Our New Kitten: Our Journey to a Happy Home with Thanks to Pawprint

Today, 22nd April we embarked on a new journey.

Background

We had made the decision to get a cat. Not a huge decision you might think, and normally, I would agree. But this was a huge decision for us, not least because we already have two dogs and quite mature dogs at that. So we agreed, that because we are both retired we could manage another pet in our home, that we could give it the time and love needed.

We were both adamant that it had to be a rescue cat and it had to be a young one as there was no way we could introduce an older cat into our family, because of the dogs, which are both quite loveable yet docile and calm. They sleep most of the day and night and so they are also quite boring as far as dogs go. They sit on the porch during waking hours and just watch the wildlife and people walking by. I think they have forgotten how to play.

So a kitten it would be. The decision was made.

A couple of weeks ago, we informed a local rescue association, Pawprint Association, a fully charitable organisation which rescues then adopts animals. I was impressed by their mission which is to deal with the overflow of major kitten seasons. Their goal is to leave no animal in the cold or without hope. They state that all animals deserve a safe and loving home.

This resonated with us and we were given the relevant forms to complete. It was happening. We were both very nervous as we really didn't know what to expect. The Association informed us that they had two kittens, one six months old, a female, the other a male was eight months old. We should go and see them yes? My husband refused to go and help me choose. As he would not be able to leave one behind. As an animal lover, he often says he loves animals more than people. So I went alone.

Day 1

What a decision I had to make, both kittens were just gorgeous, one playful and inquisitive and the other younger one was timid and a little wary of me.

What a decision I had to make, both kittens were just gorgeous, one playful and inquisitive and the other younger one was timid and a little wary of me. I had filled in the required forms and a house visit was necessary.

The kittens were ready to go, but which one? I could not decide, it was a quandary. Do I go for the male who was confident and inquisitive and playful, or the female who was gorgeous but timid and wary?

After paying for the equivalent of the vets bills for injections, worming and sterilisation, I was able to bring the kitten home. I had been advised to keep cat and dogs separate for now until they got used to each other and so I decided to keep the cat in the integral garage and leave the dogs in the house. However, the kitten had other ideas.

As I got home, the dogs were asleep in the garage so I went into the lounge through the patio doors with the kitten, so not to disturb the dogs. I made sure that all interior doors were closed and opened the transporter cage, the kitten seized its opportunity and made its escape, only to run and hide behind the sofa. It was obviously very frightened so I decided to leave it be until it felt safe enough to come out on its own. The female, timid and wary kitten was indeed timid and very wary, but I was sure it would be brave at some point and come out for food and water and of course the litter tray!

Day 2 to follow. A New Name?