I can't care for my cats

I have to say that I love my cats. Missue was 3 years old when I adopted her and she is now 17 years old. Pickles and Star I adopted seven years ago. In the past I've refused to give them up even when my fiance moved in and was very allergic. We broke up over it. I lost my job nearly a year ago and struggle to pay bills and by cat food and litter. My mom has taken in Star and has allowed me to take cat food and litter to feed the other two. I feel so guilty and hurt to burn her and such a way. Worse still I recently discovered I'm
pregnant even though I religiously took the pill and used condoms. Since finding out about my pregnancy I have been extremely depressed. I'm not the same person I was I can hardly clean my apartment get out of bed or give my babies the love and attention they deserve. I am now annoyed when they cry out for food or my attention and I can't provide it for them. I yell at them to shut up some times and it hurts me so bad that I can't bring myself to pick them up or pet them or allow them to sleep with me any more. Sometimes they look at me with such sad eyes and I know I'm abusing them. I don't deserve to have them. The thought of giving them up makes me cry for hours. I know they are wonderful animals that deserve so much more then I've been providing over these last few months. Yet I can't shake this terrible gloom that's come into my life changed me and lead me to continually neglect them. I know if I take them to the shelter they will be put down and I can't live with that. I know most will say I'm a terrible person and that's how I feel but I want what's best for them and I know in my heart me in my current state am not that. Lastly the pressure to find them a home has become greater since my unemployment has ended I don't know if I'll be granted an extension and won't be able to pay my rent without it. I have no one who will take them in and I don't know what to do. If anyone has an idea thank you.

for help with vet bills check out some of these http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/300198

where are you located? perhaps someone on the forum is from your area and could provide additional help or point you towards local assistance.


i wish i could be of more help. good luck.

I have suffered from depression in the past and it's very debilitating . And being pregnant on top of job loss is enough to stress you out. You aren't a terrible person just an overwhelmed person. The very fact that you posted this dilemma for help is a good thing. I volunteer @ my local Humane Society and ASPCA . We do not put surrendered cats down unless they are very very sick. There must be some kind of rescue group in your area that can assist you. Check it out on the Internet searching for a no-kill shelter and rescue groups. I hope this helps , I am concerned for you and your kitties, keep us posted ok? I don't know where you live, but am sure someone in your area will know of the names of these organizations, try calling a local vet from the yellow pages. Best of luck

I don't know where you live, but you can google to see if there is a local food pantry of any kind. They may be community or church sponsored. Many food pantries also have pet food too.

I'd also look into what counseling assistance may be available. Planned Parenthood has programs for unemployed moms in many areas.

I thank you so much for the advice and support. I will Google a cat food pantry. I live in Chicago in the Rodgers Park area.

Well, there aren't specifically cat food pantries, but some food pantries for people have pet foods. On the other hand, if you're able to get some groceries for yourself at a food pantry, then that would free up a little bit of money to buy food for the kitties. :rub:

I found these:

http://chicagofoodpantry.org/

http://www.ajustharvest.org/get-help/



http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/site/PageServer?pagename=zipresult&zip=60626 This one is a list and may have repeats


For health and maybe counseling, I found these:

http://www.chicagowomenshealthcenter.org/

http://www.communityhealth.org/


...and I found these scrolling through this. http://www.cfw.org/recentgrantees There may be other organizations that may be helpful - but you're in a better position to know. Each one listed has a link to its website, so you can learn more. :heart2:

LDG said:

Well, there aren't specifically cat food pantries, but some food pantries for people have pet foods. 

Click to expand...

Actually, many larger cities DO have pet food pantries or mobile kibble donation programs! 

PAWS Chicago: http://www.pawschicago.org/pet-resource-center/pet-food-bank/

Animal Welfare League (pet food pantry once a month) http://www.animalwelfareleague.com/programs/index.asp

A list of other Chicago Pet Food Pantries: http://www.chicagovma.org/FoodPantries

KittyMom88 said:

Actually, many larger cities DO have pet food pantries or mobile kibble donation programs! 


PAWS Chicago: http://www.pawschicago.org/pet-resource-center/pet-food-bank/
Animal Welfare League (pet food pantry once a month) http://www.animalwelfareleague.com/programs/index.asp

A list of other Chicago Pet Food Pantries: http://www.chicagovma.org/FoodPantries

Click to expand...

That's great!

LDG said:

That's great!

Click to expand...

There have been several great movements born out of the most recent economic recession! We have a pantry in my town where the volunteers will actually bring the food TO your house because they realize that many times, people in severe hardship might not have transportation to get to the pantry. 

As much as you are stressed, I think keeping your cats is best. They will love you no matter what, no matter what depression you are going through, no matter what anyone else thinks. Take some time to appreciate and love them, I think it will make you feel a lot better. :-)

tca31, I know it may sound crazy but sometimes I've found trying to do the right thing by a cat has led me to accidentally do the right thing for myself too.   As you pursue finding sources of help for your cats you may find people to connect to also who can help you in this tough time.   I hope this is true for you and things get better soon - please keep posting and let us know how you are