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Original poster

Rehoming kittens....Am I doing the right thing?!

11 replies

Muddle1977 · 22/02/2018 14:18

Hi All

Now firstly please do not judge my actions.....I am just after advice and support please.

Four weeks ago I saw 2 kittens advertised for sale so I got them. I lost my last cat to poor health, 1 week short of his 19th Birthday in June last year and his brother 2 years prior again to I'll health aged 16.

Last April we adopted an ex-breeding mini Schnauzer to be part of a scheme called Brainy Dogs run by Headway to assist my eldest son who has a number of conditions. She has settled in well and is a lovely part of the family.

I have 3 kids ds 13, ds 7 and dd 2. I thought by getting 2 kittens it would be just like having my other 2 cats but how wrong was I. I should have thought about it more. Tbh I'm finding the clearing up after them, partly litter trained, and the time it takes just too much. What with sorting the kids in the morning, walking the dog and now them too. I know it's not forever but they have taken over our dining room too. Our plates are currently on shelving unit in there as we don't have much of a kitchen as waiting for a new once extension is built. They've weed on the shelves and my ironing board cover and wrecked my curtains.

To add, my 2 year old keeps picking them up and squeezing them then chucking them down. My dog is a little put out but the kittens love her.

I'm also worried about our road...it's always been a cut through but now there are 3 month of roadworks on the main road, so our road is now being use like a main road and I don't think the kittens would stand a chance.....unless they stayed in our garden (140ft)?!

We're also planning an extension so what would happen then? Also I've been diagnosed with endometriosis recently and have an MRI and colonoscopy planned and often feel exhausted.

I tried to get the kittens for the kids. Hubby didn't know but said at the time I could keep them but now thinks it's too much and shares my concerns.

I have been in contact with my local cats protection who said they'd take them in when they have room but as kittens will be make them a priority. I will happily donate all the cat items to them too.

So why do I feel so can guilty? I hate to see my kids upset but in the circumstances think it's the right thing to do....is it? I know I should never have got them in the first place but I'm a cat person and we have grown quite attached to them. I'm trying to think of what's right for the kittens.

My older cats didn't go far and we only moved here 3 years ago so the road wasn't an issue then.

OP posts:
MinorRSole · 22/02/2018 14:22

To add, my 2 year old keeps picking them up and squeezing them then chucking them down.

That's not acceptable and if you can't stop it you must rehome them.

Cats grow and develop quickly and the majority manage roads and house extensions fine so the rest of your concerns would probably be short lived but the above is not right, a 2 year old is actually strong enough to cause a lot of damage to such a small animal (without meaning to of course)

LadyDeadpool · 22/02/2018 14:23

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Original poster
Muddle1977 · 22/02/2018 14:37

MinorRsole....

Thanks for your comments. I do not let my dd just pick up squeeze and throw the kittens I, my hubby and son's try to prevent it but at times it can happen. We do tell her no but she's 2 and sadly thinks their cuddly toys. The road is a real issue for me too...its got worse.

LadyDeadpool.....

There's always one, one that gives these talk boards bad press. You do not know what I have endured in my life and yes I have made a wrong decision but would never wrongly hurt or mistreat any animal. I care for them every day and have given them a room with new beds, a tower, toys, food, drink...you name it they are well looked after and socialised throughout the day. My previous cats were from Cats Protection and lived until 16 and 19 and survived numerous house moves and health issues. I rescued our dog for my eldest and what a RIGHT decision that was. So before you start naming me as a shitty pet owner, think again!

OP posts:
MinorRSole · 22/02/2018 14:46

. The road is a real issue for me too...its got worse.

It will have done, with the main road having roadworks, but you stated this was only for 3 months. I had presumed you would be keeping the kittens in until they were neutered and therefore the roadworks would be finished?

Original poster
Muddle1977 · 22/02/2018 17:00

Yes that's true. Maybe I could have a move around this weekend to see if the kittens could have a base somewhere else in the home during the day so we get our dining room back.

OP posts:
sirlee66 · 22/02/2018 17:14

As much empathy I have for everything you have endured in your life, OP. I have to say I agree with LadyDeadpool. Animals are for life. Not for a whim.

Original poster
Muddle1977 · 22/02/2018 17:24

Sirlee66....

Yes I know having had my 2 previous cats and my dog we have now. But circumstances and health can change and surely if they are rehomed via Cats Protection it will be to a checked home. Better than offering the for sale on social media. It's whats best now for the kittens.

OP posts:
sirlee66 · 22/02/2018 17:28

Sorry, OP. You are right. Think I've judged and commented too quickly. You clearly have the kittens best interests at heart and are doing the right things to ensure they will have a happy life by rehoming them. As you said, circumstances do change.

Apologies for jumping on without engaging my brain first.

SleepingInNewYork · 22/02/2018 17:30

You know you shouldn’t have got them and at least you aren’t abandoning them. Hopefully you’ve already got the vaccinated to save the Cats Protection from spending money on that. I would also cover the cost of neutering as well.

In the meantime, I think you need to keep your children away from the kittens because they aren’t toys and it will just make things more difficult for them if anything happens and they end up not being considered suitable to be rehomed with children.

MargotLovedTom1 · 22/02/2018 17:33

Yes, you're doing the right thing by rehoming them. You are struggling, and they'd be better going to a home more suitable for them.

I don't think there's any need for vicious posts. Do you really think the OP is going to think 'Some internet random has called me shitty. I have now had a complete change of heart, my circumstances have magically changed and everything is hunky dory! The kittens are STAYING!!'
FFS!

Original poster
Muddle1977 · 22/02/2018 17:33

Also it doesn't make me a shitty pet owner, it's their welfare at the end of the day and IF I were to rehome them it's better now, after 4 weeks, than leaving it longer.

OP posts:
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