We moved to a new area a few months ago because of dh's job. I think we were settling in ok but dh is working very long hours and I have been a bit homesick/lonely.
Near our house is an area they call 'the green' where a lot of the young kids hang out. My two also love playing there. They especially like a girl 'A'. A's mother and I also became quite friendly.
Then a stray cat appeared. The neighbours were worried and told all the kids not to touch it and it will move on. I felt sorry for the poor thing and fed it. Then I took it in. I got her checked out at the vet, she is healthy but no microchip. I have searched everywhere for her owners and tried to rehome her as we live in a rented house, so no pets. But no luck!
I felt the cat is pretty harmless. She is toilet-trained and quiet. I thought the neighbours would get used to her as all the kids love her but I was so wrong. Someone called and complained to the landlord who said either get rid of the cat or move out. That night I saw A's mother talking to another neighbour. I knew she was talking about me, then A's husband came over and told me that I was being selfish keeping the cat as if it poos outside and the children play in it, they will get sick and that we are not allowed pets in the rented house. I ended up walking away from him. I was really upset.
Since then I have kept the cat in the house. I'm pretty sure A's mother is avoiding me. I don't want to speak to her anyway. I saw her husband lurking outside, obviously trying to see if the cat is still here. He can't see in though. 'A' came over in the morning to ask if she could play with the cat but I just told her there was no cat and sent her home.
I don't know where to progress from here. I don't want to get the children involved in the argument as it is not their fault but I'm just really angry and upset with the neighbours. My husband says that as they are in the right, I should just get rid of the cat and move on but whenever I think about getting rid of her I just cry so much. I can't forgive the neighbour's, especially A's parents. I think they have totally over-reacted. I feel like if they try and speak to me, I'm going to totally lose my temper with them. So, my feelings of loneliness before are obviously even greater now.
I know, I should keep trying to find a new home for the cat and for the sake of the peace just try to keep things civil but I' struggling with this. I'm wondering if I can keep the cat inside and just keep avoiding the neighbours. I have also been thinking a lot about moving. My husband has been offered a new job in a different city. We could find a place that allows pets. I just don't know if I can face moving again so soon and the disruption to the kids.
Sorry this is so long! I actually just feel a lot better for typing it out.