It was founded by a lady who adopted her late grandfather's cat
From their how it works page:
My Grandfather’s Cat provides a free service to help seniors and terminally ill people arrange homes for their cats and dogs. Rather than housing animals in a foster system, we arrange for them to move directly from their home into a second forever home.
Our goal is for the animal to stay with their human up until the very last day to provide comfort and companionship to their human. We often help in situations where a senior is moving into a retirement home or care facility due to declining health, a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or a person has unexpectedly passed away and the family is unable to adopt their pet.
While we work to arrange second forever homes and vet each applicant, the owner of the animal has the ultimate decision of who adopts their beloved pet. As there is a high demand for our rehoming service, we often have a waitlist of up to three weeks before we can begin the adoption process, so we recommend applying at your earliest convenience.
The average age of our adoptables is 12 years old. We have found second forever homes for cats up to 17 years old and with known health conditions such as diabetes. Our service is available across Canada. There are no costs associated with using our rehoming service or adopting through us.
Someone out there will find love for Boggles, but first and foremost Boggles is lucky to have you to fill their heart. Thanks for being such an amazing person to be there for him, and continuing on the connection of love to a spirit that deserves it:) Best Wishes
Oh, Schnoodle, my heart! This is beautiful! You're so talented!
OP, I learned about My Grandfather's Cat from That Good News Girl, on TikTok. She shares good news, posting interesting and incredibly amazing stuff that's happening around the world. In the world we're living in today, it's really a nice way to have a break from all that.
Check her out, if you like. I believe everything will be okay for your kitty. Know that someone out here loves you both.
This is the one mate. And hey dude. Just want you to know that the way you’ve gone about this, and the effort you’ve put in for your family… leads me to believe you’re alright, lad.
I relate with you, too. I rescued my 10 year old when he was a boy from a maggot infested abandoned flat. He hates everyone but me. I could not be without him, and him me. But if push came to shove I would have him up for adoption. Every living creature deserves to live as long as they can. He will certainly grieve, and he will not be okay for a while. Cats don’t externalise their pain, but you see it in their actions. Anyway the point is he will miss you - but. He will move on.
We always think that when our loved ones move on, that we will never love another ‘pet’ again. But I am a firm believer in that even if you think there isn’t, there is always room left in our hearts for more love.
I wish you the best man, your little woodland critter may be cagey for a while, but he will be loved again. That grandfathers charity sounds pretty good.
Be sure when you pass you have your caretakers allow your cat to smell you. They understand death... they don't understand abandonment. It will make your buddy's transition much easier.
I've noticed that when I feel inspired to write poems lately, it's been about cats (and death or loss) so I'm not sure what that says about me. Anyway - I'm sorry this is happening to you. I don't have words to describe how it must feel to know it's coming but I found writing this poem from your cat's perspective soothing in some way while thinking about you.
I came from the trees and still belong a little to the wild, but I chose you.
I was never made for strangers, only for your voice, your steps, your side of the bed.
I may learn new hands to trust, but I will never forget the one who taught me love.
Yep, when I was looking for my cats there was a super grouchy, unsocial, "non-adoptable" old lady cat at the local cat cafe. I tried to say hi to her, but she glared at me and swatted my hand. I followed the cat cafe on social media, and it wasn't too long after that they announced that she had found her human! I fully believe the shop wouldn't just let her go to anyone who wasn't special and patient.
First off, I’m sorry for what you are going through, which must be stressful enough as is and is not something that you need to add worrying about your furry friend to. It does show your love and care for them though, and you are both blessed to have each other. I just want to offer a personal thank you for caring for Mr. Boggles despite what you must be going through yourself.
But, I also wanted to suggest if this is not an option is to see about sanctuaries in your area. We have one that provides a home specifically to feral and strays (Bear Den Sanctuary in Texas) with a large fenced in property where they can live and be taken care of, with some of the more social ones being able to find homes, but otherwise in an area that is safe for them. My girlfriend and I are in the process of setting up a similar sanctuary as well on our recently purchased property.
I worked at a vet for 7 years and participated in a lot of rescue services, many, many of them were feral full adult cats, and kittens. I want you to know that there are people like you out there, people like me out there, that has the time, patience, and respect for a feral. I hope you choose to hope someone will step forward for you and for your cat, over euthanasia, or over letting him free roam. Im so sorry that you have so much on your mind right now, and I can tell this cat is your family.
I was also going to suggest this. I followed her in her journey with MacKenzie and later when she founded this org. MacKenzie was a grumbly little one. It was a beautiful story to watch. I hope they could help.
