Is this wrong after DM died?

[Ab4925]

Back in 2017 my landlord sold my flat and I moved back to live with DM to save for deposit for a house. Me and DM are very close.

Around this time a small local cat started to visit our house and me and DM found him very amusing as he’d jump through windows etc.. to visit us. We did not feed him but enjoyed his company.

This carried on until 2020, at which point in March 2020 I went away for a weekend to visit friends, and during my trip received a phone call to say DM had collapsed suddenly and die at 65.

The parademics told me the cat had sat her side and guarded her until we found DM and suggested we contact RSPCA. I told them no as he is a neighbour’s cat a few doors down and has a home.

That night the coroners came to take the body and for the first time I allowed the cat to stay as I was alone in the house and extremely distraught.

I awoke at 2am and the realisation of DM’s death hit me and I was about to completely break down in hysterics, when I saw two eyes staring back at me on the bed, and not wanting to frighten the cat I lay back down to sleep - the worst night of my life.

Two weeks later we went into lockdown during which time I bearly left my bed and I stank, not eating or washing etc…

The cat sat outside my bedroom window crying. Because of the cat I got out of bed and started functioning again.

Everyday since this cat has been my support animal and I do now feed him and treat him as my own.

I know this is bad but I was desperate and alone.

Now my home is being sold (not my choice) and Im moving 60 miles away because I can’t live here anymore.

I can’t face losing this cat - my best friend and only family - but I know his owners have children.

AIBU to ask them can I keep their cat? If you think I ANBU how would ask them?

I would never steal him.

Wishing you all happiness as you start afresh, OP

Wishing you all the best whatever you decide OP.

Op, you sound so lovely and wise. I am so very sorry for your loss and I really hope your new life in a new place is everything you want and need.
Good Luck

OP, I agree that this very special cat came into your life for a reason.
I think it would be great to speak / write to the owners & let them know you are moving & then you can keep in touch from a distance.
Once you are settled in your new home, you can consider whether to rehome an elderly cat from a shelter (passing on the love) knowing that 'current' cat has settled without you, or if he doesn't then his current owners would have a way of letting you know so you have option.
Spending more time 'out there' is a great ambition. I know this is something I need to do for myself (one day) & it's not easy.
But there is a time and a season for all things and your comment about 'you can't see the whole situation if you only listen to what you want to hear' is exceptionally wise. You are going to be just fine xxx

@2bazookas

Just go and ask. They may happily accept.

We got a rescue cat who politely but coldly made it clear we were the last family on earth she would have chosen to live with. Too many pets, children, dogs , people. She spent everyday sulking on an outside windowsill. After a week, she transferred herself to the outside windowsill of my petless childless neighbour. One day neighbour came over to say " I felt really sorry for your cat so I let her in and now she always wants to come in and I really really love her, could I possibly ..buy her off you? " Of course I wouldn't take any money; she got the cat; every one happy.

That's so sweet! I know of cats that abandon a house filled with children/other pets to live in a quiet home.

My rescue cat would much prefer to live in a child free dog free house tough shit they were all here first and as she's a genuine rescue case (was a very under weight stray kitten caught by the charity) I tell her to suck it up and not be a princess!

Wishing you all
The best OP. Did you manage to speak / write to the owners?