A LITTLE MORE LOVE…
Why cats with disabilities can make brilliant pets.
There are cats in every rescue centre who need special care. Sometimes they are called hard-tohome cats because adopting them is just that little bit more challenging for prospective owners. Animal charities all say that the right home for every cat is out there somewhere. It’s the charity’s job to ensure that these very special moggies are matched up with the right owner.
HARD TO HOME
Matt Pearson, Cat Adoption Officer at Mayhew in West London, explains what this special care can involve. He says: “There could be obvious physical or health restrictions which mean that a specialist home is needed. Some animals have ongoing medical issues that require full awareness and understanding of all the implications, including the financial implications, from day one. We find that cats with physical problems — for instance if the cat is blind, deaf, FIV positive, or has a health condition such as diabetes which requires daily injections — take a little longer than healthy cats to find their perfect match.
“Behaviour considerations can come into it. If a cat comes across as a bit grumpy, bites, and scratches more than most, or can’t or won’t use a litter tray, it can be more difficult for them to get interest and attention from prospective adopters. Medical issues seem to put people off the most, as they can be lifelong and quite expensive. Behavioural issues can be worked on!”
Surprisingly, fur colour can also make a cat harder to home. Some prospective owners set their hearts on a ginger or tabby, and black or black-and-white cats are known to take longer to find their forever homes. All rescue centres have to work a little bit harder to find owners for more ‘challenging’ cats, as Matt explains: “It becomes a case of spreading the word about the cat and its needs as much as possible. Colourful write-ups and videos on our website help them to stand out, as well as a strong
social media presence. When prospective owners contact us, we make sure they know exactly what they could be taking on. Where possible, we offer medical support through our on-site vets. We are always here to help and discuss things with our ‘specialist’ adopters, and, if necessary, put them in touch with others who can support them in caring for their cat.”
Cats Protection offers a free downloadable leaflet about adopting and caring for disabled cats, including those who are blind, deaf, three-legged, or affected by cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition that affects their balance and makes them ‘wobbly.’
Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, Nicky Trevorrow, explains that cats are generally very adaptable and those with physical and medical issues can — with the right care — have an excellent quality of life. “People are often surprised what a blind cat can do,” she says. “They use their whiskers to measure distance and navigate via scent glands in their paws. I remember one who could catch a ball of paper at lightning speed; you would never have known she couldn’t see!
“Some people are daunted by the idea of giving injections to a diabetic cat, though we’ve had some success in homing diabetic cats with diabetic owners who are used to injections themselves! When it comes to behavioural problems, such as house soiling or spraying, aggression, or fearful behaviour, these can often be managed or resolved. We explain to new owners what their cat’s needs are and offer post-adoption support if necessary.
“A lot depends on individual owners. Some are more than willing to take on a challenging cat. We sometimes have to explain that if you want a cat to snooze on your lap, a senior cat might be a better choice than a lively kitten! Other people really value the experience of getting a nervous cat to trust them over time, which they find extremely rewarding. Many cats feel stressed in a cattery environment and don’t appear at their best in front of prospective owners, but settle happily once they are in their own home.
“Of course, not every rescue cat is difficult — we help well-loved family pets that have to be given up, as well as former strays. But we do see aggressive cats and those who once hid away, hunched-up and obviously scared, relax in their forever homes. It is rewarding and heart-warming when we are sent photos of a ‘hard-to-home’ cat looking comfortable and happy once it has settled in.”
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