After placing an advert for the cats on Gumtree, I received two replies within a matter of hours. I wasn’t overly keen on either of them, but took their numbers and said I’d call when I’d made my decision.
On Tuesday morning, I received an email from a lady called Joyce. She said:
‘Hi Jonathan, I hope you haven’t found a home for your two cats, as I’m certainly interested. I live in Epsom and have a house with a fair sized garden with cat-flap access. I have always had cats as pets since a young girl (I’m now in my fifties!). Unfortunately, I had to have my last cat put down last January, and now am looking to fill the void she left’
I called her right away and we chatted for ten minutes so I could gauge her suitability. She works, has a garden, extensive experience with multiple cats; an ideal candidate. We arranged for her to visit yesterday after I’d finished work.
Shortly after 3pm, she arrived. Within minutes of walking in, both Violet and Juniper were playing with her – Juniper doing his ‘love me’ draping over her legs and Violet trying to hide in her jumper.
We chatted for about 40 minutes, about her work, her life, and extensively about the cats. She was very taken with them – especially Violet, who reminded her of one of her last.
I made the decision and we loaded them, after a little fun trying to manipulate Violet, into the carry boxes. She also took the various cat items and meds I had around the house.
I said my goodbyes, and we put them into the car. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I welled up a little.
Joyce is going to let me know how they settle in and send me the occasional updates. I’ll look forward to those. Violet and Juniper were a part of my life for so many years that being cut off from them entirely would be very hard.
Last night I locked up the cat flap, opened all the bedroom doors and didn’t put down food. I will miss having them around but I know this is for the best, for all of us.
November 11th, 2009 09:22
I’m sorry that you are feeling a void. I felt the same way when I left my cats; luckily for me, it’s my Dad who now owns them and I get to see and hear from them regularly.
It sounds like you have found a good home for them and it seems that they love their new owner. I’m sure they’ll be very happy.