Struggling

[AliceLovesCats]

This is just a rant really, I need to get it off my chest. There are no answers and I'm not really looking for anything other than sympathy Thank you for listening

So I have 5 cats. They are my absolute babies and I love them with all of my heart. During a break up with my long term partner last year I luckily got custody of them. But to keep them I had to move to a rented terrace where I felt they would be happy - away from a main road so that once they'd settled in they could ago out (none had really gone out much - certainly not unsupervised as they are rescue cats who hadn't been out previously)

It turns out that supporting myself and 5 cats alone is too much. I'm struggling to afford it and have run up credit card debts. I don't really know what to do - there aren't many houses much cheaper than where I am because of the way the rental market is. I've been given other options, but I don't feel they're suitable for the cats. Lodgers didn't work out because the cats are a little unruly, I've been offered flats at much more affordable prices, in locations nearer work but they're too small for the cats and they couldn't go out - I've even recently got the opportunity to get a house boat, which I would love, but seems wrong for the cats.

On top of all of this, I'm working longer hours so don't spend as much time as I would like with them. It's taken a long time to get to where I want in my career, so changing jobs is not really an option and I don't see how it would help.

I'm annoyed at how difficult it is to support yourself as a single person. I'm not on a terrible wage, but paying rent on a full house alone, and all of the bills, and the 5 lots of cat food... I don't really know what to do - I love where I live and the cats and my life, I just can't afford it but can't find another suitable option.

[meriad]

I hear you - I'm on my own with six cats and at times I really find it hard... I'm not sure what to suggest that you haven't thought of.

But have to ask, when you say your cats are unruly - what do they do that puts a lodger off? No offence, but if the lodger can keep their bedroom door shut then it should be OK.

One thing I found helped me with my cats was shopping around for their food. Zooplus so far for me works out the best. I feed mine Felix As Good as it Looks pouches and Arden Grange dry. I buy bulk every payday and it does work out cheaper that way. could you change what you feed your cats - are they very fussy? Butchers Classic tins are really good value for money - really high meat content, no cereals and generally good all round food and less than £3.00 for 6 cans

And I probably shouldn't admit this too loud - but I don't worm and flea treat as often as is recommended. Admittedly because I don't believe in pumping bodies full of chemicals when it's not needed all the time, but if you're treating monthly then maybe change that to every 2nd or even every 3rd month?

It's a really tough situation and I feel for you. I just do hope you can find a solution that works.

[Crewella]

I hear you. We have six here, and even though three are long term foster cats and supported by the rescue it can still be a struggle sometimes as we're both self-employed and income can be very unreliable.

One thing that does occur to me, though, is how often I hear of people with cats looking for accommodation that can't find anywhere. I'm just wondering if you might be able to find a lodger with a cat and help both of you out? A lot will depend on the incoming cat, I know, but it might be worth a try?

[bobbys girl]

Hi there, I agree with Ria and Helen and sympathise with you. We were self employed which, as Helen says can be a bit of a roller coaster money wise. Now my OH is retired - due to ill health and I am a carer for my mum, who lives with us. I sometimes think if it wasn't for her contribution to the household we would really struggle.

Do you have a B&M near you (bit like Woolworths)? I was in there a while back buying some stuff for the garden (dead cheap) and found they do Felix AGAIL 3 for £9.00, Butcher's Classic and Gourmet (Bobby's fav) over a £1.00 cheaper than anywhere else.

I also keep a look out in Pets at home for their 'short date' dry foods. With multiple cats you get through food quite quickly so it doesn't matter that the sell-by has passed by a week! I got their favourite JWB dry £2.00 cheaper last week.

I hope things pick up for you soon.

Sue

[AliceLovesCats]

Thanks for replying I hate to be an irresponsible pet owner, but I feel that circumstances I could never have predicted have backed me into this corner... I can't bare the thought of giving them up, but I don't know how well I'm managing at the moment and when it might become unmanageable and selfish of me. I never thought at my age (37) I'd be having to live with lodgers again (I've done plenty that and it was always a nightmare) or struggling to survive. I'm just quite miffed with everything right now. Landlords, rental prices, holidays that cost more if you go alone. (it's really helpful to moan)

It's really good to hear of others experiences.

@Crewella

how often I hear of people with cats looking for accommodation that can't find anywhere.

Yeah, so annoying - especially when landlords won't accept pets and we already have specific needs - it really reduces the options

I'm just wondering if you might be able to find a lodger with a cat and help both of you out? A lot will depend on the incoming cat

Hmm - maybe but it took about 6 months for this lot to stop fighting with each other after a lengthy intro period. Meal times are still a nightmare and I have to supervise. One of them in particular is mean to other cats and another is timid and hides. There was a lot of stress.

@meriad

when you say your cats are unruly - what do they do that puts a lodger off? No offence, but if the lodger can keep their bedroom door shut then it should be OK.

Lots of little things, that I put up with because I love them, but when I have guests, it can be really noticeable... normal cat stuff like they stand on tables and eat food off people's plates - have been known to occasionally wee in places they shouldn't. One is long hair and there is fur on EVERYTHING in my house no matter how much I brush her. They open drawers and take clothes out and stash them, run round the house at night keeping people awake... but the worst and most difficult thing is that they CANT STAND closed doors and will scratch and meow until it's opened.

