First - I have 9 cats of my own who were all stray/abandoned at one time. They are indoor/outdoor with their own cat door(s). They all get along with each other with no problems. The oldest is approx. 11 years old, the youngest is approx. 2 years old.
Around Thanksgiving 2020, I rescued 2 feral kittens (approx. 3 and 4 mos. old) who were suffering badly with upper respiratory virus (calici). My plan was to socialize them once they got over the virus, have them spayed and neutered, and have one of our local rescue groups adopt them out. I kept them isolated in a large room with a big window. They are now approx. 8 and 9 months old.
My problem (and mistake) is I've fallen in love with them and what's worse, I think, is they've fallen in love with both my husband and me. They are completely socialized with us. They are the sweetest, most gentle cats I've ever known. They've not once hissed, growled or raised a paw to us. They've been back and forth to our vet several times for their shots and spay/neutering and are used to going in their carriers back and forth.
Due to Covid 19, the only person who comes to the house is my sister. I've brought her into their room twice to see how they reacted. They ran and hid at first. Then they came out, but would not get near her, even though she offered them Temptations. They just sat and watched her from a distance. I think this is pretty normal, right?
Here's where I need advice. I would dearly love to keep them, BUT:
1. I think we're too old to have such young cats. We're 68 and 69. They would most likely outlive us which terrifies me.
2. We already have 9 cats which to most people is too many. 11 cats would probably be bordering on hoarding.
3. We put a screen door on their room so they and my other cats could get somewhat familiar with each other. This past week I've been letting them out of their room into the rest of the house with the other cats twice a day. I have to lock the 4 way locking cat door so no one can get out but my cats can get in when they want. The kittens of course are quite rambunctious and race around like maniacs. My cats aren't real happy with them - some more so than others.
My head tells me to rehome them, BUT:
1. Will they be too terrified going to a new home with "strangers"?
2. I'm not sure they're socialized enough to be adoptable? I feel like it would take a very special, "cat person" to want them and be willing to work with them a little.
3. If someone did adopt them, how would I know if they are the right people? I would have to be able to keep tabs on the situation every day until I felt comfortable that the kittens are ok with the new person(people). Are there people out there who would be willing to work with me on this for a while?
4. Is it cruel to give them away now that they love us?
Around Thanksgiving 2020, I rescued 2 feral kittens (approx. 3 and 4 mos. old) who were suffering badly with upper respiratory virus (calici). My plan was to socialize them once they got over the virus, have them spayed and neutered, and have one of our local rescue groups adopt them out. I kept them isolated in a large room with a big window. They are now approx. 8 and 9 months old.
My problem (and mistake) is I've fallen in love with them and what's worse, I think, is they've fallen in love with both my husband and me. They are completely socialized with us. They are the sweetest, most gentle cats I've ever known. They've not once hissed, growled or raised a paw to us. They've been back and forth to our vet several times for their shots and spay/neutering and are used to going in their carriers back and forth.
Due to Covid 19, the only person who comes to the house is my sister. I've brought her into their room twice to see how they reacted. They ran and hid at first. Then they came out, but would not get near her, even though she offered them Temptations. They just sat and watched her from a distance. I think this is pretty normal, right?
Here's where I need advice. I would dearly love to keep them, BUT:
1. I think we're too old to have such young cats. We're 68 and 69. They would most likely outlive us which terrifies me.
2. We already have 9 cats which to most people is too many. 11 cats would probably be bordering on hoarding.
3. We put a screen door on their room so they and my other cats could get somewhat familiar with each other. This past week I've been letting them out of their room into the rest of the house with the other cats twice a day. I have to lock the 4 way locking cat door so no one can get out but my cats can get in when they want. The kittens of course are quite rambunctious and race around like maniacs. My cats aren't real happy with them - some more so than others.
My head tells me to rehome them, BUT:
1. Will they be too terrified going to a new home with "strangers"?
2. I'm not sure they're socialized enough to be adoptable? I feel like it would take a very special, "cat person" to want them and be willing to work with them a little.
3. If someone did adopt them, how would I know if they are the right people? I would have to be able to keep tabs on the situation every day until I felt comfortable that the kittens are ok with the new person(people). Are there people out there who would be willing to work with me on this for a while?
4. Is it cruel to give them away now that they love us?
OK one vote to keep. Our health is good so far. We have a few cats who may possibly outlive us. I'm already thinking about who we could entrust the cats to if something happens to us. But maybe the kittens are possibly young enough and haven't been with us very long to be happy with someone younger they could spent the whole rest of their lives with and I should give them that chance. On the other hand, what if they're terrified and can't bond with their new people? Of course, we would take them back in a second but would the new owners let us know and would putting the kittens through that be a cruel thing to do? I know there's no right answer, I just need some thoughts from cat people. So thank you for your input - it's helpful!
