Updates!

So today I go in for a round of ultrasounds, in preparation for my tubal ligation surgery on Tuesday.

I am stupid-nervous. Not about my decision, but about the actual event. I know I shouldn't be, because it's fairly minor, but still, it's a big leap, and my nerves are shot.

Today I'm also picking up more cat boxes and moving money around to get my cats their shots on Saturday. I'm preparing my birds to go to the bird rescue tomorrow at noon, and I'm cleaning to prepare a room for new kitties.

Because my partner agreed to more kitties. 2 of them, and I think I've found the purrrrrfect pair; 8YO cream colorpoint brothers. This is without meeting them and assessing their personalities, but based on breed and age alone, I think they will make a good addition to the family.

I specifically looked for older cats. Why? Well for one thing, older cats are much harder to adopt out. Most people want kittens, or life-long friends. I want these things, as well, but there are enough other forever homes for them that I can't justify the acquisition.  What I want are cats that aren't likely to find other homes, either because of personality, behavior, age, whatever.

These brothers are a trifecta of unappealing adoption prospects; they are 8, which is "senior" even though it's only about 40 in human years; there are two of them, which is harder to place, as many people want only one more; they are a very chatty and active breed - not a breed known for calm quiet.

Why do I want to give them a home? Simple; they didn't choose to have their home ripped from them. They didn't want to lose their lifelong human companion(s), and they are hurting with the loss. Just like you would. I've lost my mother, so I know how hard it can be to lose someone close to your heart, and cats are highly emotional, just like we are.

I'm not at all concerned that they won't live long, as happy, healthy cats often push 16-19 years; even if they only live for a couple more years, they can make excellent companions. Cats removed from loving homes generally want to re-establish a close bond, and as long as they know that bond isn't going anywhere, they can enjoy the remaining years.

Further, cats don't age like humans do. Sure, they eventually change their routine to accommodate their new abilities (or lack thereof), but they usually retain most of their desire for activity and stimulation. One of my cats is only a few years behind in age, so it's not as though this is something I will avoid if I don't get older cats, anyway.

Their medical care might be a bit higher than for a kitten (post-spay/neuter and kitten shots, mind.. kitten care is super expensive) but my partner and I don't exactly have kids or other major financial commitments, so I see this as a non-issue; we set aside money, if they become chronic illness cats, insurance can be purchased. The care they get will be at least as good as one would give their children, because ultimately, that's what cats are to this household. Tiny, furry, cuddly, less expensive, more amusing children.

I'm so excited for our new additions that I've been looking for cat colony ideas (hanging walkways, hammocks, tons of paths and climbing areas, the works) for the spaces we have available. Nothing so complicated as I've seen online, of course (not until the next house, which will be specifically built to accommodate cats) but enough to give them a ton of "their own space", especially places the humans can't get, but from which they can still interact.

I think everyone involved is going to be thrilled, sooner or later.

I know I am!!