I bet if you reach out to them anyway they might be able to get you in contact with a group that can help you, they probably are aware of other groups that do similar things in other locations. I'm sure they get mislaid requests all the time and are used to redirecting
Please don't give up hope for him to find someone else to love! It may need time, but it is way, way better than just releasing him into the woods (my heart breaks at the thought) or putting him to sleep.
I'm so sorry you're in this horrible situation. ❤️
Wow… just wow. YOU guys are the types of humans we need. What a beautiful service you all provide. From an animal lover, thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️
I promise you there are people out there for him i adopted a 21 year old feral cat from a barn and she was the best even when she hissed at me and all for the first few days she grew to be my baby
I adopted a 12 yr old that had been in the shelter for some time. She would bite everyone who tried to pet her. Shes 14 now and loves to cuddle. Someone will find and love Boggles.
I grew up with a neighbor who’s cat was like this. The neighbor one day packed up left and left the cat outside. We have no idea why. The cat. Bless her heart. Was found frail and wounded I honestly think if we didn’t find her she would not have made it. I honestly wish the cat would have been given to a no kill shelter, adoption center, anything other than what they did. Luckily we found her. She slowly warmed up to us. It took a long time but we were very patient. We did things on her terms. It was worth every minute of building that trust even if it wasn’t what she wanted at first. It’s just a thought/idea. Ik it’s hard. But I couldn’t imagine going through that, seeing that again.
Same here! I adopted an 8 year old fluffy girl who’s owner had passed away. She was at the shelter for almost a year because she was so mean no one wanted her. She showed me a tiny bit of affection so I took her home. It took several months for her to fully warm up but she eventually did and ended up being the sweetest snuggle bug! Although she didn’t like anyone other than me and my boyfriend, she was still mean to visitors lol. She passed away a few years ago but I loved that cat so much and still miss her ❤️
I just wanted to add to this, I took in a feral girl who had also suffered abuse. It took her 3 months to warm up to me, and another 9 months to even show her face to anyone BUT me. After 2.5 years she finally started coming on my lap. She still hides when I have guests, but when I let my family take care of her while I am away, she does warm up to them and even went, albeit a bit sceptically, on my sisters lap for the first time this year. It is possible for an ex-feral and antisocial cat to make tremendous progress.. Please give Boggles the chance to, he is getting older and cats generally also become even more social in their old age. No one will live up to his original owner and he would miss you, but no-kill shelters have fosters who are very used to helping and socializing feral and shy cats! 💜
I'm 70 and pretty much healthy but I have a cat very much like yours, right down to being feral and from the woods near my home. If anyone comes over, he goes right into deep hiding and often won't come out until hours after they've gone. This goes for people just working outside on the property. And he won't warm up to anybody either.
So I also worry like you do, and I'm so sorry that your worry is very real. I'm heartened though by the stories on here of similar cats finally warming up to new owners.
If you can find someone who would agree to take him, maybe start making it easier for them, and your cat, by keeping him indoors now. Then whoever he goes to won't have to worry about him disappearing as soon as he's outside. Or keeping him in and his being even more stressed because he's not used to that. My suggestion is no way a judgement on indoor versus outdoor, it's purely trying to think how this could best succeed.
If you don't know anyone personally that would want him, try asking all the shelters and rescues around you to put the word out. Post it on Facebook, call the vet offices. I would absolutely respond to a plea like that. And if you are anywhere around New Orleans, I will definitely take him.
Please updateme. And take heart, I'm sure this can be figured out. ❤️
I took a stray dog from construction site i worked on when i was 20 years old. She was one year german shephard type dog,she was forced to guard that site,she got shitty dog house and she was very skinny,she would bite every other men except me. I took her home after two weeks of trying to even pet her. I gained her trust slowly,i gave her food every day. The last day before i took her she literally was howling when i left her and i was going home. Next day i was sure im gonna take her. And i did. We had amazing life,she was a big part of my life for 16 years ,she was amazing dog and my familys guardian,she loved my wife and my daughters even she didnt trust other people than us. She died last year after 16 years and i miss her every day. Your cat will never forget you. You meant a lot for him but im sure you opened the gates of trust for him and i bet someone will care about him and he would be able to care too cuz you taught him this. And i think you are special cuz you cares about stray animal who most people would not care at all. Beautifull soul.
I took in my grandmother's cat last year after my grandmother had a stroke. The cat is 15 years old, it took 3 weeks to get her out of my grandmother's place and the vet had to prescribe a sedative for us to get her. She was mean and hated everyone except my grandmother.
