The vet did x-rays since Barney's leg was injured, and fortunately nothing was broken. His blood tests all looked good except he has a UTI so he needs medicine for that, and then he'll need a dental to clean up the very few teeth he has left in his mouth. The vet said he is an Abyssinian, which explains his unique coloring.
Finding homes for one year old cats is difficult enough - I have never tried, but I think it is going to be very difficult to find a home for a twelve to fourteen year old cat. I'm embarrassed to admit that since the day I took Barney home, I have been feeling sorry for myself for being "stuck with" an ancient cat that may never be adopted. When I should have been feeling sorry for him, being stuck with me and the rest of my pets and foster pets. My house is definitely not his idea of a cushy retirement home. He's been through some awful things, lost his home, his family, and his familiar surroundings. Somehow he injured his leg (which now seems to be healing) and now he's stuck in a scary place with loud dogs and a person that comes in twice a day and shoves some really bad tasting medicine down his throat. I am sure he is just wishing he could go back home. Maybe his family didn't look for him because they couldn't be bothered. Maybe they looked but they were looking in the wrong places. Maybe they just kicked him out when he got too old. I don't know what happened, but if Barney had been microchipped we'd have been able to find out. Please microchip your pets. Don't ever make them go through what Barney is going through. Even grouchy ancient Abyssinians don't deserve that.
19 comments:
Don't worry. PeeWee and I both have the microships for sure. I hope the old guy finds a nice retirement home.
Slobbers,
Mango
Awww, poor guy. He looks like he's been through the ringer and then some. I hope he gets adopted; and it can happen so don't give up hope. But I sure am glad he has you to care for him until he does find his forever home. What a loss for his previous owners, they really are missing out on a wonderful cat. Good luck!
What a love he is!
It IS difficult to find homes for older four-leggeds, but don't give up hope. One of the CB bloggers, Deb of Just Cats, adopted a 13-year old--and that was 10 years ago. She also adopted a 20-year old male cat (!) last year! She's rare, of course, but it's not impossible for him to find a home, especially with someone who loves the breed.
Fingers (and paws) crossed for him!
One of our members once asked me to take a very pretty cate from a shelter. She was a "dog" person, and didn't realize that the cat was around 15 years old. However, this cat was exceptionally pretty and sweet, so I couldn't regret getting her out of the shelter.
After getting her over "shelter URI" and getting her teeth cleaned, I took her to her first adoption - not really expecting much luck. This pretty girl was adopted that first day, and was very much loved for the rest of her life.
Not all are so lucky. I have had a couple of older cats that died at the vet - I gave them the same painless death I have given my own cats when there was no other option. By that point they had become my own cats in my heart, and I was able to be with them at the end of their life. They gave me a lot of love in return.
Barney looks exceptionally handsome, so you may be surprised at how many people will be interested in him! Linda
i know i'm a doggie and all, but i do think mr. barney is a handsome old dude, so i totally think somebuddy would adopt him!
*woof*
the booker man
Want to know something weird? I really want me an old cat (preferably one that's older than me, 19). I'm going to take the kittens for a 6 week check next week, and hope to get another set of neonates and maybe save an old cat, and love it until.. you know..
Sometimes an older animal is a better fit for someone who isn't able to train or care for a little one....I hope he finds a loving forever home soon....and thank you for caring for him....you are so kind....
Poor guy. I'm sure he will clean up into a beautiful older kitty.
All of us haves those microchips - even the kittehs who never go outside. But my mom figures it is better to be safe than sorry.
Speaking of sorry, I feel very much sorry about Mr. Barney Rubble losing his home. When you gets to that age, you should just know that everything in your life is gonna stay the same always. But I think it's okay to feel a little sorrys for yourself, too.
I will keep my paws crossed that Barney Rubble finds his forever home soon. Who knows? Maybe there's somebuddy out there who's looking for a crazy pit bull puppy AND an ancient kitteh!
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie
It's so sad that people just get rid of their pets as they get older. (Ironically, I work in an inner-city school and my kids say their dogs are "old" at 2-years.) I've heard of some successful older adoptions, but I think it's also nice that he's able to ride out his time in a nice home...even an overly-exciting one.
Two leggers can be soooo mean sometimes. I'm glad I have all my tags on and my Microchip.
Oh poor Barney. And yeah, he will probably be with you for a while, but who knows, he may turn out to be your best friend!
my three are all chipped :)
we're all chipped too fank gowd. please to give pibble smooches to barney. we have a grumpy pants in our house too and ancient queen by the name of coco chanel lol
pibble wiggles
the pittie pack
Poor old Barney. No animal should have to go thru that. All mine are microchipped and I try to let everyone know how important it is.
We all gots da chipper too. Every time we goes to da vet mum has Mr. Vet check to makes sures its still there too...she is such a freakazoid.
I feels so bad fur Mr. Olds-As-Da-Hills-Kat. Even if he is a kitteh...blah. No animal should evers haves to go through this. Kind of reminds me of da neighbors missing pitt.
Puddles
I think Barney is a handsome and distinguished-looking chap. We are purring and praying that someone will be willing to give him -- and themselves -- a chance!
poor barney! he's such a cutie. i loveeee his coat. i've never seen an abyssinian cat before.. i can't even spell the word! i'm glad he's with you now! and even though you shove gross medicine down his throat i'm sure he knows that someone is caring for him now.
Maybe he feels strange there but sure he knows you are taking very good care of him!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
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