I lost my cat, Ruffles, about two months ago now and as stupid as it seems (to some non-animal lovers) there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him or miss his loving cuddles. Ruffles was a rescue cat, meaning we adopted him. He came from our local vet in Maida Vale, West London. Originally named Raphael, my little bundle of joy had jumped out of a 5th floor mansion block window and broken all four of his little legs and his jaw. The owners didn't want to pay the vet bills so had told the vet to put him down - it would be cheaper apparently. Luckily for us, the vet refused. Ruffles was only 11 months old at the time and such a beautiful souled cat at that. A lady vet, I actually forget her name it was so long ago, did all the work for free and started to look for a new home for him. Somehow, my neighbour had managed to persuade my mum to get a cat out of nowhere so off I went after school one day to meet him. He was perfect. It was love at first sight. It honestly was and that's probably why to this day, I believe in love at first sight. Because of him, because of that cat.
He had all four of his legs and under his chin shaved too they had wired up his jaw to set, but I was mesmerised. He was too cute and soon he was to be all mine. He was so friendly coming up to everyone and having a little cuddle. Thanks to a kind and caring vet, Ruffles was given another chance at life and he went on to live a happy and long life with us. Devastatingly it wasn't as long as would have hoped and we lost him at the end of September. We don't quite know what he died of, sadly. Like lots of cats, he went away to die and broke our hearts. He was 12, relatively young for a cat and had always loved life. We still have a photo up of him on our mantlepiece and speak of him/to the picture of him every day.
We had a little Mr. Ruffles (nickname for him amongst our friends) shaped hole in our lives, so a week ago we adopted a new cat, through Cats Protection. A little girl cat called Pippa. This is the second time we have adopted, and we wouldn't do it any other way, ever. The work these charities do, like the RSPCA and Cats Protection alike, are incredible. As adorable as they are why would you get a little puppy/kitten etc from a breeder compared to a poor animal that was unloved or neglected? You can change an animals life that hasn't necessarily had the chance to experience how great life can be, yet. And you'd be mistaken in thinking you can't get that perfect puppy you really wanted to complete your family through adoption. There were a few kittens at our local Cats Protection centre and quite a lot at our local RSPCA centre, too. When we were picking up Pippa I had the pleasure to meet all the other beautiful kitties wanting someone to love them. I left with half a heart. They had stolen the other half. I have never felt so guilty as I did then, walking away with Pippa when they were all perfect and I would happily taken them all. Animals should have an equal chance of a good life, like us. So if you are thinking about getting a little addition to the family, please please research your local animal welfare charities, and facilities and HEAD DOWN. I can almost guarantee you'll find one that you won't want to leave behind.
You'll find everything you need to rehome an animal with the RSPCA here http://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeapet
The same here for adopting a cat through Cats Protection
http://www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat
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