I got home today to find a card through my front door from an RSPCA inspector wanting to make contact about 'cats being left unattended'. WTF??? I have NO idea what they are talking about - yes we leave our cat at home during the day while we are at work, and sometimes go away overnight but we have an automatic feeder and if it's for longer than 1 night (but NEVER more than 3) someone will come in and check on her each day (and top up the food).
Anyway - while I am mega annoyed about this in the first place, and will try to find out what the hell is going on - the point of my post is to ask whether anyone has had dealings with RSPCA inspectors. (Either working or had visits) I have called the call centre number on the card but have to wait for the actual inspector to call me back (prob tomorrow now). Can anyone give me a clue as to how they work, what will they want to know, will they try to take my cat away from me?
I'm so upset / annoyed about this I'm shaking. Any advice on what to really expect would be appreciated, otherwise there is no way I'll sleep tonight
RE: Anyone had dealings with RSPCA Inspectors?
Oh My! Being in the US... I have no advice, but I wanted to offer my sypathetic support -- the nerve. I'm sending you hugs and positive uplifting thoughts, get some of that tourmaline to hold before and during your chat with these people.
It occurs to me, could somebody be "messing" with you? Could it be a joke? If it's not a joke, do you think your baby might be howling when you're gone and that is why someone reported you? Is there someone out for vengence?
I'm just wondering out loud... I don't know how things work there or what the rules are. Please sweetie, take a deep breath and clear your mind for a moment. Call and find out before getting upset.
Please keep us posted on here, won't you? I'll be looking for your posts -- love from Jennifer (the crazy cat lady)
RE: Anyone had dealings with RSPCA Inspectors?
i'm amazed Chrishta, although I had read a little while ago that there was some such stuff going on. Poor you. I'm sure they won't be unreasonable - you can show that the cats are well looked after and loved. I wonder who reported you to the RSPCA?
In the meantime our kitty has gone missing.............
Lots of love to you, hope you feel better. It probably won't be as bad as you think (IME few things are!)
Sharonxx
RE: Anyone had dealings with RSPCA Inspectors?
Sorry christia, I've no experience of the RSPCA but cats are very independant animals...& I'm sure the RSPCA won't find fault in leaving a cat home alone for one night...so long as there's food, freshwater & maybe a clean litter try if there's no cat flap, ....I too wonder who reported you
I hope you get things cleared up soon
Love
Amy
ps Sharon, I hope you cat turns up soon
xx
RE: Anyone had dealings with RSPCA Inspectors?
Hi,
How distressing for you. Firstly be reassured that the RSPCA inspectors have to follow up every complaint that is made, but only in exceptional cases will they remove an animal - it doesn't sound like you fall into that category!
All the inspector will want to do is check to see whether the complaint is founded (obviously not from what you've said!), that the cat is well cared for, that you know what the cat needs in terms of care or to provide education if necessary, and that you are a responsible owner. So, if the inspector makes a home visit and your cat goes outdoors then it will be a good idea to make sure the cat is around so the inspector can see for themselves how happy your kitty is. When I had a visit, the inspector ended up on the floor with my kitty playing with her toys!
It could be that whoever has reported you has seen you going away but hasn't seen anyone coming in, so as far they they know the cat is unattended for 2-3 days. They may not know that you have an automatic feeder. They may not be cat owners themselves and therefore not appreciate how independant cats can be. They may well be coming from a place of good intentions, so although it makes you cross, try not to judge them too harshly, they may well have your cat's interests at heart, however misguided they may be. But then again that's me - always assuming good intent until proven otherwise! [&:]
Hope that helps.
Amber
P.S. Sharon, hope your cat turns up soon - one of mine has just realised that she can get over the garden fence and stayed out all night recently - I know now what my mum went through when I was a teenager!!!!