Harvey's going to a new home tomorrow

You're crying because you invested so much emotionally into him, and you have unconditional love for this formerly abused boy, Ruthy. You have a heart of solid gold, and you gave it your all.

BUT - this is the best possible situation for Harvey! Everything happens for a reason. I am SO sorry you and Billy got hurt so badly - but thankfully it WASN'T one of the children, and it pushed you to make the really hard decision - the one you didn't want to make - and because you kept putting off trying to find him a home, it happened at a time when the exact right situation was available for Harvey.

You're crying because you care.




...and for Harvey as he transitions to his new home!

Originally Posted by Bellaandme

Please keep us informed--I bet you that this farmer would let you keep in touch with Harvey. I'm also thinking that Harvey is gonna think it's paradise there with all that outdoor space and just one other cat...You're doing a wonderful thing for him, Ruthy!!

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I agree completely. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is let go.

Oh dear Ruthy... Everyone else already said so well what had to be said... You are a wonderful caring person and you definitely did not let this boy down...
This kiddo will have a wonderful life now in the farm, will be loved, with someone who is experienced to work on his behavioral issues... He will be able to lay under the sun, go up on the trees, and come in for petting, food and love
He will have all he need and more... You are giving him an opportunity to be happy and free of stress, while keeping your family safe and healthy.
Many hugs

Originally Posted by LDG

You're crying because you invested so much emotionally into him, and you have unconditional love for this formerly abused boy, Ruthy. You have a heart of solid gold, and you gave it your all.

BUT - this is the best possible situation for Harvey! Everything happens for a reason. I am SO sorry you and Billy got hurt so badly - but thankfully it WASN'T one of the children, and it pushed you to make the really hard decision - the one you didn't want to make - and because you kept putting off trying to find him a home, it happened at a time when the exact right situation was available for Harvey.

You're crying because you care.

...and for Harvey as he transitions to his new home!

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The above is exactly what i wanted to write

Oh my gosh hun I am sooo sorry I can understand how you feel, you love him and you don't want him to be separated from you. But logically there is nothing better than the solution you've come up with! He will be very happy there, and it doesn't sound like it's safe for him and Billy to be together. It's okay to be sad and emotional, the only thing to heal that is probably time

Originally Posted by Bellaandme

And Ruthy, please take care of those wounds!!! A cat bite can be nasty business!! ooxx

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Yes, my DH ended up in the hospital for 5 days, then on a portable IV antibiotic drip for 6 weeks due to a cat bite, but I'm sure you've been given instruction on what to look for, along with antibiotics, etc. Nothing to fool around with.

Ruthy, you did everything in your power to get Harvey settled in, but it just wasn't to be; his aggression shows that your home just wasn't the right place for him, no matter how much you loved him and tried. Now you've given him a great opportunity to fit in at a place that will probably be more to his liking, with just one other cat, a female at that, plenty of room to avoid her if he wants to, and the choice between indoors and out.

Yesterday was a horrible experience for you and all concerned, and your sadness at having to part with him, even though it's for the best, completely understandable. Lots of healing for you, and that Harvey will love his new home.

I echo everything that everyone else has said. It gives Harvey a much better chance of fitting in. For you, a bit of practical advice - do not let any of those bites or scratches go red - at the least sign go straight to the hospital. I had severe bites and scratches from a feral attack three years ago and despite stitches and hospital care I ended up with two very nasty abscesses that took months to heal. Good vibes for you and for Harvey in his new home.

Well, its 1.30pm here and the lady hasn't phoned yet, I'm getting a bit worried, I don't want to ring incase of sounding like I'm hassling anyone but really hope that everythin is ok, Harvey has got to go and I want him to go to a good home and this sounds perfect. I didn't sleep very well last night and I've sort of got my head round him going, he's ben playing in the garden with Dizzee this morning, he came in and had his breakfast and I went to stroke him and he just tried to bat me with his paw so I know he has to go and he won't change. I am just keeping everything crossed that th lady phones me later.x

The lady just phoned me, we are taking Harvey to the rescue centre tomorrow and she is meeting us up there at 1pm then she will take him to the farm. She explained that he will effectively be a barn cat but if he wants to go indoors he can, he will have food and water at all times but if he wants to rat catch he is more than welcome to I am just a bit upset though because she said that she has set up a cage for him to live in for 10 days while he gets used to his surroundings, thats really done me, I don't want my baby to be caged up on his own, he will miss Dizzee and everyone here Oh great now I am crying again. I know its for the best, I really do, it just hurts.
She said the other cat that lives there is a barn cat she is about 11-12 which shows that Harvey will have a good and long life there but she is completely feral and so she will be able to look after herself if Harvey starts I'm glad I ahve a bit of extra time with him and I will maybe tell him tonight he has to go and I am sorry, if he will understand I don't know but I need to tell him.The lady sounds lovely and I told her all about him and she wasn't put off at all, she said he will be absolutely fine.xx

Ten days in a cage is preferable to being euthanized, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. He really needs to know that the farm is home now, so that he sticks around.
Definitely talk to him tonight. Even if he doesn't understand your words, he'll pick up a lot of messages from your tone of voice.

