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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to own a cat while on benefits?

100 replies

ReputableBiscuit · 02/08/2014 09:57

My MiL says we are. We don't smoke, drink or go out, don't buy books or have a Sky package. We have a low rent and receive tax credits (working and child), disability benefits for DC and child benefit. Apparently we shouldn't have a pet cat?

OP posts:
EverythingCounts · 02/08/2014 11:52

Nonsense. Pets are good for your blood pressure and general wellbeing as well as being a great way for kids to learn all sorts of valuable lessons about unconditional love and caring for others who can't do it themselves. And all this for a very low running cost, especially if they live on own brand cat biscuits like mine do Smile

Not saying you should be working, but if you are looking for a chance to earn more, have you thought about doing cat feeding when people are away? That could be fitted in around other stuff and as a cat owner yourself you have credibility. Then you can tell your MIL that having a cat is increasing your income Smile

Happydaysatlastforthebody · 02/08/2014 11:56

A cat is a necessity though!

Bustarhymes · 02/08/2014 11:59

Your MIL is a mean-spirited old trout. Cats are heaven, think how much your little friend gives your family. Does she seriously think having the cat put to sleep will help anything? Ewww.

Beautifullymixed · 02/08/2014 15:58

I live in London and we have the Blue Cross in Victoria. They are for low income/benefit claiments, and charge donation fees only.

There is no need for insurance, you just need to show evidence of your claim/ income. They also do flea and worming treatments for low cost.
Do you have anything like this near you OP?

Feeding cats decent food can be done inexpensively.

My two cats bring us much joy, I am on a tight budget and count their costs as household bills and budget accordingly.

BitterAndOnlySlightlyTwisted · 02/08/2014 16:48

OP: your MIL is a moron and is just looking for any excuse to criticise your life-style.

I have a little cat and when I was unemployed finding two quid a week for his food and litter was not a stretch. And even if it was I'd have gone without anything to be able afford to keep him in the style to which he has become accustomed. Why would someone in reduced circumstances not be entitled to one tiny corner of companionship and pleasure in their life?

Tell your MIL to mind her own bloody business!

hiddenhome · 02/08/2014 17:54

Everyone deserves to have a kitty in their life Smile

DogCalledRudis · 02/08/2014 17:57

^^that!

And if you're on housing/income support, your pet can be treated by PDSA or RSPCA vets for symbolic donation.

ilovechristmas1 · 02/08/2014 18:12

op your husband is working,you are doing a valuable job in caring for your disabled DC,hardly bleeding the state dry

ignore or slip into the conversation that somebody has kittens that they are giving away and asked if you would be interested,i would just to see her reaction

greenbananas · 02/08/2014 18:25

I don't like the sound of your MIL.

It is actually very difficult to rehome an adult cat. And not very fair on the cat. Is your MIL offering to take on the cat?

Looking after your daughter is a perfectly valid reason not to work full time. Your dh is working, many people (like me) choose to be sahms in this situation.

Pity her ignorance and ignore her. Hope your dh can see how unreasonable she is being.

midnightagents · 02/08/2014 18:33

I'm constantly getting turned down for places to rent when I say we want a cat, we're on working tax credit too. It makes me so upset, we work hard and are always on time with rent, but even the most scruffiest of places turn us down :( some of those landlords own multiple properties too, so our rent would be a drop in the ocean of their income, but would be everything to us.

Sorry this isn't me answering your question, just me ranting. Yanbu IMO (obviously). Just because your on tax credits doesn't make you a second class citizen, you should have the exact same rights when it comes to pet ownership and what you do with your money, tell mil to jog on.

ilovechristmas1 · 02/08/2014 18:41

a large majority of familys across the UK are on some sort of state benefit should we all not have a pet

are pets only for the rich and priviledged ask her Grin

Darkesteyes · 02/08/2014 18:46

Your MIL sounds like my DM.
Last weekend she said that people are using foodbanks because they don't want to work. Confused Angry

Thefishewife · 02/08/2014 18:50

As long as you never complain you don't have enough money and you can afford it

Sicaq · 02/08/2014 18:59

I came on to make the same point that SinisterBuggy already made. Presumably your MIL is one of the minority of people who is a net contributor to state finances, and has never claimed a penny? Did she return her child benefit? Will she refuse her state pension and free bus pass and heating allowance?

Tel her to keep her damn nose out.

SoonToBeSix · 02/08/2014 19:03

Irrelevant but you are really on benefits in the traditional sense anyway. Disability payments and CB not out of work benefits. Also tax credits were not introduced as benefits but as a top up to low wages.
Although if you were out of work your MIL is still wrong.

MorphineDreams · 02/08/2014 19:08

Get your cat. Will be good for you and your DC. Just make sure as other people have said you factor in insurance

Beautifullymixed · 03/08/2014 17:18

OP is this problem really about how you feel inside about your situation?

You do not have to justify your finances to anyone and that includes family.

Ask your mil to politely stop bringing this up as it's not her bloody business it doesn't concern her, and enjoy your family, including the cat.

edamsavestheday · 03/08/2014 17:27

tell your MIL to fuck off. And get the cat to throw up on her.

dancingwithmyselfandthecat · 03/08/2014 17:41

The key question is whether the cat minds living on benefits. Cats are masters of their own destiny after all.

So long as the cat doesn't mind, no-one else should either.

Beautifullymixed · 03/08/2014 17:44

dancing

Grin Grin

kinkyfuckery · 03/08/2014 17:44

I'm fucked then. We now have two cats (and a fish!)

If you can afford it within your budget, go ahead.

ICanSeeTheSun · 03/08/2014 17:49

As long as you can afford normal cost and the pet insurance then that's all that matters.

x2boys · 03/08/2014 18:07

I wouldn't own a cat wether I was on benefits or not but that only because I am very allergic to their fur! Of course yanbu !

missymayhemsmum · 03/08/2014 19:32

As a form of entertainment for your kids, a cat is a cheap option! If you were talking about 5 cats, 3 dogs and a pony, your MIL might have a point.

DizzyKipper · 03/08/2014 19:37

Anyone who tries to dictate to people on benefits that they should live in humble,endless, self-denying poverty is a scumbag.

^^ This. You're already denying yourselves a lot of what other people would consider "essentials". Pets can bring so much pleasure to your life, t is really mean spirited to think that just because some one is getting benefits they should forego all pleasures and happiness. Would she like it better if you spent your time in rags on the street corner with a large sign declaring that you're on benefits and prostrating yourself loudly to the whole community?