u/Initial-Engine-6819

A stray, non microchipped mum had her kittens in a neighbour's garden. I fell in love and offered to adopt one when it's the right time to leave mum, not before AT LEAST 8 weeks of age. Neighbour has been sending me videos and pictures and I just love these babies so much and it felt like a godsend during an emotionally tough time. For the past 3 weeks, the thought of looking after this little soul has made me smile multiple times a day. I know my biological clock wants me to have a baby, but I love animals and cats very much, and I genuinely thought this was such an amazing opportunity to develop a strong bond while I wait for the right time to become a mum myself (my family cat lived until 19 years of age).

To make sure all kittens and their mum could receive good care, me and my neighbour contacted multiple charities but struggled to find availability. That was until I contacted the Cats Welfare Group. They rang me straightaway and proceeded to tell me that they want to pick them cats up immediately, as the litter cannot live in my neighbours garden, even if my neighbour has been feeding them regularly and they run and play so happily everyday.

Additionally, they told me I will not be able to adopt one of the kittens. As soon as the litter is "rescued" for a health check, the Cats Welfare Group will only allow applications to adopt kittens in pairs. If I cannot afford to own two cats, I will not be considered for adoption, although I might be considered to adopt the mum, but only if they decide I am suitable.

I am devastated. I wanted to do the best for them, and I was so happy to offer my small flat to the little one I am able to provide for. The biggest luck of the "cat distribution system" was destroyed by my attempt to find a good home for all of them. I feel particularly bad for how the Charity person kept telling me that "these are not your neighbour's cats, your neighbour cannot decide who to give them to". Those kittens love running around in the garden. I can accept it would not be a good idea to separate one from their siblings, but I can't accept to be told that some stranger from a charity has more rights on stray cats than the people who have been looking after them for weeks.

What do I do? I felt so ready to love one of them immensely.

Edit: just to add some details. The volunteer wanted to know my neighbour address and I did not tell them because I did not feel comfortable. I said I would pass the Charity's number to my neighbour so they can arrange the pick up when they are available. Tried to contact neighbour to tell them, but their phone was dying and they said they would call me when back home. I think I will let neighbour decide, as it's their house where the kittens were found. I have no rights on the babies, so I guess I just need to accept the situation. But if neighbour decides to ignore the volunteer, should I insist for kittens and the mums good?