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Original poster

Okay - not done a pet before, but should I take my parents cats?

22 replies

Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 21:42

They are quite old (14 & 15ish) & don't have the greatest life. My dad is pretty cruel to them & won't allow them out of the utility room.
I could never have them with me from when I got married because H didn't like cats, but now I have moved into my own place with the boys I am kind of tempted to take them & give them a bit of attention.
I have never owned a pet since leaving home, and tbh the only thing that is holding me back is the thought of them bringing in birds as I have a big bird phobia!
My parents really want rid of them & I think it would probably be nice for the boys to have them around.
What do you think I should do?

OP posts:
wannaBe · 03/06/2007 21:48

take them. at 14/15 they're most likely at the age now where they can't, or can't be bothered, to catch things any more so you probably won't get birds brought in. My cats are 9 now and they haven't brought in a bird for over a year now.

Cats are fairly self sufficient so as long as you feed them and give them attention when they demand, they should be fine.

Only thing that would bother me is their age, and the fact they might not live much longer and your kids may become attached only to lose them.

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 21:49

Yes, the age thing was worrying me too, wannabe.

OP posts:
weebleswobble · 03/06/2007 21:53

Are the cats used to children? At that age if they've not had lots of noise around them they might not be very happy in an environment with children.

bookthief · 03/06/2007 21:54

Also vet bills unfortunately.

We took in an old cat however and though we didn't have him long (pre-existing problem, not old age) he gave us so much pleasure, it was completely worth it. He was a gentle old thing & very appreciative of home comforts. No trouble at all. We definitely received more than we gave in that deal .

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 22:02

They have had the children visiting quite often, but one cat is far more placid than the other!
I don't know, I just feel sorry for them stuck out in the utility room with no love, and when you give them some affection they are so grateful!

OP posts:
weebleswobble · 03/06/2007 22:04

That's settled then...take them and love them

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 22:12

So you think I should take them?

OP posts:
NurseyJo · 03/06/2007 22:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

weebleswobble · 03/06/2007 22:16

Yes, yes, yes!

expatinscotland · 03/06/2007 22:17

Absolutely!

Age discrimination, against CATS!

I've known cats who lived to be 20, thanks much!

Take 'em!

mynaughtylittlesister · 03/06/2007 22:20

PC, I didnt know your parents had cats!!!

You have to ask yourself, do you like cats enough to have them in your house!!!!

Think of the cats hairs, them walking on your work surfaces - yuk!!!!

Sorry but Im not an animal lover - Children are enough work for me.

Oh and think about vet bills - they sound quite old

I would think really carefully!

weebleswobble · 03/06/2007 22:22
Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 22:26

Yes my parents have two cats, but they are rarely seen around their house as they are kept in the utility room.

I like cats! I had a cat from the age of 9 (sadly passed away while I was being bad in Ibiza at the age of 20!) to when I left home, and the only thing that has really put me off since moving house, is the thought of them bringing in birds

I always give them lots of attention whenever I visit my parents & feel so sorry for them.

OP posts:
DrNortherner · 03/06/2007 22:27

Take them please!!! Older cats make lovely companions, you will love them and they will love you. Cat's are very clean animals and if they are short haired you won't even notice any hair I promise!!

mynaughtylittlesister · 03/06/2007 22:28

Well if you like cats, go for it!

Take out pet insurance (or ask your parents to for taking the cats off your hands!)

mynaughtylittlesister · 03/06/2007 22:29

Oh just had a thought - think of your new carpets!!!!

Aero · 03/06/2007 22:29

I'd think very carefully about taking on such elderly cats if I were you (given my present cat situation).

Why do your parents want rid of them exactly and why are they only allowed in the utility area?

If they have any problems with puking, bladder or bowel control (ie, not using litter tray or going outside), then I'd take a wide berth on this on I'm afraid. And I'm saying that as someone who likes cats - especially our two, but the present peeing everywhere is more than I can deal with!

Aero · 03/06/2007 22:31

Also, pet insurance is expensive if the cats are over 10 years old.

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 22:36

They don't have problems with their bowels etc, it is just that my dad doesn't like them & doesn't want them in his house.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 03/06/2007 22:37

See, they were kind of bought for my sister & I, after my last cat died, but I couldn't take them when I moved because H point blank refused.

OP posts:
Aero · 03/06/2007 23:33

Well, in that case, I'd probably take them them - I'm a sucker for a needy cat!

magnolia1 · 03/06/2007 23:41

Definately take them

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