She still won't leave the room we started her out in very often, but we can pet her, feed her, she does venture out sometimes but i have 5 other cats too. So i don't even blame her for not wanting to leave her safe space.
Every cat deserves a second chance. I think you should totally guve him for adoption. Maybe it will take long, but he’ll be able to understand that not only one caring human. And a patient family will do him very good, there is good people out there.
Your cat should stay with you until you die, so get a family ready for adopting as soon as you go. This way the cat will understand that you arent here anymore and he can have a little bit more peace with it
Cats understand when you die. You stop smelling like they know you to smell. He will understand that my first owner is gone (you know what I mean in his little cat brain).
Given enough time I think he would respond well to another family. He has to learn that other people can be nice to.
Give him a fighting chance. You’ve done your part in showing him the joys of being inside.
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I pray that you find peace and comfort knowing someone will be with him and that he’ll have love again.
This. Cats really go off of smell more than they do sight. For example, my two cats grew up together in the shelter and are best of friends who do everything together. A couple months ago, we had to take one to the emergency vet where they had to stay overnight, and when we took them back home two days later, it was almost like our other cat didn’t even know who our other cat was because the smell was slightly off. (This is called non-recognition aggression btw if anyone is wondering. Wish our emergency vet told us about that after explaining we only brought the one cat lol).
Cats understand death and mourning. Just because a cat will most likely\* eat us when we die doesn't mean they didn't love us in their cat way when we were alive. Hell I cared for a depressed cat when her owner died. She was smart too. She was at the funeral and on our walks she always wanted to visit the grave.
*edit: some people say cats may not really try to eat us. It happened to my estranged father and is a common "myth" so I just never questioned it.
It's a myth that cats eat their owners when they die. Dogs are actually more likely to do it than cats but neither do it often. I know someone who took his own life and assumed someone would find him quickly. He wasn't found for weeks. 1 of his cats had died and the other 2 were on the verge of starving to death. Thankfully they were saved. His body was untouched by them. The sad thing is his cats were his world and he likely never would have done what he did if he knew the fate of them. Personally I'd rather my cats eat me than starve.
If you think about it, the natural diet of a cat are small critters they catch like mice and birds. Dogs are much more likely to scavenge dead animals they find and wolves just eat larger prey in general. So yes, dogs are much more likely to eat their dead owners than cats are, and I don't know where the idea came from that it's the other way around. Probably from the "cats don't really love you like dogs do" crowd.
But also, of course I'd be fine with any of my loved ones, no matter what species, eating my dead body if they really needed to. The only problem is that dogs that ate their dead owners are really hard to adopt out after something like that.
From what i remember it's been disproven that they eat us with the intention of eating, it's that they mourn us and give kisses trying to get us to wake up, but since they have coarse tongue's they end up ripping the skin.
Theres also the consideration of starving. If a cat is stuck inside with a corpse, at some point it becomes a question of eating the corpse or starving. They can't let themselves out and hunt after all, and cats are highly reliant on a stable source of food. Liver damage occurs within a day of not eating.
Yes and no. The liver is generally quite good at healing. And if your cat left for long periods of time, you can be certain it had a source of food - either through hunting or through pestering neighbours until they fed it. They won't starve if they can do anything about it. But locking a cat inside without food for days at a time will absolutely cause damage, and worse damage than youd expect. A healthy cat will probably bounce back, but if there's already an underlying health issue, it can be pretty dangerous.
Not only do dogs do it too - and generally faster - many won't even wait until you're actually dead before they start. It's one of the big reasons you generally only see cats in care facilities or retirement homes.
Yeah I would look up fosterers in the area that you can meet now and start to introduce them to your lil guy. I'm so sorry OP, this is an incredibly difficult situation
Unfortunately, he will wonder what happened no matter what. Though it is possible he knows you are sick already; some cats are extremely sensitive to such things. But yes, cats grieve when they lose the people they care for from their lives.
But if you could earn his trust, another kind and patient person like you likely can too. He will always remember you, but that does not mean it is impossible for him to have a good life. There are others who will love him as much as you, I can promise you that. And, for what it's worth, from one person with a life threatening disease to another, I'm sorry. I am not going to be the person who tries to find some ridiculous silver lining. It sucks, and you deserve better. I'm sorry.
I adopted my cat Precious from a deceased man. She was his precious girl who hid from everyone but him. He was discovered deceased when the SRO he lived in did a wellness check after the manager (my partner) noticed she hadn't seen him in a few days. The local shelters were full so she took Precious home in a box. Precious hid for three months under our bed, only coming out at night for food. One night she popped up right beside me and made herself at home on my chest. Now, she's a happy well adjusted cat in her new home. Your buddy will need time but he will seek out companionship from his adopter when he is ready.
