Rehoming our 2 cats

[holleeamara]

2 years ago me and my partner rescued 2 cats. 3 months ago we found out I was pregnant despite being on the Depo shot. We’ve decided to keep it, as I had an abortion in the past (previous relationship) and regretted it deeply. Our landlord is now about to evict us, due to him selling the property. We have been trying to move out for the past year anyway, due to living in a tiny 1 bed flat. And for the past year was always turned down due to having pets. We just said we’d wait and hopefully find somewhere that allows pets. But, now due to being pregnant and our 3 month notice looming.. I suggested we may have to rehome the cats, in order to find a property that 1. Is big enough for the 3 of us, and 2. We are looking like we are going to be homeless otherwise. I understand pets are a lifelong commitment, yaddah yaddah yaddah, but my unborn child comes before me, comes before anyone! And definitely comes before the cats. I even suggested they go to live with his mother who’s happy to take them, but he won’t allow that either. I feel really stumped and confused as I’d be willing to do anything for this life I have created.. but I don’t think he feels the same. We have even tried giving landlords extra deposit in order to have the cats but they refuse. I feel like this is now our only option. (We don’t qualify for council/social housing, btw)

How convenient that you’re going to be evicted just as a new baby comes along.

To me it seems like the typical wanting to get rid of the cats now a shiny new baby is coming along to replace them.

But no-one would support that idea, so best to throw in a potential eviction to gain support

Exactly.

It’s also a very flippant dismissal of them.

Maybe because rescues are full of animals which owners have got rid of because a baby has come into the equation.

Needing to move just seems like a convenient excuse to gain support.

Especially since the reality is that you just move in with the cats and pretend otherwise. The law is in the tenant’s interest and the cats can be outside or elsewhere for any inspections.

I have a dog and rent. Yes it was harder to find somewhere but far from impossible. Depends on the area though. Thankfully buying next year as it is problematic finding somewhere. I wouldn’t rehome my dog no matter what, but in your case you have a good option in his mother taking the cats. What is his plan?

If you don't believe the OP, report the post or scroll on.

Oh don’t be stupid. Of course the baby comes before the cats.

I live in Kent. There’s 188 properties for rent on a quick search that allows pets

Which is not the ‘gotcha’ you think that it is.

When you actually ring up, many will be already gone. Others will go before you can arrange a viewing. Others will have multiple people viewing them and it’s potluck if you are chosen.

The boyfriend refusing the solution of the cats going to his mother is his problem to figure out, as he said.
Leave him to figure out a different solution since he doesn't like the one on offer.

I’m not saying it’s a gotcha moment. I just found it odd as I know people who rent who have pets. And that’s only a quick look on zoopla.

But if the landlord doesn't know theyn, when/if they find out, they are very unlikely to be able to use it as grounds for eviction.

In many local authorities being rehomed after eviction means being in temporary accomodation, like a B and B hotel. Unlikely to be allowed to take pets.

Best bet is to negotiate with his mother, and see if she can at least take the cats on a temporary basis, hoping that in time you will have somewhere more permanent.

I would rehome your partner at the same time, he sounds controlling. Don’t suggest he goes back to his mother though or he will eye the cats.

Yes, so do I. I also know the rental market at the moment is dire. Even if you’re not in the south east.

I was in a very similar situation, 3 kids, 2 dogs and a cat. Landlord intended to sell, no one was willing to rent to me with animals even with references from current landlord stating no issues with dogs or cat.

Local council got me a house just before eviction date ☺️ if they didn’t we would have been given temp housing.

I am just about to take my ds’s cat because he and his partner have been looking for a cat friendly flat for 4 months. It’s absolute bollocks to say it’s easy to find one.

What a shitty comment!
I take it you're securely housed then.

Eh? Did you read the part about The OP being on 3 month eviction notice?

Why would she need an excuse to gain "support" from random anonymous forum users? How would that help her?

Bizarre and nasty posts on here.

He sounds like a bit of an idiot, tbh. Imagine prioritising wanting to keep two cats over the safety and wellbeing of your pregnant partner. Unacceptable behaviour on his behalf.

And of course the baby must come before any pets. Only someone who was absolutely insane would try to pretend otherwise - so those nutty opinions can be safely ignored.

Not sure what you can do about his poor behaviour though. Is his mother more intelligent and sensible? Can she make him see reality?

Wholeheartedly disagree. I think the opinion that you can just ditch two animals that you having willingly taken responsibility for, is unacceptable. And I think it’s insane, not to mention entirely selfish, to pretend otherwise. Yours is the nutty opinion that can safely be ignored. Life with animals when you rent can be more challenging, I agree. But it IS absolutely possible, if you are bothered enough. I know, because I’ve done it, lots of times. And if my DH suggested leaving our animals? I’d leave him instead.

Isn't it great that I didn't say that or imply it and OP didn't either.

I think you're responding to the wrong thread. Nothing more to add. Bye :)

It's so tough OP and this is exactly why animal charities are putting pressure on the government for a renters reform bill to encourage more landlords to allow pets. Pets are part of the family! It does sound like a tough situation, I would re-home them in your situation and I work in animal rescue.

You can’t look after two cats … yet you’re bringing another human into the world?

@AutumnalPieChomperi don’t know what planet you live on but it is absolutely impossible to find somewhere that allows pets. It’s very difficult to find rental accommodation period nowadays, the government made it so difficult to be a landlord virtually nobody wants to do it anymore.

Landlords don't generally make a "no babies allowed" stipulation.

Try to keep up.