Why We Choose Indoor Only Homes

This is a genuine email Kitten Adoption recieved in July 2006. We thank Ann and Dave for being so honest and allowing us to put this on the website.

Jan,

just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for yesterday. I was dreading talking to you, but you were a great comfort. I am very angry at myself and both Dave and I are heartbroken, we have lost our baby which if we had listened to your sound advice, we would have curled up on our lap.

You asked if I could express how I feel for an article on your web site. Now when I am raw is a good time.
A year ago we contacted a lady called Jan she runs kitten adoption. We obviously wanted a kitten. We commented at the time about the process, home check, advise and a general grilling about our suitability. Seeing Jan and her kittens made us aware of the problem she faces. It also made us aware of why she was so fussy. I have never seen so much love and care in one house. She knew each kitten individually, their personality and their needs. She recommended a few kittens that may suit our home.

We chose a darling little tabby girl and called her Peaches. From day one Peaches was everything Jan said she was, loving, cheeky and a character. She made us laugh. I work from home and daily she would help me type on my computer. Dave my husband was as smitten as any first time father. She played fetch with his socks and pounced on his toes, and every evening curled up on his lap for a snooze, she was a right daddies girl.

Jan's last words to us was "Remember 1 in 4 cats just do not come home and we give them all individual care and love the last thing we want is a phone call telling us the kitten is dead".

We promised her Peaches would want for nothing and would be an indoor cat.

We kept in contact with Jan, she reassured us through Peaches spay and was always there for any silly questions we may have and there was a few.

After her spay she started to look out the window and meow and passing cats, we live in a quiet area and that was the biggest mistake I made. My friends also said it was cruel to keep her in and that cats need to get out. So I let her out, she never went far and always came home. Until Sunday night. We called and called, went round the neighbours and were distraught. Dave found her body a few streets away, she had wandered, she had been hit by a car. I can only hope she never felt any pain. Her face was unrecognizable and will haunt me for ever.

I urge all who adopt from Jan, listen to her, she does know what she is talking about. Peaches meowed because that's what cats do, she had no need to get out, my silly human emotions got in the way and it caused her death. If I can save another cat from this fate, perhaps Peaches death will not be in vain.

I miss my baby more than I can say, the pain is unbearable, I still expect to see her cheeky face meowing for her breakfast when I get up, that will never happen. In time we may get another kitten from Jan. If she ever trusts me again. I will guard it with my life and no matter how it meows at the window it will never get out.

So please listen hard to all the advise Jan gives out do not just dismiss it as being over protective. I would not wish this feeling of emptiness on any one.

Ann

Visit the Indoor/Safe Outdoor Cat Resource Page for links and ideas on how to keep your cat safe and happy.