how do you choose just one cat??

[badger]

My 17 year old cat chose me when I went looking, and she's been with me for 16 years now.

As nice as it is to be chosen, ultimately this kitty is going to my parents so being chosen isn't a necessity.

Here are the front runners:
Lexus has been at the shelter since January He was cuddly, but only on his terms as he bit me, and started to do the kitty-kick attack. Could be he was frustrated? I wouldn't write him off.

Bubbles is a bit on the older side of my parents' criteria. In fact, she probably is too old for them. One of their stipulations is that the cat be without any medical issues and one that they'll be able to have for longer than a few years. She's overlooked because she really does just stay up on her perch, but is very nice when you go up to her.

Boo. I've not been able to get him out of my mind. He first caught my eye because he's a bigger version of my female cat who I also call Boo. He's in a bigger room with about 10 cats, and he stayed back a bit while the more gregarious ones flocked me. When I petted him, he started kneading his pillow, and jumped up behind me on the chair. He's also made friends with another cat and apparently they like to groom each other. He seems very gentle and nurturing.

and Yang. No picture, but she's all black. She probably had the best temperament of all I saw yesterday. She was in isolation due to having a kitty cold and snotty nose, but super friendly and very cuddly. Another stipulation of my parents is that they be friendly and cuddly; their last cat wasn't very affectionate and they like to sleep with their cats.

And really, there are so many more but I find these to have the qualities my parents are looking for, and are or have been overlooked.

[Biciclista]

I'm leaning towards Yang. Lexus bit you and might bite your mother/father.
Bubbles - you have already eliminated.
Boo sounds like he's going to get a home no matter what.
but Yang is a little shy and black. She needs you .

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I will add another suggestion-
cats that are otherwise healthy and loving, but have one eye, or three legs, or a twisted leg due to some accident, etc....those are cats that get passed up for adoption often, for cosmetic reasons, but they may be very healthy and well adjusted and will live long normal loving lives despite their disability.

[badger]

oh, trust me Bleek, I'm the first to offer up a cat/dog with "disabilities". There's one cat with neurological problems in foster but up for adoption that I'm personally interested in. There actually aren't many disabled cats - in fact, aside from the 3 legged calico (who's a bit stand off-ish), there aren't any.

As of after lunch, I'm down to two: Boo and Yang. I feel like the bachelor having to make that final decision. They're both very nice kitties.

[Maxxxie]

Badger,

Boo sounds like the perfect cat for you. You haven't been able to get him out of your mind.

But Yang sounds like she might be a better match for your parents. Super friendly, cuddly etc.

Either way, I think you're doing a great thing. Whichever kitty you pick will have a great life with your parents.

Max

[badger]

I have a question for all you cat rescuers. While I've grown up with cats, we've only ever had one pair that really liked each other. As in grooming and sleeping together.

If I were to choose a cat that has a friend, or is a sibling who grew up together, will they be affected by their separation?

[bmccasland]

Every individual is different. My only experience was with the death of one of a pair. Herald and Erin were best of buds, he was her "big" brother in may ways, including mass, easily twice her size. Erin was the runt of her litter, was sick much of her life, and despite efforts from me and her vet, had a shorter life, passing after 11 years. Anyway, for a while Herald moped and looked for her, but I think he knew she was dieing too. But we cuddled, and life went on. I gave him some extra treats, life's routine continued (cats like a stable routine too).

Younger cats go off and explore the world, making new friends along the way. Each of my cats were adopted as individuals, so who makes friends, or only tolerates the existance of the other is entirely up to them.

Any kitty you pick will be fine.

[Aggie_Ama]

I feel sad if I watch shows on shelters but when we got our shelter cat I felt extremely great. I did something great for one cat which is what I could do and she will have a lifetime of love because of us. Unfortunately I can't save them all but I did save this one. Your parents could save one and they did! Boo is luckier today than he was before they stepped in.

My local kill shelter said they have trouble adopting black and declawed cats. My cat was declawed, I don't like the procedure but I had one cat killed by a car when I was 12 so I personally will not have an indoor/outdoor cat. I picked Tortilla based on her being a manx cat but she had been at the shelter 2 months because she was not a kitten (they had a lot) and one person who liked her didn't want an indoor only cat. She seemed reserved at the shelter and when we got her home but I knew manx cats are typically friendly. She is way different now than that shelter cat, extremely outgoing and friendly.

[badger]

well, I went and checked Boo out last night. So far, my dad has been the only one who's been able to touch him, and that was for a couple of seconds and quickly left when my dad tried to touch him beyond his head.

He's very curious and playful, though, and will come out from hiding quickly after being spooked. But understandably he's still very unsure about things. He'll play but any sudden movement or sound and he's GONE. My parents aren't concerned at all, they know it will take time for him to feel comfortable; they're actually happy that he's come this far so soon.

While he's not the friendly cuddly type they requested, I'm hopeful he'll turn into one as I did see the cuddly side of him at the shelter.