I've Got Two Cats To Choose From

[pastafreak]

And I can't decide.
Both are male strays, and about 5 years old.
One, a tubby black and white boy, is currently in foster learning to trust humans again. The first photo I'd seen of him, he looked like he'd been through the wars.
The second, a ginger tabby, is fiv+. He's come from Cyprus, is very nervous and doesn't like other cats. That might be the deciding factor as I've thought I'd like 2 eventually.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Pasta, you are probably not going to like what I'm going to write but it's said with no malice. I would not go for either of them, for the simple reason I would never take an animal from a 'back yard' rescue centre. I think they should be all banned. Many keep animals that should really be put down for their own sakes and some even charge to take cats off people's hands, then charge again for 'adoption fees'. I would go to the RCPCA and get an older cat without problems -there are plenty of older cats who are looking for homes for the simple reason their elderly owners have gone into care or died. A rescue cat does not have to be a problem cat.

[pastafreak]

The RSPCA has nothing in my area. Nor has Cats Protection. This Charity is registered. Videos/photos/updates are posted for many of the cats. Not all are 'problem' cats...they are animals who need warmth and food and protection from the street.
The other local rescues, both of which I've registered with, have plenty of cats of the type you describe, but none suitable for indoor living. Yes, I can let a cat out if necessary, but as I live on an upper floor, I prefer not to. I'm a person who...due to personal experience... believes cats should be off the streets at night if at all possible.

[pastafreak]

Pixie, I've heard from several people that as long as they don't go outside and mix with other cats, then they can be indoors with non FIV house cats.

[pixie374]

Thanks pasta x cats are not pack animals anyway.... but they can learn to tolerate or ignore each other. Would they let you have both?

[AuntPollyGrey]

I find it hard to understand that a feral stray could ever settle as an Indoor cat. Surely you should be looking for a rescue cat that is used to being inside. I would have thought a cat born and spending 5 years outside would fret if it had to be kept inside.

[pastafreak]

I'll see what they suggest pixie.

APG...this woman's experience suggests otherwise. That is that their personalities often change drastically when they no longer have to fight for food and territory...neutering must also help.

[pastafreak]

Also age does not equate to time spent on the streets.

[pixie374]

Your choice, of course, but I would. My daughter took my 17 year old cat, to be a house cat, as she was not happy with the dogs, in the end. She did settle perfectly well, into being a house cat. And I think, actually appreciated it.

[pastafreak]

I wouldn't mind...and I have considered it.
I guess it depends how "anti other cats" the one boy is.
He is apparently quite nervous and was beaten badly by some teenagers...enough to require surgery. Heart breaking, really.

[pixie374]

It is. What is wrong with some people?

[pastafreak]

Actually...I'm having a bit of a blub over him right now. Silly me...

[pixie374]

Awww... bless him xx

[198kHz]

Apparently it's harder to find homes for black, and black & white, cats, so maybe best for both if you take Tub.
https://www.cats.org.uk/maidstone/adopt-a-cat/black--white-cats

[pastafreak]

Actually, it looks like I may be doing just that.

It's the same for black dogs. They are usually left behind. My last dog was black...I couldn't 'read' his facial expressions.