Monday, October 31, 2022

A Change for Neville

Neville’s status in the rescue-group has undergone a change. He is no longer available for adoption, and has been included among the ‘sanctuary-cats’. These are cats who are, and will be, cared for by the group until the end of their days, and who will not be available for adoption, due to physical or emotional issues that render adoptions difficult.


It took some thinking on my part to ask for this change on the Nevsky’s behalf, but I feel that it is right. In truth, Nev has not elicited much interest from potential adopters in the two and a half years since he came to live with me. I think just two people have inquired after him, and neither was suitable for him. Diabetic cats receive little attention from people looking to adopt. Unlike cats who are missing a leg or an eye, those with diabetes involve on-going costs and may become worse, leading to more serious problems.


But the second inquiry, quite recently, made me think that it is best to protect Neville by making him a sanctuary-cat. Neville might have found the perfect home, but it would have been a miracle, really. Aside from his diabetes, his reaction to his treatments have become worse. He growls and hisses when I have to lift him or carry him anywhere (which is why I have changed tactics and now take his blood where he is, rather than moving him to a table); I am not afraid that he will bite or scratch, though people new to him might fear so.


As well, he is an unsocial feline. He would, to be honest, prefer to live without other cats and with only minimal involvement with a human. Very rarely, he will express some affection for me; a little more often, he will want a chin-rub. But he prefers to be left alone. He spends his days sleeping or looking out the window. He doesn’t play, despite efforts on my part to interest him. He enjoys his meals; they, and naps, seem to be all he likes in life.


I feel bad for Neville. I don’t think he’s ever been happy in the Cosy Apartment. But I believe that unless he were to find himself the only cat in a house whose human fed him and otherwise left him alone (and no one is going to adopt a cat with those results in mind), his current location is probably the best he will find. Certainly, the changing assortment of foster-cats has been an ordeal for him, but I don’t feel I can limit my fostering for him. I keep the new residents away from  Nev as much as possible until the time I think he can tolerate them. The only cat who seems not to bother him at all is Renn.


And so, Neville will live out his life with me. He is about thirteen (his exact age is unknown); therefore, he may have six or seven years ahead of him yet. He’s over-weight and diabetic, so that estimate may be optimistic. However much time he has, though, will be spent in a sympathetic environment, with food, soft beds, sunshine through the windows - and as little bother from other cats as possible.


16 comments:

  1. Aww, Neville, I can see that your dad loves you enough to keep you under his wing and he knows you better than anyone. I am glad you'll be staying where you are, as long as you want/need.

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  2. I think that's definitely the best thing for Neville. As I recall, the poor guy was in very bad shape when he was first rescued. God knows what sort of awful experiences he had. Perhaps the trauma of the past is making it harder for him to fully relax and enjoy the present. In any case, it's wonderful that he's found a home where he's treated with kindness and understanding.

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  3. He is, indeed, a handsome cat. Bless you for making the best decision for him. If a change in housemates unnerves him, a change in his own circumstances would be devastating.

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  4. May Neville continue a long life with you in the Cosy Apartment. He deserves a good home, as all cats do, and he has one with you. At least he knows the surroundings and makes what he can of the youngsters.

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  5. Undine made some good points about Neville's possible past, trauma, etc. I'm glad he will remain with you, even if he would prefer to be the only pet in the household. No solution is perfect, and at least he has love and kindness, and the very best care, with you.

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  6. I agree that Neville remaining at the Cosy Apartment is what's best for him. As Undine and Kea pointed out, who knows what trauma he experienced in the past, but now that he will be with you, he will be cared for and loved.

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  7. It would have been nice if Nev could have got a home but far worse for him if he were returned. He gets everything he needs from you, warmth, comfort and a full belly. Most of all you understand him, and as with all your cats you love him. I am sure he loves and appreciates you in his own way and maybe one day he will be able to show it.

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  8. I am happy to read he will live with you as he gets the best care from you.

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  9. Honestly, he is right wear he needs to be, you understand him and his needs. We're glad he is staying.

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  10. Special needs cats are always difficult to get adopted out, which is sad. I have two special needs boys - one I adopted when he was near death's door.

    Neville is lucky to have you. I know you will make him as happy and comfortable as you can.

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  11. I feel like Nevilke has graduated to the good life with you. Now he has a furrever home and a loving dad. Well done Nev. Xxx

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  12. Fantastic news....I always had the feeling that
    Neville would not leave..you do a fantastic job to
    John..fostering..one l could never do..
    But! then that's just me..I for one will be pleased
    to see the little fella in his happy surroundings,
    enjoying his life in his own special way...Bless
    Him!x

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  13. You have made us all happy with your decision. And you understand him. Again, who knows what he went through before he was rescued. It must have been very severe.

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  14. Dr. John's establishment is the bestest place for The Nevsky!

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  15. The cozy cottage it will be and even though Neville might be the proverbial "grumpy old man" he is still loved and adored by you and all of us!

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  16. It seems that Nev has found his place after all. While he may not officially be yours through adoption, he does belong there. It truly is the best place he can be.

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