Conference misery::feline_v1

    AArgh.  Maybe there is no hope, but could you take another run
    at her and suggest a covered litter box in the bathroom, or
    a covered or regular litter box in a large closet?  I
    have one in my bathroom and thanks to the cover, it is really not
    gross.  She is just completely wrong about not converting the
    cats to indoors (esp. the elderly one), but I guess you can't
    convince her of that....
    

There are many, many notes here on shelters.  The notes command:

	SHOW KEY/FU SHELTER

Will get you a list of all notes discussing shelters.

Pam

    
    There's Kitty Angels, Tyngsboro, MA (508)649-4681; Adopt-A-Cat in
    Concord, MA "Linda" at (508)358-5459.  They are "no-kill" shelters.
    
    Nashua Humane is not a no-kill shelter but as long as they do not run
    out of room for cats/kittens, they will keep them and try to place them
    in homes.  Their # is (603)883-4572.
    
    I agree that it is not inhumane to keep cats indoors; my 4 are indoor,
    neutered/spayed, claws-in-tact cats and my oldest was converted from an
    outdoor/indoor cat to just indoor with no problem.  Please try to sell
    her on the covered litterbox as suggested in previous reply.  I have 2
    covered litterboxes in a 3 rm. apt. and it works fine if you keep it
    (I mean them) scooped and changed once or twice a week.
    
    Good luck!
    Pat
    

    When I got my first cat, I was in a no pets apartment so didn't
    like to have a litter box out in the open.  My solution was to put
    it under the bathroom sink, in the cabinet.  I taught my cat to
    open the door to go in.  It would close behind her, and then when
    she wanted out, all she had to do was bump it open again.  It worked
    great for the three years that I lived there.  Maybe she could find
    some room under the bathroom counter.
    
    But, as you probably know, if a solution was wanted, it would have
    been found.  It could be that she is not ready for the responsibility
    of having indoor cats.  I hope that you are able to find foster
    homes, or a good no kill shelter for them.
    
    If it helps any, I have converted several cats to indoor from outdoor.
    One of them was an 11 year old tom cat.  It can be done.  
    
    Jo

    regarding No-kill shelters - From chats with another person who
    was trying to place an older cat - age 12 (remember Havi?) I know
    that any regular shelter will put the cats to sleep immediately
    as "unadoptable".  The no-kill shelters (at least all the ones this
    person talked to) refused to even take the cats for the same reason.
    
    I'm afraid that your sister-in-law is going to have to place the
    cats herself.  
    
    personal note:  I also can't imagine looking for a place to live
    without the cats being one of the primary concerns!  Having learned
    (at least in part) when to keep my mouth shut, I will refrain from
    any further comments.
    
      Barbara - you are great to help her out.  Call the shelters anyway
    but don't be surprized if they turn you down.  Perhaps with luck
    you can place the 10 yr old and your sister can keep the 17 yr old.
      Nancy DC

    Barbara,
    
    You might try a shelter in Norton/Mansfield called Just Cats, Inc. 
    They might be able to help you out.
    
    Winni
    

    Well, I guessed that it would come down to this--Bruce and I 
    have today to call all the No Kill Shelters to try to place 
    Pounce and Sally.  
    
    My future sister-in-law has been "too busy" to call the shelters
    that I gave her numbers of--and that was only the ones close to home;
    she couldn't be bothered with the further ones.
    
    So, as I said to Bruce last night, the guilt will rest on our
    shoulders should we not be able to place them and they end up
    being put to sleep.   (Which, to be honest, is probably what will
    happen.)  I told him to tell her that she had to give us at least
    a week so we can also post notices in stores, etc.  As of last
    night, we had just today to work on it.
    
    Can you tell I'm frustrated?  It's just that with working 2 jobs,
    being in the most critical part of planning our wedding, going on
    college visits with my future stepdaughter (which means some long
    trips), helping same stepdaughter with homework and college application
    essays, trying to do my share at home and keeping up with various
    family and friend issues, I'm burning out.  And, being a cat lover
    like the rest of you, this is the kind of thing that would tear me
    apart at the best of times.
    
    And, Jo was right, she really doesn't want to convert the kitties
    to indoor because of the extra bother of litterboxes even if she
    was allowed to have cats at her new apartment.
    
    On well, sorry for rambling on.  It's just that there are few 
    people I know that would understand.  So many have already said, just
    have her put them to sleep--and don't you worry about it.   In my
    opinion, a pet is like a child, once you have it, you do whatever
    you have to do for it, no matter what the time or expense.  It's
    comforting to know, through FELINE, that there are others who feel
    the same.
    
    Thanks for all of your support and just for listening!
    
    Barbara

    There's a special place in heaven for people
    who take the time to care for any of God's
    creatures.  Take comfort that you will be there.  
    
    You have gone well beyond the call of "duty."
    Hopefully your efforts will be rewarded,
    if not with a home, at least with the comfort
    of knowing that the cats will not be put to
    sleep.  I'm sure the cats would thank you
    if they knew.
    
    Mary-Michael and her "children:" Niniane,
    Charm,Dream,Boogie,Mips and Belle

    When you come right down to it, we all have to live with
    ourselves.  I couldn't live with myself if I did any less
    than what I do - and you're the same.  You should never feel
    less or abnormal for caring as much as you do.  Rather it is
    those who fail to see the value in all life who miss out.
    
    Your sister-in-law never should have had cats in the first
    place.  That's probably where Jesse came from - someone who
    didn't want to care for their cat.  Thank you for doing what
    you can.  We think you're great.
      Nancy DC
    

    Just to let you all know that this story finally had a happy
    ending!  
    
    Everytime that Bruce talked to or saw his sister she would complain
    about the fact the the cats were keeping her awake all night by
    running around since they couldn't go out.  He kept changing the
    subject because "no way is she going to get me involved in
    snuffing those kitties out"!
    
    Anyway, finally a foster family has been found until my oldest
    future niece gets an apartment that will allow cats.
    
    Needless to say, I am delighted!  And relieved!
    
    Barbara

    Great news Barbara!  Thanks for posting it.