Southern California people...I need to find Felix a new home

helloevo · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by lionessrampant

Nonetheless, your unwillingness to do whatever it takes to keep Felix demonstrates to me, and I am a trained counselor for one of this country's most innovative and progressive animal rescue organizations, that you are simply not ready for this type of committment and may never be. Instead of asking us for help on how to keep your cat and taking some of our (albeit drastic) suggestions, you insist upon giving this cat away. 17 is awfully young to have adopted a cat in the first place. I really hate to age-profile because it's always irritated me (I'm only 21 and adopted my first cat at 18), but I have to ask- who is you guardian now? You're legally too young to live on your own unless you're an emancipated minor. Can that person take care of Felix? I guess what I'm saying is that there are a lotof ways around this. I have my training, Jen is also an experienced rescuer, Sharky knows cats also....you're getting good and even professional advice, for free!

Look, a lot of things has happened (and changed) since I got Felix. I was accepted into one of the top acting schools in california (which happened out of nowhere), which I am now paying good money for, and it hasn't interrupted my relationship with Felix one bit thus far, we still got playing time in, and we still just relaxed and hung out together. Now, the only possible way I can keep Felix is if I live in an apartment near my school, and the only way that's going to happen is if I get a job, but if I get a job, that means I'll have to go to college, acting school, and have a job, which will leave VERY little time to do anything else. Again, I have gone over all my options, and it looks like the best situation here is to find Felix a new home. You're making it seem like I want to give Felix away, which couldn't be further from the truth, I am pushy about it though, because my time is running out. I live with my father and he doesn't like animals, he was never raised with them so he doesn't like to be around them. I appreciate all the advice, but I had to type all of this (and everything I'm leaving out) twice already, and I really didn't want to type it out again, but we weren't going anywhere with the lack of information that I was(not) providing. If I knew I would be living in a dorm I would have never taken on the responsibility of owning an animal, especially one that demands so much attention and care. Like I said, some things happen in life and you just can't change or help it, it's really not my fault.

helloevo · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by sarahp

I think that given that LittleEvo paid so much money for such a beautiful boy who she obviously loves, she wouldn't be giving him away unless she absolutely had to. I have no doubt that she wouldn't have spent that much money if she had any idea she couldn't keep him!

And yes it's sad to have to rehome your cat, but it's a fact of life. Circumstances change. Cats are very adaptable, and are rehomed for a reason, and I think generally get more love and attention in their new home.

People don't generally get a cat and plan to give it away, but sometimes you just can't help where life takes you.

If everyone had to sign an agreement saying that they will definitely be able to keep the cat for at least 18 years even if they have children who develop severe allergies, even if they lose their job and can't afford to keep it, even if they discover they have to live somewhere that can't take cats and they have no choice, even if they realise at some point in their life, they're no longer home enough to give the cat enough attention, then NOBODY would adopt cats, and you'd be stuck with even more cats in shelters.

Come on guys, be realistic.

Thank you for understanding what I'm going through. One thing though, I'm a guy

You don't have to say sorry, it's a common misconception on this board and I'm already used to it, even in my short time here

lionessrampant · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by HelloEvo

Look, a lot of things has happened (and changed) since I got Felix. I was accepted into one of the top acting schools in california (which happened out of nowhere), which I am now paying good money for, and it hasn't interrupted my relationship with Felix one bit thus far, we still got playing time in, and we still just relaxed and hung out together. Now, the only possible way I can keep Felix is if I live in an apartment near my school, and the only way that's going to happen is if I get a job, but if I get a job, that means I'll have to go to college, acting school, and have a job, which will leave VERY little time to do anything else. Again, I have gone over all my options, and it looks like the best situation here is to find Felix a new home. You're making it seem like I want to give Felix away, which couldn't be further from the truth, I am pushy about it though, because my time is running out. I live with my father and he doesn't like animals, he was never raised with them so he doesn't like to be around them. I appreciate all the advice, but I had to type all of this (and everything I'm leaving out) twice already, and I really didn't want to type it out again, but we weren't going anywhere with the lack of information that I was(not) providing. If I knew I would be living in a dorm I would have never taken on the responsibility of owning an animal, especially one that demands so much attention and care. Like I said, some things happen in life and you just can't change or help it, it's really not my fault.

