Apparently I shouldn't have a cat because i'm disabled and need to use the PDSA

[Tobythecat]

I'm a bit upset, i'm autistic and moved out of parents home a few years ago and decided to get a cat for company as I'm unable to work as i'm autistic. The cat was a stray and a family member had to get rid of him as his other cat wasn't getting on with him, so I took him in and he's such a lovely cat.

I use the PDSA for his treatment as i'm on a low income, and my "friend" said that I shouldn't have a cat because I rely on a charity for his treatment.

My lovely cat means the world to me, but because of the misfortune of me being autistic and unable to work, I should be denied the love and company of a pet? He brings me so much joy. I always donate for his treatment.

The cat is better of with you in a loving home than dumped in a rescue or left on the street.

I support the PDSA in order to support caring owners that otherwise would not have the comfort of a pet.

Your cat is a better friend to you than this 'friend', tell them to get lost. Some people have their head firmly up their arse and have no empathy.

Would also like to see a photo of your cat.

Thank you for this post, I will be donating to the PDSA now.

I can't actually understand your friends thinking. The PDSA choose to offer the service and I love. love. love the fact that a stray has found a loving home. We got our two from Battersea and their lives could have been so different.

If puss is happy and you're able to look after him/her I really cannot see a problem.

The only people who shouldn’t have animals are those who don’t care for them and from what I’ve see humans are capable of neglect and cruelty regardless of their income. Enjoy your cat, dump your friend ;)

Someone taking in a stray that would otherwise be roaming free and not neutered saves animal charities thousands of pounds! All those litters that could have been produced would have created a lot more cats needed homes and vet care - your friend is very short sighted. Luckily the pdsa are not

Not much of a “friend” your cat needed a new loving home and you gave it one and yourself companyit’s a good thing. The only thing unfortunate in this situation is your so called friends attitude. Enjoy your time with your kitty there great company.

I think your 'friend' shouldn't have a kind caring friend like you!! And you should have a cat that is being loved and cared for. Don't listen to them and continue to love and enjoy your real friend

Tell your 'friend' to fuck off and enjoy kitty.

P.s I am writing this whilst watching my toddler and cat play happily in the garden together.

Your 'friend' sounds pretty mean.

Ignore your friend. They are being very rude.

Enjoy your lovely cat. I prefer the company of animals to people anyway.

Your friend is obviously being completely unreasonable, OP. Don't think about allowing yourself to think s/he might not be.

Yanbu, why do they think the PDSA exists? There are people who think that if you are on benefits you should be grateful to sit in the dark with a candle & bread and water.

Your friend is an idiot. As long as you love the cat and do your best for him, you should have a cat. I'd rather someone use the PDSA and give their pet love, than have all the money in the world and neglect their pet.

That's appalling and so unfair. Enjoy your lovely cat and take care

Your cat has a loving home, and you have company and affection. Sounds like a win/win situation to me, but then I wouldn't be without mine for anything. Unless you're very unlucky, your cat shouldn't need too much treatment anyway.

If your friend doesn't think that charities should cover vets bills for people who cannot afford them, she is free not to donate to them.

What right does she have to tell anyone else what charities they can donate to? Obviously anyone who gives money to the PDSA is happy to do so!

Dump your friend, keep the cat.

Why can't you work because you're autistic?

Oh it's your friend saying it? Dismiss with a 'yes dear' and a wave of your hand. I thought this was going to be about a new Tory stategy to kick when they're down/kill off the ill and poor.

You have a very rude so called friend.

there are some people who want everybody on benefits to be utterly destitute and having nothing after dry toast and water.

Saw this myself when I was 100% responsible for two children and on benefits. A lot of condemnation came MY way. Oh you bought yourself a JUMPER did you??! very nice.

Some people are so discontented that they need a clearly defined rung beneath them on the social scale. THey need that rung to be clearly and distinctly identifiably beneath them. And they need to know that you never have any pleasure, ever. Otherwise in their own twisted brains, it's not fair.

In their minds, ''fair'' equals, there need to be others suffering hardships.

Fucked up! TELLS YOU so much about these people really early on when they reveal themselves without batting an eyelid, as they usually do quite quickly and quite unapologetically too!

Why can't you work because you're autistic?

Is that a genuine question?

I have a child with autism who may never be able to live independently although we still strive for that. Some people with autism can lead relatively 'normal' lives and some can't - not really relevant to the cat though.

I’m not an animal person at all, but even I can say your friend is talking utter codswallop!

The PDSA raises money to help care for pets, that’s the whole point! One of its advertising slogans goes along the lines of ‘help us to help vets help pets’

Ignore her and enjoy your cat.

I donate to the PDSA this is exactly what I want my money spent on.