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Should I get a kitten or not (living at college)?
Hello, I'm currently living in an on off-campus college owned apartment (basically I live in campus housing, but off campus). I currently have one other roommate who has her own room and I get along with great. Now technically, I'm supposed to have a second roommate as I have an extra bed in my room that can be filled at any moment by campus housing.
I've gotten lucky because it hasn't happened yet as the girl who was supposed to room with me dropped out.
I have a heart condition and my doctor thinks that having a support animal would help me with the stress of dealing with that on top of the stress of being a full time college student, working, and also being in a sorority.
Here's where things get a little tricky. My roommate has a dog, but she's a very good dog. She keeps her in a cage all day and takes her in her room at night. If I got a kitten I would probably keep her in my room anyways, BUT if I wind up with another roommate next semester (January) then idk how well having a kitten would work out. My school said that they would do their best to match me with somebody who was okay with me having an animal, but what if somebody moves in who doesn't like the cat and it causes problems?
Another thing is, I'm already fairly busy and during vacations I'm not sure where I would put the cat. I don't know if I'm staying here over the summer yet, but if I can't then I can't exactly take it home with me because my mom is allergic to cats and her landlord doesn't allow animals.
I could possibly have my brother take care of it because he already has three cats, but that's three months where the animal is just going to be plopped elsewhere. Of course, I strive to stay here over the summer so it could wind up being a non-issue anyway. Summer vacation isn't until May so I would have plenty of time to figure it out.
I do want a cat because I feel like it could relieve a lot of stress for me and keep me from feeling sad about my condition. I also would really love to save one from being put down and to have that companionship. In the past I had two cats when I had my own apartment (before I moved off to college) so I know how much care they need so that's a non issue. I'm just worried about the other factors that come with residing at college.
What do you think? Am I worrying too much? I know they're a 20 year commitment so it's not a decision I can just make on a whim.
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
Keeping a dog in a crate all day until someone comes home is not good for the dog for it is isolated and cannot do anything other than sleep. It's not the healthiest environment for the animal.
I don't doubt she loves the dog but am illustrating it would be even worse for a kitten in a tiny room without anyone around needing to exercise, leap on things and constantly active with a lot of stimulation. The roommate issue and a person potentially hating the cat is real.
Hopefully, if the school told people why you need the animal they would find the suitable person. I have to be honest you really cannot count on that though with tons of students to place in residency it may not be a priority or promise they can fulfill.
When it comes time to go home for summer or perhaps not leave town being busy and unavailable to an animal that has imprinted on you isn't great. Why would the cat be plopped elsewhere and not near you if back home?
You would have to discuss things with your brother but three cats let alone a fourth is a lot of cats to have around. If he can do it and is willing than maybe that would work. I'm sure your mother likes the idea of such an animal but I have seen people with cat allergies even on medication be completely able to breathe. It's pure hell.
As far as the landlord goes most of them are concerned about smell as well as carpets and other property damage in a until and an animal being well-trained. Also, if other people in the building have leases saying no pets and they suddenly let you have one...
There is a way around that which could work if you produce a letter about a medical condition and needing a service animal from therapist and then offer to pay monthly deposit on top of rent for any damages that could change things. They could also take damages from you if things aren't good with the unit when you move out. A realtor could advise.
Have you considered working with horses or working with a vet where you are constantly with animals or a program your therapist finds where you can X amount of hours a week having one on one time with them? Your therapist probably will have ideas on being around animals all the time to deal with your illness that may not even involve owning any.
They would know what to tell you and probably realize for all the reasons you listed that not everyone can go out and get a dog or cat easily especially with your living condition. They may know of programs and people you can work with or find time with a therapy dog or cat you can interact regularly with but not at home. Just ask! You may be surprised to find way more options than thought.
If the living conditions, timing etc. were better I would say go ahead. You are responsible and that's not an issue. I just think for fairness for the cat and yourself that maybe checking in with therapist first and others second may yield a great solution where everything comes into play.
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