Help! Advice needed!

Hi everyone.

OK, here's my dilemma...

My vet has 3 VERY cute black female DSH kittens that they are giving away. The only cost will be the spaying costs. All 3 will need to be spayed.

She noticed how much I took to one of the kittens and has asked me a couple of times (more in jest than anything) if I'll be taking a kitten with me when bringing home my cats or stuff for my cats. And I do think they are all adorable.

However, as some of you may know, I am on a disability leave from work (nothing physical - it's a mental health issue) and my funds are somewhat limited at the moment. Not to mention my cats (I have 2) just got back from their annual vet visit and Mik had a cleaning, which he is still recovering from. In addition, I am planning to move to a larger apartment in November. These are hindrances to making any decision about adding more cats.

That said, now would be a good time to add a cat or two, as I do have the time off and can monitor everyone. I was planning on adding two more, and though I've always wanted a pair of Siamese kittens, I've always had a soft spot for black kitties. The fact that I'm moving to a larger apartment is a positive thing as well, because I'll have more room for more kitties.

What would you do? Please give me your honest opinion. Thanks so much.

While my heart says adopt adopt! My head says it's probably best to wait if you think you might not be able to care for it properly at the moment. But then I guess it does depend on how much you are willing to sacrifice in other areas if that is possible. Maybe if you have cable, cut it off a little early so you'll have some extra money and you are moving so you'll eventually have to do that. Or cut some other things short for now. Just a suggestion. It's a tough decision!

me? I am a sucker for black kitties and I wouldnt be able to do anything else but adopt!!

although I would want to say straight out - YES YES adopt, only you can decide whether financially this is something that you can do. It may not work out for the kitties if you take them in then find out you cant afford it. Although the bigger apartment surely does help!!

awwwww I still wanna say ADOPT!!! my Tipsy is agreeing

I think if you know you can take care of them well in everyway go for it!
Only you know how limited your funds are. Do you think that if something major came up you would be able to take care of it? (You don't have to answer that, just something to think about )

When you move in November you are going to have to move 2 kitties anyway. I would think that as long as you don't stress too much over it they should all be fine (Let me know how that goes, I have to move 4 to Calgary next summer eek!)

Mik shouldn't take very long to recover. As long as the kittens aren't bothering him if he still hurts a bit and you give him lots of love, I wouldn't see a problem. Are you going to do intros?

I went through a lot of these questions when I was thinking about Massey and in the end I knew it was right

Try not to worry, go with your gut feeling, it usually isn't wrong

(hehe, can't wait to see pics!)

I'd adopt one of the kittens, but then again, I am a sucker for cute little baby kitties.
No time like the present, and besides, a little black kitty would match the Blue Crew so well.
But if you think you might not be able to handle a 3rd cat right now, then hold off.

I think black cats are awesome !!! I just recently lost a good companion ( a kitty ) and I noticed the last couple of days there has been a black kitty sitting on my front mat when I head off to work at 4 AM . I wasnt sure because its pitch black out but suspected it so this morning I went out the front door instead of the garage door and sure enough , it was there . Its pretty chicken right now but cute . I say go for it .


Jeff

They would all end up adopted lol Sorry I am not a good person to ask.

I also vote to wait until a later date. I know how cute and tempting kittens can be, but you have to determine if your funds will be enough to take care of 4 cats. What happens if all 4 became ill (god forbid) at the same time? Even basic vet checks, teeth cleanings, flea treatments, food, litter etc. can quickly add up.

If I were in your situation, I would wait to move into the new apartment, figure out space issues and save up a 'kitty fund' and then bring in the new one's. And then, of course, you would have to expect me to come over to make sure that all the cats are getting enough attention.....*lol*

You could make a pro and con list and see which outweighs the other. I would be its the pro list.

I am a big softy and would not say no!

I would wait for a later date when you can afford another cat. I know what you mean about mental health as I am on disability for it myself and I can only own one cat. Its hard as it is so I would wait until you can really afford another one.

i say you wait... cos with limited cash and personal issues, it's tough to care for another cat.. so i say wait even though the kittens are cute...

Thank you everyone for your honesty. It means a lot to me to receive your responses.

Though the financial committment isn't that much of an issue, and I could look after 4 cats as I have significant fiscal resources available to me should I require them, I think the fact that I'm off of work due to mental health issues is a good reason why I probably shouldn't add any further stress at this point, even if it's good stress.

I think I will hold off for now, despite the fact that they are such adorable kittens and I know I could provide a good home for them.

That said, I may not be able to give the best of myself to them right now, despite being home full time. I think once I'm stable once again and back at work, I will start thinking about kitties then. I have been eyeing a reputable and ethical breeder for a pair of Siamese kittens and perhaps I will follow up with her when the time is right. Thank you again everyone for your advice. You have really helped me with this decision.

Kass - It would be great to have you come for a visit when I move to the new apartment since you are so close by. I'll be sure to PM you once I've set up house.

That's a tough decision. I voted to wait but if you take inventory and estimate how much extra another kitty will cost (and you altrady have lots of cat stuff but there is food, vet care, goodies, litter, etc), that should give you a better idea about whether it's a good time. I think you should feel fiscally ready - and also you need to find out how the resdent kitties will like this. Good luck with your deliberations - it's a hard call! As someone says - my heart says yes (and it's a good opportunity in terms of time) but if you wait, you may be in a better position and you may find a Siamese. I like black kitties too tho I absolutely adore Siamese as you know!