Adopting pets during a crisis

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 8:51 pm

Around 2 years ago now I lost my beloved cat Bootsie(16) . Leaving Mister Duchess (7.5) (See mah profile!) solo. I'm in a fairly stable living arrangement so financially being able to pay my vet bills wouldn't be a problem. Mister Duchess always liked having other cats around (he was always trying to play with Bootsie) Now he's alone a lot, I work full time and I think he would benefit from a companion. I also have TONS of extra love to give as Mister Duchess always tries to leave most of my love on the table.

Only one issue. I'm worried I may lose my housing. I'm on section 8 ATM and I'm worried about the future of the program and by extension, my housing. I literally have nightmares about it. Am I being selfish by wanting to adopt a pet in these times?

gbasden · Post by **gbasden** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 8:52 pm

If you become homeless, how much more difficult is two cats than one?

Holman · Post by **Holman** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 9:20 pm

If you're worried about being able to take care of yourself, please don't take responsibility for being able to take care of another being.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 9:52 pm

gbasden wrote: Wed Mar 12, 2025 8:52 pm If you become homeless, how much more difficult is two cats than one?

My guess? About 50%

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 9:56 pm

Holman wrote: Wed Mar 12, 2025 9:20 pm If you're worried about being able to take care of yourself, please don't take responsibility for being able to take care of another being.

I take care of myself just fine. I have a job, a roof over my head and even some cushion, but the whole shitshow going on nationally leads me to question the stability of my life and then the worst case scenerios hop into my head to play.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:05 pm

I don't think wanting a companion is selfish (or it falls within the realms of the 'fully reasonable selfishness' that keeps us sane.)

The biggest issue, I think, would be having S8 fold and having to look for an affordable/low income housing option that allows pets.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:32 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:05 pm I don't think wanting a companion is selfish (or it falls within the realms of the 'fully reasonable selfishness' that keeps us sane.)

The biggest issue, I think, would be having S8 fold and having to look for an affordable/low income housing option that allows pets.

Yep.

gbasden · Post by **gbasden** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:46 pm

Drazzil wrote: Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:32 pm
Blackhawk wrote: Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:05 pm I don't think wanting a companion is selfish (or it falls within the realms of the 'fully reasonable selfishness' that keeps us sane.)

The biggest issue, I think, would be having S8 fold and having to look for an affordable/low income housing option that allows pets.
Yep.

But that's going to be a problem regardless of whether he adopts another. He already has that problem. I don't know of many places that will allow one but not two cats.

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:07 am

I'm getting nervous about my Social Security checks, so if you'd like to buy a pre-owned certified cat have I got a deal for you!

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 8:27 am

Kraken wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:07 am I'm getting nervous about my Social Security checks, so if you'd like to buy a pre-owned certified cat have I got a deal for you!

hahaha.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 8:35 am

Blackhawk wrote: Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:05 pm I don't think wanting a companion is selfish (or it falls within the realms of the 'fully reasonable selfishness' that keeps us sane.)

The biggest issue, I think, would be having S8 fold and having to look for an affordable/low income housing option that allows pets.

Which is why, as messed up as it is, I cant adopt another cat.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:03 pm

I did some thinking this morning, and no matter how bad things got for me or how homeless I became I think I could take care of my cats.

I lived with my mother in a toxic abusive co dependant relationship for over FIFTEEN YEARS because no apartments would allow five cats. When I came back from the job corps to discover my mom had esentially killed three cats with no regard for their lives I sacrificed fifteen years to be sure that the cats who loved me and I loved more then LIFE ITSELF would get to live out their lives in peace and comfort. I gave up all my prime years and would do it again in a heartbeat.

So giving away my cats would be against everything I stand for I would literally, not figuratively die first. I would do anything for them.

Edit for: I view owning a pet like a marrage Happy or unhappy. Till death do us part. Thats why I'm agonizing over adoption vs just going out and doing it. It's a 20 year committment.

I have no friends or family. I love my cat(s) more then my life, Good or bad, I've proven that..

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:26 pm

perhaps a compromise would be to acquire a cat from a high-risk situation, a high-kill shelter down south, or a 'special needs' one that is having a difficult time being adopted.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:48 pm

hitbyambulance wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:26 pm perhaps a compromise would be to acquire a cat from a high-risk situation, a high-kill shelter down south, or a 'special needs' one that is having a difficult time being adopted.

Yep thats what I was pondering.

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 3:41 pm

Drazzil wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:48 pm
hitbyambulance wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:26 pm perhaps a compromise would be to acquire a cat from a high-risk situation, a high-kill shelter down south, or a 'special needs' one that is having a difficult time being adopted.
Yep thats what I was pondering.

