There is no “quick fix”

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For some years now I’ve been involved with various rescues throughout the UK giving media assistance to raise awareness of their organisations.  I’ve also been known to help with private rehomes, ensuring all the checks are done so cats go to safe homes as well as giving advice with cats when they go to their new home, if it’s needed.

Recently, I’ve noticed something that I find terribly worrying; people appear to think a cat should be able to adapt to their new home or situation within a matter of days and will actively seek to find the cat alternative dwellings or a rescue space when they don’t. This to me is another sign we’re not recognising the full spectrum of how much a cat actually feels emotionally. Yes, there are people that anthropomorphise an animal and their view of the world, and to me this too is inaccurate. Because although cats have feelings and it’s been proven they even process them with the same areas of their brain as a human being would, that doesn’t mean the actual reaction to those feelings will be the same.

But what we do have to consider is the base issue; when things change, it’s scary. I’m guessing this is probably a response for many animals, not just cats and humans.

So, what I’m hoping is this. …if people are considering taking on a new feline family member, they take this theory into account. They give the cat time to find his or her bearings, and forgive them if they lash out at an uncertainty they’re trying to assess. Because with enough time and patience, MOST cats adapt amazingly to a new turn of events and are happy, contented beings.

For a wonderful example of what patience can do for a cat in terms of a happy life, I’d recommend looking at this Facebook page if you’re a social network user. It’s remarkable how different this cats life is now due to someone believing in him and loving him enough to persevere.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-General/367787009960692