go to www.petfinder.com and write in your zip code. It will come up with kittens/cats in shelters near you. They will say if the cat is blind or has any special medical problems. Gail
"Gary1631" <frodo1...@comcast.net> wrote in message
On Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:36:05 -0700, Gary1631 wrote: > Is there a way that I can find a deaf or blind kitten or young cat to > adopt within about 35 miles (or so) of where I live?
I am curious why you specifically want a deaf or blind kitten? MLB
mlbriggs wrote: > On Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:36:05 -0700, Gary1631 wrote:
> > Is there a way that I can find a deaf or blind kitten or young cat to > > adopt within about 35 miles (or so) of where I live?
> I am curious why you specifically want a deaf or blind kitten? MLB
I want to raise a special needs cat/kitten because:
1) I want to save a cat/kitten who might otherwise be destroyed. 2) I have had to overcome a personal disability myself. 3) I am very patient and determined and have a great love of cats. 4) I believe a blind or deaf cat/kitten can live a long, full and happy life. 5) There was a blind lady who lived next door to my grandmother in Missouri whom we visited each summer for 1-2 weeks. She was wonderful and we talked a great deal. She could do most things a sighted person could do but she just had to do them differently. I found her courageous, intelligent and she had a fantastic sense of humor. She saw her disability as a challenge and just wanted to be treated like everyone else. She just had to do a number of things a little differently. 6) I took an adult education course a number of years ago to learn American Sign Language. I didn't really have a need for it but have always been fascinated by codes, ciphers, computer languages, etc. By taking the course, I also learned about the origins of the signs and I've seen programs about deaf people on TV. I know that's not much in the way of personal experience with the deaf but did communicate with my cat (her name was Copper because of an underlying copper colored coat) using a number of gestures as well as voice communications. She really got to be quite good at it (or I should say "we" got to be quite good at it). I learned a great deal from her by closely watching her movements and "signs". 7) Although I never thought I would ever want a cat other than "Copper", after 2 years of living with only tropical fish, I really want to (replace isn't the right word) get another one. I really need the companionship and I really want a blind or deaf cat who would be rejected by or require too much effort and patience by other people. 8) I'm not perfect either but I have done and can do a lot more than people believe I can do when they give me a chance. (I think the term "special needs" is a great way to put it.)
I wish the web sites would allow me to search on special needs rather than just age, gender, breed, color, etc.
Gary I stand proud to send you a internet handshake and a pat on the pack for you noble actions ;-) Welcome to the group please feel free to joins us here anytime and also in rec.pets.cats.anecdotes if your news server carries it
"Gary1631" <frodo1...@comcast.net> wrote in message
> mlbriggs wrote: >> On Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:36:05 -0700, Gary1631 wrote:
>> > Is there a way that I can find a deaf or blind kitten or young cat to >> > adopt within about 35 miles (or so) of where I live?
>> I am curious why you specifically want a deaf or blind kitten? MLB
> I want to raise a special needs cat/kitten because:
> 1) I want to save a cat/kitten who might otherwise be destroyed. > 2) I have had to overcome a personal disability myself. > 3) I am very patient and determined and have a great love of > cats. > 4) I believe a blind or deaf cat/kitten can live a long, full and > happy life. > 5) There was a blind lady who lived next door to my grandmother > in Missouri whom we visited each summer for 1-2 weeks. She was > wonderful and we talked a great deal. She could do most things a > sighted person could do but she just had to do them differently. I > found her courageous, intelligent and she had a fantastic sense of > humor. She saw her disability as a challenge and just wanted to be > treated like everyone else. She just had to do a number of things a > little differently. > 6) I took an adult education course a number of years ago to learn > American Sign Language. I didn't really have a need for it but have > always been fascinated by codes, ciphers, computer languages, etc. By > taking the course, I also learned about the origins of the signs and > I've seen programs about deaf people on TV. I know that's not much > in the way of personal experience with the deaf but did communicate > with my cat (her name was Copper because of an underlying copper > colored coat) using a number of gestures as well as voice > communications. She really got to be quite good at it (or I should say > "we" got to be quite good at it). I learned a great deal from her > by closely watching her movements and "signs". > 7) Although I never thought I would ever want a cat other than > "Copper", after 2 years of living with only tropical fish, I really > want to (replace isn't the right word) get another one. I really > need the companionship and I really want a blind or deaf cat who would > be rejected by or require too much effort and patience by other people. > 8) I'm not perfect either but I have done and can do a lot more > than people believe I can do when they give me a chance. (I think the > term "special needs" is a great way to put it.)
