*Update* Need to find a warm home and comfortable lap for 18 year old cat. Any ideas?

gingin_2

My family are in a really sad situation, in that my Grandmother desperately needs to go into a nursing home. A room has come up at a lovely home and she has to make a decision by friday. She is reluctant to go, mainly because she has a very old cat and since my Grandad died, he is her only full time company.

Everyone in the family has other animals that he just wouldn't be suitable to live with. We have a very terratorial house cat ( have tried to introduce him to other cats in the hope he might accept a playmate, but nope), plus live in a very busy part of a city so wouldn't be good for an old, country cat.

I've been to visit today and he still seems very perky. My only idea is to put an ad in her local parish magazine in the hope that someone will take him on, but I worry that no one will and we don't know where to go next.

We have been debating this for years and as time goes on, Grandma gets more frail and the cat seems to keep going and going. Something has to be done now but we want to make both my Grandmother and the cat as happy as possible. Any ideas? Please.

badmumof1

it is always very sad when elderly owners have to go into nursing homes and are seperated from their pets. It is not only upsetting for the owners but also can be an upsetting for the pet too.
Is there not a neighbour close by that could / would possibly take the kittty?
Have you contacted the local vets, PDSA, RSPCA or Cats Protection as when I used to be in the Cats Protection this was a common thing and they are used to it as I used to collect many cats that belonged to elderly people who were going into care homes where pets are not permitted.
Good luck finding him a home x

picklepick

Where abouts does your Grandma live?
You could try the Cinammon Trust
http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/home.html

gingin_2

Thank you. She is in Bedfordshire.

It's hard to ask the neighbours because we don't want to burden them. Most are elderly and/or have their own pets. That's why I thought her parish magazine because she has always been involved in the church and maybe someone might come forward rather than feel pushed into it. But I worry no one will offer and then we are stuck again. It would be nice if she could have updates on him.

Mayflower10cat

I find this situation desperately sad - for your Grandmother and also for her beloved pet. I can only imagine what an awful wrench it will be for both of them if they have to part.... Is there no way at all the care home could possibly, possibly be begged to allow this cat to stay with her???? For an extra payment/deposit?? Crossing my fingers and toes for this story to have a happy ending....

chris_n_tj

Its so hard when this happens and I feel for you I really do. Have you asked the home if the cat could go with your Grandmother? Maybe worth a shot, after all they can only say no.
I do hope somthing comes up for you all.
Hugs Chris n tJ x

Beckyy

Could you maybe check with the home if they could allow the cat to come with your nan and explain that it could be good for residents? My nan went into a home before she died, and although she didn't have any pets the home itself had 2 or 3 cats which were allowed to come and go as they pleased and spend time with the residents. You could say that your nan would be happy to cover and food/vet bills, and that it's a very well behaved cat who would probably bring joy to a lot of lonely people.

paddypaws101

Oh I REALLY hope the home will let her take the cat...But if not, then when you advertise in the Parish magazine, could you offer to cover ongoing expenses for the cat...veterinary bills for example?

Pixiechic

It would be such a shame if she has to part with her loving cat.

My Grandad has a cat, they bought him before Grandma passed and Grandad had always said that he was for Grandma.

You couldn't separate them now. He absolutely loves him as he is company. He has worried about what would happen to him but I have already said that I would have him so he isn't so worried now.

I know that some hospital wards have a cat on site, they feed them and everything. Cat's can be very therapeutic and positive in one's life, as can most animals.

I hope if she is not allowed to take kitty with then someone in the Parish would be willing.

Good luck

hethmar

How very sad. 18 years old, my goodness, he has done well but surely cant go on forever. I am with the guys who reckon you should plead with the home about him. Or there is cinammon trust. But I do hope he stays near by. If your nan was so involved in the church, surely one of the congregation could find a place for the cat. Thing is after all those years, will he settle with anyone else?

gingin_2

No. They really won't take the cat. Believe me, we have asked.

I think the Parish magazine is the only hope. It's how to word an advert without embarrasing my very proud Grandma. Any ideas?