TT Wife

Hello all!

I think we have decided to get our daughter a cat for her upcoming birthday, and are probably going to go down to the animal shelter to adopt one, but I know that there are a couple of breeds in particular she likes and that get along with young children (her siblings)... and was wondering, are there any cat breeders in the local area?... just in case the animal shelter thing doesn't work out for whatever reason....

Thanks!

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- My job is so top secret, even I don't know what I'm doing.

NotDeadYet

I kinda know how your daughter feels. (Personally I would like a Maine Coon Cat one of these days.) But please, go for the shelter cat. The shelters are overflowing these days. Many more cats and kittens there than available homes. Take your time, let your heart be your guide, and remember, cats do adapt. I've had rescue cats that I thought were just impossible, but over time they turned out to be fine, loving companions.

Gidget

How nice that you are getting a kitty for your daughter! I have to totally agree with Not Dead Yet - PLEASE get one from the shelter. There are also some at Petsmart for adoption. THE best pets I have ever had were strays or rescue animals. I am certain that your daughter will fall in love with one at the shelter and be all the more happy knowing she gave the cat a good home.

Best of luck!

Gidget

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beachmouse

Alaqua has had some total propaganda kittens at Destin Petsmart over the past year- non-pedigree but classic-looking applehead Siamese, Russian Blues, Maine Coon-looking cats, the odd Burmese, and what look like Bengal mixes.

I wish I could take them all home with me, but spouse says we're at our two cat limit and new pets have to be a joint agreement.

Scooter

Shelter cats are always the best. I have had one purebred cat in my life which was a shaded silver chincillhua. 14 years of misery. Her fur would get matted, she didn't like children. Grey tabby/main coon type have always been the best. They are very smart and lovable.

kathydwells

What they said! Please get the kitty from the local shelter. Best animals in the world, and really if you aren't going to show the animal, no need for a purebred....IMHO! Good luck to you and daughter.

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~He can who thinks he can, and he can't who thinks he can't. This is and inexorable, indisputable law.~ Pablo Picasso.

Gidget

I saw them!! Precious!

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scooterbug44

I would call Alaqua and see what they recommend - they are quite knowledgeable and because of the number of pets people are abandoning or haven't spayed/neutered over the years, they sadly have a HUGE selection of kittens/cats.

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"I hate to break it to you, but this year (and probably the next few) was going to suck even if Jesus himself was president. These problems were not created overnight and they aren't going away overnight." -Jdarg

Mango

A cat will all individually have different personalities, but I have never seen an unsociable Tabby cat. I had one when my nephews were babies and they followed him around, pulled his tail unintentionally, sat on him accidentally and he still greeted and chatted away at them when they came over. Later, he sat on their laps pinning them down because he weighed 24 lbs at his height.

You'll find one at the Shelter that speaks to your heart.

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Gidget

this sums it all up perfectly.

G

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TT Wife

Thank you, all, for your great words of advice. I've been looking online at the local shelters and rescue groups and they certainly have a lot to choose from..... of course, that's going to be the hard part, choosing...

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- My job is so top secret, even I don't know what I'm doing.

Franny

I over heard a conversation yesterday about the Grayton kitties. Apparently several locals do not want the cats around and have contacted Animal Control. I asked one particuliar guy what their beef was with the cats and he responded,'they eat birds and lizards'. Yea so does every other cat in the WORLD. I hope this does not happen. These Kitties are home to Grayton Beach.

Here4Good

Go, hang out, let one pick you. I was lucky, the ones I picked out online turned out to be the ones that picked me in person.

TT Wife

The 'approval' process seems a little scarey...... they recommend you go and browse through the animals, eventually picking some to hang out with until you figure out which one you want... and then you have to fill out all the paperwork and wait for them to tell you whether they approve or reject your application based on referals and history.

What if we become attached to a cat and they decide we're not good enough?????? What if they don't like us? What if one of my kids, say the four year old, well, acts like a four year old? What if...... I'm more nervous about this than taking out a mortgage for our home.

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- My job is so top secret, even I don't know what I'm doing.

scooterbug44

Unless you hold the cat over a vacuum cleaner (ala Papa Scooterbug at a young age) it's all good.

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"I hate to break it to you, but this year (and probably the next few) was going to suck even if Jesus himself was president. These problems were not created overnight and they aren't going away overnight." -Jdarg

SHELLY

....yeah, but, unlike real estate......."Now REEEAAALLLLLY is a good time to get a cat."

Just calm down and chill out---cats can smell fear.

.

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Florida State Flower

TT Wife

Thanks, I needed that!

__________________
- My job is so top secret, even I don't know what I'm doing.

Gidget

They will love you! Anyone who gives this much thought into the process will be a joy to approve - no doubt. Good luck!!

G

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