I really don't mean to sound snippy, but the net isn't good for delivery of things, but....

Did I mention that I'm at one of the top conservatories studying music?

Really, it's possible to do it all.

hopehacker · Aug 12, 2006

HelloEvo, is young. He obviously has this great opportunity for a wonderful education, which will bring him a great futue. Felix is still a kitten, so now is probably the best time to find him a furever home, before he becomes too attached to Evo. It also sounds like Evo has weighed out all of the possibilities and he feels that he cannot provide a good home for Felix. Knowing Bengal's they do need a lot of attention. Bengal's don't really thrive very well, if they're left alone for hours upon hours with no interaction. Evo feels he can't give the cat what he needs, and so I think it probably is best for Felix to find him a new and stable home.

It is a sad situation, but hopefully it will work itself out for what's best for Felix as well as for Evo.

My only problem is that Evo wants to charge the cost of the cat, as well as the money he paid for S & H. I think a lot of potential Bengal owners would rather go to a breeder and get a Pet Quality Bengal for less. That being said, I paid $1000 for Simba from a local Breeder here in Los Angeles, and he's Pet Quality, however I did get all of the health guarantee's ect ect from where I purchased him from.

I asked this before Evo, are you willing to come down in price, and unfortunately lose money in order to find this cat a good home? I also certainly wouldn't let him go to just ANYONE who has the cash. I know time is short for you, but you do need to make sure this cat gets a good home. He deserves that much.

Judging from the way Felix looks, he will find a good home, if you call a local Bengal Rescue. They will take him in, and find a foster home for him, because he's a beautiful and young Bengal, and will be easy to place. However, you will end up losing money. In fact you'll probably end up losing everything you spent on him. But you'll be assured that he WILL go to a good home.

helloevo · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by HopeHacker

HelloEvo, is young. He obviously has this great opportunity for a wonderful education, which will bring him a great futue. Felix is still a kitten, so now is probably the best time to find him a furever home, before he becomes too attached to Evo. It also sounds like Evo has weighed out all of the possibilities and he feels that he cannot provide a good home for Felix. Knowing Bengal's they do need a lot of attention. Bengal's don't really thrive very well, if they're left alone for hours upon hours with no interaction. Evo feels he can't give the cat what he needs, and so I think it probably is best for Felix to find him a new and stable home.

It is a sad situation, but hopefully it will work itself out for what's best for Felix as well as for Evo.

My only problem is that Evo wants to charge the cost of the cat, as well as the money he paid for S & H. I think a lot of potential Bengal owners would rather go to a breeder and get a Pet Quality Bengal for less. That being said, I paid $1000 for Simba from a local Breeder here in Los Angeles, and he's Pet Quality, however I did get all of the health guarantee's ect ect from where I purchased him from.

I asked this before Evo, are you willing to come down in price, and unfortunately lose money in order to find this cat a good home? I also certainly wouldn't let him go to just ANYONE who has the cash. I know time is short for you, but you do need to make sure this cat gets a good home. He deserves that much.

Judging from the way Felix looks, he will find a good home, if you call a local Bengal Rescue. They will take him in, and find a foster home for him, because he's a beautiful and young Bengal, and will be easy to place. However, you will end up losing money. In fact you'll probably end up losing everything you spent on him. But you'll be assured that he WILL go to a good home.

I'm determined to find Felix a good home, also, I'm not charging shipping, that would be wrong. I'm not looking to make any profit, but because I'm a jobless (for now) college student, and I paid for Felix entirely myself, it would be very helpful if I could at least get what I paid back. Not looking for the shipping, I couldn't care less about that, and also, I'm giving over a hundred dollars worth of toys and stuff as well as everything I made for him myself.

EDIT: Of course I would not let him go to the first person who has cash, that's not my intention, Felix deserves better than that.

jen · Aug 12, 2006

the one thing I am still left to worry about it if he is neutered or not? If you are going to rehome him unneutered then you could easily get someone who thinks since he is a pure Bengal that they can breed him to make some money. You cannot let this happen. Unless he is neutered then nevermind. I would really look into neutering him before rehoming him. I would never let a cat go to a new home unneutered unless you know the person well and can guarentee to check that they get it done. Especially for $900 or whatever you want for him, it is going to be hard to find someone to drop that much on a cat and then still have to go out and have him neutered (especially when there are Bengal rescues all over the place where they cost significantly less and are fully vetted), unless they are getting him for the wrong reasons and intentions. Please look into that if he is not currently neutered.