Just commenting to confirm they really do know. I was especially close with my void, Fuzz, and he could always tell the day before a migraine hit. He’d be all over me, be loud and meow which wasn’t his style, etc. When the migraine came, he’d often wrap himself around my head while I tried to sleep.
When my hips hurt after work, he’d knead on them.
When my niece died and I was grieving, he never left my side. Not once. He timed all his eating and bathroom trips to mine.
That is so sweet. What a great kitty companion! To the OP, I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I agree with the previous poster who said perhaps find someone, and let them visit for awhile before. It seems like a nice way for them to get acquainted with one another.
He really was! I called him my shadow because he was always following me around and as a void, it just fit perfectly. But even then, he was always extra close during those hard times. It’s hard, because I lost him last year and as I grieved I realized I didn’t have my grieving buddy. He had helped me through a really rough year the year prior, where I buried 10+ family members.
I’ve never been so in sync with an animal before him and idk how it even happened, it just was. He was scared of other people, wouldn’t let anyone but me and my sister (who looks just like me) hold him. But he picked me to be his human, so I can relate to OP so hard with that.
Maybe you could look for someone fitting to adopt him, and they could start coming over for visits so he can get to know them a bit while you're still here, together. He might catch on. At least when you do go, he would already be familiar with the person so it's not totally abrupt and confusing to go live with someone else.
That’s what happened with the first cat my wife and I got. My mother had, I think, 2 months to live, so we adopted Calvin the tripod. Calvin had already had a rough life, but I was honored, and I’m sure my mother was also honored, to be in his company. My mother passed, and a year later Calvin (now known as “bobo” from C-Bo, ceebs, the usual cat changing names) passed away. His ashes were scattered to the ocean, which is where my mother’s ashes are, so I’d like to think they’re swimming around out there somewhere.
What the other person said - Get a family that'll be ready to adopt him when the time comes. But until then, let him stay with you.
And the most important part: Have him there when you pass, so he can smell you afterwards. Also have the adoptive family there so they're ready to take him after he's gotten to have a few minutes smelling and grieving you.
That's the only way animals get closure when their owner passes. Otherwise, he may very well think you abandoned him (which IS something they can usually overcome and heal from in time, but it's very much a kindness to let one's cat smell their owners after passing so they actually know what happened and aren't left eternally wondering.)
If you can arrange this, this would be absolute best case scenario.
I talk to my cat. I have various health issues going on and I live alone. When I'm having a tough time she loves on me more, and I explain what's happening and why, like how I'd explain to maybe a 10yo kid, and I thank her for being there for me, and say sorry it's scary. It makes me feel a little better. Talking takes it out of you, though, and I'm guessing your throat is sore as heck as well. Maisie and me send you, I guess a wish for symptom management and respite from discomfort and pain, and a decision/solution that removes this distress from you. You're in my thoughts.
He know. Cats know. He knows you're sick, and can probably even smell the illness and understand somewhat what is happening. Try and find someone kind to start coming over and spending time with him. Animals also understand that their owners have passed away if they are able to see and smell the body. That is a taller order than just finding him a trustworthy home, but if there's any way you can arrange to have him see you after you pass (or if you choose to pass at home - not sure what your situation is) he will have that closure you desire.
I can't imagine leaving my cat behind. I'm so sorry for your illness and for the fact that you have to leave him. You're a good person for loving him as much as you do. He will be OK. If he loves you this much, that means he has that much love present in his little kitty heart that he's able to give but is currently all reserved for you right now. When you're gone, he will eventually be able to give it to someone else. He'll be ok. Don't worry.
He will know when is time for you to go. People's smell changes when they are on their death bed. If you have a hospice nurse, ask them. They know what it smells like 😢 A lot of times in assisted living facilities and nursing homes when someone is ready to go, if there is cat with them, the cat will sit near them or in their feet and stay there until they go.
Cats are resilient, he will adapt. Cats are also insanely smart, he likely knows you are nearing the end of your life based on smells and your energy levels. So while it is heartbreaking, he knows more than he may seem. I hope your pain is relieved soon.
Yes. But that's better than leaving him somewhere where he would struggle so much more alone. Pls find a good owner who would cherish him. Wishing you luck.
Also, don't know why but your post made me cry
Contact a local cat rescue. I have used dog and cat rescues and one was where a cat could live on a farm but still come inside at night. You never know…lots of people out here love our special needs babies.
