"pets are too expensive" he says

[WCM]

And yes, he's right. But . . . .

Our cat died this summer, recurring cancer. We got her and hermom together when we first started going out. Both have died (15 years later) and DH says 'phew' no more cat litter and sudden vet bills from injuries or cancers. (Her file was an inch thick, my poor kitty. Surgeries, transfusions).

But I see cats in our neighbourhood and miss having one.

We've talked about it, how our house is so tiny, we are SO busy, nothing ever gets done as it is, cat's cost more money, they are bad for the enviro (poo) and we're trying to simplify our lives to better enjoy homeschooling our 3 kids. (And we've always had great cats who never sprayed or peed in plants or had behavioral issues. They were just happy, though sick.)

I agree with him on all of his, I really do.

But I still want one. And I know there's no argument against our thoughts above. I just want one.

Talk to me.

[WCM]

Nothing?

[Shenjall]

Im sorry for the loss of your kitties.

What about volunteering? This way you could get your kitty fix? And maybe you could work it in with homeschooling?

We have 3 cats and a dog and I want another cat. I know, crazy, but I just love all my kitties. I know once the kids are gone I'm going to become the "crazy cat lady" down the street.

[enkmom]

I feel your pain. After our Basset died last Thanksgiving, my dh said absolutely no more dogs. Neither of us is interested in small dogs, and the last two dogs we had were too big for me to take to the vet when they were sick and not helping by jumping in and out of the van. My husband was also almost always the one to walk the dogs in the evenings, and one winter he had a bad fall while walking our Lab. Our children are grown and out of the house for the most part, and now we have the chance to travel without worrying about setting up boarding or pet sitting. There are a million and one very good reasons why a dog is not a good fit for us right now, and I agree with them all.

But I still want one.

[maggiemae]

I am not trying to add to your longing, but some cats get sick less than others. I had my dear cat for 14 years with only annual vet bills (regular checkups). But, I suppose, you never know.

[RiverSky]

I'm sorry for your loss.

What I suggest is that you foster kittens or cats for a local cat or kitten rescue. The rescue will pay for all costs and if you take in bottle fed kittens (for instance), you only generally have them for 3 months or so before they are adopted out. You are actually doing a good thing for the environment because rescues usually only adopt the kittens out AFTER they have been spayed or neutered (which can be done after they are 2 lbs, anywhere from 11-14 weeks of age, usuallly). The cat rescue I foster tiny kittens for supplies me with blankets, cats, carriers, kitten formula, baby wipes (for cleaning them), litter, baby food, kitten food, cat food, meds, etc. They also pay for them to be neutered or spayed, I just have to drive them to their appointments.

In lieu of that, you could volunteer for the SPCA or the Humane Society or with a cat rescue who has a Petsmart or Petco adoption center, and go once a week (or more) to clean out cages, cuddle cats, bottlefeed kittens, etc.

It's all incredibly rewarding and you will be so happy to help out these adorable little beings find loving, forever homes.

[Sk8ermaiden]

Oh my gosh, it is like reading my own story!

We had two lovely rescue senior Border Collies who BOTH developed cancer at the same time. The vet bills were staggering. We continued treatment for them until it became apparent their quality of life was suffering and then we had to let them go. They both died within 3 months of each other.

I want more rescue babies (or rather, seniors), but DH is scared we will rack up medical bills again. I have him talked into a dog at some point in the future, but am not pressing it for now. Let our emergency fund grow again and our baby get a liiiitle bit older and I will start pushing.

One thing I know for sure is the next dog will have pet insurance. I used to think it was such a scam, but it could have saved us thousands.

It just does not feel like a home without a pet. I hope you get another kitty, even if it is not for a while.

[WCM]

It feels so much better to hear from others who feel like this, who're in the same sitch. Makes it easier.

Yeah, waiting is okay, I can do that. And yes, if we do get another pet, insurance for sure! Both our ferrets had cancer as well, years ago. Poor furry ones.

Thanks ladies.