Is It Reasonable to Sell Your Cat Due to Financial Stress?

oldgloryrags88

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I have a near 9 month old purebred Ragdoll kitten. I bought her when she was 8 weeks old. I absolutely love this cat so much but I'm in deep financial stress now. I paid hundreds for her as a show quality Ragdoll. She has fleas from a relative's dog, she doesn't have shots UTD and is not spayed. I would get all that done before/if she leaves but I can't afford her anymore.


I quit my job, I have to move across the country, and I am under major stress. I feel so selfish but what else am I suppose to do? Keep a cat I can't afford? I think that is more selfish?


Thoughts? Please no nasty replies. I only want the best for her and myself.
 

miagi's_mommy

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Can she go back to her breeder? If it's a responsible breeder they usually take them back if you can no longer care for the cat.
 

verna davies

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It is such a shame and sad that you can't afford to keep your cat but I think you would be doing the right thing for her if you find her a good home where she will be looked after well.
It is not selfish, it is what is best for the cat that is important.
 

Willowy

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Yes the breeder should take her back. Any responsible breeder wants to know their cats are only in the best homes. It may be in your contract that you have to contact the breeder before rehoming. It's not likely that you would be able to get much if you sold her, probably not even enough to cover spaying, shots, and flea meds. People tend to think of older kittens as being "used" :/.
 

sivyaleah

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Can she go back to her breeder? If it's a responsible breeder they usually take them back if you can no longer care for the cat.
Absolutely this.

All reputable breeders have a "right of first refusal" clause in their contract.  Basically this means if you need to rehome the cat, the breeder is to be contacted first to find out if they will take the cat back.  

I personally went through this a few years ago. I had the opportunity to adopt a purebred Ragdoll through a local rescue.  The cat was a "courtesy" placement - the rescue didn't know about the legalities involved.  When we went to meet her, she clearly was not properly socialized, and literally lunged at me as I sat on the couch without provocation.  Luckily, I had already asked to see her papers to ensure she was purebred as stated.

Once I told the rescue I wasn't going to adopt her, I also mentioned the refusal clause.  I came here to TCS to get help and with the assistance of someone on the forums, got in touch with the breeder who was terribly distressed to hear about the cat.  She was surrendered back to the breeder who worked with her for many months to get her socialized properly.  And, was placed in her new forever home after that.  
 

SeventhHeaven

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Vets will administer topical flea treatment for 20.00 you can offer her apple cider vinegar (google for more info)

safely to help her a bit. Don't jump or run when under allot of stress. Take a breath

Can a friend or someone take her for you for a few months? until your're settled elsewhere if it comes down to that.

Jobs come and go we move or even run sometimes, you will make it life goes on.  Think it's best to not consider selling the cat. 

 Pawn, borrow to make it through... cut back on many things~ 
   *get kitty to vet for meds shots are inexpensive.
 
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