Why don't you call some Bengal rescues? They can at least take all the time they need to screen new homes and everything.

Moz · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by lionessrampant

17 is awfully young to have adopted a cat in the first place.

Err.. then is it bad that I adopted JC? I'm younger than seventeen.. I'm just curious. :\\

jen · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by Moz

Err.. then is it bad that I adopted JC? I'm younger than seventeen.. I'm just curious. :\\

Not necessarily, but in this case it was highly irresponsible of the breeder to sell to a kid period. Also lot of shelters will not adopt to people so young since they are probably still living with parants, renting, going to school, will be moving very soon... If the shelter seemed to think you were okay when you adopted the cat then that is great!

Shelters and breeders should screen potential adopter and buyers and be very careful who they adopt or sell to. They should also do something to ensure that the cat will be given back to them if the new owner cannot keep it any longer. They should also stress that a cat is a lifetime commitment before letting the new owner take the cat home and make sure they will not give it away due to moving or going to school since it can all be done with the cat but a lot of people aren't willing to make sacrifices for a living thing which depends on them. This goes for dogs or any animal.

crittermom · Aug 12, 2006

I just wanted to say that I am sorry that you have to rehome Felix!!And I applaud you for trying to find the BEST home for him.My Daughter is 16 and I can't imagine her trying to take on that responsibilty of raising a kitten,a job and college on top of that.It is true that life changes and we need to adapt and make the best of it.
If you would have asked me a week ago if I would rehome my orphan kits BEFORE they were 10 weeks old........I would have said NO WAY!!! But, due to hubby having surgury and me not being able to pay for Vet costs (shots,etc.), plus food and all for my 3 other cats.....I choose to rehome the kits.
I hope a home can be found for him soon.Also, be aware that you may VERY well loose money.Good luck!!!

sharky · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by Jen

Not necessarily, but in this case it was highly irresponsible of the breeder to sell to a kid period. Also lot of shelters will not adopt to people so young since they are probably still living with parants, renting, going to school, will be moving very soon... If the shelter seemed to think you were okay when you adopted the cat then that is great!

Shelters and breeders should screen potential adopter and buyers and be very careful who they adopt or sell to. They should also do something to ensure that the cat will be given back to them if the new owner cannot keep it any longer. They should also stress that a cat is a lifetime commitment before letting the new owner take the cat home and make sure they will not give it away due to moving or going to school since it can all be done with the cat but a lot of people aren't willing to make sacrifices for a living thing which depends on them. This goes for dogs or any animal.

Very well put .... I have moved three times to different states and each time I made sure that my "pets /kids" would be welcome and I would be able to care for them... I too got a dog before college ... but still managed ....

I am glad you talked witht the breeder

crittermom · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by Jen

Shelters and breeders should screen potential adopter and buyers and be very careful who they adopt or sell to. They should also do something to ensure that the cat will be given back to them if the new owner cannot keep it any longer. They should also stress that a cat is a lifetime commitment before letting the new owner take the cat home and make sure they will not give it away due to moving or going to school since it can all be done with the cat but a lot of people aren't willing to make sacrifices for a living thing which depends on them. This goes for dogs or any animal.

I'm curious, have you ever had to make a sacrifice when it comes to an animal?
The sad fact that ALOT of shelters are so over run with animals that they are thankful for being able to place what animals they can.
Who is all HONESTY can say that "thier life and living circumstances WILL NOT change"? I can't!!! If my DH lost his job, my FIRST priority is to my 4 SKIN KIDS!! Yes, I Do love Blaze,Neela,Corwin and want what is best for them.That is why under certain situations I would rehome them, rather than see them do without or in some way be traumatized.
Life is life.We expect changes,losses and learn to deal with it.
I have been in somewhat of a situation that the OP is in.
I never thought that 2 years ago, I would have to make the choice that I did.But, I did and went on with life the best way I could.

We should be thankful that the OP is looking for a responsible home for Felix and focus on that.

jen · Aug 12, 2006

I have never given them away due to any reason like moving or school if that is what you mean. I turned down so many homes and apartments to rent because they wouldn't allow pets.

