I need a home for my vegan cat. I took her and her kittens in 11 years ago. She was feral. I can now pet and hold her, however, I have become very ill with an undiagnosed illness and also had my thyroid destroyed after developing Graves' disease. I feel that I cannot take care of her anymore. I am looking for someone dedicated to vegan/vegetarian diets and animals. I have spent a great deal of money and my life supporting animals. This breaks my heart to have to ask for a home, but I thought it was worth a shot. Please email me at cktsavage@msn.com. thanks.:help:

How old is this cat now?! How is she with other people? How's her eyesight?

If she's that old, and has a feral nature, euthanizia might be less cruel than rehoming her, if you can't find a way to keep her.

I could never euthanize my cat. I would release her to the outdoors before that. I have to believe that after all my dedication to others in the name of animals, something or someone will come along that will bring some good my way in my time of need. She is shy and hides alot, but I think other cats would bring her out. A lot of people are capable of dealing with this kind of cat. She has lived indoors with me for 11 years, and comes out of the room now and lets us pet her on the bed. I have started to pick her up.

Thanks,
Cheryl

I could never euthanize my cat. I would release her to the outdoors before that. I have to believe that after all my dedication to others in the name of animals, something or someone will come along that will bring some good my way in my time of need. She is shy and hides alot, but I think other cats would bring her out. A lot of people are capable of dealing with this kind of cat. She has lived indoors with me for 11 years, and comes out of the room now and lets us pet her on the bed. I have started to pick her up.

Thanks,
Cheryl


Cheryl, it probably would be kinder and more humane to euthanize her if she is going to be hard to place. To release her after 11 years of domestication - I don't even know if you could call her feral anymore.

What I would do, is create a flyer with her picture and a description and your contact info. Send it out to everyone you know and have them forward it. Make sure to do a home check and if possible request a donation to an animal organization.

What I would do, is create a flyer with her picture and a description and your contact info. Send it out to everyone you know and have them forward it. Make sure to do a home check and if possible request a donation to an animal organization.
Agreed. Also post a notice at your veterinarian's office, and contact any no-kill shelters and rescue groups in your area.

Please DO NOT release her into the wild. It's cruel AND illegal.

Would you place your cat in a home where they were going to feed her meat-based pet food? The majority of vegans don't even feed their cats vegan cat food, so I think you'll have better luck if you're willing to give on the requirement (although my earlier questions weren't answered, so I still don't know if rehoming is the kindest option).

You don't happen to be in the mid-west, do you? There's a wonderful organization in Madison, WI that finds responsible outdoor caregivers for feral cats and who finds responsible indoor caregivers for 'formerly' feral cats (sounds like yours, if she's actually letting you pet and hold her, wouldn't be considered a true feral). If you're interested, PM me.

Unfortunately, I am not in the Midwest right now. I am in Portland, OR. If I was in the midwest, I would probably take her to Eric Weisman who runs Evolution. I want to say that when I said I would rather release her than euthanize, that was not to say I was going to do it. It is illegal, and though I feel she could survive in an area with a dedicated cat lover of partially (actually mostly) recovered ferals, that kind of guilt would also eat me away.

I just need help so badly. I have reached a point in being ill that I cannot handle anymore. I even called a great sanctuary in WA, far from where I live, but they are full. Most non-vegan shelters are full, but if it comes to it, I will have to go that route. That is if I can convince the owner to make an exception. I wish I wasn't so ill. It has been going on for over 5 years, but I cannot cope anymore. I really need help. I am going to get out my pictures of her and try to post them, and I know about being careful when it comes to placing cats. I have seen to much to drop a cat off anywhere. I am looking for an angel.:angel: :angel: :angel: :angel:

I wanted to post an update as I realize I didn't answer the questions addressed by someone earlier.

I am sorry I didn't aswer the questions you asked. I am kind of frazzled. My cat's eyesight is fine. I think the word feral by me was too strong. She is shy, but anyone who comes into her main room on the bed lately has been able to get her attention. She comes and sits right by them. And she does let the people pet her too. I think it would take a patient provider to let her get used to her new surroundings, but I think it is possible. I am willing to open the door to vegans or anyone who will only feed meat. I just don't want to do it. I can't force others to do it. She is around 11-12 years old. I hope this helps.

I think you really need to give a little when you're in such a desperate situation.
The whole must have a vegan diet and lifestyle over what would be the best option for you loved pet is a little(actually a lot) disturbing.
It sounds like you want all of your beliefs to go along with finding the perfect home. It's just not realistic, unfortunately. In a perfect world it would be truly wonderful for everyone.
I have a cat(somewhere around 14 years old) who was originally a stray. He lived with this elderly lady and a lot of other cats. To make a long story short, the lady passed away and the cats went into the hands of her vet who had to place the animals into new homes. Now my guy was one that was very scared of EVERYTHING. He would not go near the other cats( was beat up etc), and did not trust ANYONE. He was going to be put to sleep. I took him and worked with him more and more every day. Being in the animal field I knew what to do and how to handle him. Now he is the most loving and affectionate cat. Catch? He trusts me and only me. He's warmed up to one other person enough to be friendly, but not nearly to the extent he is with me. Now, God forbid if I was ever in your situation I would be just as devasted. But I KNOW how my cat is and that he needs a very very rare type of owner/household in order for him to have any quality of life. let alone a good one. I would never impose extra demands on someone who would even be willing to try to work with him and dedicate their time and love for him. *shrug*
I really hope you can come up with a solution, or at least work it out so in the end you don't have to give up your companion.
Oh, and please don't think throwing her outside would be better than the other options suggested.
I hope you're able to find some answers or solace at least.
Good luck:)

If the OP threw out the cat at this stage in her life, the cat would die. To release rather than euthanise is to let the cat die in a slower way, that's all. Feral cats do not live to 12 years old, feral carer or not.

