u/InsertFlourishingBow

Hello everyone! I’m new to this community, so if this is the wrong flair, apologies.

While working at a camp recently, I came across a cat who appeared to be young and underfed. After speaking to the full-time owners and employees, it became apparent that she did not belong to anyone, and they would appreciate if I could take her. She made the trip home with me today.

She’s very sweet, if a bit skittish. Definitely not feral. Right now she is in a separate basement with no other animals, food, water, litter box, etc, and has been very chill. I haven’t noticed any injuries, fleas, or sickness, but she isn’t fixed and it seems there’s a high chance she may be pregnant so I’d like to take her to a shelter/vet tomorrow. This way I can also double check for a chip, though I doubt she has one.

Here is my issue: I still live with my parents, and we already have three family cats. I have the money for food and vet care, but no current job, so I’m not sure for how long. However, my parents firmly believe the best course of action is to give her to a shelter. Their reasons are fair: we don’t need a fourth cat, it’s a big responsibility for a young person to adopt their own cat, they don’t believe I’m in a good place to take my own cat, they don’t want me spending large amounts of money on her.

I will be moving out to dorms in a month (don’t worry, I am not sneaking her into a tiny dorm). But I have a friend who can possibly keep her in his apartment near campus, starting when we move in (a month/month and a half). It’s not unlikely she could stay in her current basement setup during this transitional time.

Is it fair to fight to keep her? Or is the humane, responsible thing to give her up? I hate to think of her overwhelmed and confused in a shelter when I’m the one who took her from her “home.” But I also wouldn’t want her stressed by moving multiple times. Again, I do have the money for food, vet care, etc, and plan on getting a job ASAP once I move.

There’s a high chance I need to just toughen up, be responsible and give her up. I get that. I’m an adult but still young, not fully independent, and without one stable living space as I head into college. If it doesn’t sound like there is a reasonable way (that’s fair to her) to keep her, I’ll listen, even if it feels terrible. I don’t want to be immature or idealistic. But she feels special, and very sweet. I think based on demeanors it would be possible to introduce her to our cats, if done correctly.

Some advice would be very appreciated. She’s a total lovebug, and while I want to keep her, I also want what’s best for her. Please help!!