Do you think there's a way...

eilcon · May 3, 2006

I'm wondering if you guys think there's anyway to convince my downstairs neighbor to get a cat. Here's the deal: she likes cats and takes great care of mine when I'm gone, but is more of a dog person. In fact, she's mentioned getting a dog, but doesn't really have the time to care for one. Several mutual acquaintances feel she could benefit from having a pet. She works longs hours and often avoids being at home because she's lonely. I think part of what's holding her back is the "mess" she thinks a cat will make - ie shedding, hairballs, etc... But, she's spent a lot of time up at my place and knows regular cleaning takes care of that. I think an older, already declawed (she's also concerned about scratching) would be perfect for her. I've never pushed the issue, because she knows where to come if she decides she wants to adopt. I've watched her interact with my cats and she really seems to enjoy them. She'll even get down on the floor to play with them and when I return from a trip out of town, she'll fill me in on their antics. Maybe just having contact with mine is enough, but I really
think she could benefit from a pet of her own and would give it a loving home. Any ideas, or should I just resign myself to the fact that IF the time is ever right, she'll come to me?

AbbysMom · May 3, 2006

Next time you do have an older, declawed cat, mention it to her and show her pics. Tell her what a lovable cat it is, etc. Maybe she would be interested. Even if she's not, it may plant the idea in her brain for next time.

laureen227 · May 3, 2006

Originally Posted by AbbysMom

Next time you do have an older, declawed cat, mention it to her and show her pics. Tell her what a lovable cat it is, etc. Maybe she would be interested. Even if she's not, it may plant the idea in her brain for next time.

What about Gabriel?

eilcon · May 3, 2006

Originally Posted by laureen227

What about Gabriel?

That's who I had in mind.

I think it would be a great match!

I printed his pics yesterday and may slide them under her door!

jennyr · May 3, 2006

I agree, I think you should broach the subject with her and paint it as to his advantage, not hers! Thenb she won't think you are being pushy or interfering in her life.

renny · May 3, 2006

I'm in a similar situation as you, i'm trying to figure out how to convince my friend to get a cat...i know she misses having them but she had to put both of hers to sleep within 2 weeks of each other near christmas. They were both 19. I think she's ready...but i'm not sure how far to push. Good luck with convincing her, Gabriel is gorgeous!

cheeseface · May 3, 2006

Originally Posted by eilcon

I'm wondering if you guys think there's anyway to convince my downstairs neighbor to get a cat. Here's the deal: she likes cats and takes great care of mine when I'm gone, but is more of a dog person. In fact, she's mentioned getting a dog, but doesn't really have the time to care for one. Several mutual acquaintances feel she could benefit from having a pet. She works longs hours and often avoids being at home because she's lonely. I think part of what's holding her back is the "mess" she thinks a cat will make - ie shedding, hairballs, etc... But, she's spent a lot of time up at my place and knows regular cleaning takes care of that. I think an older, already declawed (she's also concerned about scratching) would be perfect for her. I've never pushed the issue, because she knows where to come if she decides she wants to adopt. I've watched her interact with my cats and she really seems to enjoy them. She'll even get down on the floor to play with them and when I return from a trip out of town, she'll fill me in on their antics. Maybe just having contact with mine is enough, but I really
think she could benefit from a pet of her own and would give it a loving home. Any ideas, or should I just resign myself to the fact that IF the time is ever right, she'll come to me?

Hmmm... I'd say leave it alone, but then I needed a little help from my sister to get Chasey. I want everything to be just right before I start something new in my life, but life can't always wait for you to get that way.

rosiemac · May 3, 2006

I keep banging on at my sister to get a cat ever since she lost her dog, so if she caves in and gets one let me know how you did it Eileen!.

kittylover4ever · May 3, 2006

Originally Posted by eilcon

That's who I had in mind.

I think it would be a great match!

I printed his pics yesterday and may slide them under her door!

Great idea Eileen!

eilcon · May 3, 2006

Originally Posted by Renny

I'm in a similar situation as you, i'm trying to figure out how to convince my friend to get a cat...i know she misses having them but she had to put both of hers to sleep within 2 weeks of each other near christmas. They were both 19. I think she's ready...but i'm not sure how far to push. Good luck with convincing her, Gabriel is gorgeous!

