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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

4925.0. "Replacing my cat?" by CSLALL::SOKOLOWSKI () Wed Sep 11 1991 12:13

    I am new to this conference and I am hoping someone can help me make
    this decision.
    
    Spike, my son's 2 year old cat was hit by a car yesterday and died.  We
    had 2 cats that were always together.  I was trying to decide if I
    should get another cat for Ziggy, my 3 year old cat.  my son wants
    another cat also.  
    
    Spike was an unsual cat.  Lots of personality and always slept with my
    son.  He talked a lot too!  Always meowing.  Both cats hugged, cleaned
    and cuddled with eachother, as well as wrestled.
    
    Would my 3 year old cat not take to a kitten?  should I get an older cat
    that has been around other cats?  What are the chances I could get
    another cat that is older, used to other cats, children and a dog!!
    
    I originally got Spike 2 years ago as a friend for Ziggy.  Ziggy saw
    his dead body in a bag in the back of the truck.  He seemed to
    understand Spike was dead.   Or is it really necessary to think Ziggy
    needs another cat for companionship?    Do older cats usually take to
    new kittens?
    
    Thanks for any advice.
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
4925.1TENAYA::KOLLINGKaren/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.Wed Sep 11 1991 14:4911
    I'm so sorry about Spike.  Don't be surprised if Ziggy shows signs of
    grief.  Since Ziggy got along with Spike, the chances of his getting
    along with another cat are good.  There may well be some initial
    upheaval as they sort out the pecking order.  I'd visit a good local
    shelter and explain about the cat, kids, and dog, and they may be able
    to point you at a cat they have who's used ot that environment.  Also,
    at some shelters you can take the cats out of their cages in a
    supervised area and interact a bit to get an idea of their
    personalities;  although of course many of them are frightened of the
    strange shelter environment.
    
4925.2names of shelters?CSLALL::SOKOLOWSKIWed Sep 11 1991 15:507
    Thanks for the replys.  ( I received a couple E-mails, as well)
    
    I live in Pepperell.  Does anyone know the name of a good shelter in
    the area who might have several cats to choose from?
    
    Thanks,
    Joanne
4925.3exitWILLEE::MERRITTWed Sep 11 1991 16:0315
    
    Well the Pat Brody shelter is in Fitchburg and they have about 50
    adult cats and about 35 kittens to chose from.  The cats are not
    caged..so you can interact with them!!  If interested call Priscilla
    at 508-582-4539 or you can contact me off line for more info
    on the shelter.  
    
    And then according to my handy phone book...there is a shelter
    in Pepperell called the Dayglyn Animal Shelter.  I have never
    heard of this place before...has anyone else!!
    
    Good luck and keep us posted.  You'll have to introduce your
    new baby to us noters when you bring him home!!
    
    Sandy
4925.4Rascal still needs a homeBROKE::SMITH_DWed Sep 11 1991 17:4825
    Hi
    
        I have a male 1 1/2 years old name rascal. My other has been taking
    care of him. He was place once and return to my mother because the
    person that took him moved back home a month later with her mother.
     
    rascal has had all his shots and is nuetered. He is extremely
    affectionate. He loves to have is belly rubbed and to be held.  My
    mother has kept him because rascal went from my sons home to my mother
    to another person and back to moms. He was really up set over all the
    moves.  We have been looking for the right home for him. He gets along
    fine with other cats and dogs. Oh...he loves  to hunt, brings home
    little critters everyday to mom.   If you are interested or if anyone
    is interested in rascal please give me a call. 264-6224.  My only
    concern is that rascal not be bounced back and forth, because he is a
    very friendly cat.   Oh he is also very clean (litter box and outside).
    
    I would take him, only I adopted a cat a few years ago Miss Peepers and
    she does not like other animals or people. We have come to a except her
    for this and just let her have the  run of the HER house. :)
    
    
       Dot smith
    
     Dot Smith  
4925.5COASTL::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313Thu Sep 12 1991 09:4911
    Spike's name has been added to the Silver Lining Memorial list.
    
