Okay, I Know I Can’t Have Another Cat, But...

... Look at this grumpy, adorable 11 year old girl who’s in the shelter. (Yes, a calico... I’m so predictable!) Her name is Soha. She was a street cat most of her life so she’s tough and battle-scarred but loves gentle pets and butt pats.




Odds are she’s going to spend the rest of her life there. There’s no point to this post other than to share how cute she is, and how badly I want to take her home.

No! I’ve got to talk myself out of it! I don’t need another cat, I don’t need another cat, I don’t need another cat...

Yes, you do need another cat. You've been a three-cat family before, you can be again. She's crying out to you. Go get that pretty lady and give her a forever home. Your heart tells you she's meant for you.

DreamerRose said:

Yes, you do need another cat. You've been a three-cat family before, you can be again. She's crying out to you. Go get that pretty lady and give her a forever home. Your heart tells you she's meant for you.

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Ahh! Stop tempting me! I actually got Clove after Chai passed away, so I’ve only ever had two at once. There’s a lot of reasons against it... otherwise I would’ve gotten a second kitten along with Clove. I live in a studio apartment - it’s roomy with a loft and lots of vertical space, but litter box placement and introductions are always difficult. Plus I will eventually move back to my home country, so I don’t know if it’s fair to subject an old lady to an international flight... Plus the vet costs of an older cat... Plus I don’t think it’s fair to Chilli to bring in another matriarch... but I just think she’s so precious. I’ve been looking at her pictures for months now and I always feel the urge to go get her.

She IS very pretty. I had all sorts of worries before I got Lily, but she was just so pretty, I couldn't let her go. She turned out to be a very sweet lap cat, which I had wanted for a long time. And the funny thing is that all those worries worked out just fine. I am SO glad I went with my heart instead of my head. The same thing might happen to you. You're in love.

DreamerRose said:

She IS very pretty. I had all sorts of worries before I got Lily, but she was just so pretty, I couldn't let her go. She turned out to be a very sweet lap cat, which I had wanted for a long time. And the funny thing is that all those worries worked out just fine. I am SO glad I went with my heart instead of my head. The same thing might happen to you. You're in love.

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That was definitely my experience with getting Chai, too, and I’m so glad I went with my heart even though most of my friends and family advised against getting her. It could be the same kind of situation here... But I just want to be responsible and do what’s best for all cats involved.

I just can’t stop imagining her in my house. I guess visiting her can’t hurt, right?

Aww, what a cute grumpy caliby!

I have to say that us having a pet limit has been helpful in keeping me from adopting all the kitties that tug on my heartstrings.

Think with your heart, but also your head to do what's best for both of you - whether adopting or just visiting.

I, personally, could not leave her at the shelter a day longer. It just is a disease that I have that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy!

I hope you can find some way to bring her into your home. I believe it would be a blessing for her, you and the other cats involved. All the best hopes for you.

rosegold said:

... Look at this grumpy, adorable 11 year old girl who’s in the shelter. (Yes, a calico... I’m so predictable!) Her name is Soha. She was a street cat most of her life so she’s tough and battle-scarred but loves gentle pets and butt pats.
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Odds are she’s going to spend the rest of her life there. There’s no point to this post other than to share how cute she is, and how badly I want to take her home.

No! I’ve got to talk myself out of it! I don’t need another cat, I don’t need another cat, I don’t need another cat...

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Are you sure you really don't want us to talk you INTO bringing her home?

Kat0121 said:

Are you sure you really don't want us to talk you INTO bringing her home?

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Um, yeah, the impulsive crazy cat lady part of my brain is definitely wanting that! The calm, rational part is hoping for the opposite effect.

I’m trying to remember Lari ’s good advice that I did initially limit myself to two cats for good reasons. It’s just so hard when I feel a connection to one! I’m part of so many local cat and rescue groups, so I see available and needy cats all the time, and never feel tempted to adopt them... until this one came along.

Anyway, I’m just pining out loud now... in the company of verified cat people so I don’t pine to my friends and family.

At that is why I can never volunteer at a pet shelter.

Purr-fect said:

At that is why I can never volunteer at a pet shelter.

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Me, too. My vet sponsors cats from a no-kill shelter, and I have to tear myself away every time I take in one of my cats. One time they had two 6-month-old kittens that were all white with black tails. They were very friendly and so, so cute.

rosegold said:

... Look at this grumpy, adorable 11 year old girl who’s in the shelter. (Yes, a calico... I’m so predictable!) Her name is Soha. She was a street cat most of her life so she’s tough and battle-scarred but loves gentle pets and butt pats.
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Odds are she’s going to spend the rest of her life there. There’s no point to this post other than to share how cute she is, and how badly I want to take her home.

