Want to take it to the vet. Daughter and husband does not want the responsibility of a cat if I die. I am not in the best of shape. But still walk independently. I have medical issues from time to time. But mostly can take care of a cat. should I stop bugging them for a cat since she is not in the best health. Or should I get one since my dog is gone over two or three years ago. And now I am lonely. I forgot to mention I am legally blind but can still see fairly well.
I've had cats that live to 18 and 19 years old. One had an allergy in her last couple of years, but no big deal as to overall health. The other wasn't sick a day in her life until her final day.
A cat can be a fine companion, and I hope medmistakes finds one. Her daughter being unable to help could be worked around with a bit of planning. As for the litter box, if you can't see, all you have to do is sniff. You'll find it.
So we chose not to get the cat. We try to co-foster dogs, to dog sit, to do just about anything to be able still to get our hands on fur. A friend recently was left three feral cats, one looking so like my siamese mix I lost years ago. There is no question I WANT it. But I know it isn't for the best. And it isn't always about what I want.
I sure wish you the best. Just try to celebrate the love you HAVE experienced in memory with/of the pets you have had. I am an atheist, but I sure do hope there's a rainbow bridge for them all, and that I will get to see it. My best to you.
You acknowledge your daughter is not in the best of health yet you selfishly keep harping on getting a cat.
Please stop. Just stop.
Sometimes we cant get what we want or we put aside our wants because we kmow it would be a burden to a loved one.
If you are bored or lonely try socializing more with the people in assisted living. If you cant do that then you are not capable of taking care of an animal.
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If you are on self pay at the AL and have more than enough money to pay for the next five years and more, then as long as you have capacity you may be able to make things happen. Confirm with the AL that a cat would be permitted. Identify a pet caretaker that could come by once a week to restock supplies, do the heavy litter box work, and take to scheduled vet appointments. Be prepared to buy pet insurance. See if a local rescue will agree to continue the insurance and rehome your pet if needed in return for a sizable contribution now.
If you are going with the “money is no object” plan, take a few moments to think about whether you have taken financial advantage of your daughter and how best to correct that. Paying someone to take the cat to the local vet while not offering anything to your daughter anything for much more demanding doctor visits, sends a bad message. A caregiver contract that compensates her in real time is likely better than a possible inheritance.
Once you’ve worked out a plan that doesn’t burden your daughter, find a good time to talk to her about it.
Regardless, don't make a cat someone else's responsibility. Your D doesn't want to take your cat to the vet. So accept that you won't have a pet in the AL facility.
I think if you could independently buy, afford & care for a cat plus your AL is ok with it, then it could work for you.
However, if you will require a lot of help to find, buy & look after a cat from your daughter, it may not be something she can or wants to do.
If so, are there other ways to include animals into your life? Usually dogs, but are there volunteer animals that visit?
Or birds to feed outside?
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