Here it is: I've got a tortoiseshell cat that is about 10 years old. She's the last of the fur kids I got in the divorce. She's a great cat, really affectionate, and I love her, but it's become pretty obvious that I don't have much business being a pet owner. She needs more love and attention than I've had time or the resources to provide. I've debated on finding her a new home for the last two years but have been dragging my feet. I am not going to dump an animal on the street or at a shelter, especially one that I care about. I couldn't let my ex wife do it, which is how I got her in the first place. The last two years have been tight, especially after I lost my job back in Fall 2011, but I'd entertain ramen noodles for a month to pay to find her a new home. Ideas? Resources?

NO CHINESE RESTAURANTS

2/19/2013 3:30:23 PM

Indonesian Restaurant? I kid, I kid.
Sorry I can't help with cat relocation.

2/19/2013 4:04:37 PM

2/19/2013 4:12:11 PM

[Edited on February 19, 2013 at 4:23 PM. Reason : oops sorry I can't read whole sentences]

2/19/2013 4:22:05 PM

I'd say Craigslist ad to begin with. Otherwise, assuming you live in a decently sized town, there should be a few no-kill shelters around that will house the cat until finding it a loving home. Good on you for being a responsible pet owner and recognizing your limits.

2/19/2013 4:32:57 PM

This place fills up sometimes, but its a much better option than kill shelters if you can't find a home. Best of luck finding a good home for her, or finding a way to keep her in your home.

http://www.goathouserefuge.org/

Quote :

"The Goathouse Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary dedicated to providing cage-free care for cats regardless of age, medical issues or disposition until a permanent loving adoptive home can be found."

2/19/2013 4:39:55 PM

Right here in Raleigh. It took me a while but yes, I definitely am not cut out to be a pet owner. I also ended up with a dog. Now my parents have a dog. The line was drawn at the cat (they have 5).

It's a damn good thing I'm not a parent. Not cut out for that either.

2/19/2013 4:40:33 PM

A lot of the no-kill shelters/rescue groups end up perpetually full because the demand is so high.

I know Cat Angels in Cary has a designated room for older cats. They take a bunch of hoarder cats and other larger rescues, but if they have room I think they will take owner surrenders. You could also sponsor the adoption fee, or part of it, to show you aren't trying to just dump her off.

2/19/2013 5:26:01 PM

Not the response from Skwinkle I was expecting

2/19/2013 5:28:29 PM

gotta love your pet dilemma? as in we have to love the fact that you are trying to shirk your responsibilities and blame it on "i just can't do it blah blah blah"???

oh nevermind it's just a cat. carry on.

[Edited on February 19, 2013 at 5:59 PM. Reason : ]

2/19/2013 5:59:25 PM

And you're just a dick. With ears.

2/20/2013 7:52:25 AM

The goathouse won't take the cat, I've tried a million times. All these places are usually full.

2/20/2013 8:15:33 AM

I had the same dilemma a few years back although my cat was maybe 4. Bought it for an ex after she left she left the cat with me and it took me a few years to realize I wasnt meant to take care of a cat. Managed to find someone here on TWW willing to take her. How long do cats usually live I thought it was like 13 or so maybe?

2/20/2013 8:18:43 AM

One of my mom's is almost 20. She's had several that have lived past 15.

2/20/2013 8:38:07 AM

Man up. Pet ownership is a life long commitment. As long as you clean the shit box and leave food out for the cat it's going to be ok.

Take care of it like a responsible human being.

2/20/2013 11:26:39 AM

^Agreed about care. Shit you don't even need to clean the litter box that much. Just make sure it has food, and it's happy.

Also consider making it an indoor/outdoor cat. Makes life a lot easier

[Edited on February 20, 2013 at 11:39 AM. Reason : ]

2/20/2013 11:39:30 AM

Opine elsewhere, sir. Of course I knew there would be some of you who would do as such. Highly predictable an quick to judge.

2/20/2013 11:41:15 AM

This'll make two commitments you've admitted to bailing on in this thread alone, I'm just sayin'.

I don't think my judgements are too hasty. There are places out there who can help with food if money is the problem. Let her catch some mice if you need to.

2/20/2013 12:53:39 PM

Well if you'd like to elaborate more over a beer, I'd be willing to listen. And share with you my input as well.

But the original argument stands. I appreciate your input, though it's of little relevance. But alas. You'll argue that one too, I'm sure. Have at it.

2/20/2013 1:22:53 PM

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html

2/20/2013 1:37:28 PM

Pure genius. Read my lips, assfuck. I am going to find my cat a new home. Now if you want to be the devil's advocate/sanctimonious prick, do it elsewhere.

2/21/2013 6:27:44 AM

So I am assuming that the ex-wife was the one that pushed for the cat, then when you guys split she stuck you with it and hopped off responsibility free. Been there, so I know the feeling.

