SECOND HAND CAT
(Anon)

Give us a chance who are not brand new,
Who would love a home with someone like you.
We may have been around a bit,
Received many a blow and many a kick,
Starved and neglected most of our days,
Yet we are forgiving anyways.

But now's our chance to start anew,
A home with love that we never knew.
So, before a kitten you're tempted to pick,
Give us a look, but not too quick.
Look at the character in our face,
And our bodies, still full of grace.

Just think of us, day after day,
Watching people look and walk away.
But say the word 'yes' and we will know -
Our bags are packed and we're ready to go

That is so sad. I've been looking to adopt an adult cat and I think this may have just made me decide. Thank you!

Thank you for that wonderful poem. It is so true. Several of our cats here were adopted as adults. The people who were looking at them in cages at our adoption were only interested in cute kittens so we took home these guys who others did not seem to want. They have been the greatest sources of joy and contentment for us as we earned their trust in their new home. They seem to bond so closely with us. It is like they know that they are lucky to have found people who love them and care for their wellbeing. Our best lapcats and most personable cats here are our middle aged furkids.

Alot of people want cute kittens and unfortunately once they get bigger and older that is when they are given up, abandoned, and abused. To many people think that kittens stay kittens forever and never grow up.

I have always had a soft spot for older cats.

Kittens are adorable and a joy to watch, BUT, they are so much more work and so much more destructive. Some of the nicest cats in our rescue are the seniors

That poem brings tears to my eyes.

That was a great poem. Lately I've been thinking that if I do get another cat it will be a more grown up one. Especially one where the people got rid of them because they moved and the new place didn't take pets, or she had to get rid of one because her husband was allergic or didn't like cats. These idiots didn't deserve a cat anyway.

After I lost my cats I was sure I would never have any more. For one thing, I never want to go through this pain again. And for the first time in my life, a different thought occured to me, that if I did take a new kitten (or two) in a few years, it would mean that I'd better still be in shape: should they have a long lifespan, 20 years lets say...well if I wait a few years and am already 55 years old ... But the house was so empty over the last 15 months where we were catless and this 4 or 5 year old fellow who somehow made his way on our farm several years ago (did he come over on his own, did someone 'lose' him in the area, a mystery cat) was always on his own and not too welcome by the other cats, during the winters where I could see them all huddled together he would be on his own. Over the summer I have seen some barn cats try to chum up with him but he fights them off? Lonely and alone, that's how I knew him and felt sorry for him but I had my own two cats. Still he always greeted me first when I fed the barn cats. He would even follow me and try to get into the house, especially when it was cold outside, he could tell it was so much warmer here. Know what? this winter, after much struggle WE gave him a chance and he's been so well behaved, really like walking on eggs at all times, he just stays quiet in the house and seems to be saying please let me stay I promise I'll be good, you hardly will see me, I wont shed, I wont beg I wont go upstairs to disturb your sleep I'll just be a good boy and stay there quietly please please please. And this morning he is on my knees at the computer, we went through the same ritual yesterday, up early, greeted by a new cat I'm getting to know, feed him and then turn on the computer to look at my Yukon's picture and say a few words to him before I start my day, our house is so big, why not allow a pensionner, he won't replace my loves but know what? somehow I feel like my insides are purring when I have a cat on my knees. So there, it just happened by itself for me, no emotional deposit, just letting things unfold as they should.
take care John B and everyone here, and it is true that these second hand cats are real sweeties and sometimes the only thing that can fit in when your heart is still aching. I like to think we ache together for things past and we will heal together, because of this bond we have founded.
HUGS all of you, what a road we travel, what things still yet to see, a few moments left to share.

Thanks Toonie.

Hi ya'll!
After I lost my most precious cat, Babe, almost 3 months ago, I swore up and down that I would NEVER EVER get another animal again. Now, although I have my precious little 9 month old human baby, I still miss a little furry friend. I've been looking around at different kitties and have decided to adopt a young adult cat (cats). I'm waiting for the right one/ones to come along. I miss Babe so much. I'm looking for ones that don't look anything like her. Sometimes I feel guilty for even looking at other kitties because Babe did not like other cats. Am I going crazy?
Sheri
Please give me some advice.

I feel the same way, Sheri. Sadie hated all other cats and dogs. So it's almost like I need her approval. I think our kitties want us to be happy and are just leaving it up to us to decide when we are ready.

Don't feel guilty for anything. You are not going crazy. In fact, I liked what you wrote about how you feel. As I always tell others, remember you are not REPLACING your baby, you are looking to form new memories with a new one. While you will never forget Babe, just read Toonie's note above about his feeling with a cat on his lap, etc.
New babies help us heal from the pain of losing the ones who were so much a part of our life. I am starting to look now myself and visiting no-kill shelters and seeing so many needing love and homes and having a very empty one....I know there will be a new one in my life...maybe very soon. We would love to hear how you do. Each one I lost in my lifetime led to a bond with someone new who needed love and a home. I do not regret choosing any of my babies. They were all beautiful inside and out and full of unconditional love. The good times outshine any others. Without the loss of each, I would never have known the next and by knowing the next, I know they each had a good home and a good life and no abuse, etc. I can feel good about that. Plus I got that unconditional love! Can't beat that.

My last loss was 9/10 so about 3 months ago also. I feel ready to hug and love another and give a home to one who has none. It's always better than an empty home...which I have never enjoyed. I love to come home and see those eyes watching me that are so full of love that it just lifts up my spirits time and time again.

Take Care and keep in touch.

Hi,
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I'm going to get two kitties. I'm just trying to decide. I've met them all. One set is 9 months old and have to be given away due to the owner moving and having to get rid of them. The other two are part of an animal rescue/shelter. Either way, they need a home. I'm obsessing too much - should the shelter ones get adopted over the ones who have homes but need new ones?
Sheri

Boogie,
I would take the ones that are going to be given away because most likely they will end up in an animal shelter or worse if not, while the ones in the shelter have a good chance of being taken anyway. Follow your heart.

John

Thank you John B. I have decided to get them. (the non shelter ones).

I'm glad to see your reply. I did agree with John's advice but I have to admit I was torn by your choices...that you connected with 4 and had to decide which 2. Such a choice would have driven me crazy...but John's wisdom prevails. He made an excellent point. When you get them you can start a topic here in New Beginnings just for them and maybe post some pictures. We love good news and pictures. It helps all of us. What a wonderful Holiday present to receive. You get that unconditional love again and those babies now have a good, happy and safe home. Absolutely beautiful! Keep updating.