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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To want to adopt a cat amidst all this??

45 replies

Honesttodog · 22/03/2020 09:34

We couldn’t before because we had a few holidays booked meaning we wouldn’t be home for 8 weeks while the cat settled in. CElia H said they needed this plus injections at 4 and 8 weeks. Am now feeling quite stressed about elderly family and longing for a cat for comfort distraction and to cheer up the kids.

Please tell me all the reasons why this is a crazy idea

OP posts:

Blackbear19 · 22/03/2020 09:41

I suggested a furry friend to DH yesterday who replied "Pets are for life not just viruses".

I'm just not sure of the idea. I did look at what the local animal shelter had online. But not convinced about the idea.

Igotthemheavyboobs · 22/03/2020 09:45

My cats have been great comfort to me over the past 2 weeks, I talk to them whilst dp is at work.

However I am also stressing a lot about getting them their food, thinking up alternative ways to feed them if I can't get it.

thecatneuterer · 22/03/2020 09:50

I'm from Celia Hammonds. We certainly don't say you have to be at home for two months after adopting. You have to be able to keep a cat indoors for three weeks - that's it.

More cats than usual are already coming into charities as a result of this crisis, and of course kitten season is now upon us. Without people continuing to adopt we will no longer but able to help any new cats/kittens. Our systems are having to change to observe social distancing, and general browsing of cats around the centres will no longer be possible, but I think most charities will hope to continue to facilitate adoptions by one means or another.

PersonaNonGarter · 22/03/2020 09:52

Great idea.

Eireni · 22/03/2020 09:52

If you are in it for the long term and this is a convenient interlude for settling in - then YANBU at all, and please please do.

During the financial crisis rehoming centres filled up within weeks, they are bracing themselves now. Some cat centres especially are already full anyway.

ChocoBanana · 22/03/2020 09:52

I have been so grateful for my cats as we go into social isolation - if you think you can provide a suitable home for them go for it. If your 'normal' life means you're away from the house a lot get a pair of kittens or bonded adult cats from a shelter.

Ruby8719 · 22/03/2020 09:54

If you were going to get one anyway then yes still adopt. The vaccinations should be done already by most charities? 😊

Animal charities still need people to adopt as they’ll have waiting lists bigger than ever for animals that need a place in the shelter.
Also perfect time to help your new pet settle in if you’re at home.

Please bear in mind depending on the cats personality it might not provide a source of entertainment for your children. Get a cat for the cats sake not for your children’s. Appreciate it could cheer them up though so see your point there.
Remember depending on age this is a commitment of potentially 20 years.

Rockbird · 22/03/2020 09:54

Our local CP said they were halting all adoptions until this is over. Personally think it's a great idea but I'm also a bit worried about food etc, especially as they're fussy buggers

NorthernBirdAtHeart · 22/03/2020 09:54

It’s really not a crazy idea at all! The cat has been a continued source of amusement, and love. My DD’s spend hours playing with her and the cat is a wonderful distraction from what’s going on in the real world. I say go for it OP! 😻

thecatneuterer · 22/03/2020 09:55

And as far as the 'pets are for life and not just for viruses' goes - they have a point. However it could be that charities will forced to consider homing temporarily to people who are willing to take on a cat/kittens just for this period, in order to enable the centres to continue to function. Then, after the crisis, if it is no longer practical to keep the cat/s they could aim to take in/rehome. This is a new and desperate situation, and many new practices and solutions will need to be considered.

mistermagpie · 22/03/2020 09:55

I'm a cat person (currently have two) and think it's a good idea. Charities need people to adopt pets because their staff might be off sick or in isolation so it's good to keep adoptions happening. As long as you're in it for life obviously. My cats are delighted about isolation, they love having us all around!

sonjadog · 22/03/2020 09:55

A friend of mine got a puppy the day before the country closed down (not in UK). I think it was probably the best time ever to get a puppy. She and her partner will now be at home with the puppy for weeks, the puppy will take their minds off things, etc. I say go for it.

SushiGo · 22/03/2020 09:57

Me too! Our previous pet died a month ago and we had said we would 6 months before getting a new pet but now that we are home all the time it feels like we should just go for it now?

I might email the rescue now...

bobstersmum · 22/03/2020 09:59

We adopted a 3 month old kitten from our local rescue about a month ago, she's settled in just lovely and already is the boss of us all! So glad we took the plunge, the kids love her, she amuses us and she's very spoilt.

thecatneuterer · 22/03/2020 10:00

OP please PM me if you wish to discuss further (i'm with Canning Town branch)

grudieabbey · 22/03/2020 10:17

It’s a great idea. As long as you are able to devote time to the animal after the crisis is over, go for it. You’ll be great for each other.

happyandsingle · 22/03/2020 10:30

Go for it.Im so grateful I have my rescue kitty right now like others said shes a great source of comfort.

Meruem · 22/03/2020 10:32

I was at the vets on Friday and the receptionist was telling me that pet adoptions have shot up. I think a lot of people are having the same idea. I think if it's something you wanted anyway and it was just circumstances stopping you before, then go for it.

We have two cats (got them a few months ago) and they are really good at taking our minds off the current situation. Animals don't know we're in the grip of a pandemic! So they bring some normality to life.

Rainbowunicat · 22/03/2020 10:38

I'm glad you've posted this OP, we're seriously considering adopting a dog. We've wanted one for a very long time but worried about someone being home to take care of it. We're now going to be home for months so it's an ideal time for a pet to settle in, and I honestly believe my DH will be working from home even more than he does now when all this is over, as his company realises how smoothly it can run.

I grew up with dogs, and I've always wanted my children to have the same experiences. Learning about pet care will be interesting for them and it will entice them into the garden, I'm sure.

Interested to hear other people's opinions on this.

tangledyarn · 22/03/2020 10:39

Yeah totally if you wanted a pet before and it's a long term commitment I'd think it was a great time to bond with them and really good for mental health.

AmaryllisNightAndDay · 22/03/2020 10:47

I have a cat, and it's a lovely idea, but I wouldn't right now. You may not be able to get a vet when you need one. Like most other things supplies of cat food litter etc are a bit unreliable just now - you'd need extra deliveries from a pet supplier, or they may or may not turn up from the supermarket. (So far I'm finding that there is food though not our usual brands) And if you got ill, or your children got ill, the kitten is an extra responsibility. I would wait a bit, see how things settle.

FairyBunnyAgain · 22/03/2020 10:52

Our 2 were rescued by the C Hammond Trust, and are certainly helping to lift the mood in this house.

wonkytonkwoman · 22/03/2020 10:55

If you're a cat person, I would. My Dcat loves it when I'm at home as she's an indoor cat by breed and now has serious heart condition but in truth I get more from her than she gets from me human grade cat food notwithstanding

I've been able to get cat food and litter without too much trouble. Also my vet is going to stay open and will offer an emergency service (treat at home, in the car etc if necessary).

AlCalavicci · 22/03/2020 10:55

Would you consider fostering a cat ? you would have the benefit of having a cat but without the very long term commitment.
It would also relive some of the pressure from the rescue centres

LottieRose92 · 22/03/2020 10:57

DO IT, cats are very easy and lovable. Kittens have to be kept in until they have had injections but lots of older cats need home (I adopted two adults cats) and are so lovely and such good company. I kept mine in for six weeks so they knew us well and now we are all one big happy family. Unlike dogs you won’t have to feel guilty after quarantine when you back to work/normal life as they are very independent. I’m bias but I’d say get two!

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