I’ve been wanting a cat for years now, but since i was in college and away from home most of the time, it was something i understood that i needed to wait with until my life is at a point where i can be there for my pets at all times.
Until then, ive done extensive research on cat behaviour, body language, discease, care and such so that i’ll be fully equipped when the time comes.
One small issue, is that my mother is being really stubborn about getting a pet. In our family its me, my sister and my mother. My sister is notoriously irresponsible, and the time we got a pet rabbit that she begged for for weeks, i ended up taking care of it right until it passed away. However because of my sisters irresponsibility, my mother is now extra against getting any kind of pet, even tho i always proved to her that i can and will step up and be responsible. The cat/cats id like to adopt, id be the sole caretaker and provider of, i know to the full scale of what is required for that, and im ready to commit. Throughout the years ive managed to convince my mother to accept one cat with the conditions listed above.
However. The cat i had my eyes on is kept by a lady, neighbour to my boyfriends place, who works ar a rescue organisation. Ive just recently worked up the courage to ask her if its adoptable, and does it have any illnesses(since its kept outside in a heated cage away from the rest of her cats). She was really happy that i was interested, but told me that it has a sibling as well and they are both felv+. I still would love adopting both cats, (absolutely will bot seperate the siblings) thru my research i know what care felv+ cats need, and the potential high vet bills. The lady from the rescue also told me, that if i were to adopt them, the rescue would help me out with any arising medical costs, and take them to their own trusted doctors who perform felv related procedures regularly and are friendly with their prices.
Currently, they are stable and healthy, taking only immune system strenghtening drops.
When i told my mom about the situation, she was absolutely outraged, and told me there was no way that were getting a sick cat, let alone two. No matter how many times i explain to her that its possible for them to live long and healthy lives, and that ill be able to take care of even high vet bills (both with my pay which will be solely used as “cat fund”and with the help of the shelter if needed) shes not budging. And hey, even if they dont live long, which i fully understand can happen and likely will, i still think they deserve an amazing life no matter how long. Im really devestated. I havent met both cats yet, only one, but i really bonded with him, i just know im their only chance at a happy fulfilling life and it breaks my heart.
I’m still confident i could handle these two cats, and no other cat has given me such a strong pull before. Please help, how could i make my mother see that what shes doing is ridiculous, she wont even meet the cats (our house is seperated so me and my sibling have a completely seperate space) let alone have to pay a cent for any of their needs. I’d also love some felv cat advice from owners that i might not have been able to learn online yet, or if you want to convince me that im not ready for these cats, also please go ahead. At the end of the day i want whats best for them.
Thank you for anyone that can help🌷
*Edit: im due to adopt in august, ill be working a stable job and saving up until then(felt like this was important lol)