Adoption: four month old single or pair of litter-mates??

[29sillygirl]

Am feeling a  need to adopt a kit, as apt. is way too quiet without my Bruno who passed in March.  I was thinking  the best for me in a small apt, would be a neutered adult male.  In other words, replace what I have lost.  Most of my kits have just appeared at my door, but looks as tho' I am going to have to go to them this time.

After a visit to PetSmart, and holding a darling 4 month old male for 30 minutes, I'm rethinking this idea.  Last week I tried to strike up a friendship with an adult Maine Coon, and it we were so not a match!  He actually growled @ me.
This week was much better holding a sweet little 4 month old guy.

Clyde is a neutered tortie, 4 months old.  He and his sister were rescued from a landfill...(really!).  Both bottle fed (by foster mom's husband and his buddy, who are ex marines.  Had to throw that background information in, as I love the mental picture:).

His sis was not at store as she is recuperating from being spayed.  Her name, naturally, is Bonnie.  

Now, I sit here wondering.  What is best?  For me.  And for kittens.  Adopt both, or stick with original idea and keep looking for an adult male.  Or adopt Clyde by himself.  ALtho' the kits will be sold for $120 as a pair, I know from experience that vets don't give you the same price breaks!

Any suggestions are most welcome.  Most of you may remember I lost my cat and my son within days of each other during March. I am a 3 yr survivor of anal cancer, retired librarian, who loves to read.  In my experience cats and books go together.  Never had one who didn't love them.

Next Saturday and Sunday, both kittens will be back at PetSmart.  Now that I've gotten to know Clyde, am slightly hooked:)...LOL.   Have to think of the big picture, and not do an impulse buy.

Help.

[LindaTX]

So Sillygirl, is today the day of the big decision?  Don't keep us on pins and needles.  Let us know your news!  We are at this moment driving to Miss. but I'll be checking in from time to time.  Good luck with your decision. ;)

[Jade59]

Thank you for appreciating my photos.  LOL...yes, the backyard - lovely, eh?  The only thing with all the crap back there is it's oily and greasy and just this morning I'm wiping oil/grease out of Jades fur.  What a mess!  

Insurance would def be a good thing in the long run.  Buy it when kitty is new and there are no pre-existing conditions.  Wish we had've done that.  

You will know the right kitty when you see it.  Kitty might be making his/her way to you right this minute :)

[29sillygirl]

Jade.....I love your photos...and the backyard.  My son who just passed was a packrat....as he hunted and fished, he loved to remind us that we would never go hungry.  There were always 'gems' in his back yard....things he was positive we would need sooner or later.

So I relate.....kitties actually love stuff all around.  I never made my bed when I had one or two.  They like to make a little nest...and do the rabbit kick thingy with a small rug...just love that one!!!

[29sillygirl]

Opus...didn't see your response until now.  My computer is acting up.  So....appearances can be deceptive!  Have envied your gorgeous back yard (and kitties) many many nights.

Actually I keep looking for people in small apts...maybe, like me, they can't afford a digital cam...LOL.

Am washing clothes just now....had a couple of D days....from radiation which is the gift that keeps on giving:).

Thinking of kitties that will be @ PetSmart tomorrow.   Am tying not to put pressure on myself.  Still believe a grown mixed breed is going to work best.  But as you know we can change our minds fast when one of those wee critters grab our hearts.

Have to consider the expense...just must.  Insurance might be worth looking into.  

BTW: I really love seeing a ragdoll...they are such beauties..and himmies, too.  I will settle for a healthy ASH...the kind I have had.  In Florida, short hair is best I think.

Will let you all know If I make a decision.....

[opus88]

hi there sillygirl, just wanted to comment on needing lots of money to have a kitty or two.
I sure don't have any extra $$. You've probably seen the photos of my large back yard...lol.
I'm alone, live on a disability income. My house is at least 38yrs old and in need of many updates. yes my yard is nice, but don't let that deceive you, if I could I too would be in an apartment(small one). however due to legal issues I can't sell this old house, besides apartments that allow cats in this city is very limited so I struggle along in this old house trying to keep up the huge yard for the sake of keeping my two boys.
My resources are limited and I guess so far I've been lucky that neither of my boys has needed any expensive medical care, if they did I guess I would have to go into debt to find the money for them...
I would love another kitty but I'm afraid 2 has to be my limit.

All of my kitties have been pure breds, but it was only Opus that 22 yrs ago I paid a large amount of money for(back in the days that I could afford to).
- except for Nemo whose a mixed breed.
The other himmies and ragdoll were either given to me or taken in from ppl that couldn't keep....
IMO...pure breds have the most health problems of any cats...due to all the inter breeding.
get a good old mixed breed and your problems will be fewer.
If you are afraid of expensive Vet bills maybe you should consider an insurance option?
good luck with you're decision I hope Clyde is still there waiting for you and perhaps Bonnie too.
Let us know!!! We all love happy adoption stories.

