Being a pet owner out of guilt

[jackfaire]

A couple of years ago my mom asked me to watch her cat for a couple of days while we moved her so that the cat wouldn't be underfoot in all the chaos. I agreed and two years later the cat is still in my home.

No one in my family will take the cat and I can't find any strangers that will take her either. Today I have to take her to the humane society.

The reason is that I live in an apartment and she doesn't like not being able to go outside whenever she wants. She pees and craps on everything.

Today I got a complaint at work that the smell is lingering even after cleaning my things. I am getting rid of her I have only kept her this long as she has been in my family since I was a teen but at this time her habits are affecting the quality of my life.

[MaggieTheCat]

Why didn't your mom take her back after she'd finished moving?

[jackfaire]

Why didn't your mom take her back after she'd finished moving?

At the last minute decided that her boyfriend who is allergic was going to move in with her and couldn't get the cat back. That part I understood but then I advised her I am gone from home 12 hours a day my lifestyle is not conducive to owning a pet. She has had 2 years to make alternative arrangements.

[Cat]

I'd take her if I could

[MaggieTheCat]

I'd take her if I could

Yeah, me too. That's really too bad that your mom just dumped her on you. It's not fair to you, or the kitty. I completely understand why you're having to give her up now, but it must be tough.

[jackfaire]

It is tough I wanted her to stay in the family but no one else will take her. I saved her life when she was a kitten no one at the pet store we went to wanted her, cuz at the time she was all black, and they were gonna put her down we had already gotten the kitten my older brother liked and my dad had been adamant one pet only.

I argued saving her and then the pet shop owner gave her to us for free to help convince my parents like me he wanted to see her have a chance at a happy life.

It's hard because there is the chance if they don't find a home for her that she will be put down but at this time my home is no longer a good environment for her.

It sucks and why I have put off getting rid of her for so long but I hate all the guilt.

[Kimmik]

We have to take one of our cats to the shelter... it is killing me inside. I am a firm beliver that pets are like children you don't just go ah screw it they are to much work. But sometimes there are cases where you have no choice.

In my case she is not safe to have with a baby. She doesnt realize she has claws and that she can't lay where she wants or go where she wants and at times will attack our youngest cat because she is jealous.

If you tried to find a home then you did more then a lot of people do. While it may make you sad know that it is not your fault it is your mothers for being a dumbass. *hugs* Giving up a pet is never easy... But don't harbor guilt, realize that your mother used you and deserves to be scratched.

It sounds like she is marking.. even a fixed cat will do this.. I am going rounds with my oldest as he is spraying once in a while.

[jackfaire]

Great news. While I still have to give up my cat for her and my own good. My sister has now taken her.

This is good on 2 points.

1) My sister lives directly below me so she will be in familiar surroundings as she adjusts to her new family.

2) My sister is a stay at home mom so can more readily pay attention to an attention hungry older cat.

[BlaqueKatt]

In my case she is not safe to have with a baby. She doesnt realize she has claws

soft paws

and that she can't lay where she wants or go where she wants

double sided tape or tinfoil on the "baby spots"-if you have a crib, bassinet, or arm's reach co-sleeper-

More tips here

[Cat]

I want to get soft paws for my cats....I think Morgan would look good in pink, and Riley in blood red My cats have full run of the place...its good....keeps me from owning anything of value

jack--happy to hear kitty have a home! and with someone she knows.

[XCashier]

Great news. While I still have to give up my cat for her and my own good. My sister has now taken her.

That is great news! I'm glad things have been resolved well.