Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

145 replies

Tobythecat · 22/03/2018 11:25

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.

OP posts:
MorningsEleven · 22/03/2018 16:33

The benefits of pets cannot be underestimated. I've a kid with depression and anxiety who is being assessed for ASD. We have a dog and the bond between them is incredible. When she goes to bed he'll sit on the armchair in her room and watch her.
It's not selfish or wrong to use a charity when both you and your pet are benefiting from being together.

Want2beme · 22/03/2018 16:37

What a beautiful boy. So glad you have a lovely furry companion. I have 2 little overlords and wouldn't be without cats in my life.

That person who said that to you was wrong and really insensitive. I always think of the pets who get treatment from the PDSA, RSPCA, etc, are living with people who need assistance with their care. You make a donation, which is a lovely thing to do. Thank goodness for such organisations/charities.

TerfsUp · 22/03/2018 16:38

A tuxedo boy! My favourite. (Along with tabbies.) He's very handsome.

As others have said: the PDSA is for people on low incomes so that they're pets can have access to veterinary services.

Nanny67 · 22/03/2018 16:38

Oh he is just adorable!!!!

Cantwait4summer · 22/03/2018 16:40

What a gorgeous cat you have !!
You both deserve each other
Enjoy your feline company ( glad to hear you've made a wise decision to.distance yourself from 'friend')

Daifuku9 · 22/03/2018 16:53

There are opinions, and then there are just asshat things to say.
Your sweet kitty is so handsome looks so cuddly!
Absolutely you should have a pet. They are great company and are therapeutic, especially for those with autism. My son has Asperger’s and when our cat (then a stray) found us, it was a blessing to us all. He’s a tuxedo cat like yours. Smile

fleshmarketclose · 22/03/2018 17:01

Lovely cat, my two dc have autism and our dog is a constant source of pleasure to them and helps enormously to bring their stress levels down. I'm really glad you have a cat to bring you some joy too and next time I'm in our vets I will pop a fiver in the PDSA collection box they have there in honour of your cat.

MissPiggysKarateChop · 22/03/2018 17:07

@Tobythecat your cat is just gorgeous and I'm sure he considers YOU very lucky to have found him (my cat certainly believe I am her minion). He is lucky to have you too though, someone who loves him and takes care of him. I know you have realised this by now with all the replies but I'll say it any way; your friend is talking absolutely nonsense. You and your cat enjoy the servitude he has permitted you Wink Grin

YellowMakesMeSmile · 22/03/2018 17:13

I don't think charities should have to subsidise vets bills because owners don't pay them, however I'd never see an animal suffer so it's catch 22.

UpstartCrow · 22/03/2018 17:17

You have a Tuxedo cat! You have to get him a bow tie Grin

gussyfinknottle · 22/03/2018 17:17

A tuxie boy!! He's gorgeous. Face full of expression. We have a tuxie girl. They are wonderful. Please show him on The Litter Tray. And ask any cat question you like on there.

LanguidLobster · 22/03/2018 17:20

Toby no, ignore friend. You and cat are happy which is all that matters.

YouCantBeSirius · 22/03/2018 17:21

Your cat is lovely OP. I've used the PDSA in the past when I claimed benefits and they are a wonderful charity. Now I donate money to them to help other pets.

Springtrolls · 22/03/2018 17:36

Pdsa, cats protection, rspca are all there to help when needed.
Circumstances change and without these charities pets would suffer when the owners financial circumstances change.

NFATR · 22/03/2018 17:43

I actually agree with the sentiment here...but if someone posted an "aibu to get a pet I can't afford to look after myself" they would get absolutely slaughtered on here, and told they were the worse human alive.
Look at your double standards, people.

AlpacaPicnic · 22/03/2018 17:48

"Slightly pissed off" is a cats default face...

There's a bit of a difference between not being able to afford to look after a cat and using subsidised treatment. Can you afford to feed the kitty? He looks super healthy so you're doing a great job !

BustopherJones · 22/03/2018 17:49

Lovely cat, OP. It’s wonderful you were able to take him in. The PDSA is there so people can do things like that. People who have the funds but are not able to care for the animals themselves donate so those who are able to care for the animals but don’t have the funds are able to. If people don’t agree with this then they don’t have to donate.

It’s nobody’s business as to the specific ways autism means they can’t work. It’s really irrelevant to the question.

abbsisspartacus · 22/03/2018 17:55

I bought two cats then I lost my job people expected me to get rid of them I didn't I used a mix of pdsa and paying when I could afford it they are there for a reason

BishopBrennansArse · 22/03/2018 17:55

Tell friend to go fuck themselves

SandysMam · 22/03/2018 17:56

Toby, I have followed your posts regularly on MN. You sound like a lovely kind person and deserve your cat. You are exactly why people support the PDSA and sure they would be delighted to know how much they can help you. Pets are so much more than animals. Enjoy your cat, who I hope is called Toby!

MinisterforCheekyFuckery · 22/03/2018 17:56

Your cat is gorgeous and you sound like a lovely, caring owner. I don't see how your "friend" could be anything but happy that you two have each other.

The PDSA are there for this very purpose and people willingly donate to them knowing that this is how the money will be used. You shouldn't feel bad about using their service.

dontbesillyhenry · 22/03/2018 17:58

I agree as well. But thank goodness there are charities that feel differently. Plus just because someone couldn't afford 300 quids worth of vets bills if something was to unexpectedly go wrong doesn't mean they will be a feckless owner

PositivelyPERF · 22/03/2018 18:01

I don’t know why people are whining about pet owners using charities as it has no effect on others whatsoever. It is a charity that is run by kind donations from generous people. The users are’t dipping into your personal bank account.

Corneliasedet · 22/03/2018 18:03

What a very handsome cat. Black and white cats are naturally the best!

Ignore your ‘friend’. S/he is talking nonsense and enjoy your cat who with your care and attention will be a happier cat than lots around the world. What a lucky cat.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 22/03/2018 18:07

Gorgeous pusscat there OP, looks like you're expected to open those packets though!

Swipe left for the next trending thread