Adopting a cat, part 2: the difficult decision
I’ve finally found an animal shelter that has indoor cats. Time for my first visit. Only, I start panicking. What if there isn’t a cat we like? Or what if we make the wrong choice?
My heart is pounding as my husband and I get off the train in Dübendorf. A few more steps and we reach Chatzestübli, where we have an appointment with manager Uschi Macias. She’ll introduce us to her shelter cats – and with a bit of luck, we’ll fall in love with two furry friends.
When Uschi opens the door, my first impression from the previous phone call is confirmed: she’s a charming woman with a big heart. She cares deeply about her four-legged treasures going to homes that suit them. And above all, to the right people. But as she opens the door to the cat kingdom, I’m not concerned about who’ll fit in with us. Rather, who will we fit in with?
Two tough guys and a couple of lovebirds
The first to greet us are two red and white, cheeky-looking tomcats. «They’re our Spaniards,» says Uschi, «they can be pretty rough.» As soon as I say that, Uffa grabs my husband’s sleeve. As Uschi explains, he and his equally assertive buddy Winni are about to join a household with dogs. I’m not sad they’re already taken. They’re beautiful animals, but our quiet life wouldn’t have suited them.
Source: Chatzestübli
I much prefer the little tiger that caresses against my legs: Haru. He grew up in a Romanian animal shelter. Olly, a Romanian tricolour (also known as a calico), follows him wherever he goes. She was abandoned, or rather «thrown out» like trash. «These two are our loving couple. Ever since they met at Chatzestübli, they’ve been one heart and one soul,» says Uschi.
Source: Chatzestübli
My heart fills with love as Haru looks at me with wide eyes. «Don’t rush it,» I think to myself and avoid his gaze. I want to give every cat a chance.
A popular ginger tomcat
Meanwhile, my husband has taken a liking to a red tomcat with a bushy tail and amber eyes – Lorenzo from Italy. I notice he has a slight limp. But according to Uschi’s vet, this shouldn’t cause him any problems in the future. Lorenzo lets my husband cuddle him somewhat reservedly, but with relish. A nice image. But I don’t get the same feeling as with tabby Haru before. And between his white buddy Enrique and me, that certain spark just isn’t there.
Source: Chatzestübli
Source: Chatzestübli
Suddenly, a grey and white tomcat rushes past me. «That’s Flash,» says Uschi. I mean, who else could it be? «He hasn’t found a companion at the shelter yet.» The beautiful cat looks at me, no fear in his eyes. This guy seems to know exactly what he wants. I like him too.
Source: Chatzestübli
A seemingly impossible decision
But two other Chatzestübli residents catch my eye – grey tabby Melody and her partner Leelo, a noble black cat lady. She looks at me with a penetrating gaze. I almost hear: «Take me with you! Please! Please!» My heart melts. Are she and Melody the right choice? But however cute they are, my thoughts keep returning to Haru and Olly. Their close emotional bond touched me. It’s a dilemma: no matter who we take with us, someone will be left behind.
Source: Chatzestübli
Source: Chatzestübli
When the visit is over, we leave Chatzestübli with a heavy, but nevertheless fulfilled heart. On my return to the station, my first impression is confirmed: Haru and Olly have won me over. «It’s obvious, isn’t it?», I ask my husband. He nods and says: «Yes. One of them will definitely be Lorenzo.»
Follow my profile if you want to know who moves in with us and how the first night goes. And if you’re interested in the cats above, you can contact Chatzestübli.
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Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI like anything that has four legs or roots. The books I enjoy let me peer into the abyss of the human psyche. Unlike those wretched mountains that are forever blocking the view – especially of the sea. Lighthouses are a great place for getting some fresh air too, you know?
