Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Stray kittens

36 replies

BunnyLily · 13/12/2023 14:26

I’m an animal lover! I’ve just split from an abusive relationship and have 2 children. My x hated most animals except dogs and we have a dog at home and an another dog that the x has taken over willingly. Since he’s been gone I’ve bought 2 bunnies. They’ve been a massive hit and we play and clean them regularly. Anyway… my friend now has some kittens that she’s looking for homes for. My kids are begging with me to get a couple. I’ve seen them and they’re adorable. I’m so tempted, we have the space and they will be well looked after.. there is just one sticking point… the parents! My parents are in their 80’s - hate change - I’m 50 and an only child and they’ve helped me out a lot over the years but still treat me like I’m 7 occasionally!! They will see all the negatives in getting some more animals, time, space, hard work ect. Also the x’s parents have the kids when I’m at work occasionally. I know they’re going to hate having cats around! If it was my choice I’d just get on with having them but I don’t know if I can live with the moaning! I’d have a houseful of animals if I could but wouldn’t as know my limits. AIBU having the kittens?!

OP posts:
Chilicabbage · 13/12/2023 14:53

And tell your friend to be a responsible owner and neuter her car

Chilicabbage · 13/12/2023 14:51

This is just your excitement of new things and "I can". Like when you first move out and realise you can just walk around in undies so do it for a bit, then excitement bubbles out and suddenly you are in comfy joggers, fluffy slippers and jumpee....

I agree with pps that you need to stop thinking with heart and think with head.
You are enjoying it now, managing now, just stick with that for few years and then think again.

As others I would also havea zoo😂 I grew up with that. But realistically, no.

AwkwardPaws27 · 13/12/2023 14:48

Can you afford them (now and ongoing costs)?
Have the rabbits been neutered and vaccinated yet? That's a few hundred quid, then same again for the kittens.
Food, litter, monthly flea & worm treatment etc.
Then insurance - my 12 year old cat's insurance is £95 a month now & I have to pay part of any bills too.

TalkedTooMuchStayedTooLong · 13/12/2023 14:46

I have to agree with being sure you can cover the costs...especially vet bills should you have an illness/ emergency... insurance is a must...my cats recent illnesses ran up a bill of over £9000 ( luckily they were well insured!)...

Nicesalad · 13/12/2023 14:44

They're not stray.

But perhaps ask your parents first, unless the cats can be in a different part of the house when they come round.
Also, cats are expensive. Have you looked into worming and fleaing tablets (from the vet's), cost of vaccines and neutering?

Santaiswashinghissleigh · 13/12/2023 14:40

You aren't with a cunt anymore.. Get your dkittens op.

MatildaTheCat · 13/12/2023 14:39

And they aren’t stray. Just kittens needing a home.

MatildaTheCat · 13/12/2023 14:38

If you don’t know your limits then stop thinking with your heart. Look at the costs of feeding, vet bills and insurance. Not just year one insurance- take a look at insuring older pets, it can be astronomical.

And if you rely on goodwill childcare that’s important. Not everyone enjoys a menagerie. What about when you go away? I love animals but this sounds like a decision made from emotion rather than practical reasoning.

Notthatcatagain · 13/12/2023 14:38

Vet bills recently are heart stoppingly expensive, if you are sure that you can afford vaccinations and neutering and have a fund for emergency bills then please yourself. My last booster bill was £150 each

Picklemeyellow · 13/12/2023 14:37

I am an animal lover too and would have a small zoo if dh allowed but I have to be realistic. I’d be tempted too as I adore cats but pets are really, really expensive when they become poorly, we spent £6000 on our dog and that was with insurance and our current rescue dog has cost us quite a bit and we’ve only had him a year. Can you afford the vet fees on so many animals if they become unwell?

TomatoSandwiches · 13/12/2023 14:32

In your shoes I wouldn't get anymore animals, what you have is already a lot.