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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder if I should try to rehome pets

88 replies

terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:05

Contentious subject, I know.

Please try to tell me what you would do if you were me.

Until four years ago, I was doing really well, on top of everything, then things went tits up due to the trauma of a false allegation and not only did I lose my job, friends and home but I lost what felt like my identity too.

I worked in a different field and sort of had things sorted. My cats have been my constant source of companionship.

Now I have a real opportunity to start over. Abroad.

I’m desperate to go but I don’t know what to do about cats.

Should I rehome?

OP posts:
ScreamingValenta · 02/04/2018 14:07

How far away are you going? Is it an area covered by the pet passport scheme?

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:09

I’m not sure but in any event being totally frank I don’t think I’d be able to afford somewhere alone to start with. In time, yes, possibly, but initially I’d be living in accommodation supplied by the employer.

OP posts:
Idontdowindows · 02/04/2018 14:09

And what does your employer say about pets in the accommodation and what type of accommodation is it?

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:11

Pets aren’t permitted

OP posts:
NewYearNewMe18 · 02/04/2018 14:12

Can family take the cats, you get settled, and reclaim them later?

If this is a life changing opportunity, then I would rehome them, responsibly.

ScreamingValenta · 02/04/2018 14:12

So taking them with you is definitely not an option, at least to begin with Sad. Do you have any friends/family who could rehome them on a temporary-possibly-permanent basis, so you could still visit and possibly take them at a later date when you're settled?

LostInShoebiz · 02/04/2018 14:12

Rehoming is never ideal but compared to a new start and regaining your life again, it's a small price to pay.

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:14

I don’t have any family at all (it’s one of the reasons things went all wrong) and any friends either have dogs or cats already if you see what I mean Sad

OP posts:
AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 02/04/2018 14:15

If the job abroad didn't work out, and you'd rehomed the cats, you wouldn't be able to get them back again. How would you feel then?

It's also worth mentioning that cat rescue centres are overflowing with unwanted and stray cats, and even finding a shelter that is able to take them may be tricky. Private rehoming to someone who you don't already know is invariably a bad idea as you don't have the resources or contacts to be able to vet them properly. Many a cat has ended up with an animal hoarder, or as dog bait, that way.

Speak to the employer and tell them that you have cats and would need to bring them with you, so the accommodation would need to be suitable. If that doesn't work out, try the local equivalent of Spareroom.co.uk

Which country are you looking at moving to?

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:17

There’s no way I could take my pets with me: I just couldn’t afford it for starters.

I know the situation re rescues - it’s awful Sad And one cat is pretty elderly.

OP posts:
SanFranBear · 02/04/2018 14:17

How many cats?

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:17

Two cats

OP posts:
GrumpyPantz · 02/04/2018 14:18

When you were having a hard time your cats were there for you, and now you just want to dump them because it's no longer convenient for you. Please rehome your cats - you don't deserve the love of a pet.

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:23

Not very helpful!

OP posts:
abigailsnan · 02/04/2018 14:24

If you really want to get a new start it looks like you will have to seriously consider having your cats adopted into a loving family.
To consider taking them with you will cost a lot of money for the testing and microchipping for their passports and you have to wait 6mths ?? for the blood tests to show negative I think so it may interupt you timescale.
Cats protection or RSPCA may be able to steer you in the right direction and you can go and check on the homes your pets would be placed .

NewYearNewMe18 · 02/04/2018 14:26

Don't pay attention. You have to do whats best for you in the long term.

If you go to one of your local facebook pages, or vets, they often have a rehoming service which doesn't mean the cats will be languishing in a cattery. Often oldee folks like to foster cats, they cant take on the full responsibility. That may be worth investigating

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:27

Thank you. I will look into that

OP posts:
chemenger · 02/04/2018 14:27

Get in touch with your local Cat Protection branch. They can help you find an adopter, and will do a home visit for you to check they are suitable. We do this all the time for people, no questions asked. It will be easier if all vaccinations are up to date, so get that done asap. Well socialised cats with a known background should not take too long to regime in my experience.

Original poster
terrinesea · 02/04/2018 14:28

Really chem? I hope not Sad

OP posts:
chemenger · 02/04/2018 14:28

Rehome not regime. Stupid autocorrect.

abigailsnan · 02/04/2018 14:28

grumpypants not much empathy there is there ? at least the OPs is thinking of her pets and not just abandoning them as such a lot of people do.

JennyOnAPlate · 02/04/2018 14:29

Could a friend have them if you continue to pay for their upkeep? I would do that for a friend.

ScreamingValenta · 02/04/2018 14:30

I agree a rescue centre is your best option, in that case. I hope your new start works out well for you.

Oddcat · 02/04/2018 14:31

I would regime them if I were you. Sounds as if a fresh start is just what you need.

Oddcat · 02/04/2018 14:32

Regime ?? Rehome

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