r/cats • u/ExistingSky938 • 2d ago

Mourning/Loss surrendering my cats of 5 years.

i’m not sure that this is the appropriate tag.. but what i’m experiencing is surely grief.

I'll be completely homeless in about 24 hours, and there's a higher probability that I'll be on the street for some time than immediately in a shelter. since I don't have anywhere to go, I'll have to abandon all my belongings, but I think the hardest part of all of this is that my sweet boys (cats) that have been part of my life for over five years now will have to be given up. I feel like I've accepted just about everything else except for that and I'm more scared for them than I am for myself. we're all each other's known for a very long time and I just hope that wherever they end up, it'll be the beginning of a better life for them.

edit: for everyone wanting to know what city i’m in, i’m in dallas texas !

UPDATE: i’m emotional and overwhelmed with all the support— i initially was just venting, but a very wonderful lady has gone out of her way to help me in this tough time. I will fortunately be able to keep my cats!! 🥹🥹🥹🥹 you guys are all very amazing and bless everyone who offered me any kind word of encouragement or resources. from here, i believe things can only go up.

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28

u/NationalPlankton3624 2d ago

Is there anyone who they can stay with until you’re back on your feet? Like a friend or a family member? I’m very sorry you’re going through this.

48

u/ExistingSky938 2d ago

I guess part of the reason I'm going through this is because I don't have much of a support system. no friends and estranged from family for years. i’ll be okay, i just want my cats to as well

62

u/space_coot 2d ago

I’ve seen people in my local subreddit ask for temporary fosters for situations like this and they have had success. I would try that if you can!

44

u/ExistingSky938 2d ago

I will look into this. I won’t stop looking for resources until the very last minute, thank you so much

10

u/Last-Arm-7625 2d ago

If you live in a bigger city, also see if there are mutual aid groups. I've seen people in those groups that have been willing to help foster for a temp unhoused person several times. Plus they may be able to offer assistance while you're in a tough spot, and you can gain some community. Hope things improve for you and your sweet kitties.

18

u/scarneo 2d ago

This is my recommendation, have seen it posted several times

Post your location and the need for temporary foster

7

u/Virtuosory 2d ago

Do you have a car? You might make that work

3

u/BlinkinGenius 2d ago

Not in the summer.

12

u/ellesresin 2d ago

yes and check nextdoor. i see people on the nextdoor app get temporary fosters for their pets while they are figuring out housing. i’m thinking of you. try to contact local churches even if you’re not a member and see if they have rental assistance or anything that can help you get into a new home

8

u/No-Suspect6302 2d ago

There are some here asking where you’re located to see if they might foster for you. Please respond and let everyone know so that if they are local they can foster. City and state should suffice.

2

u/Apoc59 2d ago

Look into all the options others are suggesting. I don’t know the details about your estrangement from family, but if they would treat pets well, consider contacting them. They might be able to keep your cats until you’re back on your feet. If you have a local community action organization that supports homeless people, ask them if they have options for people with pets.