Ginger! She is a very sweet cat - everyone at the shelter kept saying this "she is so sweet". She is settling very well, no issues adjusting except for scratching (I'll have to decide if to declaw or not...I hate to do this). She is VERY affectionate. Ginger has bright orange eyes!

She is 1 yr old - so very playful and active - I had forgotten this after having a geriatic cat for so long...We are both are very tired today from all the adjusting.

I am so surprised I wanted to adopt so fast. I really just went to the shelter to "look" and find a specific cat Oscar - but he was not on the floor. Turns out he is sick...sigh. I had an orange colored cat in mind. So, I kept looking around and crying at all the cats, especially the big old ones. But, Ginger kept mewing at me.

I do still tear up about Cleo. But, I do feel ready. I told Ginger about her big brother Cleo and showed her a pic. I couldn't wait to go home from work tonight?! The house was too quiet after 18 yrs.

I did participate in the Rainbow Bridge candle ceremony Monday night in Cleo's memory. This helped me be ready to welcome a new furbaby into my life. Cleo taught me how to love a cat well.

PS. Thanks to Simba I, Simba's Daddy, and Simba II for inspiring me too...that is it is OK to love a new cat too.

Ginger is so lovely - please don't get her declawed ever. This isn't allowed in the U.K. & there isn't any need if she has plenty of scratching posts & she'll grow out of it anyway. I am so happy that you found another fur baby to give a home to. Cleo would be proud of you! Can you post a picture of Ginger?

Here's another pic...her eyes are amazing.

I read up on declawing...yep, I won't get her declawed! It is illegal for animal cruelty in many countries (except the US)...I had no idea.

On a side note, I got some catty comments (no pun attended) that I got a new cat so quickly..I am trying to not feel bad. I really am honoring Cleo's memory for missing a kitty so much.

Rit,

Glad the three of us could help you find your way to giving Ginger a great loving home. She looks so sweet and cuddly Simba II and I played together all weekend and I too forgot what it was like having a cat around that wanted to play all the time. After hours of playing we crashed out on the couch together and he slept next to me resting his head on my side.

I still think about Simba I and get teary eyed, that is just normal and part of the healing process.

Don't feel bad. Think of it as honoring Cleo for teaching you to love a cat by giving Ginger a great and loving home, something she might not have had a chance at if it wasn't for you

What a cutie!!! As soon as Ginger grows into that fluffy tail she is going to be one very elegant kitty. She already has the beginnings of that spoiled look.

For the clawing, try sisal rope scratching posts. If that doesn't solve the problem, an almost sure remedy is "Soft Paws". They are an affordable set of little rubber covers you put over the claws. They last around a month per set and as an added bonus they come in designer covers! Try them as a humane alternative to the very painful amputation of claws and the first digits of their claws.

Good luck and keep posting pictures of the beautiful one. Congratulations!