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I can understand your concerns-I had similar concerns prior to adopting my cat and have had the same off and on since adopting her. A good friend of mine, who is very expirenced with cats, points out every time that I worry that my girl is alone too much how loved and cared for she is: She is safe, well fed, warm, comfortable and has all a kitty needs. I take time each day to play with her and give her as much attention as I can when I'm home. When I'm not home, she has windows to look out, cat trees, toys and comfy napping spots. She displays no behaviors that indicate that she suffers from loneliness. I suspect that I project on her feelings/emotions that she just does not have because, like you, I want to give her the best life possible. But the reality is, before adopting her, she was living a life in a shelter, which is certainly NOT the best life possible for her. In fact, the changes in this cat over the past few years has been amazing: a shy, scared cat who had been in shelters most of her life is now a confident, loving, affectionate kitty who just bravely made her first walk outside on her harness!Hi folks,
I'm now having second thoughts about shadow, I would only be around for 10hrs each day so I'm not sure if that would be fair on him. He's a very independent cat & is definitely not a cat that likes cuddles. I'm just in two minds [emoji]9785[/emoji]️
Great suggestion!!Maybe you and the other lady can make this a trial period, where you foster him for a couple of weeks or so and see how it goes. That way, if it doesn't work out, it isn't a failure, it's just a trial that didn't turn into an adoption. Wouldn't that make it easier for all of you?
I'm so glad that a trail period is a solution that makes you feel comfortable and I'm glad that his current owner is in agreement with the idea. A trial period takes the pressure off, for sure. I'll be hoping that you and Shadow get along well!Yeah I've asked the lady if I could take him on a 2 week trial & she has agreed. She is such a lovely lady & really cares a lot for her cats, which is why she is getting rid of shadow because she knows his life with her & her cats isn't right for him
I can only speak from my experience: During the week, I'm at work anywhere between 10-11 hours a day. I'm home for 4-5 hours (at the most) before I have to go to bed (I have a chronic pain condition so I need to get lots of rest). My girl does just fine with this situation. I have made sure she has as enriched of an environment as possible: trees/seats at most windows, a bird feeder at the biggest window, toys, scratching posts. When I'm home I give her lots of attention and always have a play session with her before I go to bed. Is this a perfect situation?? Maybe not but she seems to be a happy kitty. I've had no issues come up in five years that indicate otherwise.Hi hellomisskitty,
I value your opinion, do you think only being around for shadow for 10hrs is not enough??
That really depends on her. Most days, it's probably 15-20 minutes with something like this:How long do you play with your cat for?
Also to keep her busy while I'm at work, I leave some kibble in a puzzle feeder to keep her busy. Something like this:Thanks, that's very interesting & some great advise
I think I can only say that due to my sometimes physical/ time limitations, like you I thought I could not give a pet of any sort a good home and that held me back from adopting a cat sooner (of course, if I had adopted sooner, I would not have found my kitty soulmate!). I do actively work to enrich her environment in order to help her feel secure and safe and to keep her active. I may not give her the "perfect" home but: she doesn't have stress as to when she is getting her next meal, she is safe from fights and predators, her litter box is always clean, she gets medical attention when needed and she is adored and loved every day. I've not encountered any behavioral issues since the day I adopted her.Thanks, if you've got anymore reassuring advice please post it to me, it will really help