2 months ago I lost my job. I am completely broke right now and my credit cards are just about maxed. I cannot afford rent or anything, bills, groceries, etc. I will not give my 6 cats away to a new home. I feed them their same food and I myself have been eating a lot of salads and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I left for school a few years ago and I had 2 cats. They stayed with my mom for the first year until I could rent an apartment myself the second year. I went home to visit them and then when I got my own place, I took one cat with me. My mom got attached to the other and asked to keep her.

I would say I made a few sacrifices for my cats. I also have worked with a lot of rescue shelters and they have policies to only adopt to people over 21 and not to renters unless they have a copy of the pet policy with them to show they are allowed to have the pets. I am glad shelters don't adopt to any old kid with some money. I have seen all the college kids around here get a kitten at some point in their college career and then in a couple years when they graduate, they boot the unaltered adult cat outside and move away. This happens all the time and I wish peoiple would just be more careful and screen people better when they adopt or sell their pets.

hopehacker · Aug 12, 2006

I think Evo is trying to do right by Felix. He is trying to find a good home for him, because he can't keep him. Felix is still young, so he shouldn't be all that traumatized to go to a new home. My only worry here is: What if he can't find someone to pay the $800 for Felix? Would he be willing to let this cat go to a Bengal Rescue, if it came to that? Yes, the money would be lost, but sometimes you just have to sacrafice for the good of the cat.

I was in a similar situation in the not too distant past. I had a little Pomeranian that I paid a lot of money for. Suddenly my hip got so painful that I couldn't walk him anymore. I tried paying people to walk him for me, but I just couldn't get anyone who was reliable. In the meantime Strutter, my dog was suffering, and so was my carpet, if you know what I mean. I tried taking him out, without the walk, just out in the back and let him go potty, but I couldn't stand long enough to give him enough time to do all of his business, not to mention that he LOVED going for nice long walks. I knew I was going to have to rehome him, because life with me, just wasn't fair for him. I couldn't find anyone who could afford to buy him from me, so I looked around for a nice loving home, where he'd be treated like a little prince. He has that home now, and he's thriving. I ended up giving him to one of my neighbors, who is low income, and because she's low income, she gets Vet visits for free, so the dog is well cared for, and well vetted. I lost money, for sure, but it was the best thing for the dog.

jen · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by crittermom

Life is life.We expect changes,losses and learn to deal with it.
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Yes, deal with it WITH your cats. Life changes suddenly all the time. You deal with it WITH the pets not without them. Unless of course it involves injury or something where you are not physically able to care for the pet.

crittermom · Aug 12, 2006

I agree that Evo will most likely lose money in the long run.But, if he wants the "best" home for him, he shouldn't have a problem with losing some $$$$.
Pets are a lifetime commitment I agree.But, there are so many things in life that can and do go wrong.We then MUST decide what is BEST for our animals and if that ISN'T with US, then it is our respnsibilty to find them a new home. We NEED to be thankful that Evo is TRYING to find Felix a new home instead of just DUMPING him beside the road to fend for hisself.
HE came to this group trying to find a new home for Felix where he knew he would be cared for.I believe that he truly cares for Felix and that is why he is TRYING to find a new home for him.One where Felix will get the love,attention, and care that he needs.We need to keep that in mind and do what we can to help him.
I wish I knew someone who would love to add him to their fur family.But, as most of us know..........it is kitten season and homes are hard to find right now. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Felix will find a home SOON and one that he will be able to stay at for the rest of his life.

crittermom · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by Jen

Yes, deal with it WITH your cats. Life changes suddenly all the time. You deal with it WITH the pets not without them. Unless of course it involves injury or something where you are not physically able to care for the pet.

I had 2 Cockers that we my KIDS!!! When my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer and it intailed me driving 7 hours to get to him EVERY other weekend, I made the hard decision and choice to find my female a new home.
I was gone so much that she a pup, was not getting the attention that I knew she needed.She was the one loosing out.It was hard for me to find her a new home.I paid $400 for her and let her go to her new home for $200.I lost out on $$$.BUT, it was the BEST thing for her.
I kept my male as he was an older dog and he could adapt to me being gone---he still had DH here for atleast 8 hours a day.Even with DH being here with him,he started to change BIG TIME!!! He became food aggressive and just "weird" acting. I just over looked it and thought things will work out.
BOY was I wrong!!!

