to own a cat while on benefits?

[ReputableBiscuit]

My MiL says we are. We don't smoke, drink or go out, don't buy books or have a Sky package. We have a low rent and receive tax credits (working and child), disability benefits for DC and child benefit. Apparently we shouldn't have a pet cat?

[Patrickstarisabadbellend]

Your mil is a bellend. Take no notice.

[LuisSuarezTeeth]

Depends. Does your cat have it's own goat or share yours?

[PlacidApricots]

YANBU. Bet a few people on here might disagree. I for one though think it is absolutely fine :)

[Carrie5608]

Presumably you don't get extra benefits for the cat. So whatever you spend the benefits on is up to you. YANBU.

[mycatlikestwiglets]

As long as you can afford to look after it properly (feed it, get it neutered, protect against fleas etc) there's no issue. If you're constantly broke and struggling then maybe your priorities need to be looked at though. That goes for anyone who wants a pet btw, the benefits bit is irrelevant IMO.

[Vitalstatistix]

The only relevant question here is can you afford a cat? feeding, insurance or paying for medical treatment, etc etc

If yes, then get a cat.

It's got bugger all to do with your mother in law or anyone else.

[picnicbasketcase]

What on earth do your tax credits have to do with pet ownership? Unless you're going without food yourself and feeding the cat on gold, tell your MIL to naff off.

[17leftfeet]

Should you all dress in sacks and eat gruel too?

Some people are very strange

[AlpacaLypse]

If you can afford to feed and care for a cat then it's none of her business. You mention Working tax credits... those can be coming in for households with comparatively high incomes.

Are you looking for a nice one-liner to shut her up next time she starts on about it?

[PenelopePitstops]

I can see her point. A cat is not a necessity.

Otoh if you have enough for your needs and spare for a cat then why not.

Please make sure the cat is insured, or you have a lot spare for vets bills.

[JustAShopGirl]

It is fine to have a pet. So long as you don't complain incessantly to others how you don't have any money, and the pet is costing soooo much.

My sis was a case in point - oh the dog costs so much to feed, keep up to date with jabs, deflea,worm etc etc. Can't afford this that and the next thing because of the dog.

Then when it passed on she got another one.

[KnackeredMuchly]

As long as you can agford to spay, vaccinate and insure (and feed!) the cat, she's BU.

[SolidGoldBrass]

Anyone who tries to dictate to people on benefits that they should live in humble,endless, self-denying poverty is a scumbag. End of. Just laugh at your MIL and tell her she's sounding like a Sun reader and does she want people to think she's thick, or what?

[arethereanyleftatall]

Agree with others. As long as you never complain about not having enough money for food or other essentials, then spend the spare money how you like.

[lljkk]

None of MIL's business, but... since everyone is so nice I'll be the token witch. IF you got in the habit of often whinging about lack of money, I'd take a pretty dim view looking at the £20-£25/month cat (in same way I'd view Sky etc). I presume you don't whinge to MIL about lack of money?

[Jinsei]

Of course yanbu. As long as you have enough to look after the cat as well as yourselves, it's up to you. People on benefits are allowed to have a life ffs!

Sadly, there are people on here who think that those on benefits shouldn't even have children, let alone a cat! just ignore!

[wantacatplease]

Yanbu. Pets are good for everyone's emotional wellbeing, it's a scientific fact.

With all the stress that is no doubt in your life, your cat probably helps counteract that a bit, which in my view, is priceless.

[Cornettoninja]

Your mil is a dick - ignore her.

A relative is on disability following a couple of strokes with awful legacies and has a little dog. The comfort, company, love and motivation that little creature adds to their life and mental health isn't possible to measure in monetary terms. It's obvious in this case from the circumstances but most people with pets benefit in the same ways.

The only thing I would say is you need to have a contingency fund for the vet, which I'm sure is stating the obvious There are some fab charities out there though (I don't know if friends of animals are still going but they did amazing work) if you ever find yourself stuck. I do think morally that if you're prepared to consider that route you should actively help them out with time/donations or whatever.

[ReputableBiscuit]

We don't whinge about lack of money. MIL thinks i should work (DH works) but has no suggestions how I would do this around the complex needs of disabled DC.

[Lunastarfish]

Would your mil be saying you were selfish if you chose to have another child? I suspect not. Perhaps she just doesn't like cats.

Cats are easy and cheap. I probably spend about £150 a year on food and £100 for injections/worm/flea tablets a year. Its not an insignificant expense but it is less per month than Sky. The Only annoying expense is cattery/cat sitter when I go on holiday.

[ReputableBiscuit]

Edit: MiL thinks I should work full-time. I do cleaning jobs ad hoc when I can.

[patienceisvirtuous]

As others have said, no problem as long as you can afford to provide for all the cat's needs.

[Vitalstatistix]

Wel, luckily for you, your mother in law's opinion means jack shit.

And she should be made aware of this fact.

[MsVenus]

Your MIL sounds like a daily wail reader and a prize twit.

However keep in mind the additional costs cats can occur such as vets bills & factor that into your budget
. Do get pet insurance so you are not hit with a massive vet bill, my parents have done this & can manage fine on their retirement income.