No! I’ve got to talk myself out of it! I don’t need another cat, I don’t need another cat, I don’t need another cat...

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rosegold . Listen to your better angels. *YOU NEED ANOTHER CAT.* And *THIS IS THE CAT YOU NEED.* *RUN, DON'T WALK TO HER AND BRING HER HOME.*

You may not know my history but I would have to get her. An older kitty who will be stuck there for life? Older kitties need us.
What are your reasons for telling yourself no? If you can care for her properly then you could always try her out for awhile as a foster. She has never had a home? A human to love her? She sure looks like she has earned that. Seeet beautiful lady. Time for her struggles and worries to be over. I do understand limits. I just think your heart keeps tugging at you for a reason. Think about it but keep visiting her no matter what you choice. She needs you.

Jcatbird said:

You may not know my history but I would have to get her. An older kitty who will be stuck there for life? Older kitties need us.
What are your reasons for telling yourself no? If you can care for her properly then you could always try her out for awhile as a foster. She has never had a home? A human to love her? She sure looks like she has earned that. Seeet beautiful lady. Time for her struggles and worries to be over. I do understand limits. I just think your heart keeps tugging at you for a reason. Think about it but keep visiting her no matter what you choice. She needs you.

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*SO eloquently and well said.*
rosegold . LISTEN to Jcatbird . SHE KNOWS.

I had a two cat limit too. Now I have three cats and a dog. I volunteer in a shelter and I know it's so hard to walk away. There have been so many that I wanted to take home myself, but knew I couldn't. I'm currently struggling over a little overweight cattle dog right now. And sometimes we can't care for another and it's best to leave them where they are so they can get a home where they'll be properly cared for. That being said, if you can find the space then I think it's worth considering fostering her. That way she could get used to living in a home until maybe someone does decide to adopt her or, if it all seems to work out, you can adopt her. It's not permanent and that way you can't say you didn't try.

I know there's a lot more to it than that. I can't foster because I have a sensitive, easily stressed cat, a dog that's fearful of bigger dogs, and not enough space. So only you can decide if you're capable of doing it and if your cats can handle it.

Oh man, you guys are making this hard!! And so is she, with her cute face!

Visiting her and inquiring about *possibly* fostering seems like a sensible, cautious step. Part of me doesn’t want to upset the perfect balance of cats I have right now... I would have to ask about her personality and behavior with others. Chilli has always been the dominant cat and I’ve only had experience introducing more submissive cats to her, so she might not take kindly to a grouchy old female... unless Soha is not as grouchy as she looks.

I forgot to mention... she’s been there for over two years. She is the oldest cat they have. So I don’t think it’s likely anyone else will adopt her anytime soon.

rosegold said:

I forgot to mention... she’s been there for over two years. She is the oldest cat they have. So I don’t think it’s likely anyone else will adopt her anytime soon.

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...which is why we're all imploring you not to hesitate. Obey your better angels. GO GET HER.

Clove wants a grandma!!! She told me so. She's also up for any change/excitement around. Chilli asked will the new one occupy Clove for a few minutes a day? Maybe they can look at each other for a bit, while I take a nap???

rosegold said:

Oh man, you guys are making this hard!! And so is she, with her cute face!

Visiting her and inquiring about *possibly* fostering seems like a sensible, cautious step. Part of me doesn’t want to upset the perfect balance of cats I have right now... I would have to ask about her personality and behavior with others. Chilli has always been the dominant cat and I’ve only had experience introducing more submissive cats to her, so she might not take kindly to a grouchy old female... unless Soha is not as grouchy as she looks.

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I understand completely. I didn't think about how adding a third cat would change the dynamics. When it was just two of them, it was pretty much perfect. No problems whatsoever. I'll admit, adding a third caused some issues. It's not always easy and there have been times I've thought I made the wrong decision. However, I wouldn't give up my little girl for anything. I don't regret adding a third even when it does get frustrating. I have a crabby-looking cat as well and he's a complete teddy bear, so who knows? Maybe Soha won't be so grouchy.

I will say, I knew of a dog that was in the shelter starting before I began volunteering there. She wasn't old, but acted like she'd attack you if you dared open the kennel door. And she was a pit bull on top of that. The second you opened the kennel door, she went completely silent and was really just scared. She got a home probably around two years after I started volunteering and I've no idea how long she was there prior. All hope is not lost just because an animal is in the shelter for a long time. Sometimes it just takes a little longer to find the right person.

You're the only one who can decide whether or not you're that right person and if your home is the right home. Depending on what the shelter is like, it's probably a better life than on the streets at least. If you can then maybe you could at least visit her frequently and give her to attention she deserves. Maybe spread the word to help find someone who'd take her?