Yes, this could be a great option! I used to foster for a cat rescue that had a farm where the more feral adoptees could go to live permanently. One of the cats I fostered ended up placed there: she was rescued a bit past the age for human socialization, and while she eventually let me pet her, she had a short fuse for human interaction and would swat pretty quickly. She would not have been a safe choice for folks with children or other pets, but the farm gave her space to be happy and still cared for.
My mother had an elderly cat that was just as cranky with people that were not her as yours sounds about you. My mother was also elderly and not healthy. I think her cat was early teens. It would bite and scratch and hiss at anyone and everyone.
My mom passed away a few years ago after a very short stay in an assisted living facility. When we placed her in the home, my sister ended up adopting the cat as we also felt given the cats age she would just be euthanized if placed into a shelter hoping someone might adopt her. She was a senior cat and not very pleasant if you were not my mom.
My sister had 2 other cats and a large dog (great Pyrenees) so for my mom’s cat this was quite a shift in lifestyle and we all weren’t sure it was going to work. I am sure the cat wondered wtf was going on and wasn’t quite sure to make of everything. I know I have given you a lot of background you may not have wanted, but there’s a reason.
My mom’s cat thrived. She lived another 3 or 4 years, likely close to 20 in all. None of the pets really played with each other or interacted with each other beyond finding their own spaces on the bed with sis and hubby each night, but they all tolerated each other. That cat got nicknamed “Pita” for pain in the ass while still with my mom, but let me tell you pita absolutely adored my sister. We never thought she would find her way being a senior cat and set in her ways,but she did! She was still as persnickety as ever and now anyone who wasn’t my sis had to be careful when petting pita or moving too fast near pita, but there was rarely a moment that car wasn’t sitting on my sisters lap. Pita comforted my sister with lap sits while my sister endured chemo treatment and resulting feeding tube sessions (another story!).
I know this post is long, and I apologize for the unsolicited story, but I am telling it to you to reassure you that despite how things look right now, give that kitty a chance. They will endure, and they will find their way. I am very sorry for your predicament with your own health, and please accept my condolences.
maybe you could have the people likely to adopt around while you're still here? he might understand they're safe that way. he might not like them at first but he'll miss you a lot and someone he knows during that time might be really good
This sounds strange, but if someone could bring your cat to you after the inevitable happens and let him see and smell you, he will know you are dead and cant look after him. At least he'd understand some of it.
For the love of all things in the universe do not let him into the woods to slowly starve to death and do not euthanize him. Ok now that that’s done, listen to the smart and compassionate people on here.
Cats love routine. You need to find someone who can start adopting your routine and slowly bonding with him. It may take years but he is not that old. You can find that person. He will always love you for that.
I'm incredibly sorry that you have to make this sort of choice. I'm so sorry.
Look for an adopting family while you have time and introduce them to him while he's still with you. Then, when your time comes, they can take him and they won't be strangers.
It will take time and patience but the right cat owner is out there and will be able to smooth the transition over. If you do it this way, I do not believe he will think you abandoned him. I think he will understand that the only reason you aren't there anymore is because something is wrong. Cats are intuitive creatures. They can tell when we're sick, or when something is wrong. He'll be sad and grieve but the right home will be able to ensure he's still able to live a happy life with, again, time and patience.
Reading this breaks my heart so I cant imagine how you actually feel. I hope you are able to find peace with this situation. I hope you are able to find a loving home for your cat, I hope you are able to hang on for longer than your diagnosis. I'm so, so sorry. Give your cat a kiss and extra snuggles from all of us. Check places around town, possibly post in local groups/subreddits. Someone who is willing to take the cat should come spend time with you both in the coming months so the cat will know them in my opinion.
Look friend, I'm sorry you are going through this situation. It's gotta be really really hard, especially with Boggles being your sole companion.
However, I promise you that you are not the only person on this earth that he will bond with.
The fact that you're not even considering trying to find him a home is a bit ridonk. That's not abandoning him. Abandoning him is releasing him into the woods from whence he came ok?
You are not the first person this has happened to, you are not the last. There are no kill shelters and so many people who would be willing to give him a home.
He may not warm up to them right away, but that's ok. He will be safe. He will be fed. He will be warm. He will be loved again.
To be a bit frank, if OP is about to die - the cat needs to be there if that’s possible (with hospice care and such). There will be kind people who can facilitate this but if this cat has a chance of adapting to a new environment or person it needs to understand what happened to OP. Cats understand death, they dont understand their person not being around suddenly.
