I have had my cat (Leia) for about a year and I love her dearly. However I live in student accomondation and it is time to move out and into a proper apartment and they don't accept cats anywhere in Canberra! I looked into group houses and they're the same. I love my cat but i can't let her rule my life, I am also single now so I live by myself and go out a lot and so the cat is sometimes left by itself from like 9am till 9pm or later. I have set a lights to come on when it gets dark but i don't think this is good enough, also when I come home the cat always wants to play but i am never in the mood to play for long (always tired, I work fulltime). At this rate I can't go away without having to board the cat and I feel guilty that she doesn't see me much, but i need my freedom, I am only 21 and not married to my cat, nor do I want to live that way. Should I give the cat up for adoption? Would this be the humane thing to do? I do love and cuddle her and play with her lots, but not enough
2006-09-12 17:36:00 · 26 answers · asked by only_two_wheels 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
On reflection I know I shouldn't have gotten my cat to begin with, but I was in a long term relationship at the time and felt that I would always have a good cat friendly place to live, and now my ex-girlfriend has moved out so she doesn't look after the cat anymore and it's just me. Leia has never been outside by herself before and I'm worried if i give her away to the wrong people then something bad might happen to her.
2006-09-12 17:40:20 · update #1
I have already tried to give her to my parents but they can't take her cause they already have two that don't get along (one is my brothers old cat that he gave them when he went overseas - that's another story).
I guess I just feel she could have a better life with someone else, and maybe in the long run it would be better for her. :-(
2006-09-12 17:44:45 · update #2
Keep looking! You can definitely find pet-friendly renting if you try harder and expand your search area. Call realtors to find if any of them specialize in pet-friendly housing and ask for referrals from pet professionals in the Canberra and surround areas.
Try offering the landlord an extra security deposit against any damage the cat might do. If you are persistent, you will find one who will be willing.
Never board your cat; always use a petsitter. Cats are territorial and do not like to be left in a strange place when you travel. How often do you go away, really? Once a month? Every night?
If you are only 21 and too tired to play with your cat, you should consult a doctor. You must have a health problem!
A pet is the most lasting relationship you are likely to have, as they live for 20 years while most marriages only last an average of 7! Don't throw this away!
2006-09-13 11:08:34 · answer #1 · answered by catlady 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a very difficult decision to give up your cat and not knowing for sure, what kind of home or where your cat would be living. I commend you for trying to think and do the right thing, for your cat. I think that the decision seems to be made for you by saying no place you will be moving to takes cats, so that's pretty much your answer, like it or not. : ( I am sorry for both you and the cat because as much as you are still young and all, you've grown a bond and it sounds like you really do care for her. Sometimes out of that love, it is best to do the right thing for the cat! I think it would be great if you could work it out to keep her but it just doesn't sound possible. Therefore, I would say to have your cat adopted, to a good home. Ask even if you can check the home out and what the situation is. That may also help you and even stay in touch with the person or people if you can to see Leia. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Good luck to you! Sounds like you are starting a whole new phase, a new chapter in your life, take care. : )
2006-09-13 02:04:41 · answer #2 · answered by Laurie S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You accepted a responsibility, my friend. Regardless of how things have changed since you got your cat, she is YOUR resposibility, period. I am sure you can find sonewhere that will allow you keep your cat, you just aren't looking hard enough. You say you love her, and you can't let her rule your life, but guess what? Pets do that. They are like having children. What if Leia adopted YOU and then wanted to give YOU away or didn't like YOU anymore because she grew up and didn't have time for YOU? Please grow up and be a big boy. Accept your responsibilities, try really hard, and I am sure you can find the answer yourself.
ps
I adopted a dog 4 years ago from an abusive home. She was completely wacked, and tested me in every way possible. I stuck it out because she was my problem, and 4 years later I honestly cannot imaginemy life without her. I was meant to find her and love her uncondtionally, and I did, and I am, and she does the same. She is the best dog/friend ever.
Good luck to you...
2006-09-13 00:59:47 · answer #3 · answered by no_one_in_particular 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, cats are very independent creatures. They love attention and bond very well with their owners and other animals, but they can easily entertain themselves when left alone and have no problem with that most of the time. They sleep a HUGE portion of the day, too. In fact, for owners with this dilemma, I often recommend getting another cat to keep the other company. It helps solve a lot of indoor kitty behavior problems. Or perhaps you could find a house with roommates that already have cats. Usually when the school year starts or ends, there are some rooms that free up in college towns.
