17 Cats Who Are Totally Into National Cat Day [pix]

Buzzfeed ^ | 10/29/14 | Sami Main

[Slings and Arrows]

It’s their favorite day of the year, or whatever.

[Monkey Face]

Keep reading...the obstackles keep piling up, so I’m on a learning curve here...

I firmly believe it is the right thing. Finances are tricksy things, though.

[Veggie Todd]

[NEMDF]

Hoping you report in soon that you picked out your new boss! GOOD LUCK!

If the deposit is due at lease signing, maybe you can defer paying until the lease comes up again? Check your lease just to be sure you are not in violation.

[Jamestown1630]

We’re contemplating a next cat as well. My husband and I have both had cats all our lives, and the last of the three that we’ve had since marrying died last month.

We’re looking at adoption at one of the pet store chains, which usually offer cats from local rescue organizations. Though cats can possibly breed almost all year, you’re not going to find too many kittens at this point in the year. If you want a kitten, wait until late Spring through late Summer, when you’ll have lots to choose from.

If you go this route, pick your cat carefully; make sure it’s interested in human engagement, and BAR (bright, alert, responsive). Watch out for weepy eyes and ear or claw issues. Ask lots of questions about history, health issues, circumstances of rescue, etc. (There are people who actually specialize in adopting cats with health issues; but if you don’t have the funds or expertise to deal with this, you want to get the healthiest cat possible.)

In our area, the cost to adopt is $100 at most places; but they’ve already been spayed/neutered and had their health checks and shots; so you’re getting a bargain.

I’ve been waiting for the right time, as well; the last few years have been full of long old-age illnesses in our cats, and heartache, as we watched them go one after the other. But I’m thinking we’re almost ready. (Would like to find an “oreo” cat like our beloved Ellie Mae, RIP; the Best Cat Ever.)

(The pet stores make you fill out a long form about your home, your experience with cats, etc. And sometimes they ask if you would allow a “home inspection”. We always say no; we feel that’s too ‘busybody-intrusive’, and frankly our cats have been cared for in some ways better than the ones we see in the pet stores. Answering “no” has never impeded an adoption for us.)

And Please: keep your kitty an indoor kitty :-) If you get a kitten, it will probably have always been one anyway.

-JT

[Monkey Face]

I’m actually scheduled to sign the new lease on Monday...odd that you should mention that...

[NEMDF]

Sounds like all signs are pointing to getting your new kitteh SOON.

[Monkey Face]

Thanks for your suggestions. I’ve had kittehs all of my life, and have seldom been without, until I became ill with CFIDS.

I even took a course in veterinary office assistant school, so that what I didn’t already know from experience was given to me by an awesome instructor. It’s nearly time for cats to come into season again, and since this is Las Vegas, there is no “real” winter.

The local shelter has been giving cats and kittens away because they are so abundant in the area. All are spayed or neutered, chipped and have all their shots. I know what to look for, thanks to the classes I took. Most times, the cats are less than $100 with all of the above included, and they also give you a discount if you bring the animal back for the inoculations it needs during the years.

Since the animal shelter is so close, and provides animals to ALL the local pet stores for adoption, I won’t pay the bloated fees the pet stores require, nor will I fill out all the paperwork. The shelter has enough. And I am there with a friend, every other week or two, looking for a dog for him.

Never, in my long history of having cats and dogs, have I ever allowed either one to be outside without a leash. My cats have always been indoor cats and have lived to ripe old ages. The dogs have either been leashed or confined by fences, or chains because I love them enough to protect them.

The problem I’m having is not one of ignorance...it is one of finances. But I truly thank you for caring enough for a stranger to share your information and personal experiences. That means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for your interest.

[Monkey Face]

Wish me luck on the financial part! I think the kitteh is already destined to be MINES!

[Nepeta]

It has been over 10 years since last I had a kitteh...tell me this is a good thing I’m contemplating.

It is a good thing. Some kitteh out there needs you.

