Hi
Just posted a really long message but cant find it- fingers crossed

We are looking for a cat, well had hoped for a kitten really but as I work full time and better half works 3days a week not sure we could give kitten time they deserve (but feel free to correct me if my assumption is wrong)
So for this reason we want a youngish adult cat, needs to be good with children (4 and 6), like cuddles and be easy going. Would like cat to be happy to go outside in day (if they want) but equally happy inside at night.
We would like a cat that has no existing medical problems as to be honest I dont think we could afford any massive vets bills as we plan to take out lifetime insurance

It seems that adult cats are hard to come by, we have looked at local rspca but they only have 2 older cats who will need care. any reccomendations of where to look would be appreciated (Im in nottingham if that helps). I know I am being picky but want to make sure cat is happy with us and we can care for it as it deserves to be

I have seen this ad on gumtree cat for salef20 female in Nottingham | Cats & Kittens for Sale | Gumtree.com have contacted seller but have a strange feeling...not sure why... seller says that was given cat by a friend who has moved areas, when asked about injections- didnt know- then said had some 4mths ago but didnt know what, when asked about cats diet said cat would eat any cat food- am I being picky?

Any help or advice would be most welcome, please feel free to tell me I am being too picky etc, Im not easily offended, just want to get the cat that is right for us so they will be as happy with us as we are with them

thanks

I find it hard to believe that you are having difficulties finding an adult cat, there are usually lots on the freeads sites desperate for homes

Edit: I think the issue is that you are expecting something you are not going to find. The great majority of adult cats being rehomed are rehomed because frankly the owner is fed up with them. Some are rehomed for genuine reasons like house repossession but you have only to look at the reasons given for most to realise that you are not likely to be getting a cat that has had vast amounts of money spent on it. Many people still regard vaccinations as optional. The cat in this ad seems to meet your needs otherwise, why not give her a chance?

Liz

Maybe looking in wrong place?
Gumtree nottingham has loads and loads of kittens but hardly any cats, the ones where I have emailed there has been no reply, any other sites you reccomend?

Thanks Liz, you may be right... to be honest I dont mind if the cat hasnt had immunisations as will gladly pay for those...just dont want cat to have an existing condition (diabetes/etc etc) as any insurance company wont cover that- all normal costs imms/check ups etc are fine

am I right in looking for an adult cat- how do kittens cope with not having someone around all day?

If you wanted to get a kitten and you were not there all day then it would be best to get two kittens as it isn't fair on one kitten to be alone all day. Also, kittens have to be fed regularly during the day, but this issue could be solved by an automatic feeder.

However, as you are not there all day I would suggest a cat of 6 months+ as they are still playful like kittens but would probably be OK with being left alone.

We had days where we would be out all day, when I was at work and my husband was unable to work from home. However, we got two kittens so they would always have company and we have had no problems at all.

We got our kittens from Cats Protection and are currently thinking of getting another older cat from them. Not all cats in shelters have medical problems and it is best to go in and discuss your requirements with your local centre as they can match you to a cat or keep you on a list until they get a cat more suitable.

One thing I would say though is that it is very different thinking about what cat you think would be perfect and actually going to the centre and falling in love with a cat that instantly bonds with you. I say this as I was very fussy on wanting ginger and tabby kittens and ended up being 'chosen' by my b/w Furbies.

When we get our new cat I will go in without any preconceived ideas of what would suit us and just find a cat that would get on with our boys and one that feels comfortable around us. That is the best way to start the beautiful relationship that is the feline/human bond.

Also, if you have children, go in with them, as some cats are not good with young children and vice versa, and that is a very important factor when bringing a new pet into your home

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thanks Lumboo- dont mind what type of cat we get to be honest, I think you have confirmed by sensible head for looking at an older cat for now.

Good idea about taking the kids to look and checking on reactions, cats and theirs:-)

Hi, What area are you in? You probably have a local Cat Protection League Branch. At least this way you know they have been tested for FIV etc and are up to date on health care.

Here: Find us

Keep us posted

Am in Nottingham- only 2 cats on the website- wil give them a call later and see if they have more.... do you know what the average adoption fee is for cats protection league?

In my area they charge £50. They often have more than is on the site, they are so busy it is sometimes not up to date.

They are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped plus full up to date on fleas and worms. They are usually blood tested too.

Now at my vets they charge the following:

Vaccinations £50 in total for start up
Neutering male £35
Spaying female £50
Microchipping £18
Worming and flea treatment - not sure

but look at how much money you save by adopting one who has had these already done. Often if they are too young to have been neutered you will get a voucher for when they are old enough so you don't pay that either.

RSPCA are the same