    Joanne - I also think you should get another cat for Ziggy.  And
    I highly recommend the Pat Brody Shelter- or Kitty Angels which is
    in Tyngsboro.  I have Joan Abbott's number (Kitty Angels) if you are
    interested.  
    
    BTW - Pepperell is where we skydive.  Have you ever stopped by?
    the "drop zone" is on Rte 111.
    
    
4925.6Will send to the SLMCSLALL::SOKOLOWSKIThu Sep 12 1991 11:2733
    Nancy,
    
    I just read note 2228 on the SLM and I will send you a donation this
    week.  What a wonderful thnig you are coordinating.  Thank you for
    thinking to add Spike's name.  I am still very heart broken over Spike,
    and yes, I am sure we will get Ziggy (and my son!) another cat.  I have
    left a phone message for Dot ( a previous note) about to hear more
    about Rascal and also plan to go the Fitchbury after speaking with The
    Pat Brody shelter.  My son, Adam, is very anxious to have another cat
    to love.  If I could afford it, I would have a dozen cats.  it si
    really strange.  I grew up with dogs and never had a cat until 3 1/2
    years ago when I got Ziggy.  I just love him to death.
    
    My husband took the 2 cats and dog to the vets about a month ago for
    check ups, shots, baths and flea dips.  When he brought them home in
    the truck, Ziggy was missing!  I went nuts!  I spent 2 1/2 hours
    WALKING over the 4 plus miles between the vets and my house.  Back and
    forth calling for him.  I went back again to the Vets at 10 PM to look
    one more time.  Ziggy usually comes when I call.  Sure enough, he came
    to me from out of the woods!!  I cried like a baby!  And BOY, WAS ZIGGY
    MAD AT ME!!!  He must have thought I abandoned him!  He even gave me
    the cold sholder for a couple of days!
    
    So, you can see, I really LOVE my cats too!
    
    Thanks, everyone for your concern and support.  As heart broken as I
    am about Spike, I am anxious to take in another cat in need of a loving
    home.
    
    I will let you know when this happens
    
    
    Joanne
4925.7How 'bout a new kitten?SASE::ESCOBARThu Sep 12 1991 13:4811
    Joanne,
    
    Would you be interested in a kitten?  It sounds like you might rather
    have an adult cat but I have 3 kittens available NOW!!!!  They will be
    8 weeks old this coming Saturday.  The mother is very healthy and so
    are the kittens.  They are FREE, and I will be giving them away to
    anyone interested in giving them a good home.  Let me know if you are
    interested!!!
    
    Kay
    
4925.8We have a new member of the familyCSLALL::SOKOLOWSKIMon Sep 16 1991 18:0024
    Thank you to all you Feline Noters who showed concern for Spike and
    expressed an interest on what we should do about another cat.
    
    My son met, and fell instantly in love with Rascal, a 1/12 year old cat
    mentioned in a previous response.  He was exactly the right personality
    to fit into our household.  We brought him home Thursday night and he
    has taken the last 4 days to get adjusted to his new surroundings. 
    There were no signs of fighting, hissing or problems between the two
    cats.  They are continuing to size each other up, but there seems to be
    no hostility there.  I am sure they will become good friends.  The dog,
    on the other hand, will take a little longer.  Once he relizes this is
    Rascal's home, too, I am sure there will be no problems.
    
    Rascal is the type of cat that needs a lot of attention an affection
    and my son is just the right person to give it to him.  Already, I can
    see his expression change when he sees Adam.
    
    Rascal could never replace Spike and we don't expect him to.  Between
    loving his new cat and fixing up Spikes grave all nice with bricks and
    crushed stone, the healing process is coming along fine.
    
    Thanks again for your support.
    
    Joanne
4925.9COASTL::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313Tue Sep 17 1991 09:007
    When you are grieving over the loss of a furry family member, adding
    a new one who needs your love is often just what you need.  It helps
    you keep that love directed outwards and keeps you from locking it
    away.
      
    Rascal was obviously meant to be with you.
      Nancy DC