Half blind kitten

[Ashling]

This is what I am being offered right now. I have been researching kittens for a while and told myself to "wait for an opportunity" and not to actively look for one. Suddenly I am offered a 4 month old scruffy black kitten who is "affectionate and sweet" and "doesn't stare at the birds (cockatiels and lorikeet like I have!) like the other kittens do."

This kitten was going to be euthanized because no one could ever want a half blind kitten right? My friend who fostered him is now seeking a permanent home for him otherwise he'll have to go to a shelter.

I asked mum and she said 'no, we have too many pets already, not while you're living here.' Thing is, I am moving out next year and will only take my dog, my lorikeet and- if I have a big enough place- the aviary with the tiels. Therefore, the one extra mouth would not be for very long and the load would considerably lighten once I am gone!

I am torn, this little angel is perfect and I have already fallen in love. He is exactly what I have been wishing for. The blind eye just makes him extra special to me. Can I have some birdboard input! I value your opinions!


Here is the handsome fellow:


On the right:

[Rahni]

He looks just like the cat we used to have when I was young. I can't see the eye being a problem, in your case it might be an advantage, less eyes to see the birds with! And he will certainly be able to function ok with only one eye.
And because he is young, he can learn right from the start that the birds are out of bounds. The only other thing I would be concerned about is if you are going to move out, many places say "no pets allowed" (pets technically being only dogs and cats), so that might make it difficult if you are trying to lease.
But if that won't be a problem, then I say go for it, but then again I'm not your mum!

[catschair]

No question in my mind -- as long as he is a house cat, he will adapt just fine (actually he won't need to adapt since partially sighted is the only world he has ever known). Can you get your friend to keep him one more month. He is such a sweetie & lucky to have found you!!

[magdalena]

Aww what a cutie, beg and plead. One of the kittens we just had born has a cloudy section over one of his eyes too, like it was scratched or something, don't know how well he'll be able to see. I think we'll keep him, he's the sweetest of all of them (and they are all mega sweet).

[Abby]

Just come over to Adelaide and live with me Mel. I can get past the hairy man I live with (got ammunition atm). Ok we haven't really got the room but it sounded good.

I can see your mum's point, however I've just gone awww, poor baby.

Have you sorted out where you'll be moving and the whole pets thing? A number of rental places won't allow cats and dogs. Emotionally this one is a no brainer. Practically make sure that you will be able to take Puss wherever you plan on living. It could backfire on you very easily otherwise and then you need to listen to your mum's "I told you so" rant.

[Ashling]

I will definitely be moving to a "pets allowed " place. Thanks for the offer though Abby! Probably a cheap townhouse in the suburbs. I couldn't live without Flea and Ash- we are a team! The eye problem is fine with me, and it doesn't seem to bother him as far as I know. I have been trying to think realistically, and I haven't got the money yet for vaccinations (I don't think he's had them) registering him, worming him or desexing him. That is my biggest hurdle. I have to go about this responsibly...


... or maybe resort to busking for money like these guys! >>>

YouTube - Dog, Cat, and Rat

[Tom Lawless]

You already know what the answer will be from the members of this board. The real question should be, "What should I name her?"

[RubyMuse]

I would definately take this little one in. I think things like this happen for a reason.

[magdalena]

Haha Tom so true!

[Ashling]

lol I know Tom! My heart says get him but my head says wait a second...! I'm trying to be realistic... I just don't have the money :( Registering costs $26, neutering costs $60, vaccinations $20, worming and de-fleaing is ongoing, as is food and other vet bills. All I have in the bank is $58.65 and I don't have a job! Mum said no, so I can't ask her for the money...

Unless I just delay neutering him (the biggest cost) until I get the money, because he will be a strictly inside cat... but will he pee everywhere?