I am glad everything is working out for Harvey. Spending time in a kennel won't hurt him, he needs to know where his new home is so he doesn't run off.

The fact that he will be caged for 10 days is an excellent indication of how good the center is at caring for their rescues. If Harvey was taken to the farm and just turned loose odds are he would run off and no telling where he could end up.

Ten days in the cage may sound upsetting but it is really a good thing. He'll become familiarized with the barn, he'll get to know the farmer who will be feeding him and associate the place and the person with food.

Then when he's let out Harvey will understand it as his home.

OMG how awful for you. I feel so bad for you and Harvey. You are doing the right thing by letting him go elsewhere where people may be able to help him. He needs to be taken care of by a professional who may eventually change his ways. Don't blame yourself, some cats are just aggressive and he cannot be around your kids any longer. Hope your bites and scratches will heal soon.

I'm sorry you are hurting so bad, no one could have given Harvey more of a chance. I am glad this oppourtunity has opened up for him, but I am in the minority here that I disagree that being put to sleep would have been a 'punishment'.

There are much much worse things that being put to sleep. Luckily Harvey is going to have a home where he can feel free, hunt and live his life in a way that he apparently needs. But if that wasn't available, there would have been no shame in releasing him from his misery.

Some cats are just wired wrong and cannot live happily in a human world. If the alternative is to dump him on the street (which many other people would have done), or force him to live in a cage, or used for some sick person's personal vendetta (also a possibility with some people), I personally feel that euthanasia would be a better choice.

I am happy for all concerned that that choice wasn't required. But I am a firm believer in there are worse things than death by euthanasia.

It's only natural for you to hurt over this. You love him and wanted to save him. and you have saved him.

You tried and you really did your best. But it's time for Harvey to leave so that Billy can be safe. And this really does sound like a great option for him.

Those bites look nasty. Ouch!

I can't even imagine how hard it is to give him up, but it is so clearly the right to do. Harvey really seems like he's going to the perfect home. You have such a big heart to have taken such good care of such a troubled cat.

Thankyou to everyone, I am just trying to get my head round the fact that he is actually going tomorrow. He's just come in and tried to fight with Billy again luckily the keys worked this time and it wasn't serious but I find myself being very wary around him. He will stay in toniht as theres loads of fireworks goin off and I couldn't just kick him outside, he is sleeping under my daughters bed so hopefully we'll have a quiet night. its as if he knows though as he has been hesitatant in coming in and just sat by the back door for ages. I bought him some cat tuna today as a treat and he enjoyed that. I'm glad we're taking him, not to the farm but the rescue centre so I can say bye properely, he will not be happy though, he hates being in a carrier and goes mad, dreading even getting him in it. I am a bit happier now though as I know he will live a long and good life there, its reassuring to know they have a 12 year old feral there so he will atleast have some company and its not a farm where theres loads of cats roaming around so he can rule the roost all he likes I think the whole atmosphere will be different and calmer in the house but I will miss him so much, even just the way he walks, its hilarious, he has so many little things about him that make me laugh and I will miss that.I will not miss all the white fur on my black carpet and spending 40 minutes a day hoovering. But I will just miss my "HC" cat. Its hard to explain, I feel like I am having him PTS because he should be my cat and my problem. I will feel better I think when I have met the lady, I'm dreading going to the rescue centre though I will want to bring all the animals home x

OMG, Ruthy! You look like you've been thru a war!
I know everyone else has said it already, but I'm going to say it, too. You've done everything you could for Harvey, none of this is your fault, and you have absolutely made the best decision for him. Try to remind yourself that you are actually protecting Billy; this has to be terrible for him. I know it hurts, but honey, you've made the right decision.
Sending loads and loads of healing for you, and for Harvey, too---that he adapts well to his new home.

I just got home--to read your post. You have a little more time with him? You can talk to him and tel him how you feel. Please try to understand that he doesn't hold anything against you--OK? This new place does sound delightful and he won't have to deal with life in a human world. It sounds like an answer to your prayers. He will be so happy running free and stalking mice, but still being kept fed and safe. We have to love our kitties on their terms and you are absolutely doing that, my friend!!! You are giving him a wonderful life!! He would NEVER have gotten it from anyone else!! You HAVE SAVED HIM!!!! ooxx