Also, I have to say that getting and owning a pet is a responsibility that you took on when you got the cat. You made a commitment to care for that animal for life. Moving isn't really a good excuse to give away your family member. You may just see her as a cat, a pet, but she depends on you and you really aren't doing her or any other cats any favors by dumping her on someone else.
BUT, if you really don't feel like you can handle the responsibility of caring for another living creature, and she would be neglected, perhaps it would be best to find her another home. Contact some local humane groups or put up some flyers or an ad in the local paper. Don't just give her away if you find her a home yourself. By charging an adoption fee, you are helping to ensure that the owner she goes to will value her as more than just a cat/a pet, can afford to have a cat, and feels that she is worth the fee.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
2006-09-13 00:43:17 · answer #4 · answered by Lauren M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being left alone in the house when you're away is not a big problem for cats. I am also sure there are places where you can have a cat, I can't believe there is no one in Canberra who has one in their flat! Anyway, don't give it to a foundation or sth, she might live the rest of her life in a cage or be put down. If you can find a nice home for her, with responsible people who won't give her up, she can go there. Make sure she gets used to them and the house while you are there - you might have to visit them every day for some time.
2006-09-13 01:55:04 · answer #5 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now... as strict as a cat lover I can get... i understand your dilemma all to well. I moved from MI to FL, & my landlord said hey, u cant bring your 4 cats. WELL that ended up being an 8 month stress battle on both ends to say the least, but I won-but i know that rip in your gut feeling your going thru. I am a shelter volunteer, and I would say that taking your cat to a shelter- not the humane society or the aspca or blah blah. Find a home run good ol cat shelter/rescue. They take time to know a cats personality to fit them with the right people. And 99% of shelters will heavily screen you before letting you adopt. So finding a cat shelter would be your very best option, other than taking your cat with you. But i admire your courage to know that she could be in a better home.
Now, on finding a good/local cat shelter-
Call the vets around, and ask them if you can have the number for the local cat rescue/shelter.
If that doesnt work,
Call local pet stores around the area- aka Petsmart,Petco etc.. they have adoption days from those shelters once or twice a month. They'll know how to contact them as well.
Good Luck, I wish you and her the best. Keep us updated!
ps:most shelters DON'T put the cats to sleep like the humane society and etc. Just be sure to ask the shelter when you call.
2006-09-13 01:05:03 · answer #6 · answered by dreamkillerkitten 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a shame, that is a sad story. It does appear that she may be better off going to a new home if you can find decent and kind people to take her. Of course circumstances change, and how could you predict that things would change like this so don't feel bad about getting a cat in the first place, no one can guarantee that they will always be in a situation where they are the perfect owner for the rest of their pets life, we can but hope that we will always be able to provide for them. If you can't then it is only fair to give her up for adoption to someone who can give her the time and affection she needs.
2006-09-13 09:57:01 · answer #7 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there...I believe you truly would like to do the best for all things considered. However, only you can find it within yourself to weigh both sides of the facts you've presented.
A pet companion taken in should be with us for their lifetime at all costs, but then there are exceptions where we need to put their needs before ourselves and provide for their best interests. Again, this is something you have to decide rather than accepting the opinions of strangers in a consentual survey.
If you do decide to place Leia up for adoption please consider finding a home on your own for her before taking her to the local SPCA shelter. Here's a website that is located in Canburra and surrounding communities to list an online ad for pet cats:
http://www.cat-match.com.au/(5xfz5r555gcfhp5540isr0qq)/Default.aspx
CATMATCH began with an idea to help reduce the tens of thousands of cats and kittens that are put to sleep each year because they can't find a home and someone to care for them. And yet there are people like you who would enjoy life with a cat.
CATMATCH is a FREE service designed to help you find your purr-fect match easily
2006-09-13 01:28:47 · answer #8 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think you are being very considerate in your feelings about your pet. In your position, I would either advertise for a good home or take it to a cat rescue where you know they would not dispose of her. Some people would just dump her off somewhere so I say good for you. The cat will be happier with a family to enjoy.
2006-09-13 00:44:03 · answer #9 · answered by phoenixheat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should have thought about all of these things before taking on a helpless animal who depends on you. you need to problem solve and figure out a way to keep the cat, or find her a loving good home. DO NOT PAWN HER OFF ON SOME SHELTER THAT WILL JUST KILL HER!!!!!! cats are very independent creatures and if you could find a way to keep her i am sure she wouldnt mind being alone a lot.
2006-09-13 00:50:21 · answer #10 · answered by 1paris 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