[Nepeta]

You can make your own toys and/or bed for it with yarn or some soft material from the goodwill store

A cat will be thrilled with a cardboard box lined with an old towel, especially if the towel smells like you!

My cats love ping pong balls--I put them in the dry bath tub and they play cat pong! Cats also love the caps from 2 liter bottles and the rings from milk jugs. You do not have to spend a lot of amuse kittehs! If you do want to spend a little and entertain them, get a peacock feather!

[Jamestown1630]

Hi;

Honestly, if you know how to get a cat to walk on a leash, you know LOTS more about cats than I do! I’ve never been able to (1) Find the proper leash/harness, that kitty can’t squirm out of; and (2) Get the cat to actually WALK. All of ours have just ‘pancaked’:-) My hat is off to you.

It’s great that they chip them. We’ve decided to chip with the next one.

I hope you find your perfect cat.

Best,
JT

[Monkey Face]

I would love to get two, but I could never justify the cost of the deposit...on my limited income?

But they could play together and occupy themselves. I KNOW cats! They are better together, but some are supreme alone!

And yes, I know one is waiting for me...which is why I am here today...whoever that little cat spirit is, it’s calling me...loudly...and I hear it.

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

YES of course you should get a kitteh! Everyone should have one. :) Mine are second only to my family in my heart. They’ve been loyal, honest and hysterically funny, unlike some “friends” I’ve had along the way.

Re the timing: NOW is absolutely the time to get them. I’m involved with kitten rescue so I see this, and the shelters are STUFFED with kittens right now. Many shelters are literally giving away older kittens (over 4 months — still very playful!) and adult cats, or sometimes even little kittens. If you wait a month that won’t be true anymore. You should get one now! This weekend! Save a little life, and make yourself happy in the bargain. :)

[Monkey Face]

Thanks, JT. The trick to leashing a cat is to harness them early, then add the leash, then let the leash drag. It will take months, maybe, but it isn’t impossible. And a treat for all of the above, as well as following is not a bad idea, either!

I’ve also belled all my cats. The funny side to that is that when they hear a bell ring with the same tone as theirs, they go investigate! We found one of our cats at least five times because of that bell, and I wouldn’t have a cat without one. It is, simply put, a cat life-saver.

There ARE cat harnesses. Dog harnesses don’t work for cats because of the spine and shoulder configuration differences. If you don’t see them in your local pet store, ask for them, or do an internet search. Leashes are leashes...one size fits most...

I suspect, when I get to the “cat building” at the shelter, I will be drawn to the kitten who needs me. I don’t doubt that for a second.

Thanks again for caring!

‘Face

[jocon307]

#11 is toooo cuuuuute!

Today was a very good day for me and hubby, 2 years to the day after Sandy brought a great wave of destruction through our lives.

So this is a wonderful thread to see today.

Thanks Slings, you are THE BEST!

[Monkey Face]

The local shelter has been giving them away, and I have been drawn to the cat building, but getting the “accessories” and the pet deposit for this complex have been deterrences.

However, I’m thinking this is a good time, and the “call” is so much stronger that I really can’t ignore it any longer. I NEED DAT KITTEH!!!

Wish me luck on the deposit and the initial accessories! (Toys, treats, scratching post, etc.)

[Slings and Arrows]

Get two with identical markings. As long as the landlord never sees them both at the same time, you’re cool. ;^)

[Monkey Face]

LOL! I will look for that! (FUNNY!) :o])

[Slings and Arrows]

Awww shucks! You’re very welcome.

[Titan Magroyne]

<<< Get two with identical markings. As long as the landlord never sees them both at the same time, you’re cool. ;^)

A matched pair - that’s what I was gonna recommend, but Slings beat me to it!

Many, many years ago, my best friend’s newly adopted cat got him & his roommates tossed out of their New Orleans apartment. Seems pets were verboten, and that kitty outed himself on the sunny side of the window blinds!