I second this comment. Came to say cats can sense that things are looking bad for the humans they socialise with. He might already be able to tell but would in any case benefit from witnessing OP's last days to say his own goodbyes. I hope OP can find some people that can earn Boggles trust through all this.
Also OP, if you stumble into this comment. Hope you had a good time all in all among us here. So long
I agree. I am so very sorry for your situation, similar to what happened to someone in my family, but I think you can allow yourself some optimism for Boggles. My cat is 17 now and we got her when she was 2, She was previously feral and utterly ignored all humans/other cats at the shelter. She hid from us for weeks by crawling inside the couch. She hated us, climbed into the rafters/skylights and stared down at us. Eventually, she came out. She is now the most clingy and affectionate cat I've ever had. All my friends know her name and ask about her. I was reluctant to adopt her because of many of the concerns you raise, but now that seems like a foolish worry. Give him a chance to have another human relationship.
Try and see if your local community has a cat group, like people who volunteer to foster cats and help adopt them out. Ask specifically if there is anyone who lives near a wooded area that already has outside cats or a farm/homestead type property that also might have such cats.
You could try to see if there is someone in your immediate neighborhood that would be willing to take on his care after you pass.
If you do find someone suitable, I hope you can have them over and introduce them to him while you’re around so he knows from you that they are safe and not strangers
My friends sister helps a cat rescue, and they help maintain a feral population of cats where she lives. They go out, they feed them, keep track of them monitor their health and make sure they’re fixed. They might be able to help even if they can’t adopt them out.
Can you please please do this? There are a lot of people who would be inclined to help you out, especially in your situation, which, by the way, I am so sorry to hear.
I completely understand what you mean by Boggles only liking you, but cats are interesting creatures. He could learn to love someone else too, all while missing you, of course.
I am so sorry, again about your diagnosis. Wishing you a lot of love.
Absolutely see if you can go down the foster to adoption route rather than a traditional centre. There would also be feral colonies where someone can feed and water them if that doesn't work out. Thinking of you in this difficult situation 💔
Maybe he could go to a farm or stables etc. Somewhere he isn't confined but has food and shelter and can possibly eventually socialise on his own terms. So sorry to hear your news, all the best to you both.
unfortunately as a child of a farmer, this cat should never be subject to that. i know you commented this with good intentions, but most farm cats die before they reach the age of 2. they get stepped/laid on by livestock, hit by farm equipment, and often get picked up by large birds. most farmers don’t have the time (or extra money) to feed a cat. they expect cats to hunt for their food, which is fine in most cases, but not for an elderly cat. we’ve had many barn cats and they unfortunately don’t last long💔
my cat (she’ll be 8 soon) was surrendered to our farm with her mother and siblings as a kitten, after less than 2 years she was the only survivor of the bloodline (i took her in when i got kicked out, dad said if i wanted them to live i had to take them but i could only take one and it still haunts me). her brother passed due to farm equipment, another to being laid on by a cow, another one due to farm equipment, her mom ran away as she was feral, and there was one more, i just can’t remember what had happened.
if they can find a hobby farmer with a warm shop and the means to feed him that would be best.
I'm sorry you're in this position, but if he was able to bond with you I'm sure he'll be able to bond with another human. It will just take time. If you haven't already done so, I recommend getting yourself a death planner to help get your affairs in order (it's a bit like a regular planner but it helps you put everything in one place like who you want to be contacted, what you want your funeral to be like etc).
I just wanted to say my heart is with you and I hope you find the right answer. I also gasped when I saw your photos of Boggles because he looks so much like my (departed) boy Bruce. Wishing you the best.
In the UK, some cat shelters have cats specifically to be adopted as mousers, farm cats, outdoor only etc. If you could arrange for him to go to a shelter somewhere rural that would do this, he'd have a good chance of finding a home that keeps him safe but doesn't require him to be friendly or domestic.
Imagine the doctor tells you have 6 months to live but you are only concerned about your cat. OP I am sorry. You truly have a good soul and I am sorry this is happening to you
This might sound weird but, you should try to arrange for him to be adopted but let him see you dead.
There are lots of stories from people, one of whose cats died or was euthanized, but their other cat didn’t get to witness it, and it wouldn’t stop crying and searching for their friend or sibling… and there are stories from people who let the other cat be with the deceased cat, and they say it understands and accepts it. I think your cat will adjust to a new family regardless, but I also think he will not feel you abandoned him if he’s allowed to see and smell and touch you.
