So, I decided I wanted a cat. Not just any cat, though. I got fixated on getting a Russian Blue. Saw some pictures, read a bit about them – quiet, supposedly smart, and that grey coat looks pretty sharp, right? Figured it was time to actually do it rather than just think about it.
Starting the Search
First thing, I started looking around. Thought it’d be easy, just pop online and find one. Well, not quite. Checked local shelters first – always my go-to. Lots of lovely cats, but no Russian Blues, or even mixes that looked close. Shelters are great, but finding a specific breed can be pure luck.
Then I looked into breed-specific rescues. Found a couple online that sounded promising. Sent emails, filled out some preliminary forms. Some never replied. One did, but they had a massive waiting list, like, years long. Seriously. Seemed a bit much.
Considered breeders briefly, but honestly, the prices were sky-high, and I felt better about adopting. Plus, dealing with breeders sometimes feels like applying for a top-secret job, the amount of scrutiny involved. Just wanted to give a cat a good home, you know?
Finding the Right Place
After hitting a few dead ends, I widened my search radius. Found a rescue group a couple of hours away that sometimes got purebreds surrendered. Scrolled through their site for weeks. Then one day, bam. There he was. Listed as a young adult Russian Blue mix, owner surrender. Looked the part, mostly.
I called them up immediately. Talked to a lady there, seemed sensible. Said I needed to fill out their proper application form online first. Okay, fair enough.
The Paperwork Trail
This part was a bit of a grind. The application was long. Asked about my home, my job, my experience with pets, vet references, personal references. Took me a good hour to fill it all out properly. Then waited. And waited. Sent a follow-up email after a few days. Finally got a call back for a phone interview.
The call was basically them going over my application, asking more questions. Why a Russian Blue? Was I prepared for vet costs? What would happen if I moved? Standard stuff, but thorough. They seemed satisfied, thankfully. Then they scheduled a meet-and-greet. Had to drive out there, which was a trek.
Meeting the Cat and Final Steps
Walking into the rescue place, saw him in his little enclosure. He was shy. Didn’t run up, just watched me. Sat down with him for a while. Didn’t try to force it. Eventually, he crept closer, sniffed my hand. Seemed like a gentle soul. Decided right then, yeah, this was the one.
Told the rescue folks I wanted to proceed. More paperwork! Adoption contract, agreeing to their terms (neuter/spay already done, thankfully, keep indoors, return to them if I couldn’t keep him, etc.). Paid the adoption fee – wasn’t cheap, but way less than a breeder, and it goes back into helping other animals.
Getting Ready and Bringing Him Home
Before picking him up, I went on a shopping spree:
- Food (got the type the rescue recommended to start)
- Bowls (ceramic, easy to clean)
- Litter box and litter
- A carrier (a sturdy one)
- Scratching post (vital!)
- A few toys
- A comfy bed
Set up a ‘base camp’ in a quiet spare room. Food, water, litter box, bed. Idea was to let him settle there first before having the run of the whole place. Pick-up day arrived. Put him in the carrier – he wasn’t thrilled, but went in. The drive home was quiet, just a few meows.
Got him home, opened the carrier in the spare room, and just left him alone. He bolted under the bed immediately. Expected that. Left food and water out, made sure the litter box was accessible, and shut the door quietly.
Settling In Period
The first few days were slow. He stayed hidden mostly. I’d just go in, sit quietly, talk to him softly, then leave. Didn’t push it. Gradually, he started exploring the room at night (judging by the disturbed food bowl and used litter box). Then he started peeking out when I was there. Progress!
After about a week, he was comfortable enough in that room to start venturing out when I opened the door. Explored the house cautiously, darting back to safety if anything spooked him. Slowly, slowly, he claimed the place as his own. Found his favourite spots (sunny window sill, back of the sofa). Started letting me pet him more, even purring.
It took time, patience was key. He’s still a bit reserved compared to some cats I’ve known, but he’s definitely bonded with me. Follows me around, sleeps on my bed now. Definitely has that quiet, observant Russian Blue vibe. Was it worth the hassle of the search and the paperwork? Yeah, absolutely. Good cat.