That's a hard one. You want to be sensitive to her situation but, at the same time, realize how much joy another cat would bring to her life. I know it would be that way with my neighbor. When I was initially looking for a home for my Claire, my neighbor mentioned that she just wasn't "ready" for a cat. Not exactly sure what she meant by that. It's definitely important to be prepared for the responsibility of being a pet owner but, I also feel like you can only be so "ready" before you take that step. Look how many of us on TCS have unexpectedly found ourselves in the position of taking on another cat and how rewarding that turned out to be. Sometimes, you just have to follow your heart.

lunasmom · May 3, 2006

It's a tricky one. Dog -only lovers rarely convert to cats (I'm an exception though)

.
I tried to have my parents take Whitey when I first heard about his situation. They're taking care of some feral cats in the neighborhood and keep talking about them. My mom refused Whitey though. She said if there's going to be any pet in her house its a dog.

See if you can't get your neighbor around the cat though. I.e. watch it for the afternoon or come help you with it. I'm sure the cat can work its charm if there's going to be a connection

eilcon · May 3, 2006

Originally Posted by lunasmom

It's a tricky one. Dog -only lovers rarely convert to cats (I'm an exception though)

.
I tried to have my parents take Whitey when I first heard about his situation. They're taking care of some feral cats in the neighborhood and keep talking about them. My mom refused Whitey though. She said if there's going to be any pet in her house its a dog.

See if you can't get your neighbor around the cat though. I.e. watch it for the afternoon or come help you with it. I'm sure the cat can work its charm if there's going to be a connection

I'm an exception too! Grew up with dogs and never thought much of cats at all until I got Katie.

That's a good idea about her meeting Gabe. She's been to the place I volunteer before, but maybe it's time for another visit. Gabe's a pretty charming guy!

renny · May 3, 2006

I keep inviting my friends over under the guise of "needing some help" with the fosters and they end up cuddling the kittens, and now cuddling with Ernie. I'm hoping they'll be won over!

menagerie mama · May 3, 2006

Yeah, just tell her "This cat is going to be put to sleep if no one takes her!" Oh, did I just tell a nun to lie!?

Show up with a really friendly kitty on her doorstep and once she sees it she won't be able to resist!

yosemite · May 3, 2006

Firstly I think you ladies would be surprised at how many dog lovers have been converted just by being around a cat.

Eileen, I would just come right out and tell her you really need a home for that dear cat and had hoped she would help out by taking him in. Tell her if it doesn't work out after a few weeks you would take him back and try to find another home.

Yes, like that's going to happen once she gets hooked on him!

renny · May 3, 2006

Maybe you could convince her to start helping your rescue out by fostering some of the kitties...sure fire way to get people attached to kitties! (look at me...i know have 4 fosters i wish i could keep!)

eilcon · May 11, 2006

Well, no luck in convincing my neighbor to adopt, or even meet, Gabriel. She keeps saying she just not "ready." Guess, I just need to respect that. If she ever does decide to adopt, she at least knows where to come! She's missing out on a great cat though. Gabe - all 16 lbs of him (yes, he's been on a diet), just loves to be held. He'll be in an adoption fair this weekend at our local Petsmart, so hopefully somebody will fall in love with him!

renny · May 11, 2006

I've been trying a bit of that myself with my foster Ernie (and have now recruited a few friends into it!). There is a really nice guy at work who has thought about getting a cat, but he didn't want this or that in a cat (i.e. not too high energy and not too young and destructive). I think Ernie would be absolutely perfect for him. So we are trying a little gentle persuasion saying that I really need some where for him to stay (and i really do) for the next 2 weeks till he gets spayed and can be put up for adoption. Hopefully he'll be convinced....fingers and toes crossed!!!!!

white cat lover · May 11, 2006

I'm trying to convince my sister to get a cat. She won't get one because it will die. She has trouble with loosing people & pets in her life. She does not deal well with the loss, but she is veyr lonely as well. I know she wants a cat, but she is unwilling to accept the fact that if she gets a kitten, it can live to be 15-20 years old.

If you guys figure out a way...let me know. I have had my sister to the HS, but she cries when she sees them in cages....

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