'Before adopting Harry, I have several concerns': Mourning family hesitant to adopt adult cat after passing of beloved feline, seeks advice on how to proceed

Author image for kalila courban
kalila courban
Jan 31, 2025 6:00 PM EST

Losing a pet is one of the most difficult things cat-loving humans can experience in this lifetime. Knowing that we did all we could to give our cats the best possible life can be reassuring, but it doesn't completely heal our wounds. This phenomenon reminds us that while we humans may live long lives of 80+ years, our feline companions are limited to around 20. We are their whole worlds, their anchors, and their providers. It is our responsibility to make their lives as comfortable as possible. 

The original poster (or OP) of the story we are featuring today recently lost their family's beloved tuxedo baby, and since the loss the family has been fostering kittens to heal and provide warmth to their local community felines. They even adopted another cat, but it didn't work out as the cat was adamant about being outdoors. Luckily the cat was rehomed to a home on a golf course. Which brings us to the current dilemma. OP is understandably hesitant about adopting another cat considering all the difficult memories associated with the loss of their previous family cat, as well as the difficulty of coming to understand that they were not the correct home for the cat they adopted after the loss. 

In her post, the OP raises some legitimate concerns about the potential adoption. However, we are confident that the wholesome corner of the World Wide Web can convince the OP to take a chance on Harry, a sweet four-year-old cat who captured the hearts of the OP's family. We see a long, comfortable, happy life ahead for Harry. 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Advertisement
  • 01
    Should we adopt a 4 year old cat?
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 02
    Our family experienced a devastating loss when our beloved tuxedo was hit by a car less than a year after joining our family. We were heartbroken, and I still find myself talking to him. To heal, we fostered kittens for a while after his passing.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 03
    We adopted a new rescue cat shortly after fostering, but she was always trying to escape outside. It freaked us out, because she'd howl at the door (yes, she was spayed). We found a better-suited home with a family living on a golf course, and we still get pictures of our overjoyed cat frolicking in the yard (safely) with the kids.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 04
    Today, while out with my daughter, I veered right like a magnet was pulling me into a pet supply store. I said, "they don't have rescue cats here but let's just see". And to my surprise, they were hosting two rescue cats. That's where we met Harry*, a gentle and affectionate tabby with a notched ear. Despite not being able to hold him, Harry's sweetness shone through as he held our hands with his paw and flopped down for belly rubs.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 05
    Before adopting Harry, I have several concerns: 1. Keeping him indoors: As a former catch-and-release cat, I worry he'll want to escape. I'm considering a catio, but it would be a significant expense. In the store he was extremely mellow but still playful.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 06
    2. Litter box: Our small house lacks space, and we've struggled to find a suitable location. I might need to install a cat door and place the litter box in the garage. It's a big deal to make it happen (have to empty the garage, etc).
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 07
    3. Feeding: Our home's design makes it challenging to find a permanent feeding area.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 08
    4. Allergies and fur: My husband has mild-moderate allergies, while my daughter and I have milder reactions. We took allergy medicine (which we do already) and were fine in the past. My husband seemed fine, but made a huge deal about allergies. He said as long as my daughter can clean the litter box, he's fine with us getting Harry the cat.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 09
    5. Vacationing: Caring for a pet while traveling can be stressful and costly. 6. Age: Harry is four years old, which raises concerns about potential health issues and longevity.
    via ChampionshipParty453

  • Although these are all legitimate concerns, they all have potential solutions that we truly believe could work for OP's family. If they are willing to take a chance on Harry, we are pretty confident that they will not regret it! 

  • 10
    Despite these concerns, Harry's sweet nature has captured our hearts. He's been living in a wooden box for two weeks, and I worry that his adoption chances might be slim due to his age. Although it's not our responsibility, I feel it.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 11
    I have to admit, I struggle with his notched ear. We had a cat, when I was a child, that lost both ears to cancer and it kind of triggers me a little. I wish his ear was whole, but I know it means he was "catch and release" before being rescued, not his fault. He's a warrior.
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 12
    I've ordered supplies but can return them if needed. We're debating adopting him tomorrow. I want to make the right decision for our family and Harry. Please share your thoughts - should we adopt Harry or not?
    via ChampionshipParty453
  • 13
    Cheezburger Image 10460528128
    via ChampionshipParty453

  • Just look at this sweet baby. He deserves the very best home and all of the good things that cats love in this world.

  • 14
    Regular-Amoeba5455. We only adopt adult cats. They know themselves so the personality is already there. No surprises. 2.4K ○ Reply
    via Regular-Amoeba5455
  • 15
    ShowMeYourHappy Trail Void I will say that 4 years old is nothing. One of our best cats was 10 years old when we adopted him from the pound. Everybody loved him but they passed him up because he was 10 and they were worried about how long he'd be around because of his age. He was the sweetest, most well-behaved cat I've ever known! And he lived another 10 years!
    via ShowMeYourHappyTrail
  • 16
    calicalicalicat Yes, four yo is a young kitty.. please adopt him.. the fact that he was so friendly to you is a sign .. a soulmate
    via calicalicalicat
  • 17
    ruibingw⚫ 1. All mine were rescues off the street. They've never tried to bolt. People raise cats in studios so I don't think you need to build a catio or anything soon. 2. We had this issue until I bought some furniture from wayfair that holds litter boxes and have a small hole on the side for access. They have a large door in front for cleaning. You can also look into litterbox but mine don't use it much.
    via ruibingw
  • 18
    3. Use the area around the kitchen as feeding area 4. Vacuum and wash bedsheets regularly 5. I use relatives, friends, and rover. I also installed digital lock that lets me generate passcodes for sitters. 6. 4 is still rather young for cats these days
    via ruibingw
  • 19
    No_Method_9336 For what a lot of people are looking for in a pet, that's often the 'best' age range for many cats! Less acting out as they test their boundaries, which is more associated with the ~1-2 y.o. range, but they're still young overall -- playful/active, but a little more mellowed-out and chill -- and several years out yet from beginning to experience a lot of the health problems associated with old age later in their lives. At 4 they're on the young side of the very prime of their live
    via No_Method_9336
  • 20
    Tainted_soul_83 Absolutely! We adopted a 6yo cat from our Humane Society. I can't imagine our family without her. She is now 11.
    via Tainted_soul_83
  • 21
    The5th Eclipse Yes, and here's proof why:
    via The5thEclipse

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

wholesome hilarious cat adorable adoption heartwarming cat adoption cute felines cute cats goofball feline sweet goofy silly Cats funny
Scroll Down For The Next Article