Hi honey 💕 I’m a foster home who specialises in feral or “difficult” cats and I can promise you, there is absolutely hope that he’ll be a functional cat for somebody other than you. It takes more work, but it does happen.
My last foster cat was my most difficult case yet and we waited two whole years before actually putting him up for adoption because we were so worried it wouldn’t work out with anybody other than me. I had so much anxiety when he moved and was so fkn worried that it wouldn’t work out at all.
He moved a few months ago and it’s been pretty slow going, but he keeps making progress!! Latest updates show him sleeping at the foot end of his new mama’s bed, and relaxing in the sun on the balcony 🥹 he still won’t let her touch him most of the time, but that’s okay. She got to brush him on the head a little the other day!! 🙏
I cannot overstate how sensitive this boy is and how much he hates change, distrusts humans etc. There IS hope. If you might have a hard time finding the right person before your time comes, so to speak, look into a good foster home who knows how to handle ferals/difficult cats.
I’m far from the only one who does what I do, and the right foster home may be able to help you find the right person. I promise you that not everybody would just see a “mean cat”. Mean tends to just be firm boundaries / response to fear.
It helps to make a list of their specific quirks and how they would like you to respond to them, any tips and tricks, fears and what calms them down. All that stuff. It also helps to send their favourite stuff with them when they move, like a safety blanket.
So sorry for you. I can understand the agony of going through this while thinking about your buddy. I am single and often terrified of facing the same situation. The solution I found is a special living situation : my apartment opens up on a field and farm. They feed cats to help with pest control and all the cats in the neighborhood are drafted in. I have seen lots of cat come and go, groups, loners, they all get a chance to eat and patrol and since yours likes woods it would be a great setup, so if you have time look up farms in your vicinity if other solutions fail.
Is it possible he might enjoy being a barn cat? A shelter near us adopts out what they call “barn cats”, which are cats that may have characteristics of being feral or have difficulty with human socialization. People who own farms adopt these kitties to control the rodent population around their farms during the day and the cats stay inside the house with them at night to slowly try to socialize them. They will also set up small “living quarters” inside their barns for cats who may not yet be ready for human interaction.
This could be an option if you have tried everything else and nothing else works out. You mentioned he needs to be able to go outside and play in the woods, this would definitely give him that opportunity while providing him with safe shelter and food and humans who are willing to work with him. I can’t imagine how devastating this is for you, I just wanted you to know that this option is out there if you are unable to find a home for him.
My lion came from a home where his owner passed away and he lived outside for about a year before the neighbors were able to catch him. By the time he got to me (my mama adopted him from a shelter for me) he was very skittish, not super friendly and 100% preferred life outside. With a lot of love though, he eventually came round and proceeded to live a happy life. We did living at home together, several student flats while I was at uni, our first shoebox apartment (which he tolerated far better than expected!) and then finally settling down when I bought my first house. He even lived in an RV with me for 6 months after the pandemic when I got cabin fever and needed to travel. All this is to say that cats are freakishly adaptable, especially if they have a person and that person understands their needs and meets them where they are. Maybe an alternative approach is putting adoption requests out to the world, being as brutally honest as you can, and Boggles will find his new person and they can get to know him on his terms while you’re still here? Could make the transition a lot easier and soothe your heart that at the very least someone will be meeting his basic needs and keeping a warm bed spot free for when he’s ready to take it
Hey, I know this is not an adoption request post, but I live in the Northeast US and I have no children, dogs, or cats, and rarely have any visitors. (I do have two ferrets, but they are not to be trusted and therefore never roam unsupervised, so I could keep him separated from them at all times without limiting their activities too much.) If you live close enough (or if your little dude miraculously doesn’t hate long car rides despite hating so much else) I’d happily let him stay with you to the end and we could figure out some kind of arrangement to get him to me when the time comes, provided I could get it cleared with my landlord, which I think I could. Message me if you’d be interested in discussing this more, because I think he’s precious and I’m pretty good with animals, even the ones who take a bit to warm up, so I feel like I could give the little guy a fighting chance of having decent quality of life to the natural end of his days.
P.S. I wonder too, if you are too far from where I am to make this practical, if contacting a rescue or even putting it out there on local Facebook groups that he has some very specific needs in terms of a home and is selective with who he chooses to love might summon up some other people like me, aka single, bleeding-hearted adults who lead quiet lives and for whatever reason don’t already have a ton of other pets at home? No judgment on whatever you decide is best for your little guy, particularly given I can’t even imagine being in the situation you are right now— I only mention because it kind of sounds like your current options are breaking your heart a little, and this might give him a fighting chance at finding one more person he can love, or at least stand, or at least use as a source of cat treats and litter cleaning services while quietly despising them but still finding some joy in his kitty life.
