Let me preface this by saying I love animals more than anything in the world but my wife. I’d like to think she feels the same way. We have a senior dog (16 years old), senior cat (14 years), and a young dog (3 years). Two years ago, I found our youngest dog behind the dumpsters at my work and brought her home. She was in bad shape health-wise and was a difficult, reactive little pitbull. My wife was patient with me for two years, through a lot of stress, money spent, and sacrifices to get this dog to where she is today. We both love her so much. Now we found two stray kittens, a bonded pair, and my wife wants to keep them. I’m uneasy about it because while we love our pets, they have taken a LOT of our money and time and been probably our biggest stressor even though our biggest joy as well. I just don’t know how I could say no when she trusted me to go from 2 pets to 3, with a very difficult dog. I worry that 5 is too many with how much time and money just the 3 consume, especially with significant life changes coming up (me commissioning as an officer in the military). I respect my wife and want to show my trust in her too. I told her let’s take a couple weeks with them non-committal and we can reevaluate together then. Just feeling very anxious about the situation and any advice would be appreciated.
Those cats are eventually going to cost you money. They will need to be vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Have you introduced them to your dogs? You never know how they’ll react. Also consider your senior cat; a long introduction can help avoid stress for him. Taking finances into consideration is completely fair, and having an open conversation with your wife is important.
I understand your situation. Pets are wonderful but expensive and time-consuming. Please make sure your wife knows where you stand. Don’t let her get attached thinking you’re warming up to the idea only to later say you won’t keep them.
It depends. Is your wife willing to put in the work? You both need to talk about the realities of adding 2 more pets. Address your concerns and come up with potential solutions together.
Yes, we have solid open communication. I’ve shared my concerns with her, and she’s been responsible. Still having my worries, but I’m comfortable discussing it further.
We have 3 rescue cats and they’ve cost us some money and stress, but they bring us so much joy. Your comment about being your biggest stressor and joy makes me think 2 more might be fine. Good luck with your decision and your commission.
You have two dogs and a cat already. That seems like enough. Maybe find someone who wants two kittens.
Don’t add to the menagerie.
I don’t think this is the best idea. Two senior pets will be exhausted by two little kittens. Adding more animals at this stage could be stressful for them.
All your concerns are valid. It would be unfair to say two cats are too much when your wife made sacrifices for the reactive dog. She likely fell in love with the kittens like you did with your dog.
Even though the military has some exemptions, it’s gotten harder and more expensive to take pets when deployed. You may find it costs thousands of dollars when you get a new assignment.
Consider the health problems your senior pets may face soon due to their age. It might be better to focus your time and resources on them. Your wife should find a nice home for the kittens.
I’ve got 31 cats. It costs around $700 monthly. I think you’ll be alright. You were meant to find them anyway! I’d like to see pictures of the kittens.
There are many bonded pairs of kittens needing homes. With possible relocation and senior animals, can you wait? Your dog is 16, and waiting until he passes might help.
You’ve expressed your concerns, and it sounds like your wife has made sacrifices for your dog. It’s important to give her the opportunity to adopt these kittens if she wants to.
I completely understand your feelings. Be honest and communicate with your wife. Finances are significant. Offer to foster until you find a good home if possible.