ANIMAL ACCIDENT RESCUE UNIT - ANIMALS NEEDING HOMES

www.katnip.co.uk is a chat forum for cat- mad people or anyone thinking of adopting a cat.

Catchat is another site that also gives information on our cats needing homes, so please visit the site for information on our cats and many others desperately needing homes: www.catchat.org/aaru/cgibin/prtoc.cgi

Could an indoor cat be right for you?

Have you always wanted to own a cat but felt unable to do so, possibly because you live in a flat or your home has no garden? Maybe you live near a busy road and are afraid of the dangers posed by traffic? You may love seeing and feeding birds or other wildlife and are concerned about your cat hunting and killing them? Perhaps you are generally worried about the safety of an outdoor cat and would prefer one that stayed in? Or you may even just want a companion cat who will keep you company all day?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then you should definitely consider adopting an indoor cat.

Did you know that indoor cats usually live longer and healthier lives than those allowed outdoors? Indoor cats aren’t susceptible to the many hazards associated with outdoor life. For instance:

1. They can avoid becoming injured in fights or harmed by other animals
2. They don’t pick up diseases or illnesses from other roaming cats
3. They aren’t at risk from car accidents
4. They won’t be poisoned by common outdoor chemicals such as slug pellets or anti-freeze, etc
5. They won’t be stolen away by cat thieves
6. They don’t pick up parasites such as ticks and worms
7. It’s easier and less expensive to keep fleas under control
8. They won’t cause problems with neighbours who don’t like cats in their garden
9. They aren’t at risk from human cruelty
10. They don’t get caught in traps
11. They won’t be lost or trapped in an outbuilding (you’d be surprised at how many of the cats we rescue come to us as a result of becoming lost)

So, you see, adopting an indoor cat is a very good idea after all.

*For more information on FIV cats, please visit www.catchat.org/fiv.html

Many thanks to Maureen Hutchison BSc, BVMS, MRCVS for providing information on the above mentioned FIV info page on the Cat Chat website, as much of the information was taken from her published virology papers. Maureen is an adviser to Cat Chat, and is one of the foremost experts on FIV in the UK. There is also a forum section on the Cat Chat site where you can contact owners of FIV cats for help and support - FIV Owners Club: www.catchat.org/forum.html

Thank you also to Cat Chat for their kind permission to use these links. Their website is extremely supportive of AARU's work and they also provide rehoming pages for us and other cat rescue charities throughout the UK. Please consider visiting them at: www.catchat.org

Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce to you the New Improved Kofi!

Now with a thick, glossy, luxurious coat, Kofi has really been pampered by his fosterer and looks like a very different cat to the one who came to us in rather a sorry, forlorn state.

He is UNBELIEVABLY loving. He just wants to be with you all the time and is a very easy-going fusspot. Kofi is such a happy little cat, who adores being stroked, cuddled and brushed.

Although he"s about 10 years old, you"d never guess it if you met him. He acts like a much younger cat and is truly a delight to be around.

Anyone would be mad not to want him!

Kofi is also FIV positive (although bouncing with health), but please don"t let that put you off. He is so very deserving of a good home. As long as he receives prompt veterinary treatment for any health problems, there"s no reason why he can"t live a perfectly long and happy life. FIV can only be transmitted to other cats - so you, your children, dogs or any other animals couldn"t catch it from Kofi. It does mean, however, that Kofi needs to be either be an only cat or rehomed with another FIV positive feline. He"ll also need to be kept indoors - which makes him ideal for anyone without a garden or on a busy road who"d love to have a cat of their own.

Please feel free to contact us if you"re interested in Kofi and would like more information on looking after an FIV cat.

Indoor Cats

Rehoming Links