a cat question

[mmegaera]

So. I think I'm ready. But I am dubious about going through the Humane Society again given my last experience. I'm also dubious about going through Craigslist, and Petfinder appears to only do shelters in my area. I think I want kittens again (if I do I want to get them directly from their mother, like I did Morgan and Linnet), but I'm not 100% sure. I might go for one a bit older. I would vastly prefer male(s). I have a hankering for tabbies (in any color but orange -- Linnet was my orange tabby for this lifetime), but that's not set in concrete.

I'm not sure where else to look. I'm more concerned about making sure I get healthy, non-neurotic cats than anything else.

Any suggestions?

Comments

[annathepiper]

We got Fred and George from a local shelter with a good adoption policy and track record of taking care of its animals, FWIW. They were both very healthy kittens. :)

[mmegaera]

Which shelter, if you don't mind my asking? (you're just an hour up the road from me) And how did you get the information to vet their track record?

Thanks.

[annathepiper]

It was Homeward Pet, and we had a friend who worked there at the time so we had direct input from her as to the general health of and care given to their animals. When they got in the litter of kittens that wound up being the source for Fred and George, too, we were able to come in and play with them by way of checking them out and seeing if they were the kitties we wanted--and we got to see the overall condition of the place as well.

Hope that helps!

[mmegaera]

It does. Unfortunately, they're about as far north of Seattle as I am south, so I think I will probably stay closer to home.

Thanks!

[annathepiper]

Welcome!

Meanwhile I am given the recommendation of PAWS as a worthy animal agency, and Purrfect Pals shows up at the Street Fair every year with an adoption booth. They were there in May with an adorable bunch of kitties that they called their 'marketing staff'. ;)

[mmegaera]

Thanks!

[annathepiper]

You're quite welcome. :)

[aldersprig]

Are you anywhere near farms? Farmers almost always have spare kittens.

We got our pair, Oli and Theo, off of Craigslist 2 weeks ago, and, aside from a very small flea problem, they're very healthy. Too fluffy to be neurotic - they don't have room for it.

[mmegaera]

We have a lot of small fruit growers in the area, but I'm dubious about just going to one of the stands and asking.

I'm glad to hear of a Craigslist kitten success story.

[aldersprig]

Yeah, I don't know about orchards as much - although the cider press we go to has 3 cats at any given time.

[dfledermaus]

My last four have come from a fostering group. The cats live with volunteers, not in cages, so they can tell you about their habits, personalities, and quirks. The side benefit is that the volunteers are often fostering multiple cats, so they come predisposed to socializing with other animals.

You could also check with local vets, especially if you have any that specialize in cats. Mine quite often knows of clients who have kittens, as well as occasionally keeping one or two around the office that are up for adoption.

[cynthia1960]

Excellent advice here, seconded. My current Beneficent Feline Overladies (sisters) came from a fostering group. Unfortunately, my beloved late Snickers (see icon) came from a house where there were bratty kids and big dogs, so even though she loved me and liked emceeaich, she definitely was a head case at times.

Lady Bast, send a excellent kitty or two mmegaera's way.

[mmegaera]

How does one find local fostering groups? A websearch was not fruitful. I know about one because of their blog, but I'm not getting any response from them.

[mmegaera]

I only know of one fosterer near me (the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee lady), but I'm not getting any response to my emails to her.

I think I will check with some local vets (esp. the local cat hospital) and see if I can't broaden my search. Thanks.