One of the things I’ve agonized over is how to travel with my two cats Lilly and Buster.
At first, I figured I’d buy a large trailer that could fit their litter box and give them several places to hang out inside.
They would travel in the car with me and the dog. I’d keep them in cat carriers as much as possible when driving between campsites.
I’d do my best to prevent them from escaping at rest stops. If Lilly got out, she might not come back.
If Buster got out, she might be so afraid she’d freeze in the middle of traffic.
I’d hoped that once we got camped, they would return to the trailer as “home base” each night. I worried how to protect them from hawks and coyotes. I worried about other campers dogs. I worried that when I had to leave, Lilly might not be around. Or worse, that either one might suddenly disappear.
But I decided to do it anyway. I made a commitment in my heart that when I adopted them that I would care for them forever.
When my friend, an avid cat rescuer and seasoned camper heard about my plans he said,
“You’re crazy. You cannot take the cats on the road. If they don’t get killed by wild animals, dogs or cars, they will be miserable. You will be ruining their lives and making yourself miserable in the process.”
He explained that cats need a well defined territory. He talked about the many cats he’s adopted and rehomed. He said my dog would be fine as long as she was with me but that every time the cats began to establish their territory, I’d be uprooting them.
My first reaction was to get angry and tell him to go f*** himself. I loved my cats. I got them for Ellen. I feed them. I play with them. I clean their litter box. I take care of them. I raised them since they were kittens. I take care of them.
But I didn’t say this. Instead I listened to him. Deep down, I knew he was right.
I had been agonizing over how to take the cats on the road with me for weeks. That’s because I knew it would be bad. Lilly would escape and explore. Buster would shut down and freak out. I’d be afraid every time I opened the truck door or camper door that one of them would disappear.
Why? Because they are accustomed to going in and out of doors their entire lives. They are not wild, savvy predators. They are housebroken, suburban pets.
They love people. They like to watch birds through the window. They like to greet me when I come home after being outside. They like to hang out in the yard.
It breaks my hearts but I must find new homes for each of them before I hit the road.
I love them. But I need to do what’s best for them. That means letting them go and finding them new loving homes.
I will not put them in a shelter. If it comes to that, I’ll take them on the road with me and risk the consequences.
Dozens of people reached out to me when my wife had cancer offering to help. Even more contacted me after she died and said, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.”
Well the time has come.
I need your help now.
Tell everyone you know about Buster and Lilly. Ask if they know anyone who is interested in adopting a healthy, happy and loving cat.
Somebody you know, who is a good person, is thinking about getting a cat.
Ideally, this would be in South Florida we’re local. I’m talking to you, my former friends and coworkers from Citrix.
However, if I can’t find good homes for them in Florida, I will bring them to Raleigh, if my Sharefile friends can help.
Below is the ad. Post in on Facebook. Put it on your instagram. Ask your friends and family.
I am counting on you.
Will you help me find a good home for my 2 cats?
Lilly and Buster are both spayed female cats.
- 4 years old.
- Litterbox trained.
- Healthy with regular veterinary care.
- Raised together.
These are sweet cats. They can be adopted together or separately.
Buster is the yellow cat. She’s a little skittish around loud noises. She’ll hide under a blanket until it gets quiet. But she is a people lover. She loves to be held in your arms and rocked. She’ll follow you around the house to be petted all day and will run to see you all the time.
Lilly is the gray tiger striped cat. She is more independent. She loves her people and likes to hangout with us. But she also enjoys hanging out in the front and back yard to watch the people, lizards and birds.
I let them have indoor/outdoor access with a pet door during daylight hours. At night, I lock them in and they sleep in the house – often in bed with me.
They have been raised with a small dog.
Due to my wife’s death, I am selling my home and will be traveling extensively. I am only rehoming my cats because I cannot imagine how I can keep them safe or comfortable on the road.
They deserve a better life than that.
Contact me with questions.
