Homeless with a Cat

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Disaster has stricken and you are now on the streets with your cat. You tried to go to the local homeless shelter, but they will only accept you. No cats allowed. So you are faced with a decision, either abandon your cat or sleep on the streets, bringing your cat subjecting your cat to a terrifying experience. You're not abandoning your cat. You don't know what to do.

A cat is not like a dog in that you can't just leash them and take them with you everywhere you go. It's strange to have a cat at the park. Walking down the street with them, you detect a sense of judgment passing from the eyes that meet you on your journeys. Worst yet, it feels like people are staring at you. You think to yourself people are probably thinking, "aww poor cat. Homeless people should not have cats." And then you often find yourself worrying about whether it is even right to bring your cat along for this journey. You don't even know how to begin. Are there even any resources available to help homeless people with cats?

Two quick resources to help

While there are often many local agencies available to help you and/or your cat find housing, sometimes they are difficult to locate. If you're just looking for a couple of quick resources to contact about getting help with your cat, here are two websites that may help:

• Humane Animal Support Services
• Pets of the Homeless

The challenges you may face

It feels like you are the only person that is homeless with a cat. Trust me, I know exactly what that feels like.

Maybe you are at least as fortunate enough to have a car to sleep in with your cat. Maybe your only option is the streets. Listen to me: don't feel like a burden to your cat, though. Your cat and yourself are going to be just fine.

Being homeless with a cat presents difficulties, however. It prevents you from going into places you need. Your only option for going into the grocery store is to carry your cat in your arms. Ever tried that in your lifetime? Many customers look at you like you are crazy. Employees tell you non-service animals are forbidden. The only solution is to make friends fast. You need to find someone who you could trust to leave your cat with when you shop. Hopefully, you know exactly who that person is already.

What do you do when you are homeless with a cat?

If you do not own a vehicle, you are going to need to get a tent. Having a tent will allow you to put the cat down and give your arms a break from carrying him or her. If you cannot afford to buy one, try googling "free tents for the homeless near me". Many non-profit organizations give out free tents to the homeless each day. Be advised, however, that many cities do not allow tents in certain areas. It's always a good idea to check with local laws and regulations before pitching one.

The other option is one I don't recommend. But it may be the only thing that you can do. You may need to get rid of your cat permanently or temporarily. If you are like me, getting rid of your best feline friend permanently is not an option. So the first thing I recommend is calling friends and family and asking if you can leave the cat for some time. This will allow you to stay at the shelter. The shelter will provide you with food and a place to shower. You're going to need to shower to get a new job. You're going to need to work to get a new place. You're going to need a new place to have a new home for your cat.

Your last option is the temporarily place your cat in a home. You can google "temporary housing for cats or pets in my area" for that. That search will likely yield a wide variety of resources available for the homeless with cats. They make cage cats like an animal but your cat will be just fine. Use one of these agencies to back on track. You will at least know that your kitty is safe and well-fed. Locate an animal shelter and see if they help.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best. My thoughts and prayers will be with you each day of your battle.