05/04/2024
Hey all you cat lovers out there. A dear friend of mine is in the unfortunate position of having to move and is unable to take her beloved cat Sydney with her. Sydney is 12 years old, has been a strictly indoor cat and would be best suited to an older quiet home,
My friend writes the following:
Sidney was born and adopted in 2012.
He was brought in to Nanaimo Animal Control with several litter-mates, all similarly coloured: white with lots of orange markings.
Sidney has always been a STRICTLY INDOOR cat.
Sidney was raised with another, female kitten, same age as him and an older kitty brother. They got along well, with just an occasional squabble, no major damage. The elder companion cat passed away last year at age 18 of kidney failure.
He has never been exposed to lots of people, children or dogs. Has always lived in a quiet household with just myself (a senior) and the other cat.
At about the age of one year. Sidney had a major urinary blockage which necessitated an over-night stay at the vet (about $1,000.00 at the time.) Ever since he has eaten only prescription CD dry food and CD wet food (both quite expensive now) to prevent any blockages. (Must purchase from the vet.) He can eat dry food at will along with fresh water and is used to being fed some wet food twice a day, about ¼ can morning and evening. Please do not deviate from his prescription diet as a urinary blockage is a life-threatening issue for a cat, not to mention excruciatingly painful. If you ever notice Sidney straining to urinate, please rush him to the vet.
He can be very food motivated, enjoys a lick of yogourt on a spoon or a smidgin of chicken (only the size of your finger nail) occasionally. However, care must be taken to NEVER leave human (or other pet’s) food unattended as he will be quick to help himself. Consult your vet before offering any pet treats.
Sidney likes and will seek out some attention, touching your arm, etc., but he is not a cuddly lap cat. He likes a few pats or scratches, then he says, “That’s enough,” and off he goes. He’s not a ‘needy’ cat.
I can pick Sidney up and cut his nails but suspect he won’t be comfortable with this until he knows you and trusts you. He does not like to be held by force and has not been a very co-operative patient at vet visits.
Sidney can still be playful, chasing the ‘red dot’ and he’s good about using a scratching post, not your furniture. He enjoys watching the outside world through the window. If there are any birds he will make that little chittering sound. He also loves to fling his little mouse toys around where they usually get ‘lost’ under furniture.
Sidney needs a large litter box with high sides. Because his back end is higher than his front end, he occasionally overshoots the box (not on purpose, not his fault). Would recommend not putting the litter box on a carpeted area. I have always used the lightweight, clumping litter and scooped the box numerous times a day. He has never voided in inappropriate spots and he does not spray.
Like most older cats, Sidney sleeps or naps many hours a day so no guilt at leaving him alone if you go out. You’ll be lucky if he gets up to greet you upon your return ! Sidney is not particularly shy or timid but best described as stand-offish. He only likes attention when he requests it.
Sidney’s prescription diet can be expensive---about $78. For a case of 24 small cans of Hill’s c/d (urinary care) chicken and vegetable stew. A large (8.5 lb.) bag of dry c/d costs about the same. The bag of dry food should last about two months and costs could be lowered by only giving him ¼ can wet food once per day.
It is with a broken heart and overwhelming sense of guilt that I need to place my beloved Sidney in a new home but life’s circumstances have forced this decision. I recently retired from part-time work due to health issues and, concurrently, was advised by my landlord that I must vacate my basement suite by the end of July.
Financial concerns have dictated that I apply for subsidized/so-called ‘affordable’ housing . Many places do not allow pets at all and the few who do have a strict ‘one pet only’ rule. I am a single, senior lady of 75 with few other options so this decision was not made lightly.
Of my two cats, Sidney is the most adaptable and more likely to settle in to a new home. My other cat is a tiny spayed female who is extremely timid and shy with strangers but is very loving and cuddly with me.
Please take care of and love my Sidney, he’s a good boy and deserves to live out his life with kind, patient people. Words cannot express how much I will miss him.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Carol
To make Sidney’s transition easier for him I am sending along a favourite blanket of his, his favourite napping cushion, a cat carrier, some of the little mice he likes, some cat toys/laser light, some catnip and a pair of cat nail scissors.
P.S. Sidney is a ‘mouthy’ cat--- by which I mean he likes to test things with his mouth. I have never kept real houseplants because so many of them can be poisonous to cats. Have always gone with silk plants—he leaves them alone. However, if you have any plastic plants around Sidney may give them a little chew. He does like both fresh and dried catnip but doesn’t go crazy with it or get the ‘zoomies.’
If you are interested in adopting Sydney please reach out and I will put you in touch with Carol.
Thank you 😸
