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"Boneless gift from the heavens, debating whether to adopt him"
I'm staying in Miami for a few weeks, visiting from the UK where I recently moved to from Florida. On my first morning here I encountered dozens of street cats with tipped ears. Some were in not-so-good condition, most were not friendly. But this one orange tabby not only let me pet him, he followed me home and stayed by my side for six days, as though he'd always been my cat.
Not that it matters, but this happened on what would have been the birthday of my previous orange cat, who d*ed last year from lymphoma. As a bonus, they both have the same nose freckle. I had been sorely missing my orange cat who d*ed, and having an impossible time finding a suitable cat to adopt in the UK, so this has been amazing for me. This orange ear-tipped cat - who I'm calling Tangerino - seems to like me, too, because he hasn't left my side for six days.
I took him to the vet; he had no chip. I had one put in, and got him all his vaccines and tests and flea treatment because I'm thinking about bringing him back to the UK with me.
But I'm still not sure it's a good idea. I brought my other (living) cat over when I moved - it's an arduous, expensive journey which I'm not sure I can afford to do a second time. My other concern is transitioning this 100% outdoor cat from the tropics into a very small cottage in cold northern England.
He seems content here, but living outside is not the best life for a cat. I'll be here for another week and I need to decide what to do.
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PlayNMaker
I have a friend who lives in the US, who fell in love with a street cat in Greece. She actually came home from her trip, missed the cat so much, then flew back to get her. She hasn't regretted it a moment, and both cat and owner are so happy after years together. I encourage you to follow your heart with Tangerino!
BasicSpaceDragon
Thank you for telling me that amazing story. 'Follow your heart' is actually very good advice.
Holden3DStudio
I have a feeling you would deeply regret leaving him behind.
Obviously you need to figure out how to cover the transfer costs. Otherwise, I don't think there will be anything else to worry about. The paperwork and quarantine process will quickly be forgotten once you both get settled in at home. He's certain to love being in a cozy cottage with you.
Life outdoors in Florida (or the UK) would be short, lonely, and high risk. If you decide you can't take him, please do your best to find him a home - or at least get him to a rescue.
BasicSpaceDragon
There is no quarantine if you ferry into the UK, which is what I did with my last cat.
Yeah I will not feel right leaving him outside here.
Holden3DStudio
Oh, that's great news. That means you wouldn't have to be separated, right?
BasicSpaceDragon
Yes, he would be with me the entire time.
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FunkyAnd_A_LilChunky
He is magnificent. I personally would be heartbroken to leave him behind.
BasicSpaceDragon
Knowing me I will regret it terribly if I don't bring him home with me.
benfoldsgroupie
I regret so many times not bringing home the sweetest little black cat that was so incredibly friendly from Puerto Rico when I worked there for 2 weeks.
Bring him home. His home is now your heart. You can always ship home your clothes and stuff if luggage constraints are an issue. Please update us on his new life ❤️
Daloowee
You know your answer. Go get your baby and bring him home.
Daisydoolittle
we have endless stray cats and dogs in the US and no where near enough good homes. he will not live long on the streets and he will likely not find suitable rescue. he chose you. take him home.
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July_snow-shoveler
Once he experiences the nippy UK weather, he’ll definitely become an indoor cat.
BasicSpaceDragon
I'll have to get him a jumper.
EvrthngsThnksgvng
Oh he will be such a dapper fellow
Mysterious_Check_439
My orange boy thinks shoveling snow is a hilarious game. He also loves walks in the rain. Those orange boys adapt quite happily. Safe travels! Best of luck to you both!
stillbref
Also, if he's been by your side for six days, I'd say you bonded. He'll adapt to the cold--most gingers have thick undercoats.
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Halichoeres_bivittat
I have an English friend who, while living in Florida, adopted two kittens. Several years ago she moved home and shipping the cats cost something like $7000 for both. They had to be shipped cargo and she couldn't book her flight until the airline confirmed that they could be on the same flight so she could import them when they arrived, thus her ticket was also more expensive. She also, of course, also needed all the veterinary paperwork. She's very happy now with her cats living in England, but it's an expensive and time consuming process.
BasicSpaceDragon
With my last cat it cost about $2000 in total, and the cat traveled with me in the cabin. Costs included the airline ticket, airline pet fee, health certificates, and other travel expenses. We went FL to Houston to Dublin, took a ferry to Wales, then a series of trains to our destination in Lancashire. The trip took two days and was SO exhausting! I had to travel with a portable litter box AND cat litter - ugh. But it has been 100% worth it to have my cat with me.
Halichoeres_bivittat
Oh, maybe issues because she had 2 cats to one person so couldn't have both in the cabin. Her flight was Miami to I think Heathrow, and then driving to Somerset.
CatPaws55
Yes, there's red tape and there are fees to pay to bring a kitty to Europe, but you obviously have to adopt him at this point. He'll be fine as an indoor cat, cats are adaptable and he already seems pretty much at ease with indoor life.
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gatorgopher
This was too perfect of timing to be an accident. I hope you can take him home. He should be able to make the adjustments needed with your love and patience. Keeping my fingers crossed for him.
nmclbrkr
Normally I’m not about telling people to adopt when it might not be right, but girl!!! You got him microchipped in your name and everything!! Return this dapper boy to his rightful home in an English countryside
PangolinDry9383
He wants a home that is why he chose you. He’s yours now. Give him a good life.
dme59
You took him to the VET…look at that face! You have been chosen. Beautiful orangie
Sudden-World-2304
I have a kitty where I wondered the same thing, when he showed up in the yard. Could this Tom cat who is super friendly but clearly in his element outside, adapt to being an indoor kitty? Well, he absolutely loves his life now. Being indoors and spoiled. He has adapted fantastically. Even before I got him fixed. His love of people ruled above all else
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BasicSpaceDragon
UPDATE: Thanks to the support here, I've decided to do what it takes to bring him home with me. I agree with the many people who said I'll regret it if I don't take him. Sincerely, thanks to everyone here, you all provided needed clarity.
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Yes! We love a happy ending to an adoption deliberation. It's very legitimate to wonder if you should adopt a cat; not everybody is ready at the same level. Some people will wait for years, but some won't. And that's ok. The best thing for a cat, besides having their forever home and loving family, is knowing they can trust their human - because they're ready and willing to care for a cat. But, oh boy, are we glad to learn that this orange boy has found his forever home with the human he had already adopted in his heart.
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