[Sarajmt]

Hi Silly:  I'd call the group that has these kitties out for adoption and let them knwo that those two now have a home.  Were someone else to step in first, that would be a huge disappointment for you.

[Jade59]

Hey there, thanks for the note and thank you for appreciating our Jade :)  Do you only accept notes from friends?  I ask only because some people don't realize their settings are on private sometimes.  I sent you an invite...

I'm sure your sister means well and is only looking out for your welfare, but you get a cat if you want to.  Us cat owners know that our environment *might* be subject to a little destroying when we own a cat and we don't care :)  

What about an adult cat?  Doesn't HAVE to be a kitten.  To tell you the truth, my health would not allow me the energy for a kitten which I say because I know you have some health problems as well.  Jade came to us around age 6 and she's been awesome!  So she doesn't sit in our lap - I'm grateful for that quite honestly since I wouldn't be able to tolerate it.  Other than that, she is a Very loving girl.  

An adult cat is less work and if you were to find one oh, maybe 3-4years of age and they're healthy, then all you have to worry about is annual shots and can also be more guaranteed your house will stay intact.  Clyde sure sounds cute though and if it feels right to adopt him, then do it.  

I just reread your original post and see you ARE thinking of an adult cat but I'm too lazy to go back an edit my reply :)

[April2]

Sillygirl, I am so sorry you've been through so much pain and heartache. My heart goes out to you! May God continue to bring healing and comfort to you.
I think it's great that your heart has room for a new pet! Pets bring so much comfort and joy to our lives. :o)
I say get both kittens. That way they can play and sleep together and have each other for company for when you have to work or be gone.
I hope everything works out well for you and your new addition(s). :) Post pictures when you can!
God bless you!

[29sillygirl]

Nancy..thanks for the  personal experience.  Understand PetSmart provides a venue for organizations.  Used to go to PetCo...just up the road to visit prospective pets. It is grand that these stores bring the animals closer to those of us who may be travel challenged.

I feel very comfortable with the rescue organization folks I've met @ PetSmart.  Will have to wait until next weekend to take action.  Based on the short time I held him, he is imminently adoptable.  Think I mentioned a little girl next to me wanted to hold him and he went right into her arms without missing a beat.

You got me Linda....I woke up all shaky again....thinking...OMG...two kits!!!  Am I nuts?  Can barely take care of myself..blah blah blah.

Thinking out loud here.  You are right...what the h*** dif does it make how much I have?  I am trying hard to be rational....but actually, am just confusing myself.   Will be hard to wait until the weekend, but that ought to give me the time to know my true desire.

From one adult cat to two young uns....quite a leap!

[LindaTX]

Sillygirl......why would you want to wait to adopt Bonnie....she may be gone by then!  I think from your language using " they" in your last post above, you've pretty much made up your mind to take the two.  A  "cat lover" will always find a way.  You are very resourceful and you will find a way.  Heck, when my husband and I first married we hardly had a pot to pee in but we had our kitty, Smokey :):)

[nancyjac]

I have worked with PetSmarts in my area and a shelter I volunteer at provides cats for their adoption centers.  PetSmart doesn't actually sell cats, they just provide the venue for shelters and rescue groups to show cats available for adoption. My recommendation would be that you go ahead and adopt the 4 month old and then consider his littermate when she is available.   Kittens tend to get adopted pretty quickly and if you wait until his littermate is available, he might already be gone.

[29sillygirl]

I want you to know, Sara and Linda, that I've read your stories and looked at pictures you shared.  Had forgotten this until I read names of your kitties, Linda.  

  Had trouble sleeping for a couple of months Reading your stories and seeing the kitties gave me a warm feeling until I could get to sleep. But....something odd happened.  I began to feel everyone who had kits was wealthy, based on pics of homes and husbands and back yards.  I'd look around my place and think I couldn't offer a cat much.

Opus...thank you for your  kind words. I have come a long way since March.  Lots of drama; interactions with younger generation.  Most has calmed down.  Trial put off until November.  A big blessing.

The kids are back to their lives.  While they were calling and emailing and stopping by, I began to imagine a different life style. Dolling myself up and getting back out there. Sans kitty hair on my black Gap pants:).  Well, I've tried a bit of that.  It just isn't fulfilling.  I don't think I'm missing anything.