I SHOULD have done better by him!! I should have found him a home when I placed my female.I will live with MY mistake for the rest of my life as well as my son's life.
My then 7 year old went to pet him..........saying his name in the meantime..........and the dog lungged for my son's face.I do NOT know if his tooth got my sons mouth or if it was his nose.But, my son got a VERY fat lip.
It was then that I made the decision I SHOULD have made sooner.The dog was unreliable and after calling my Vet who suggested I have him PTS............which I couldn't do.He was my baby.I chose to place him in a NO KILL shelter and then I contacted a rescue about him.They were told by the shelter of his food aggressive issues and still decided to work with him.The dog is now in a home with another Cocker.
I couldn't trust my dog with my kids.My son had nightmares for the first year after that.
So, to say

You deal with it WITH the pets not without them.

is NOT ALWAYS the case or the BEST thing to do.

again, we should be focusing on helping Evo find Felix a new home!!

jessienkitty · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by lionessrampant

Honey, I don't want to turn this into a debate, but I literally sit at a desk all day and take calls from people who want to rehome (or as I call it "dump") thier cats.

I've moved 3 times in 3 years, I'm a student, I work 2 jobs, 6 days a week, take classes, I've been out of the country for a month, I've been totally broke...and I've still managed to keep my cats. All I need to do is develop allergies and have a baby and I'll have the complete set of common excuses. I do have 1 soc cat, 1 special meds cat and one who poops on the floor for no apparent reason. And they're still here.

Trust me, it's irresponsible to give up cats in anything but the most DIRE of circumstances. Moving is not dire. Allergies are not dire. Peeing on the floor is not dire, going to school is not dire. These are NORMAL circumstances and many pet owners have figured out how to take these normal and unextraordinary cirumstances in stride. You wouldn't give up your kid.

i disagree. how can you even say that school and allergies and stuff arnt important. school and your health are some of the most important things in your life!

i think it is amazing that you have gone through all of that and still been able to keep your cats. not everybody is like you though. you cant expect everyone in the world to think and live like you.

but life happens and i am almost positve that Evo's cat would be worse off just by itself all the time than in a foster home. i would do the same thing.

nekokaasan · Aug 12, 2006

I think this is a tough issue.

I'm not going to pass judgement on Evo for his decision, because while I disagree with it, and can't imagine any situation in which I would ever rehome my boys, it seems like Evo's mind is made up now and our energies are best spent helping Felix find a new home.

Evo, I think you're going to have to be willing to take a loss here, financially. I realize that you're a student and on a tight budget, but doing what's best for Felix is most important here - and that may be giving him to a Bengal rescue or rehoming him with a loving person who cannot or is not willing to pay what you did.

I hope you are able to find a good home for Felix. I don't think I live anywhere near you, but if worst comes to worst and some kind of emergency transport needs to be set up, I will try to help if I can, even if all I can do is chip in a few bucks.

hopehacker · Aug 12, 2006

Well, I'm not a Foster home by any means, but if Evo can't find a home, in time, I can try fostering him for Evo, provided he and my cats get along. My Simba is a very Alpha cat little Bengal, but he's a sweetheart. He LOVES to play, and would probably enjoy an opportunity to have another high energy Bengal to play with. I would need to have Felix neutered, though, because I don't want any spraying going on in my house. So, if worse comes to worse, you can contact me about keeping Felix temporarily. I live in the Hollywood area.

clixpix · Aug 12, 2006

Originally Posted by HopeHacker

Well, I'm not a Foster home by any means, but if Evo can't find a home, in time, I can try fostering him for Evo, provided he and my cats get along. My Simba is a very Alpha cat little Bengal, but he's a sweetheart. He LOVES to play, and would probably enjoy an opportunity to have another high energy Bengal to play with. I would need to have Felix neutered, though, because I don't want any spraying going on in my house. So, if worse comes to worse, you can contact me about keeping Felix temporarily. I live in the Hollywood area.

That's a very generous offer Hope. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, but if it did, I couldn't think of a better foster home for him.

Southern California people...I need to find Felix a new home

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