Big Kitty or Little Kitty?

mzjazz2u

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Hi everyone!

I've been presented with a couple of opportunities and I need some input because I can't make up my mind!

Most of you may remember I found an adult tortie Persian named Annie in Arizona that needs a good home. I've been talking to the foster for several weeks. She is back from England now and called this morning. It seems her friend can't fly the kitty here now so if I want her I'd have to make a 8 hour trip to pick her up. So I'd be paying a $100 adoption fee for Annie, plus driving & hotel for one night. I figure it would all come to about $200. Which I am willing to do but it wouldn't be easy for me.

The other option that has been presented me is there is a lady in Wyomming, just 2 hours from here in Salt Lake, that has 6 week old Persian kittens. She is selling them for $50-$300 depending on the kitten and whether or not you want papers with them. The one I would be interested in is a tortie kitty and she wants $100 for her. Without papers. Which is fine. I don't need papers since I wouldn't be showing or breeding anyway. Of course later I'd end up having to vaccinate the kitty and have her spayed etc. which Annie has already had. This is SOOOO hard!

I think I'm going to drive out to see the kitten in Wyomming tomorrow since it is just a 2 hour drive. She is too young to leave mamma anyway. If I like her, I can put a deposit on her and when the kitten is ready the lady said she would bring the kitten to me.

The lady (with the kittens) has a very sick mother and is caring for her. Plus she has a farm. So that is why she is selling them at a reduced price.

What do you guys think?? I don't know what to do! This is such a hard decission! I wish I could just go get Annie but I'm not sure it makes sense and it's SOO far. I wish I knew someone there who could help in some way. Anyway, sorry this is a little long but I need advice!
 

adymarie

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You just have to list the pros and cons. Do you have time in your life to deal with the antics of a kitten. Spay and neuter fees - has the older cat already been spayed, if so then you can put that in the "Pro Side". Is your house kitten safe, or can it be made kitten safe? The vet bills for the 1st year of a cats life a larger then any other years (except when they are old). If cost is a factor, than you may need to consider putting 2 columns on a piece of paper with an estimated expense list for the next 6 to12 months for each of the cats.

I don't know if I have help or caused more problems, but those were the 1st thoughts that came to mind. Either way, either cat will be lucky to get you as an owner!
 

sammie5

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I always feel very sad for adult cats being adopted, and would always choose an adult cat over a kitten. You just have to look at the adoption centre at PetsMart - people crowded around the baby kitten cages, while beautiful, dignified older cats are being ignored. I adopted two adults. And found great joy in learning how our personalities and eccentricities have to adapt to each other. I am so happy to give a "less" adoptable cat a home.
 
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mzjazz2u

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I agree and it's totally not a matter of adult cat versus a kitten. I rescued Peaches as an adult. It's more a matter of do I have the time to make a two day trip, the money etc. I would take them both if I could arrange getting the farthest one easier! And then if Annie doesn't work out or something happens, I have to agree to get her back to Arizona and her current foster somehow.
 

princess purr

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I would go for the adult. It is normally easier for people to find homes for kitten then adults.
 

shell

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IMO...rescue a cat that needs a home immediately and not to BUY one. Plus, adults are less likely to be adopted since kittens are so popular. JMO though...
 
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mzjazz2u

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The adult is my first choice. The only problem is getting her since it is so far away. I just mapped it and it would be at least a 10 hour drive. I thought it was a little closer then that.

I just talked to the adult kitty foster again. We are both going to think about it some more and try to come up with a solution. And she will call me before adopting Annie out.
 

jenluckenbach

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Let me add another dimension to the puzzle..........why can't you find a cat that is both close to your home and a rescue (not a purchase)? kitten OR adult. Just because a cat is the correct breed and color (in this case a tortie persian) does not mean it is the best cat for you. There are litterally thousands of homeless animals to choose from, not doubt hundreds in your own locale. You could spend the time and money on either one of these two pets and they might not be the right fit for your family. Go to a shelter or rescue group, actually meet the cats and talk to the cat's caretakers. You won't be sorry.
 
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mzjazz2u

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Thank you Jen. Yes I could and I have. I have a persian now that I rescued from the Humane society here last november and I was supposed to get a second but the girl who was fostering the second cat got fired in the mean time and I never got the other cat I was promised. I want another persian because I love them and there are so many that end up abandoned. People get them because they're pretty and exotic but don't realize the care they take. So yes, I will drive if I have to. Especially when the humane society here didn't follow through on a promise that was even written out on my contract. I did go local... I got burned and am sorry. Some people, like myself, just like certain breeds. I don't think there is anything wrong with that!


I think I'm going to go make that pros and cons list someone suggested! I've been doing it in my head but I think it sometimes helps to see it on paper.
 

cassandra_starr

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I think if you could adopt the adult kitty that would be soooooo great, but I can't blame you if you don't wanna make that drive. Maybe you two could meet halfway? That would cut your trip from 10 hours one way to 10 hours round trip? Good luck. I hope you can adopt the adult kitty!
 
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mzjazz2u

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Originally posted by Cassandra_Starr
I think if you could adopt the adult kitty that would be soooooo great, but I can't blame you if you don't wanna make that drive. Maybe you two could meet halfway? That would cut your trip from 10 hours one way to 10 hours round trip? Good luck. I hope you can adopt the adult kitty!
Thanks, I hope so too! And I have time because the kittens aren't ready yet and Liz (Annies foster) said she is going to put more thought to it too. I think she really wants me to have Annie too. She is such a sweet kitty and has had a run of bad luck for no good reason.
 

jcat

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I think if you go to see the kittens in Wyoming, you're going to fall in love (who could resist?), and Annie might miss out on the chance of a good home. Would Annie's foster mom be willing to give her to you without meeting you personally? Could you take her without meeting her first? I'm thinking of an ad I saw in "Cat Fancy": "DON'T FLY YOUR PETS - CALL PROFESSIONAL PET TRANSPORTS. A total ground door-to-door service for all small animals. Toll-free (866) ARE-PETS (273-7387). For more information, visit Website: www.pro-pet-transports.com. (Please see our ad in the Fancy Shopper.)" I don't see any other ads in there. Would that be an option? I'd at least check out their prices and discuss it with Liz. Maybe somebody here has had experience with the company?
 

jcat

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I just had a look at the website, and the prices seem pretty steep, but you'd have to figure gas, wear and tear on your car (and nerves), etc.. Another thought - is there any kind of program run by the ASPCA where people flying between two cities offer to take shelter animals along as hand luggage or cargo? We have such a program here - people vacationing in Spain register, and bring dogs or cats back with them to Germany, where adoptive families are waiting. Maybe the group you'd be adopting Annie from would be willing to forego the adoption fee if you paid the transportation costs.
 

purrfectcatlove

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Hi to all here . I was reading to all of your responses and I need to say you sure kept me busy for the last 30 minutes or so . Very interesting :angel2: . I kind of wonder why she was not able to fly the cat ???? . Did the Lady ever say why ??? Please let us know how all ends . Thank's
 

shell

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Tammie, too bad you don't live closer to Sue (Mom of 10 Cats). They've got a Himmie that's up for adoption! Ginger is just precious!
 
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mzjazz2u

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Originally posted by PurrfectCatlove
I kind of wonder why she was not able to fly the cat ???? . Did the Lady ever say why ??? Please let us know how all ends . Thank's
It sounds to me that they couldn't fly her because it's not allowed to fly cats when it's over 85 F, unless you have someone with the cat and it's in a small carrier under a passenger seat. Apparently the woman flying the cat would be coming alone and also she says Annie goes berserk in a small carrier.
 
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