After Brooks died,  my  kids and one of my dead son's girl friends had lots of opinions suddenly about my fairly solitary life style.  Didn't hesitate to  tell me not to get tied down again, and that I couldn't afford an animal. Or to remind me that an animal would be 'destructive' in my apt. which is nicely decorated.

I am coming to see that my life suits me fine.  I don't need to join a gym or a club to justify my existence.  I don't need another boyfriend.

While it is true I don't have much money, I never let that stop me in the past.  And none of my kits ever complained:).

Time will tell, but it felt so good to hold Clyde.  Ever since I came home, I've been looking around to see what I have that might be dangerous for kits.  Lots of botanicals, so they will think they've landed in a jungle:).  Also, good places for them to nap or hide.  

Thanks again.

[opus88]

Oh 29 so glad to see you back with us and again ready to bring some joy back into you're life!!.........you've had a tremendous struggle to over come so much and have come along way since March, I remember you're story well and I admire you're courage dear.
my vote is same as above, we are all such suckers for those little rugrats. the two will bring you hours of fun just watching their antics, nothing like watching two kittens at play is there.
I'm so glad you're ready once again, you desire the happiness and to give a loving home to ones so easily thrown away can be a no better way to return!!
hugs to you♥

[LindaTX]

Hi there....I have to say I vote for the littermates.  I have raised littermates.  Masena and TJ were 14 when Masena died recently. They were so close as brother and sister and we had no problems...all got along great.  Before that we had Big and Little Tom, although not littermates they were raised together until Big Tom was 17 and Little Tom was 16.  They will be good at providing each other company when you're not at home.  So go with your conscience, but I would check out their interaction.  They probably get along really well with each other.  Love the names ♥

[Sarajmt]

Oh my God, I cannot believe what all you've been through.  You must be so strong.  God puts a lot of faith in you.  Supposedly he only puts on us that which we can bear.  Sometimes I must say I think He has a bit too much faith in me anyway.  He must have a lot in you.  That is one of the most horrible things I've ever heard of and how you made it through it all, is beyond me.

I am still on the side of getting both kitties.  Do ask around.  Someone I know must do inexpensive shots and exams.  I am moving to a vet who is much cheaper than my last one.

Hugs and Prayers,
Sara

[29sillygirl]

Thanks for responding so quickly, Sara.  I have enjoyed reading your story, and the many adventures you have had with kits:).  When I can't sleep, often review pics members of the cat community put on their pages.

Isn't this a great forum?  I wish I'd know about it when I adopted another kitten from my vet shortly before I was treated for anal cancer three years ago.  Tips on feeding alone have been enormously enlightening (and close to what I was beginning to believe from experience alone).

My first adopted kitten, Max, was feral, and when he was a year old, I just couldn't keep him in after he met Bruno, who was an outside cat.  

After Max died, Bruno moved in. You know the mysterious ways of cats:). He was such a darling: had a fast growing cancer, but was my gentle, sweet companion until his last day.  I didn't have a clue as to his background, but was glad he could spend the last part of his life with me.  Think he was 12 - 14 years old.

I thought I couldn't suffer more pain than his loss, until 4 days later.  My ex shot and killed my son, Brooks.  He wounded my eldest.  I will never be the same.  Every Saturday on the anniversary of his passing I wake shaking.  Until yesterday.  That is real reason I felt I might be ready to adopt.  I seem to be recovering from the 'anniversary' anxiety.

I noticed the bobcat story, and agree with keeping kits in at night if at all possible.  Here in the heart of a FL city, we lost about six cats, including my Max, to a pack of coyotes.  We had animal services people out but none could trap or find the pack.  

One of my friends had a female cat who insisted on going out early morning for a short while when we thought the worst was over.  It wasn't.  She was snatched before my friend knew what had happened.  Now, all residents of my apt. complex keep their cats close.  Hopefully the pack has moved on.  Know they were displaced and had to hunt, but it was a very hard lesson for us to learn.

Thanks for your encouragement.  All my concerns about cost, my health, my place (too small for two kits) are vanishing:).  I'll keep thinking and praying.

[Sarajmt]

Oh sweetie, first let me say how sorry I am about your son. I'm a mom of 3.  I just can't imagine what you've been through.  My heart and prayers of peace go out to you.  I also just lost a cat myself.  I know the pain.

But I have adopted a mother and kitten.  I won't go into the whole long boring story again.  It was an excellent move for ME.  If you speak with different vets around, you may get a break.  If you have a low cost spay and neuter facility close to you, they also do shots very inexpensively.  Also ask the group from whom you are adopting.  They should be able to help you.

Personally, I think you and the kitties will be happier together.  They will be company for each other when you're gone.  And 2 kitties are always better than one, IMO.  I'd say GO FOR IT, GIRL!!

Prayers and hugs,
Sara