> I wish the web sites would allow me to search on special needs rather > than just age, gender, breed, color, etc.
Gary, thanks for the elaboration. I too was curious, mostly because I think people want to be safe, and there have been instances nationwide in the past of people with abusive intentions towards cats adopting them and... I trust you know the rest. Special needs cats seem especially vulnerable.
I suggest you get your name on the list of various animal rescue organizations as being interested only in a special needs cat, per your description. Based on my experience in animal rescue (limited though it is) I imagine something will come up within a year. I am a candidate for looking after a kitten the organization has in its care who is likely going to have cataract surgery soon. Also, another couple in my organization recently adopted an older, blind cat. This cat is very sweet and even gets along well with the few other cats (and one big dog?) in the house. Uses her (or the others') litter boxes with no problem. Does not fight but walks away when one of the other cats throws a little hissy fit.
Thanks for being willing to take on a special needs cat.
On Thu, 05 Oct 2006 12:59:21 -0700, Gary1631 wrote:
> mlbriggs wrote: >> On Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:36:05 -0700, Gary1631 wrote:
>> > Is there a way that I can find a deaf or blind kitten or young cat to >> > adopt within about 35 miles (or so) of where I live?
>> I am curious why you specifically want a deaf or blind kitten? MLB
> I want to raise a special needs cat/kitten because:
> 1) I want to save a cat/kitten who might otherwise be destroyed. > 2) I have had to overcome a personal disability myself. > 3) I am very patient and determined and have a great love of > cats. > 4) I believe a blind or deaf cat/kitten can live a long, full and > happy life. > 5) There was a blind lady who lived next door to my grandmother > in Missouri whom we visited each summer for 1-2 weeks. She was > wonderful and we talked a great deal. She could do most things a > sighted person could do but she just had to do them differently. I > found her courageous, intelligent and she had a fantastic sense of > humor. She saw her disability as a challenge and just wanted to be > treated like everyone else. She just had to do a number of things a > little differently. > 6) I took an adult education course a number of years ago to learn > American Sign Language. I didn't really have a need for it but have > always been fascinated by codes, ciphers, computer languages, etc. By > taking the course, I also learned about the origins of the signs and > I've seen programs about deaf people on TV. I know that's not much > in the way of personal experience with the deaf but did communicate > with my cat (her name was Copper because of an underlying copper > colored coat) using a number of gestures as well as voice > communications. She really got to be quite good at it (or I should say > "we" got to be quite good at it). I learned a great deal from her > by closely watching her movements and "signs". > 7) Although I never thought I would ever want a cat other than > "Copper", after 2 years of living with only tropical fish, I really > want to (replace isn't the right word) get another one. I really > need the companionship and I really want a blind or deaf cat who would > be rejected by or require too much effort and patience by other people. > 8) I'm not perfect either but I have done and can do a lot more > than people believe I can do when they give me a chance. (I think the > term "special needs" is a great way to put it.)
> I wish the web sites would allow me to search on special needs rather > than just age, gender, breed, color, etc.
Thanks for your reply and I wish you good luck so you can continue your efforts to help one who needs it most. Perhaps your local Veterinarians could be of help or your local Humane Societies. MLB
> mlbriggs wrote: >> On Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:36:05 -0700, Gary1631 wrote:
>> > Is there a way that I can find a deaf or blind kitten or young cat to >> > adopt within about 35 miles (or so) of where I live?
