Upset- vent

I'm not exactly new to this site, I used to post on it years ago, under a different screen name. Due to life circumstances, I stopped, and now I'm dealing with a situation and knew this would be the place to ask for advice. This will be a long story/post, so I appreciate it if you make it through!!

So, when I was 19 years old I got married to my high school sweetheart. We adopted 2 cats from a litter of kittens that a stray that my mom somehow acquired (she was pregnant when she showed up on her doorstep). Named them Luna and Nova. They are the sweetest cats. So smart and loving.

After a couple of years, we were financially stable enough, and we decided to adopt another kitten from a shelter, so we did. This entered Ares into our lives! Another super sweet kitty. So loving.

These cats are my babies. I would do anything for them. I spent money on cat trees and expensive food. I groomed them and played with them daily. My husband loved them too. Called them his crazy babies. They rewarded us with love and affection and comic relief when things were going bad. I can't even describe the amount of affection I have for these animals. I truly love them.

Fast forward about a year. I was very unhappy in my marriage. The man I married had over the past year had developed a pretty severe online gaming addiction. He would be online 18 hours a day if I didn't say anything, which I often times did. We began to live like room mates and things got bad. I was depressed and unhappy. He had moved me to an area that I didn't know anyone so he could go to school and I was supporting him by working. After he refused counseling, I decided that I was done with the relationship, because he clearly didn't care. This was in February. We were living in a small college community, and the only apartment I could find was one that didn't permit pets, so I made the heart wrenching decision to leave the cats with him. I knew he loved them too, so I knew they would be in good hands. I would watch them for him when he had to go places on weekends or he had training he had to go to. I miss (missed) them terribly. So much that if I even though about it I would almost immediately start to cry.

So, as I moved on from that relationship, I met my current boyfriend, and moved a couple hours away with him. I'm currently living with him in a duplex with two other room mates.

I received a text message from my ex-husband a couple of days ago saying that he has to move, he won't be taking the cats with him (not because he can't, but he doesn't want them anymore), and that if I don't take them then he'll be taking them to the shelter. I have two weeks to find them homes. This breaks my heart. I can't beleive he would even consider taking them to the shelter. I know we got these animals together and they are both of our responsibilities and I'm trying to figure out what to do.

I currently live in an apartment that doesn't allow animals. My sister is considering taking one of the cats, and my mother won't take them because she already has four. I know I will do what I can to keep them out of a shelter, including moving them into this duplex with me, where they are not allowed. I just worry about the landlords finding out and kicking us out. Our lease isn't up for another 6 months. I really don't know what to do. I WILL NOT LET THEM GO TO A SHELTER! I want to make sure if they are not with me that they are with someone who will love them like I do. Even though they don't live with me, I still love them and they are still my babies. I still cry because I miss them, and I've been crying all day because I don't know what to do. I don't really know what the purpose of posting this is. I guess I just needed to vent really. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm just trying to do the right thing for my babies.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear your story - that is tough!

Is there a way your family could just temporarily keep your kitties until your lease is up? And then you move to a place that allows pets and then get the cats back?

If the family members can't help, possibly another foster group could temporarily foster them for you until you can take them in - you may just need to get them up to date at the vet and help pay for food or what not.

Others will have ideas but this is the first thing I thought when I read your post.

it all works out! I'm glad your ex-husband told you he was moving and not taking the cats and gave you time to find a solution. Despite it being lousy he won't keep his fur kids, the situation CAN have a good ending and you do have a decent amount of time..

Welcome back to TCS Do you think that there is anyway that your landlord might consider a pet? or perhaps has a lead on another apt. that would allow pets? Sometimes, a landlord will let you out of the lease on one place, if they are renting you another one. What is your mom's situation - would it be such a huge imposition if you rent your kitties a room with her? It would be less difficult on your crew than what they would put up with in a shelter. Not having the free run of the house, they'd be stressed, but hopefully, this will resolve itself soon. You might even check with senior centers to see if they know of some nice elderly person who wants a pet(s) but can't afford them and doesn't want to take on a longtime commitment knowing that their own time here on earth in limited.
Sending TCS prayers and vibes that you get a wonderful solution soon

Well, as of now you have a few options - sneaking them in your room, finding a new place to live, or finding them homes...

Realistically, given the amount of time you have in hands, I would sneak them in your room while looking for another place to live with them - I would not give up on them, as I would only be happy with my babies - it sounds to me you are the same way. Since you are in a relationship now, why not move with him into a smaller apartment of your own with the kitties?

Cats are not like dogs, who bark, so if you keep them only for a little while in there chances are that the landlord will not take notice.

But that is me.... That is what I would do...
Good luck!!

We've been renting a house for the past few years, and are now in the process of moving to a house we bought. Our rental agreement said no pets, but Dusty adopted us 5 years ago, and a few months ago we acquired Squeak. My personal opinion is that cats are less destructive than little kids, and it is against the law to prohibit kids unless in a strictly seniors living complex.

We just couldn't turn Dusty away, because she was homeless and hungry and we are softies. Fortunately our landlord hasn't come calling, and since we are about to move anyway, I will have the place clean when we leave. It will be up to him to prove any damages from the cats (which he can't because there aren't any. And after 6 years of steady rent, and normal wear and tear from two people who don't damage anything, I'm not anticipating a problem. We already told the property management people that we would call them once we are completely moved, so that they can inspect the property.

It is against the law for a landlord to enter your home without your permission and prior arrangement. So I'd be tempted to sneak them in, and if you must allow your landlord access, then make a temporary arrangement to move them and their stuff for a day or so.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Here is what has happened. Apparently he need to be rid of the cats sooner than originally thought. I picked them up today. They are in my room now and adjusting beautifully. It makes me happy to know they still know who I am. I'm going to leave them in this room for a couple of days, and then let them roam around the house when I'm at home. My roommates keep their doors closed so I don't have to worry about them getting in their rooms and messing things up. I've decided that I'm not going to worry about the fact that pets aren't allowed here, and just keep them shut in my room when I'm gone. They are so sweet and I'm happy to have them back in my life. I'm still going to be searching for them homes, but I'm going to NOT stress about it. Thank you for giving me a place to vent. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Andelawhi

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Here is what has happened. Apparently he need to be rid of the cats sooner than originally thought. I picked them up today. They are in my room now and adjusting beautifully. It makes me happy to know they still know who I am. I'm going to leave them in this room for a couple of days, and then let them roam around the house when I'm at home. My roommates keep their doors closed so I don't have to worry about them getting in their rooms and messing things up. I've decided that I'm not going to worry about the fact that pets aren't allowed here, and just keep them shut in my room when I'm gone. They are so sweet and I'm happy to have them back in my life. I'm still going to be searching for them homes, but I'm going to NOT stress about it. Thank you for giving me a place to vent. I appreciate it.

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Thats great news, I am so glad that they are with who they belong with. xx