What led me to adopting a shelter cat
My beloved Raleigh died in early January 2010. I had decided long before she died that my remaining cat, Coco, would need a companion sooner rather than later when Raleigh died. I went on Petfinder and researched animals available through various shelters, but nothing really clicked. One of the shelters displayed adoptable pets at my neighborhood Petsmart, and I found Calypso there.
How many visits did you make before adopting?
I was at Petsmart every Saturday, and visited two other cats first, plus talking to a few foster parents on the phone. I did have an instant bond with Calypso, and she with me. There were no more visits once I found her.
Advice
- The age I was given for Calypso was enough younger than what I was looking for that I was a bit concerned. Then my vet said she thought she was quite a bit younger than the adoption group said, maybe even under 1 year old. Had I known how young she was I probably would not have taken her.
- Despite the age thing, which made introducing her to an 11 year old cat very difficult, that initial bond is still there.
- Follow your heart, but only to a point :-)
My Cat's Name and Age at Adoption
She's very cuddly and affectionate when she isn't zooming through the house, wildly playing. She makes very odd sounds, and she talks a lot. She sounds like a grumpy, growly man when she gets up in the morning, and she makes various grunts and squawks all day long
The Mutual Bond I Share With my Cat
She was found as a stray, taken from her mommy too young. I feel like I'm her mommy in a way I didn't feel with my other cats. We're still forming that deep bond that only comes with time, but she won my heart very quickly.
Significant Benefits of our Relationship
She makes me laugh at her silliness, and take time to play. In the early days I mainly saw disadvantages, because of an integration that took almost 4 months, but now I'm starting to really enjoy her.
Why I'd Do It All Over Again
Frankly, if I had known how hard the introduction would be on all of us I might not do it again - I would have picked an older, more mellow cat. Now I think we'll be OK, and I'm enjoying my wild girl.
