Once again, I have been asked about finding a home for a cat. This time it was "I rescued this kitten from a man who was going to kill it, but I can't keep it due to whatever, so could you take it in for a while?" Arrgh!
I do not know why people seem to think that I am the go-to person for unwanted cats. Is it because I am single and apparently don't have a life? You know, the stereotypical cat lady? Does this happen to other cat owners?
I would not mind so much, perhaps, if these same people would keep me in mind when it came to doing fun things like going out to eat or to the show or even shopping. But to be thought of only when they have a problem animal to get rid of and they can't be bothered to do their own legwork is rather insulting. Because these people are trying to get something for nothing. Well, I have news for them.
You want me to take in your cat just for a short time? Fine. Then, just like any other kennel, I have the following requirements. The animal MUST be up-to-date on its vaccinations and certified FIV, FIP or FLV-negative. No animal comes in my house who has not passed a veterinary health exam. Yes, I realize what kind of money we are talking about here. That is exactly my point. Do you really expect me to do this on my own dime? Oh, by the way, if your cat is sexually mature or soon to be sexually mature, it needs to be neutered. I am not dealing with unplanned feline pregnancies here.
It's been a while since I boarded my cats so I am not sure what the going rate is now, but let's say it is $10 per animal per day. After all, Fluffy has to eat. Again, that money's coming out of my own pocket. I barely make enough to cover my own expenses as is. I think it only fair that you chip in.
Since Fluffy's stay is only supposed to be temporary, someone has to take responsibility for finding her her new forever home. I take it that it will not be you. Therefore, if you want me to do the legwork of calling/e-mailing shelters and rescue organizations, I feel it is only fair that I be compensated for my time and gas. Many of these organizations are not open after I get off work, which means I have to take time off work to deliver Fluffy to her new quarters. So I am requesting an hourly rate that is slightly more than my hourly pay to make up for the loss of income. No, I am not joking.
At this point you may well walk off in a huff and say, forget it, I can do it myself. Be my guest. I don't mind helping people out but I will be damned if I let them take advantage of me and that is exactly what you are trying to do. You are trying to dump your cat on me, hoping I will take it off your hands for nothing. Times are hard, you say. Exactly. So why are you trying to add another burden to my load? I am not running a goddam cat charity. I don't get donations from the public or any other source. Certainly not any from you.
I am thinking about getting business cards printed up with my schedule of fees just so I can hand them out when asked, which happens about 3-4 times a year. I don't expect to get any takers but it might get people to think about just what they are asking when they ask me that. It's not a small thing and that's why it annoys me so.
I do not know why people seem to think that I am the go-to person for unwanted cats. Is it because I am single and apparently don't have a life? You know, the stereotypical cat lady? Does this happen to other cat owners?
I would not mind so much, perhaps, if these same people would keep me in mind when it came to doing fun things like going out to eat or to the show or even shopping. But to be thought of only when they have a problem animal to get rid of and they can't be bothered to do their own legwork is rather insulting. Because these people are trying to get something for nothing. Well, I have news for them.
You want me to take in your cat just for a short time? Fine. Then, just like any other kennel, I have the following requirements. The animal MUST be up-to-date on its vaccinations and certified FIV, FIP or FLV-negative. No animal comes in my house who has not passed a veterinary health exam. Yes, I realize what kind of money we are talking about here. That is exactly my point. Do you really expect me to do this on my own dime? Oh, by the way, if your cat is sexually mature or soon to be sexually mature, it needs to be neutered. I am not dealing with unplanned feline pregnancies here.
It's been a while since I boarded my cats so I am not sure what the going rate is now, but let's say it is $10 per animal per day. After all, Fluffy has to eat. Again, that money's coming out of my own pocket. I barely make enough to cover my own expenses as is. I think it only fair that you chip in.
Since Fluffy's stay is only supposed to be temporary, someone has to take responsibility for finding her her new forever home. I take it that it will not be you. Therefore, if you want me to do the legwork of calling/e-mailing shelters and rescue organizations, I feel it is only fair that I be compensated for my time and gas. Many of these organizations are not open after I get off work, which means I have to take time off work to deliver Fluffy to her new quarters. So I am requesting an hourly rate that is slightly more than my hourly pay to make up for the loss of income. No, I am not joking.
At this point you may well walk off in a huff and say, forget it, I can do it myself. Be my guest. I don't mind helping people out but I will be damned if I let them take advantage of me and that is exactly what you are trying to do. You are trying to dump your cat on me, hoping I will take it off your hands for nothing. Times are hard, you say. Exactly. So why are you trying to add another burden to my load? I am not running a goddam cat charity. I don't get donations from the public or any other source. Certainly not any from you.
I am thinking about getting business cards printed up with my schedule of fees just so I can hand them out when asked, which happens about 3-4 times a year. I don't expect to get any takers but it might get people to think about just what they are asking when they ask me that. It's not a small thing and that's why it annoys me so.
