for two years.  They really needed some serious loving.
    
    Ninja is HUGE.  He is all black/longhair.  His sister Pumpkin is
    a tortise shell color longhair.  She is just large.  They are not
    very confident about living in our home yet.  It will probably take
    months before they really trust us.  They hide in corners during
    the day, but at night they come ALIVE!  They seem to have explored
    every inch of the house already (2 days).  They have jumped on
    every table, dresser, cupboard, etc.  I don't mind though.  Its
    just like "buying a house"--you really check it good.
    
    Any suggestions on helping them to relax with us around would be
    appreciated.  I guess time is the best thing....
    
    Also wanted to tell you all about the Lancaster Shelter.  Its cats
    only. (As far as I know).  Its on a volunteer basis.  If you have
    time just to sit with the cats, they really need that kind of help.
    There are many BEAUTIFUL cats there.  Something for everyone.
    They also had two ADORABLE kittens waiting for a home or two.
    The kittens are creme color with white chests.  Truly irresistable!
    
    All the adult cats are spayed/neutered already and are up-to-date
    on shots, wormed, etc.  When you adopt, IAMS donates a bag of food,
    and Kitty Litter (TM) donates an adoption package including a temp
    litter box, coupon for free litter, 9-Lives coupons, cat box liners,
    and pamphlets on every question/answer you could ever think of in
    regards to cat and owner.  
    
    The shelter is clean and there is plenty of exercise equipment for
    the cats.  The cats live in a big room uncaged.  Only an occasional
    tiff occurs.  The kittens are caged in a separate area.
    
    It is a nice place to adopt a needy cat.  Some of them have been
    waiting SO LONG for someone to love them truly.
    
    Just and update,
    
    Cathy

  Congratulations! 
  And thank you for taking in those two kitties who have waited
  so very long for a home!
  --Debbie