Hi everyone,
I was hoping I could get some other opinions on what I should do about my current situation. I'm really having a tough time and this really stressing me out.
I'm currently a 21 year old college student, and I'm staying with my parents during this winter break. I have a job lined up in the same town that my parent's live, and I'm planning on staying with them for at least 6 months before moving to my own place (since I might get some other positions).
Recently, I've been thinking about getting a cat. However, I like to think of myself as a pretty planned person. A pet is a lifelong commitment, and proper research and care must be done before you can just get one. For me, research can take anywhere between 2-3 months since I like to do a combination of internet research and opinions (friends, volunteers at shelters, etc)
With that in mind, I did tell my brother I was interested in getting a cat. Coincidentally, he also wanted a cat... but he actually got his (except, he got a kitten)! However, 2ish weeks later, he texted me saying that essentially, he couldn't take care of the kitten due to roommate troubles. He asked me if I wanted the kitten. I responded like so: "I do want a cat, but I haven't done the proper research... so even if she is adorable, I don't know if I'd be able to take care of her".
He kept pushing me, telling me she isn't a lot of work, and cats are low maintenance animals, trying to persuade me into keeping the cat. However, I did not say yes immediately because for me, getting a pet should be on my own terms.
2 weeks later, he announces that he's coming back to our parent's house for Thanksgiving break. I warned him that our parents wouldn't take kindly to a cat. I also tell him that I don't think he should bring the cat home intending to leave her with me. However, he still brings this cat home, against what my parents and I have said.
As such, we don't have anything proper set up -- no cat bed, no litter box, no food, no toys -- ready for the kitten. He brings her home, assuring he us he knows what to do, and we believe him. Otherwise, how else has he cared for this kitten? He describes that we should take her upstairs and set her up in one room. He doesn't consider the fact that she can easily fall off the stairs (between the railings) if she is frightened or startled.
When he brings her home, we find out more and more about the kitten. It turns out my brother got her very young, around 1 week old. In addition, I believe he did not care for her well. He did not feed her at a routine time, or play with her at routine times. I believe his friend did much of the bottle feeding for him at first. In addition, the way he played with her way very rough... lots of yelling and playing with hands (!!) especially. Furthermore, he even went on to throw her in the air during play.
The kitten is currently 9 weeks old. After doing my research, I find out that apparently, kittens are not supposed to be separated from their mother and other kittens until 8 weeks. I've learned that this is how kittens are properly socialized and know how to inhibit their bite. Furthermore, I've learned that between 2-9 weeks is the sensitive period for socialization, where the cat learns to socialize with people and pets alike, and what's acceptable for play.
I personally believe that the way my brother treated this kitten has made her more aggressive (towards hands, at least) and more anxious. I say this because I think the kitten enjoys my company: she meows when I'm not with her, and she likes to spend nights in my room. She sleeps on me and purrs on me, and licks my face. However, even when I walk towards her while she's playing, she gets up and runs, without fail. I've tried teaching her not to bite hands or feet (by saying "No" very firmly, stopping her, and redirecting her to a toy. If she continues, I leave the room.)
But I seriously think I am not ready to take care of a kitten. I love this kitten to death, but even I understand they are a lot of work. Honestly speaking, I would've preferred to adopt an adult cat. I think my brother should take care of her, but again he doesn't want to.
I am seriously considering putting her in a shelter, but I feel so bad doing so. This kitten didn't do anything wrong, she's just being a kitten! Am I such terrible person for thinking this? Should I just stick it out? I feel so hurt inside just thinking about her going to a shelter, but I also know I might not be able to take care of her.
I might be overreacting, but I'm just torn up inside thinking about this.
Please help me out!
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/k3s71f/should_i_put_this_kitten_in_a_shelter/
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