Hit Craigslist. You will probably be a better judge of character than an animal shelter anyway.

2/21/2013 9:04:24 AM

You got it, and there's more to it than just that. Seven years. I don't want or need any more reminders.

2/21/2013 9:58:41 AM

I was in a very similar situation. Me and my ex split then 2 months later I got laid off. So not only was I stuck with a pet I never wanted, but stuck paying twice the rent and utilities with no job.

I was fortunate that my Mom took the pet in question, otherwise I would have definitely gone with Craigslist.

You could also put an ad in the paper to make sure you hit the "Old Cat Lady" demographic.

[Edited on February 21, 2013 at 10:11 AM. Reason : a]

2/21/2013 10:08:58 AM

Quote :

"She's the last of the fur kids I got in the divorce. She's a great cat, really affectionate, and I love her"

Quote :

"the ex-wife was the one that pushed for the cat, then when you guys split she stuck you with it and hopped off responsibility free, and there's more to it than just that. Seven years. I don't want or need any more reminders."

You didn't start the thread with "I never wanted this cat I got stuck with in the divorce and so I want to do the responsible thing and find her a new home with someone who loves her."

You started the thread with "I love this cat, but I can't take the responsibility of taking care of her. I want to pawn her off on someone else instead."

Within my "you should do the responsible thing and raise your cat" message was a serious attempt at trying to be helpful. If "not having the resources" means you need to swallow your pride and get some help, do it.

You've had the cat for seven years since your divorce? The "I never wanted this cat anyway" statute of limitations has long since expired.

2/21/2013 1:31:49 PM

Have you tried Paws4ever?

Paws4ever Animal Sanctuary:
6311 Nicks Road, Mebane, NC 27302
M (919) 304-2300
F (919) 304-2253
info@paws4ever.org

is she strictly indoors? I might know someone with a farm out in Pittsboro who could use a cat to stalk out mice and other rodents.

2/21/2013 2:11:41 PM

Unfortunately, she's an indoor cat and has been all her life. I live in a neighborhood with busy streets...otherwise I'd consider trying to introduce her to the outside.

2/21/2013 4:52:43 PM

this thread is horrible and you're a bad person

2/21/2013 5:56:05 PM

Truth.

2/21/2013 7:15:55 PM

So wait, you have had the cat for 7 years since the divorce? I may need to retract some of my previous statements.

[Edited on February 21, 2013 at 8:43 PM. Reason : a]

2/21/2013 8:43:14 PM

Yeah. 7 years. And I'm burned the fuck out.

2/22/2013 12:07:37 AM

yeah I can imagine the 30 seconds it takes to fill a water and food bowl is exhasting.

2/22/2013 3:36:40 AM

stop being a whiny bitch and take care of that stupid cat

2/22/2013 7:53:15 AM

You people are the worst, it's a cat not a child.

2/22/2013 8:23:49 AM

Look, if he doesn't want the cat, he doesn't want the cat. Love it or not, if it's a strain and he doesn't feel up to the responsibility, GET OFF HIS ASS...

Jesus...

How about tossing more ideas what to do with the kitty other than trying to make him feel guilty...over...a...cat...

2/22/2013 10:37:07 AM

Look, if he doesn't want the cat, he doesn't want the cat. Love it or not, if it's a strain and he doesn't feel up to the responsibility, GET OFF HIS ASS...

Jesus...

How about tossing more ideas what to do with the kitty other than trying to make him feel guilty...over...a...cat...

2/22/2013 10:37:29 AM

Also some of you people seem to be missing the fact that he wants the cat to have more love and attention than he can currently provide. So it's not as simple as being unable to fill the food and water bowls and clean the litter box--it's a matter of trying to find a place for the cat where it will have a better quality of life. I don't see any reason to attack a man for that. He's not tossing the cat out to the questionable mercy of the outdoors or to a kill shelter. So kindly step off the nuts perhaps?

2/22/2013 10:49:47 AM

There are so many cats out there in shelters that will never get adopted that you will have a very hard time giving it to one of those. Your only real options are to give it to someone you know, anyone you don't know will likely just go to one of the million rescues or shelters and get one there. Sometimes life isn't how we want it but I think you should just take care of it unless someone you know wants it. There are so many cats without homes that you should feel good about just giving the thing its own food and water and a place to live that isn't a 2x2 cage.

2/22/2013 12:21:22 PM

I had a similar situation involving two cats. My parents took them and now they wouldn't give them back if I asked.

2/23/2013 7:57:52 AM

I hope they wouldn't give them back

you proved that you're a shitty irresponsible pet owner

2/23/2013 10:05:38 AM

settledown, Beavis.

2/25/2013 9:48:09 AM