how do you choose just one cat??

[NbyNW]

Badger, you put so much care in this decision I'm not surprised that you're probably still thinking of some of the cats that you took a really close look at, as well as the bigger picture.

The reality is you can't save them all. This is probably an overwhelming decision for anyone who visits a facility like you described.

I think as you and your folks spend time with Boo and he gets accustomed to his new home, you'll know you did a good thing.

For anyone interested, I dug up this old article about strategies that some shelters were using to promote adoption, especially of black cats and dogs.

[Catrin]

Badger, it is totally understandable why you feel the way you are, it is hard to see all of those beautiful animals without a home.

I would take a black cat, or pretty much ANY cat, if I could

[PamNY]

Badger, congratulations. As in all animal rescue, you must -- at least most of the time -- focus on what you did do.

It's impossible, and ultimately self-indulgent, to obsess over the fact that we can't save them all (and I'm sure you know that already).

Hoping for funny cat stories from you very soon, and much happiness and love for the new family member.

[indysteel]

Badger,

You and your parents did a good thing; try your best of focus on that.

My DH and I are just starting to look at the available shelter cats/kittens to find our next fur baby. I'll be honest that I was nother previously aware that black cats are harder to place. I will definitely keep that in mind when choosing.

We actually already saw a young black cat from the local humane society that we both liked. He's male though, and I'm a little nervous about having two males cats. I've been trying to research whether gender matters when mixing cats, but I've ready somewhat conflicting things. If anybody has experience with that, I'd like to hear about it.

Henry, our current cat, is 10 years old, but has the playfulness of a much younger cat. He likes to be the center of attention and is a big momma's boy (although he's also quickly become a daddy's boy, too). Sophie--the cat we recently lost--was really laid back and wasn't as attention seeking as him. She was definitely the Alpha though. He knew she was in charge. So, I'm trying to find the right dynamic with a new cat/kitten.

[Veronica]

My sister has had good luck with multiple males. I think they just eventually work it out. She either has 6 or 8 cats, some male, some female. They are indoor/outdoor babies (I wish they weren't) so that may help some - more territory.

I've got two feral neutered boys in my backyard - pretty sure they are a father/son pair as they are both orange with tails that curl. They totally hang out together, groom each other, take turns playing with the mice they catch, curl up together to snooze... I think neutering is the key.

Veronica