I took this photo of Abby on July 23 this summer. She is a lovely 4 year old Lady Cat now in residence at the shelter in Conway. She is safe there and taken care of but she is not happy.
Abby's human died last summer and Abby doesn't understand why he is gone, why he didn't come back for her and what she is doing in this strange place with strange people and lots of cats. She is rather pissed off about it and feeling depressed and cranky. And she doesn't understand that she would have a home in a second except for one thing.
She can't stand other cats.
Her human's sister would love to give her a home except that she has other cats and that would make everyone miserable. Abby needs that rare creature, a kind loving cat person with no cats.
Abby's story is a reminder to all of us that we need to make plans for our beloved felines in case something happens to us. I know that if I died, my two would be safe in their home with Olof. If we both left this planet unexpectedly, my in-laws would do their best to take them (as we would take care of Uncle Sid for the rest of his life if he needed us).
But they are 80 and we are in our fifties and I need to keep that in mind for the future. For one thing, at some point I believe that older people should not adopt kittens. I might have another kitten in my life but probably only if that kitten was Brendan returning. My mother, who is 76, has been adopting only adult cats for some time now. Her current feline is 13. If she needs another she will go to the shelter and look for the oldest and least adoptable feline there and give them a loving home.
The shelter sees elder humans coming in and wanting kittens (and puppies) all the time. That's fine if there is a famiy waiting in the wings to take care if needed. But a kitten could also end up in the shelter a few years down the road if there is no care plan in place.
Like Abby, who is confused and sad and angry at what has happened to her. None of us want that for our beloved felines so it is part of our responsibility towards them to have a plan for their care if needed.
Abby will find a home eventually. There are wonderful people here in New Hampshire and someone will come along who will help her. But how much better it would have been for her if her human had chosen someone beforehand and she had never entered the stressful environment of the shelter.
10 comments:
You are so right. My husband and I have talked about this before. I know we are only 34 yoa but it is still a concern. Thanks for the reminder.
Your pictures are so amazing. They always capture the cats such a way.
Thanks
Jeni
-Jasper McKitten-Cat's mom
That is what happened to my Sophia. For years she missed her first human.
Tat is a sad story about this cat. We do have provisions for our cats in our wills. If no one else is around to take them, we have a large bequest for best friends so that they can live out their lives there.
That is a beautiful picture of Abby although it is a sad story. We have an organisation in Britain called The Cinnamon Trust which is a charity for older people and their pets. Elderly people can sign up their pets and then the Cinnamon Trust guarantees that if the human dies, the CT will either find a loving new home for the pets or will care for them in their two sanctuaries, which are like old people's homes for pets - no cages, lots of sofas and beds! They also find volunteers to walk dogs regularly for elderly owners who can't manage long walks any more but don't want to part with their dogs. They are a great organisation.
I worry about that too. I feel so sad for those animals that have lost their human to death. They don't understand and unfortunately all too often there is no one to take them in. I so want to start an organization that helps this particular problem.
Our own cats will be taken care of if something were to happen, but it breaks my heart to think of someone else with my dear Abby. She is such a special needs cat and she has been through three ordeals with rehoming. As long as I live she will be 'the queen' of my heart.
No matter how old you are, you should make sure you have your animals cared for AFTER you go.
Put it in your will and set aside money for it too.
I hope Abby will find someone!!!
The Cat Realm's Mrs. OZ is a bit like her - she would be happier without Karl and Emil, so she stays mostly in the maid's place and Karl and Emil stay with the butler or go outside.
But every human our staff knows already has cats - because if they love cats - they have them.
On another note:
I Dare You!
Yes, It is ME, Anastasia! Karl was thoughtful enough to put the Dare out on the Day of the Dead, so I can come personally! And if you don't accept the challenge, I might just come again and haunt you, Hahahahahahahahaha!
Anastasia
Oh we hopes Abby finds a good 'bean soon. How sad. ~The FLuffy Tribe
Thank you for this thoughtful post - I hope the poor sweetie finds a good home soon, and it's a great reminder to adopt older cats, and plan for our animals futures.
Hi - I have just come across your blog (not sure how, because I put "milk bottle rings" into google images and every link sent me here!) Anyway, I am pleased to have found you.
I have a cat that no-one in their right mind would want to adopt. I love her unconditionally, but friends and relatives do not. She is a complete devil. I know that if she were to end up in a shelter she would probably be euthanised.
However, I was discussing this with a friend recently, and she said she would take her, so I feel comforted.
BTW, my cat has a blog too. It's "feline in therapy" at http://chennadevilcat.blogspot.com/
Cheers
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