Thank you.

[Alberta56]

Thank you everyone who replied to my last post. You're very understanding people.

Sooty was one of a large group of cats belonging to former neighbours. They moved, leaving most of the cats behind. The RSPCA caught most of them, but Soot escaped. She obviously decided RSPCA people are very dangerous- she thought a lot of things were very dangerous - roads, visitors, other cats, dogs. At first she lived in our garden as an outdoor cat, but gradually came to spend more time indoors. (We were relieved to find that she knew how to use a litter tray. ). She ended up spending most of her time on our sofa and finally passed on peacefully aged 18. At first any dark shape such as a black recycling bag looked like Soot.

Tell Scruffs I would like another cat ,but it will have to be a special one. Our road is so busy that a young energetic cat wouldn't last 5 minutes. An elderly indoor cat would be ideal. Preferably healthy, in case I'm ill when it needs to see the vet. My husband would like a black one, but he may have to put up with a tabby.

I should have warned cat-phobics not to bother reading this. Alberta xxx

[sassy59]

I love cats Alberta, and still miss our lovely Tessa who’s been gone 3 years now. She was 19 and a rescue cat from the RSPCA. Sooty sounded like a lovely cat who had a good life with you. Older cats are great so hope you find one. Xxxx

[Alberta56 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you, sassy.

[skischool]

Scruff's is a special one,in fact a complete one off,she does venture out for the occasional stroll and at some stage in a previous existence was nicknamed the General by neighbours across the road given her ability to strut her stuff in a rather aloof manner and sporting old battle scars from passing cars? but she is more a Chelsea pensioner now. x

[Alberta56 in reply to skischool]

Gosh! I wish cats would give up playing Russian roulette with cars.😊😺😺

[skischool in reply to Alberta56]

I am assuming that her battered body is a result of an RTA and not due to cruel treatment,but as a stray she chanced upon sanctuary in my humble abode and now abuses it for fun. xx

[RoadRunner44]

A happy but sad story. Sooty enjoyed many happy years with you Alberta but the sad part is when you have to deal with the trauma when they pass on. I haven't replaced my Tiggi who died a year ago today. I loved her so much and she filled my life with joy. Thinking about you during this sad time.

[HungryHufflepuff]

We remember and miss the non human members of our family as much as we do our human family. They are just as much a part of the family as anyone else.Maybe some day you’ll want to have a new feline friend. Cats Protection say older cats are hard to rehome, as most people want kittens or young cats. And black cats are hard to rehome as apparently some people don’t like black cats. So maybe you’ll find an elderly black cat who needs a home 😻

[skischool in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Or a tabby cat that is driving her slave nuts x

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to skischool]

Yes, or a Scruffy Cat 😸

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to skischool]

BBC News - Home sought for cat rescued from wheelie bin in Balmediebbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-...

This cat might actually out-scruff Scruffy Cat.

Happily the story has a happy ending, which will be even happier when the cat finds a new home.

[skischool in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Flipping heck HH you have found Scruff's long lost sister,she will be overjoyed when i show her how well she is looking.

[Alberta56 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Glad the story has a happy ending.

[Lemon7]

We have a cat aged 6 years currently. Our previous cat we had 18 years. I know how it feels to lose a much loved pet, as do others on this site. Love cats. Very best wishes to you.

[Ergendl]

Yes, I have always been happy to rehome an older cat. Once they settle, they don't roam too far or terrorise the neighbour cats too much. Still missing Tinker, but will take a break for some longer holidays before we get our next furry friend.

[winnabago]

Have you considered going to a shelter and looking at cats.

[Alberta56]

Hi Winabago. Sorry for the delay in replying. The complicating factor at the moment is Basil. Basil is my daughter's pet rat, who is currently shielding with us. So is daughter. He is a lovely little chap- bags of personality- and very old. We keep thinking he can't last much longer, but he does. Sooty knew better than to get too close to the rat cage, but a newcomer might not. Sue is not allowed to keep a cat in her flats, but she finds rats the best substitutes.The local RSPCA place has cats, but sadly they are closed to the public at the moment.