Need your advice...

[moosmom]

A co-worker is interested in adopting a cat or kitten. I told her that she'd be better off with an older cat, as kittens are very high strung. I told her I'd try and find her one. I called Catales, a rescue organization I'm a volunteer at. I had this one particular cat, Nelson, in mind, who I know would be perfect. He's a beautiful tuxie with the purr of a diesel engine and heart just as big. I told her if she gets a kitten, she'll have to have it spayed/neutered. She said that she couldn't afford that, and would have to make payments.

He's Feline Aids positive, and has been with us (rescue organization) for 3 years.

I've been giving this ALOT of thought. Barbara lives in a very bad section of Hartford. She can barely make ends meet as it is. If he gets out (he'd have to be strictly INDOORS ONLY!!) she'll definitely never see him again. If something should happen to him medically, she'd NEVER be able to afford it.

I know what it's like to be without a pet. It can get very lonely. Barbara has borrowed money from me before ($5 here, $10 there) and has always paid me back.

My main concern is Mason's well being. My heart tells me no, but my head tells me, well MAYBE.

Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

[jennielynn1970]

Ugh... that is a tough one. I mean, I understand her wanting to have a pet, but if she can't afford one, that's not fair for her or the pet.

What if you suggested she volunteer at the shelter you are at, and that way she can go there and pet all the kitties and get to know them and that way she can visit and feel loved and not have to worry about the money to have one??? Do they offer a fostering program where they'd pay for food and such??

I love my FIV+ guys (I hate saying Feline AIDS, that's so negative sounding). All the FIV guys i have at the moment are so healthy and sweet, you'd never htink they were carriers of the virus. I only had one guy who really was sick with the virus, that was my Bear. He passed away one year ago today. He was such a love, and a better cat could never be found. I think being in the shelter made the FIV worse because of stress and all the other viruses coming in.

Would she be able to foster him, and not have to have the financial responsibility attached?? If he's FIV+ he may be with her a long time until a family would want to adopt him, or maybe until she's more stable in the finances then she could afford to do so herself??

It's worth a shot at either option, really.

[Craftlady]

I have to say no due to fact you stated she is having trouble making ends meet for herself. The added cost of a pet it would appear put her in a big bind. When your having trouble taking care of yourself, a pet is not for someone in that circumstance.
It would be hard for her to be a responsible pet owner. Where's the money going to come for yearly shots, litter, food, emergancies?????
I would hate to see an aniamal in that type of situation where his/her well being is very questionable. It's not fair to the aniamal.

[jennielynn1970]

I have to say no due to fact you stated she is having trouble making ends meet for herself. The added cost of a pet it would appear put her in a big bind. When your having trouble taking care of yourself, a pet is not for someone in that circumstance.
It would be hard for her to be a responsible pet owner. Where's the money going to come for yearly shots, litter, food, emergancies?????
I would hate to see an aniamal in that type of situation where his/her well being is very questionable. It's not fair to the aniamal.

I agree, which is why I thought maybe fostering would be more for her?? If they could supply the food and litter, or whatever, and then they'd also take care of the shots etc... Especially for a special needs cat, that would be a great way to get a home of sorts out of the shelter. That's why I take FIV guys or other special needs kitties from the shelter... they'll never get adopted, and when they're in there for years, all because of a label, it's just not fair.

[catmandu]

That Is A Very Tough Question.
Is Nelson Better Off In That Shelter Or Being A Companion Cat With Someone Who Can Not Afford Him.
That Doesnt Sound As Though He Will Get Very Good Food Or Vet Check Ups.but He May Well Be Happier Being An Alpha Cat And Someones Friend.
Will She Love Him? Thats The Most Important Thing As She Can Always Get Sample Bags And Deals.

[jenluckenbach]

I think fostering is a GREAT option for someone who's finances are not the best. And an FIV+ cat is often a long-term foster (vs. a kitten that gets adopted very quickly) Or a senior cat. Or a shy cat.

She would have all the benefits of animal companionship with little of the financial burden.

I am SO hoping that she will consider this option.

[Pawla]

That is a hard situation. I can't imagine being without a cat. Could she maybe volunteer at a vets office to work off any medical bills Nelson might have? If she really wants him, she'll have to find a way. A lot of us don't always have the money, but I sure can find a way when I have to!

[jennielynn1970]

Is this the site of your shelter??
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterS...ort=&preview=1

If so, you've got some sweet looking kitties in there! There are a bunch of kitties I'd be taking home as fosters! Hetzel, Janice, Chance, Torri and Mason look sweet!

[catnapper]

Toughie! We all know FIV+ isn't a death sentence but it is one where vet bills are to be expected. I'd say no. Then show her a healthy cat. My gut is saying female. My head is creaming if she gets a male she'll get one with chronic cystitis like Pouncer. She won't be able to afford that at all.

[jennielynn1970]

Toughie! We all know FIV+ isn't a death sentence but it is one where vet bills are to be expected. I'd say no. Then show her a healthy cat.

That's why fostering would be such a good choice! It would give her a companion and would give a special needs cat such a wonderful opportunity!

[Catty1]

Donna - do you think this lady would be good at keeping a kitty indoors?

[carole]

Donna whether you are part of it or not, she probably is going to get a cat regardless if her heart is set on it, it is whether you help her or not is the question, you just have to go with your instincts in this case I feel, probably a FIV pos. cat would not be her best option if there are going to be vet bills ongoing,and even though fostering is an excellent idea, not everyone is cut out for that.
Again just go with your inner feelings on this one, good luck, it is a tricky one for sure.

[moosmom]

I called her at work (she doesn't have a home phone as the phone company has shut it off for non-payment) and takes the bus to wherever she needs to go. I emphasized that a pet is a lifetime commitment. I asked her if she'd be able to afford it, should the cat get sick and she said yes. I just don't have a good feeling about this, as much as I like Barbara as a person.

She's going to have to get a pet on her own. If ANYTHING should happen to a pet I find for her, I'd never be able to live with myself. My gut instincts have never let me down yet.

[Pawla]

You should go with your gut instinct. I wish I could go with mine more often!

[Medusa]

Your instincts are telling you 'no'. She has no phone so if she runs into a snag w/Nelson, then there's the first problem. This is not a tough question for me. It's one thing to already have pets, then run into financial problems. I'd never consider giving up my furkids. But to take on more of a financial burden is unwise and unfair to Nelson. It's rehoming just waiting to happen. And if he's already at a shelter, then he's been through enough. We can't always let our hearts rule. Sometimes we have to use our heads. And this is one of those times, in my opinion.