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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to get a kitten, even though I won't have anything to do with it?

174 replies

OkMaybeNot · 11/07/2018 14:37

The kids are absolutely desperate for a kitten and some have just come up for sale in my area. They've had a really shit time of it lately... My mum died, their uncle died and DH has just come out the other side of a horrible depression/anxiety fog that put so much strain on all of us. I think a kitten will really lift their spirits a bit. We don't have any other pets.

Thing is I won't be able to touch it because I'm really allergic. So no kitten cuddles Sad

I'll be fine with an antihistamine and avoiding too much contact so I don't feel I'm really an issue, but the cat will be spending most of its time with me in the house once DD's off to school in September, so will me not being able to give it loads of love and snuggles going to affect it? Will it be sad?

OP posts:
FASH84 · 11/07/2018 14:38

You could get one of the really weird looking hairless cats?

Wolfiefan · 11/07/2018 14:39

That's a bloody stupid idea. Your kids won't feed it and take it to the vets and do the litter tray. If you're allergic you will end up having to rehome it anyway. Not touching it won't stop you reacting.

Wolfiefan · 11/07/2018 14:40

Not a hairless cat either. It's not necessarily the hair you're allergic to.

Puzzletta · 11/07/2018 14:40

I would get an older rescue cat, maybe about 2-3 years old, not a kitten.

Kittens need lots of attention all day (plus they can't go outside until they're six months) so it wouldn't really be fair on it. It could end up with socialisation problems.

TwoBlueShoes · 11/07/2018 14:41

I dunno. I have cats and their hair is everywhere. Kittens are such hard work too. I think a trip out for the day is a better idea.

PepperAndPops · 11/07/2018 14:41

Can you not get a different pet that your not allergic to?

Original poster
OkMaybeNot · 11/07/2018 14:42

I'm actually fine as long as I'm careful to wash my hands regularly and not touch my face after handling it, as well as my daily antihistamine (I've other allergies as well). I'll be able to feed it and take it to the vet, it'll be looked after, and I'd never rehome.

More concerned about it wanting lots of affection I can't give during school hours.

OP posts:
Imknackeredzzz · 11/07/2018 14:42

Sorry absolutely ridiculous idea- having a kitten is bloody hard work. You won’t be able to just “not touch it” it isn’t that simple.

If you really must get one (although still maintain it’s silly) then get an older housetrained rescue cat who doesn’t need the 1 on 1 attention that a kitten does

Puzzletta · 11/07/2018 14:43

We got a two year old cat rather than a kitten for this reason - we both work full time so the cat is alone all day.

You can't leave a kitten to do its own thing all day.

astoundedgoat · 11/07/2018 14:43

That's a terrible idea.

It's not just touching it that will set you off - its dander and hair will be EVERYWHERE.

ConciseandNice · 11/07/2018 14:43

I’m allergic to cats and have a cat who gives me the side eye every time I go near him. The most important cuddle time is the first 10 weeks. If they are t cuddled enough then they can be a bit feral (if you see what I mean). I’m sure it’ll be fine and kitty will just wait for your dds to come home for snuggles.

Puzzletta · 11/07/2018 14:44

More concerned about it wanting lots of affection I can't give during school hours

This is exactly what kittens need - not just want, need

Get an older cat, not a kitten

ZeroFuchsGiven · 11/07/2018 14:44

It would be cruel to get a kitten to rehouse it in weeks/months time.

Bananarama12 · 11/07/2018 14:44

Oh god no. Not even an older one.

spanishwife · 11/07/2018 14:45

Please don't buy one from a breeder, rescue one!

WittyJack · 11/07/2018 14:45

Sorry OP, but no. The hair will be everywhere and you would have to take antihistamines every day. If you’re anything like me that won’t be enough, nor will all the eye drops and nose drops etc. And the kitten may or may not be fine with spending all day with someone who has to ignore it. Cats give not a single fuck for allergies or anything else!

Is there something else that you could handle? A hamster? I know it’s not the same, but you can’t make yourself ill over it.

lynmilne65 · 11/07/2018 14:45

A goat??

Tiptopj · 11/07/2018 14:45

Maybe, as they do need attention and lots of cuddles from a young age to become used to humans. Children can sometimes( unintentially) be a bit rough with animals so you may need to hold the kitten to show them how to be gentle with it otherwise you could end up with an aggressive cat.

Another option though is getting 2 kittens from the same litter. They will learn about boundaries and nice play from each other and won't rely on just you for attention during the day.
Ps if you do do this and get a girl and a boy get them nurtured or you end will definitely up with a lot of kittens😂

Original poster
OkMaybeNot · 11/07/2018 14:45

An older can might be an option.

I’m allergic to cats and have a cat who gives me the side eye every time I go near him

Do you cope with it being in the house ok? No issues with your allergy?

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 11/07/2018 14:46

You know you will be fine? Have you lived with cats before or are you guessing?
Kids can't look after a kitten. You can't either. Don't do it. Cruel and unkind.

Original poster
OkMaybeNot · 11/07/2018 14:48

A goat??

There's no room for a goat, my flatscreen TV takes up far too much room.

OP posts:
Original poster
OkMaybeNot · 11/07/2018 14:50

I have yes, we had a cat pre-DC and I actually became allergic two or three years after getting him. We had him until he died after getting run over just after DS was born Sad

OP posts:
TwoBlueShoes · 11/07/2018 14:52

Are you sure your kids aren't allergic too? These things are often heredity.
.

Original poster
OkMaybeNot · 11/07/2018 14:53

It worked ok as he mainly went to DH for affection and me to fill his bowl.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 11/07/2018 14:54

Allergies can worsen. Please don't.

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