To adopt a kitten I can't look after?

[kittencatmeow]

I absolutely cannot manage a pet myself. I'm not an animal person and my OCD just wouldn't handle it plus our home isn't really pet friendly (high building, small flat)

DS (6) on the other hand adores animals, wants to be a vet and loves helping relatives and friends care for theirs

Friend has just had kittens (her cat actually) she once mentioned that she might keep one next time, and my son could "own it" living at theirs

She lives literally over the road and has several animals.

She may or may not actually decide to keep any kittens as obviously it's extra work for her

But IF she did... and it was "my DS cat" that lived over the road... I don't think she will be totally honest about how much it may cost, she's the type of person who does herself over sometimes by giving far too much of herself... how much should I consider I should budget, what would DS need to be responsible for, vet bills, food, bedding, toys etc...

And can cats ever safely visit other homes? Like could it ever come to stay for brief periods of time? Or would that totally confuse it?

Just wondering so I can clue up in case she does decide to keep one we can adopt...

Yes there are PAT dogs which are assessed as ‘bomb proof’ - I know someone who used to take theirs to local care homes. It may be worth contacting them and see if one of the owners would be willing to accommodate you

For what it’s worth, I think you sound lovely...

Contact your local dog training club, someone may be willing to help.

It’s nice that you want to do this for your son but honestly loads of children are animal mad but can’t have a pet. If you don’t want one he won’t be horribly deprived.
I think it’s worse to say ‘this is your pet, but it can’t live with us or visit us and if either of us move you’ll never see it again’.

I think your getting into very confusing territory. If the cat gets ill and needs an operation for hundreds of pounds who's responsible? I think your son will get more hurt through this situation if you fall out with her and they no longer let your son see the cat. I think your intentions to try and make your son happy and so lovely but I think he is better off helping other people with their pets. X

No there aren't lots of medical decisions to make. We had ours neutered (quite expensive actually, about £70 at our vets), but after that, it would need worming and de-fleaing. You would have to have it neutered though otherwise the boys spray and the girls might get pregnant.

I'd look at something like Borrow My Doggy. What you're suggesting with the kitten is a terrible idea, I'm afraid.