>> I am curious why you specifically want a deaf or blind kitten? MLB
> I want to raise a special needs cat/kitten because:
> 1) I want to save a cat/kitten who might otherwise be destroyed. > 2) I have had to overcome a personal disability myself. > 3) I am very patient and determined and have a great love of > cats. > 4) I believe a blind or deaf cat/kitten can live a long, full and > happy life. > 5) There was a blind lady who lived next door to my grandmother > in Missouri whom we visited each summer for 1-2 weeks. She was > wonderful and we talked a great deal. She could do most things a > sighted person could do but she just had to do them differently. I > found her courageous, intelligent and she had a fantastic sense of > humor. She saw her disability as a challenge and just wanted to be > treated like everyone else. She just had to do a number of things a > little differently. > 6) I took an adult education course a number of years ago to learn > American Sign Language. I didn't really have a need for it but have > always been fascinated by codes, ciphers, computer languages, etc. By > taking the course, I also learned about the origins of the signs and > I've seen programs about deaf people on TV. I know that's not much > in the way of personal experience with the deaf but did communicate > with my cat (her name was Copper because of an underlying copper > colored coat) using a number of gestures as well as voice > communications. She really got to be quite good at it (or I should say > "we" got to be quite good at it). I learned a great deal from her > by closely watching her movements and "signs". > 7) Although I never thought I would ever want a cat other than > "Copper", after 2 years of living with only tropical fish, I really > want to (replace isn't the right word) get another one. I really > need the companionship and I really want a blind or deaf cat who would > be rejected by or require too much effort and patience by other people. > 8) I'm not perfect either but I have done and can do a lot more > than people believe I can do when they give me a chance. (I think the > term "special needs" is a great way to put it.)
> I wish the web sites would allow me to search on special needs rather > than just age, gender, breed, color, etc.
Gary,
Thank you very much for writing this. I was also concerned when I saw your original message because you didn't say "why."
I adopted a wonderful blind cat, Duffy. I first saw his picture on www.petfinder.com. You can search by zip code, city, etc., but not by characteristics. For that, you would need to read through the various lists. However, you may be able to find a special-needs kitty just by calling animal shelters or by checking with your veterinarian. There are many blind and/or deaf cats available, and shelters would probably be delighted to find someone who is eager to adopt for the reasons you cited.
You can see some pictures of Duffy in the albums under my signature. He is pure delight and can do almost *anything.* He is loving, happy, and fearless; he makes cute little "myrrrup, myrrup" sounds as he prances around the house.
Mary, I love your climbers and poles. Are they common in the US? I haven't seen anything like them here in Australia; I'd love to get a couple like that.
Actually, has anyone on the web come across a simple how-to to make your own? Can't be that hard, but I imagine there are some 'gotchas' to watch out for in picking carpet types, scratch material, etc.
> Mary, I love your climbers and poles. Are they common in the US? I > haven't seen anything like them here in Australia; I'd love to get a > couple like that.
> Actually, has anyone on the web come across a simple how-to to make > your own? Can't be that hard, but I imagine there are some 'gotchas' > to watch out for in picking carpet types, scratch material, etc.
> -- > Nick
We made climbing posts for our cats using thick cardboard rolls that come inside carpet. Our local Home Depot gave them to us for the asking, but carpet stores might also be willing to give them away. To attach the rolls to a wood base we used cheap pieces of lumber that fit snug inside the rolls. There are probably better ways of doing that, however. For carpet we used a tight weave that seems to be working out fine. Some we bought, some we were given by friends who were redoing their carpet. We also bought a hemp rope and twisted that around several posts, stapling them in place.
As far as availability of the commercial climbers, they're easy to find the the States, in chain stores like Petsmart & Petco, in local pet stores, online, and at pet shows. They can be quite expensive.
> Mary, I love your climbers and poles. Are they common in the US? I > haven't seen anything like them here in Australia; I'd love to get a > couple like that.
> Actually, has anyone on the web come across a simple how-to to make > your own? Can't be that hard, but I imagine there are some 'gotchas' > to watch out for in picking carpet types, scratch material, etc.
> -- > Nick
Hi Nick,
I ordered my two cat trees from www.createacatcondo.com. This is a small family-owned company that builds to the buyer's specifications. They are located in the US, but you might want to look at their site because it is interactive and can help you decide what "features" you would want. The trees are made of solid wood. I think it's important for the trees and other climbing poles to be very sturdy, and this one definitely is. I had everything covered in carpet except for one pole that is sisal-covered. Some people prefer plain wood, but I wanted lots of climbing surfaces for Duffy. It's important for him to have texture to grab since he can't see. I also used the beds with a raised "lip" all around, and he will often curl up in one and take a nice nap.
A friend built the climbing pole mounted beside the computer hutch, and I also had him place another pole across the front of the hutch at the top because Duffy loves to roll around and hang over the top edge. I was afraid he could slide off and fall if I didn't have some sort of stabilizing bar. The man who did this for me did a wonderful job of ensuring that there are no nails or sharp protruding objects -- again, very important when cats will be scrambling up and down.
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