to give my cat away?

[EmmalinaC]

She's 11 and in good health. Since I got her as an 8 week old kitten I have acquired a husband, a dog and two DDs. There is no doubt that, much as I love her, she gets the short straw in our household.

One of DH's friends is keen to rehome an older cat and would like to take her. DH has suggested that she might be happier living out her last years in a household where she would be cherished, not pestered by small children and chased by a (friendly) dog. We could all still visit her and I would continue to pay her insurance premium if that was an issue.

I never thought I'd consider this but I can't help now thinking it would be better for her...

Can't believe I am posting this. When I was single she was my best friend...

Would be interested to know what any cat-lovers think!

AIBU?

[scurryfunge]

I could never do it but if you really think she will be well cared for and get the peace and care she deserves then it is justifiable.

[hester]

I think you should give her away, if you think she'd be happier there. Cats are quite emotionally independent, aren't they? But they do hate moving house, so factor that in.

PS. Do steel yourself for an avalanche of posts asking if you'll be giving away your children next...

[Doodlez]

My cat was 22 when I had to have her PTS. She'd been with me through it all and she adapted to all MY life changes.

I wouldn't do it. Keep her - you're what she knows!

[Doodlez]

...and if she was unhappy with you, she would have buggered off by now!

[AuntiePickleBottom]

if it is in the best intrest of the cat, then rehome her

[hester]

I love my cat and she loves me. But if it was someone else holding the Whiskas...

[FreudianSlipper]

if you feel it would be better for her and she will be happier then yes

i found my cat to be a pita a few years ago and was tempted, i was struggling but now would not be without him, he is part of our little family, its me, ds and the cat

[EmmalinaC]

She hates the dog, which didn't matter when she was young and sprightly but now? Well, much as she might love us (in so far as a cat loves anyone with a tin of tuna), I think she might be glad if she never saw him again.

God knows what we'd tell the DDs though!

[Nowtspecial]

Are there behavioural signs she's unhappy ? If not, then I don't understand why ( or indeed how ) you would consider it.

[EmmalinaC]

It's not that I think she's unhappy, nowt, more that I wonder if she could be happier IYSWIM.

[MrsTwinks]

emmalina in regards telling DD's I'd use the "X is very lonely and because we have dog would it be ok if cat went to live with him. We could visit all the time.." etc. use it as a way to teach sharing or whatever thats what my mum did

I would say if she starts to/has shown signs of being upset or not wanting to come in and be arround dog etc then think about it. Otherwise I wouldnt worry. Cats let their know staff pretty sharpish if they are miffed, DILs cat is an crotchety old boy and dependant on mood he will "remove" himself from the house when all the kids are about.

[fruitshootsandheaves]

My cat who would climb on my lap when I so much as looked like sitting down spent her last few years with our 'non cat' neighbours. They didn't have cats, had never had cats, but she won them over when she started looking for some peace and quiet as the DCs were small and noisy and she was going deaf and blind.
She came back for meals, it was harder for me as I felt quite abandoned, she used to follow me everywhere and was really cuddly, they even bought her a basket and used to come over and ask if it was ok to give her chicken and beef from their Sunday joint!
She was 19 when she died. She was definitely happier away from all the noise, I think you should do it if you think she will settle and be happier.

[EmmalinaC]

I have agreed to a trial... We'll send her for a week's 'holiday' and see how they all get on...