MORE SUGGESTIONS:

1) fostering! there is a neverending need for foster parents.
2) aside from a special needs cat, also consider adopting a senior cat. they tend to get adopted far less often, and of course need a place to live out their remaining days (and for your situation, maybe they will pass away before your housing could become an issue.

are you still in Portland, OR?

https://www.animalaidpdx.org/
https://catadoptionteam.org/

(source: i volunteer at an animal shelter in Seattle)

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 13, 2025 4:10 pm

hitbyambulance wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 3:41 pm
Drazzil wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:48 pm
hitbyambulance wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:26 pm perhaps a compromise would be to acquire a cat from a high-risk situation, a high-kill shelter down south, or a 'special needs' one that is having a difficult time being adopted.
Yep thats what I was pondering.
MORE SUGGESTIONS:

1) fostering! there is a neverending need for foster parents.
2) aside from a special needs cat, also consider adopting a senior cat. they tend to get adopted far less often, and of course need a place to live out their remaining days (and for your situation, maybe they will pass away before your housing could become an issue.

are you still in Portland, OR?

https://www.animalaidpdx.org/
https://catadoptionteam.org/

(source: i volunteer at an animal shelter in Seattle)

Drazzil writes: CAT paid for Bootsies dental when I was jobless! I donated a TON of money as well as paying them back for everything when I got on my feet. (Not sure y it included my reply in your quote.)

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 10:36 pm

Kraken wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:07 am I'm getting nervous about my Social Security checks, so if you'd like to buy a pre-owned certified cat have I got a deal for you!

This. And I retired early so my kids each get 50% of my SS, and that's a disruption I can't abide (it would likely hasten relocation to the Philippines).

That said, I've been weaning my pets off the good stuff and getting them used to cheap food. The cats augment that by gnawing on my fingers and toes.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Sat Mar 15, 2025 9:58 am

Jeff V wrote: Fri Mar 14, 2025 10:36 pm
Kraken wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:07 am I'm getting nervous about my Social Security checks, so if you'd like to buy a pre-owned certified cat have I got a deal for you!
This. And I retired early so my kids each get 50% of my SS, and that's a disruption I can't abide (it would likely hasten relocation to the Philippines).

That said, I've been weaning my pets off the good stuff and getting them used to cheap food. The cats augment that by gnawing on my fingers and toes.

I tried weaning Mister Duchess off the good stuff (Sensitive skin and stomach by Iams) and he repaid me by immediately inhaling the cheap stuff, puking it up, going back for more and puking that too.

So I had to go out and get another bag of skin and stomach.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:28 pm

If you haven't already, subscribe to the "My Cat is an Asshole" FB group. You won't be sorry.

Today one of our cats let the puppy into my son's room. He's been warned to lock his door, but today he didn't. The puppy ate a cool foam glider he got at a birthday party yesterday, as well as a baseball cap from the Cayman Islands. This cat opens all unlocked doors.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 12:21 am

Clever girl.

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 1:40 am

Jeff V wrote: Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:28 pm If you haven't already, subscribe to the "My Cat is an Asshole" FB group. You won't be sorry.

I've been mentally composing a post for the past couple of days. I think "asshole" encompasses "diva."

Unagi · Post by **Unagi** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 8:40 am

Isgrimnur wrote: Mon Mar 17, 2025 12:21 am Clever girl.

My wife bought this baking powder the other week, and I thought of you.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:10 am

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 19, 2025 12:38 pm

Jeff V wrote: Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:28 pm If you haven't already, subscribe to the "My Cat is an Asshole" FB group. You won't be sorry.

Today one of our cats let the puppy into my son's room. He's been warned to lock his door, but today he didn't. The puppy ate a cool foam glider he got at a birthday party yesterday, as well as a baseball cap from the Cayman Islands. This cat opens all unlocked doors.

Mr. Duchess always figuresthe cupboard my treats are hiding in, opens it and shreds the bag open.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 19, 2025 5:59 pm

There's Mister Duchess! My profile pic is UP. I love Mister more then life itself.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Wed Mar 19, 2025 8:10 pm

Drazzil wrote: Wed Mar 19, 2025 12:38 pm
Jeff V wrote: Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:28 pm If you haven't already, subscribe to the "My Cat is an Asshole" FB group. You won't be sorry.

Today one of our cats let the puppy into my son's room. He's been warned to lock his door, but today he didn't. The puppy ate a cool foam glider he got at a birthday party yesterday, as well as a baseball cap from the Cayman Islands. This cat opens all unlocked doors.
Mr. Duchess always figuresthe cupboard my treats are hiding in, opens it and shreds the bag open.

We serve the cats dry food from a plastic bin, they know how to open it. Sometimes, they just flip it over. I buy huge bags of cat food, what doesn't fit in the bin I have to store in the garage or they will get into that too. I also discovered I cannot use the A&H boxed cat litter -- they think it's just another litter box and crap inside it.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Wed Mar 19, 2025 9:14 pm

Jeff V wrote: Wed Mar 19, 2025 8:10 pm
Drazzil wrote: Wed Mar 19, 2025 12:38 pm
Jeff V wrote: Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:28 pm If you haven't already, subscribe to the "My Cat is an Asshole" FB group. You won't be sorry.