I think I either didn't say it properly or it was misunderstood. I want a home for this cat no matter what type of food she gets. Meat is fine as long as she is alive and doing well. Actually, she isn't wholly vegan. That would be the new owner's choice. As for throwing her out on her own, it is not going to happen. I know better. That is why I took her in in the first place along with her three babies. I am sorry if it came across as though I was being selfish. I simply am not well enough to care for the cat. I had Graves' disease and have been ill with an undiagnosed illness for years. Plus, I have twins and my illness has left me in a financial position I never would have imagined.

She is not really a feral anymore. I pick her up, pet her, others have pet her, she comes into my living room. As the twins have gotten older, I am afraid they have become a little louder than is best for Jasmine.

I hope you can understand and try to understand that I am not completely well and may not be saying things in the best way lately.

If you want to email, please send to cktsavage@msn.com.


Thanks,
foursavages

That is good to hear. :) (The not throwing out bit)

Good luck with finding a come for the cat, I live in the wrong country to take her.

Why is everyone getting so confused? It seems pretty clear to me that the OP is doing her absolute best to find her cat a new home, regardless of the diet that will be provided. I don't know where all this talk of euthanasia or release has come from : (

Anyway, I'd strongly suggest that you also try posting on cat forums, if you haven't already done so. I'm sure you'll find someone eventually who will be able to take your girl on for you.

Good luck!

Some one said "euthanise her" the OP said, no, I'd release her first. The debate came from the fact that some people think a quick death from euthanisation is better than a slower death due to being released. I didn't ever think the OP would have thrown the cat out. I'm not sure if the OP saw my reply directing her to www.care2.org which has a number or boards specifcially devoted to rehoming cats. My statement in this thread was not meant to critisize the OP, though now I read it again it could be taken that way.

Here is a little booklet with tips on how to find a new home for your pet.

http://www.alleycat.org/pdf/homeless.pdf

This site will also help you find a list of local rehomers for your pet if you email them. Read the whole PDF, there are details for how they help you out.

Good luck finding a home for your kitty. I cannot have a cat becuase my husband is extremely allergic :-( I love cats but I do love him more ;-)

I am glad that people saw that I am not just a throw away owner. I hoped to show that. I am trying to look into the resources possible and most shelters are full.

Why is everyone getting so confused? It seems pretty clear to me that the OP is doing her absolute best to find her cat a new home, regardless of the diet that will be provided. I don't know where all this talk of euthanasia or release has come from : (





Because that was what the OP implied in her initial posts until she clarified.

I want to say something, because I have felt a little attacked. I understand that I "implied" that I would release her first. But that was because I have no intention of throwing away a cat to euthanasia that I dedicated so many years to. I was trying to make a statement, and I did clarify that it was not my intention to dump her. I could take her to the Humane Society before that. I have a big heart for animals, and I wish people could stay focused. I do thank those that did offer suggestions, even if they had trouble with my initial or subsequent postings. I don't mean to be insulting or make anyone feel bad. It is just that no one understands when a person who is ill needs help to place a cat and just how difficult it can be to do the footwork when you are hardly eating , vomiting, trying to care for to young children, but even require family help for that. Still looking for that angel in Portland, Oregon.

Here is her picture from when I first got her. http://portland.craigslist.org/zip/94500792.html

:angel: :angel: :angel:

Maybe I was confused. I think it's pretty clear that you do love your cat, but you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. All you can do is what you think is best. You know what kind of household/owner(s) would be the best for your cat, and what wouldn't work out(ie: chaotic household with young kinds vs home with an elderly person who can spoil and love your cat for most of the day etc).
Maybe ask your vet to help you out for now? Maybe they can help find a really good person whom your cat can thrive with. Never know.
I'm really sorry about the situation you're in. I don't ever want to even think about what I would do, or how I would feel if it was me. sigh.
Keep us updated.

She's really cute:)
Just a word of caution, I would be REAL real cautious of any replies. Bad people thrive on "free" animals placed in newspaper ads etc. I know it may take longer, but your best bet would be to put up fliers at local vets or even maybe let them put her in their waiting room so people can see her and interact etc. More legit and definately benefits her.
Good luck:)

So you have advertised her in the local paper? Have you put her on petfinder?

I don't ever want to even think about what I would do, or how I would feel if it was me..

It's a good idea to pre-plan these things, DanaJ, in case the worst happens. I have worked out where my cats would go if I were to die or become incapacitated. It's worth working it out now, and sticking the arrangements in a will and/or a living will, just for peace of mind.

I haven't advertised in the newspaper. I am extremely cautious when placing pets. I have an inherent distrust of people willing to take a free cat. I am trying to advertise online with difficulty, but I am emphasizing that the only reason I am not asking for a fee, is because I need help with this cat. I am not the type to just throw a cat into a house. I have to make house visits, meet the person more than once, and I generally prefer to work with organizations. I don't want her to end up in research. Euthanasia would be better than that. Thanks for the compassionate emails. I might post this in the area where someone posted urgent need for home as well. I am sad after spending most of the day getting nowhere. I agree with making arrangements for pets. I do not think I will ever get a pet again after this. I will instead dedicate my time to helping others in need with similar problems, if I ever get well.