I worm and flea once every 2 months, feliway costs a lot but it helps to keep the peace. I have food delivered in bulk once every 2 months off amazon. I appear to have the best deals I can find :/

[AliceLovesCats]

Do you have a B&M near you (bit like Woolworths)? I was in there a while back buying some stuff for the garden (dead cheap) and found they do Felix AGAIL 3 for £9.00, Butcher's Classic and Gourmet (Bobby's fav) over a £1.00 cheaper than anywhere else.

I also keep a look out in Pets at home for their 'short date' dry foods. With multiple cats you get through food quite quickly so it doesn't matter that the sell-by has passed by a week! I got their favourite JWB dry £2.00 cheaper last week.

Thanks Sue Great tips. I do have a really big B&M - but don't have a car so it's tough for me to shop there really.

Money eh? Annoying that we're such slaves to it.

[bobbys girl]

I know what you mean. We have a car (couldn't survive without one out here in the sticks) but our B&M is in the middle of town and I have to stagger back to the car after one trip!

If having a moan makes you feel better, work away!

[Joe_Danger]

I understand how you feel, fortunately I'm not on my own nor would I want to be, here in my country it's normal and acceptable to live with family for as long as you want or need but even though me and my mom both make decent money quite a lot goes towards the cats' food expenses, litter, vitamines and whatever else is needed.
We make sure to provide the best life possible for our pets, it's how we were raised so it takes a decent chunk of cash each month to do just that.

Now with Casper being back home the expenses for three cats are going to grow even more, especially since he seems to eat for two...Kalas and Kala eats a lot as is
Chicken breast that would normally last Milla and Kala 4 days or 5 even disappeared almost completely in less than 24 hours bless him XD
At least it's a good bonding activity for them all to eat together, there's no fussin going down then

One good thing is that pet healthcare in Macedonia is very very cheap and affordable and vets pretty much always do check ups and advice for free, advice is actually always free and I have yet to be charged by a vet for a mere check up.
My friend recently went to several vets with a stray they found that had gone blind all of a sudden (she is fine now and her eyesight was restored it seems) and no vet charged him for advice or check ups.

[meriad]

Dare I say - if you have 5 cats that aren't getting on all that well, then maybe re-homing one (or even two) may not be the worst idea? And you'd not be doing it for you, but for them. Sometimes, as hard as it is, we just have to accept that some cats are happier on their own or with just one other cat?

Have a word with your local rescues and see if they can help with a direct rehoming, which would mean that your cats stay with you until another perfect home is found for him/her/them?

As mentioned I have 6 of my own and thankfully they all do get on fine; well OK, Monty has regular hissy fits at the others but generally I'm really really lucky with them. But... earlier this year we had a stray turn up and I managed to nab him and after determining no owner had him neutered. I did my best to try integrate him with my lot but absolutely no success. My cats protection managed to find him a perfect home where he is on his own and he's now in absolute cat heaven. I really felt I had failed him but looking at how happy he is now I know I'd have failed him more if I'd continue trying the integration.

Also, the wee'ing where they shouldn't most likely is stress related which again would probably resolve itself if the situation changed.

I know this probably really isn't what you want to hear, but if you can - take a step back and look at all of this from the cats' perspectives . Would the possible rehoming of one or two be better for them?

[AliceLovesCats]

@meriad - that's absolutely fair. They don't fight, but they don't hang out. My only worry is money and time. Now it's summer I'm going to start figuring out a way to get them used to outdoors - at least then they can go out and get some stimulation other than my limited time and being stuck in the house.

I do want the best fro them, and would consider rehoming. I'll have a good think.

[SMITHER]

I have been in a similar position.
I had to find a landlord that would accept 2 cats and a dog. I found one to my complete surprise. A private landlord in the local newspaper advertising.
i don't know why landlords make such a big deal about tenants having pets when sometimes the people/families they do rent to are a complete nightmare. Loud music, rubbish out the front spilling out of bags/wheelie bins, dirty nappies left outside, gardens full of junk, rubbish, old furniture, arguing people going on to late at night, smelly barbeques, I could go on and on. If pets are loved and looked after properly then the landlords would not have any of the above to deal with! Its maddening.
If people have loved pets generally their homes are clean and lovely for both owner and pet. I know I try my best always. Yes hair gets everywhere but I always am hoovering or sweeping up. I use sticky tape on my clothes. To save on money i use ripped up old paper/newspaper instead of buying cat litter. I don't buy expensive toys etc - use cardboard boxes, pieces of string (put in a draw when I am not about of course). Shop around for cat food prices. I don't tend to buy in bulk too often as its tempting to give the cats more food becuase its there & then it goes quicker.
I don't tend to buy flea treatment (sorry guys) only if I really had to. I always brush, comb my cats. Hoover and sweep the floors and it does seem to work but I know everyone etc is different.
Just a few ideas to think about. Please don't get cross if you don't think any of my ideas are wrong. They work for me that is all as I don't have much money but they are my world & my best friends. x