Today one of our cats let the puppy into my son's room. He's been warned to lock his door, but today he didn't. The puppy ate a cool foam glider he got at a birthday party yesterday, as well as a baseball cap from the Cayman Islands. This cat opens all unlocked doors.
Mr. Duchess always figuresthe cupboard my treats are hiding in, opens it and shreds the bag open.
We serve the cats dry food from a plastic bin, they know how to open it. Sometimes, they just flip it over. I buy huge bags of cat food, what doesn't fit in the bin I have to store in the garage or they will get into that too. I also discovered I cannot use the A&H boxed cat litter -- they think it's just another litter box and crap inside it.

I was about to say that Mister had negative association with my bathroom but that's not really true. Not sure why he doesn't go after the bags I have in the bathroom. He spends enough time in there. Maybe it isn't litter to him till it appears in his box.

Unagi · Post by **Unagi** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 8:15 am

to the OP, a crisis for pets or a crisis for humans?

I keep seeing the thread title and I think:

Well, if you are in crisis mode - then adopting anything -new- is not responsible.
If the animals are in crisis mode - then adopting is heroic.

But if your ship is under fire, you are losing shields, and the engines are down.... why would you declare yourself a safe harbor for something else?

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:33 am

Unagi wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 8:15 am to the OP, a crisis for pets or a crisis for humans?

I keep seeing the thread title and I think:

Well, if you are in crisis mode - then adopting anything -new- is not responsible.
If the animals are in crisis mode - then adopting is heroic.

But if your ship is under fire, you are losing shields, and the engines are down.... why would you declare yourself a safe harbor for something else?

Yeah.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 11:33 am

Drazzil wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:33 am
Unagi wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 8:15 am to the OP, a crisis for pets or a crisis for humans?

I keep seeing the thread title and I think:

Well, if you are in crisis mode - then adopting anything -new- is not responsible.
If the animals are in crisis mode - then adopting is heroic.

But if your ship is under fire, you are losing shields, and the engines are down.... why would you declare yourself a safe harbor for something else?
Yeah.

This is what I keepcoming back to. If section 8 folds (or folds for me) I'm going to have a hard enough time finding somewhere that allows 1 cat (me and Mister are a package deal) let alone 2.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 1:45 pm

There isn't anyone in the country without substantial, non-volatile savings that isn't on the cusp of a crisis right now.

dbt1949 · Post by **dbt1949** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 4:08 pm

Why don't you adopt one really big cat..................like a puma?

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 4:28 pm

I hear leopards are popular.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 5:15 pm

Ocelot

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Thu Mar 20, 2025 10:40 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 1:45 pm There isn't anyone in the country without substantial, non-volatile savings that isn't on the cusp of a crisis right now.

Yep.

gbasden · Post by **gbasden** » Sat Mar 22, 2025 2:33 am

Drazzil wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 10:40 pm
Blackhawk wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 1:45 pm There isn't anyone in the country without substantial, non-volatile savings that isn't on the cusp of a crisis right now.
Yep.

And there are a whole lot of animals in shelters right now. Shelters that may or may not have funding tomorrow.

Drazzil · Post by **Drazzil** » Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:57 am

gbasden wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 2:33 am
Drazzil wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 10:40 pm
Blackhawk wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 1:45 pm There isn't anyone in the country without substantial, non-volatile savings that isn't on the cusp of a crisis right now.
Yep.
And there are a whole lot of animals in shelters right now. Shelters that may or may not have funding tomorrow.

So I feel like I'm getting two different messages here.

Like I said. A cat is a marriage and I think I'm gonna hold off till I know if I'm going to have a place to live. I don't wanna get tied to a place and wind up having to spend somewhere 20 years that I hate but I'm staying for the cats.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Sat Mar 22, 2025 1:10 pm

I think the conversation evolved past the original question. The advice that was given prior to that was pretty unanimous.

gbasden · Post by **gbasden** » Sat Mar 22, 2025 4:05 pm

I think mostly I disagree with everyone else. I think as long as you have one cat already, another is not going to make your risk significantly higher and there are a shitload of animals that need homes. But I understand the other perspective.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Sat Mar 22, 2025 7:11 pm

gbasden wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 4:05 pm I think mostly I disagree with everyone else. I think as long as you have one cat already, another is not going to make your risk significantly higher and there are a shitload of animals that need homes. But I understand the other perspective.

The family we got our two "kittens" (still less than a year old, the male is larger than my 9 year old female cat) just had another brood. Not sure why they are not getting their cats fixed. I've had to say no several times to taking in yet another kitten, but I suspect one of these days my wife will just bring one or two home.