Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

Not sure where to post this - got to give up my cat and feel so guilty :(

56 replies

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:02

I know it’s a stupid thing really. I got him a few months ago, he was a stray. My job has changed and so I am rarely around to look after him. He’s only a kitten and when I get home he’s clearly hungry and bored.

I know I need to let him go, but nobody wants him and so he will have to go back to a shelter in one of those tiny cages.

Am I doing the right thing? :( feel so so guilty!

OP posts:

Original poster

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:02

This probably isn’t right for relationships but wasn’t sure where to post it!

OP posts:

Orange6904 · 29/12/2018 22:06

That's really sad but you're doing the right thing if the kitten is alone most of the time.

Original poster

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:06

Even if he is going back to a tiny little cage? :(

OP posts:

AnotherRoadsideAttraction · 29/12/2018 22:10

OP - where are you? I know a lovely family who are looking for a kitten!

roastpotatoesrule · 29/12/2018 22:12

Are there not other options OP - such as a cat flap so he can go out and about and one of those timed food bowls. Maybe someone local would even volunteer to pop in and feed him, you never know?

AnotherRoadsideAttraction · 29/12/2018 22:12

Feel free to PM me, if you don't want to put your location - I'll text my friend to see how far she's willing to drive to adopt a kitten.

peekyboo · 29/12/2018 22:12

What you need is another cat and then they keep each other company til you get home.

Bubbles121 · 29/12/2018 22:12

Hey OP - is it just that you're at work 9-5? That should be ok, as long as you're leaving food and water out for him and a litter tray indoors if you don't have a cat flap. And playing lots in the evening. They aren't kittens for too long and once they settle into being cats they will sleep a lot and entertain themselves.

I have two and have always worked full time and they haven't suffered - although I got them when they were six months or so. They're so chilled and docile now - I leave dried food out all the time and they have a couple litter trays and water bowls through out the house too, but they aren't that bothered that I'm not there all day. Kittens need a lot of time and effort but they grow up quickly x

Original poster

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:13

I’ve thought about everything and nothing seems possible, even the food timer would mean he was alone. Based north Birmingham.

OP posts:

Original poster

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:13

I’m away until 9pm most days now :(

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 29/12/2018 22:13

A kitten but you got him a few months ago? What can you do about the hunger (timed feeder) and boredom (toys and climbing equipment.)
YABU to give up on a pet you took on without bloody good reason.

Bubbles121 · 29/12/2018 22:14

Also second the idea of another cat - my two played together a lot when they were little and worked off so much energy - but it also means they have someone to race around the house with at 3am which is not quite so much fun....

MrsPaddyGrant · 29/12/2018 22:14

Cats are normally ok to be left for a long time - apparently they sleep for @ 18 hours. He probably just sleeps when your out and then is active and wants to play when you come home. Unfortunately there are too many unwanted cats in rescues so if you can make it work it would be better than returning him to a rescue.

Original poster

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:15

I took on the cat when my job was quite different. I’m devastated about this and feel terrible. I don’t know what to do for the best.

OP posts:

boringlyboring · 29/12/2018 22:15

Try the litter tray board for expert advice 😉

Could you get a second kitten? Aslong as they are fed and have enough clean trays, and some love and cuddles in the evening (or whenever you’re home), 2 cats would keep each other occupied.

imarocketman50 · 29/12/2018 22:15

I have two house cats and we both work full time. They have a king size bed to themselves, two litter trays and plenty of food and water.

To be honest if either of us are home during the day in the week the cats seemed annoyed that we are disturbing their day of snoozing and sleeping lol. Get another cat if it's just the 9-5 thing or pay for someone to come in until the kitten gets a little older.

Bubbles121 · 29/12/2018 22:15

Ohhhhh climbing frame is good - but be careful with toys on strings etc and young cats / kittens as they can get themselves tangled up

TotesEmoshTerri · 29/12/2018 22:16

Keep the cat. They're not like dogs in becoming mentally unwell through loneliness. They naturally sleep most of the day! Your kitten just has energy and so is keen to see you in your return, this will change a lot in the next year. Don't feel guilty about leaving your cat, in the long run they ultimately don't mind

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 29/12/2018 22:17

Some places will try to rehome while you keep the cat with you if you are willing to let people visit. Posters in vet surgery might be another route.

Original poster

Feelingguilty1e · 29/12/2018 22:17

Ok thanks this is helpful! I am going to re think things :)

OP posts:

Bubbles121 · 29/12/2018 22:18

@imarocketman50 haha one of mine gets super huffy if we don't get up in good time over the weekend and out of his bed! the looks he gives us...

WhyDontYouComeOnOver · 29/12/2018 22:20

My cats sleep from when DH leaves work at 7:30 am and are still in the same spot when he comes home at 6:30pm. That's literally all they do, all day.

NotTheFordType · 29/12/2018 22:24

I'd definitely consider getting a second cat of a similar age before rehoming. They really are very self sufficient as long as they have food and water and attention when you get home.

Letting them sleep on your bed will help them feel loved without needing constant attention (although be warned, kittens tend to suddenly wake up at 3am and want to play!)

Wolfiefan · 29/12/2018 22:24

Is the cat let out? Could you cat proof the garden or have a run? Might be worth getting a second. But I have two sisters who hate each other.

RoseOfSharyn · 29/12/2018 22:29

I DMd you before reading that you were near Birmingham. My offer still stands and my dad lives in Stafford so he could be picked up, however I think you need to explore other options first. Another cat sounds line a good idea. I know it seems counterproductive on first glance, but if you know cats you'll see how good it could be.

Flip

1 2 3