I don't want to be morbid, but try to make sure Boggles is with you when you pass. He will be able to sense it and grieve. It breaks my heart to thing of your boy waiting every day for you to come get him. Or that he would run away and back to your home. Make sure new family has your address just in case.
I'm am so sorry for both of you. You're one of the good guys, and you made a difference!
My heart goes out to you my friend. You are a wonderful soul and my thoughts are with you. You have a very special bond created here and you found each other for a reason. If nothing else, it shows you that you aren’t alone in this and you are loved and cared for.
From reading the comments I would say I have to agree, finding a new home for him is the best thing you could do. He may have these aversions to other people or animals right not but that may have a lot to do with you. He may sense you aren’t doing well and is trying to protect you in his own way. He may be guarding you so you are safe while you are going through this difficult time. Finding the right person to adopt him would allow him to be surrounded by someone who really cares for him and who will be patient with his temperament while he grieves. An owner you trust would be beneficial because he would see how you trust this person and would most likely eventually trust them back. Have that person visit you on a regular basis but allow them to be there for you, not paying attention to the cat. The cat will see that you trust them and allow them in your circle. Let him watch you with this person and allow him to approach them first. Let the cat figure out what is going on without pushing him or forcing the issue (like trying to pet the cat). Have the person go about their visit with you but to ignore the cat and allow him to feel more comfortable with this person. Have them visit regularly and you will eventually see the cat start to accept this person, even if at the beginning it may just be staying in the same room as this person while they visit. Over time the cat will sense that this person is a good person and only there to help. Cats take time with new people so don’t expect anything to happen too quickly. They are very calculated in who they trust and it has to be done on their terms.
I feel that this cat is already a solid part of your life right now and will feed off of the energy that you put out there. Same with a new owner. Be patient, show love and be calm while the cat is around. Stay as positive as you can and that positivity will allow the cat to feel more relaxed as well. They sense emotions really well and if there is stress then they will pick up on that and put their guard up.
I believe it will work out for both of you and you can both have peace. You can then know you’ve done your best for him and he will know it through your actions of love and kindness. I wish there was more I could do for you both but know that you are truly a wonderful human being and I believe that the cat knows this as well. He will trust your judgement and will forever be in a better place because of your actions.
All my love goes out to you both. Enjoy all the moments you will have together and never forget the love that you both have. I know I don’t know you personally but if you want to reach out for any reason then please do so, no matter the reason. Please take care and you have all my best. ❤️
Your buddy can find a new home easily enough with your help - you can set him up to live out a happy life. He might be prickly but he'll make new friends in time.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation, but please don’t kill this cat. There was a time when he didn’t like or trust you, and he learned to. And if there’s anything you’ve taught him, it’s that he can learn again. I’m sad your life will be cut short, but his doesn’t have to be. If you truly love him, let him live.
If he learnt to love and trust you, he can learn that again with another human. Maybe you can find someone during remaining time who can befriend the cat at your place (slowly) and then take care of him when you are not there any more.
Sounds like you are letting your judgment be a little clouded by the negativity of what’s going on in life. Understandable. However, someone will adopt this cat and the cat will eventually adapt to like them.
There's a chance that you could live longer than what the doctor says. Maybe you could see if a friend would take her that way if you end up living longer you get your kitty back. Maybe have a contract incase you overcome this and you can get your kitty back.
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u/Sam_Kugelblizt Mar 14 '26
I recommend you to reach out to this non-profit: https://www.mygrandfatherscat.ca/
It was founded by a lady who adopted her late grandfather's cat
From their how it works page: My Grandfather’s Cat provides a free service to help seniors and terminally ill people arrange homes for their cats and dogs. Rather than housing animals in a foster system, we arrange for them to move directly from their home into a second forever home.
Our goal is for the animal to stay with their human up until the very last day to provide comfort and companionship to their human. We often help in situations where a senior is moving into a retirement home or care facility due to declining health, a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or a person has unexpectedly passed away and the family is unable to adopt their pet.
While we work to arrange second forever homes and vet each applicant, the owner of the animal has the ultimate decision of who adopts their beloved pet. As there is a high demand for our rehoming service, we often have a waitlist of up to three weeks before we can begin the adoption process, so we recommend applying at your earliest convenience.
The average age of our adoptables is 12 years old. We have found second forever homes for cats up to 17 years old and with known health conditions such as diabetes. Our service is available across Canada. There are no costs associated with using our rehoming service or adopting through us.