thinking of getting an emotional support animal for my mom, input?

sdaven02

My mom was diagnosed with squamos cell carcinal of the anal canal last week. She has her initial cosult appointment with the oncologist tomorrow so as of right now we do not know the stage and what the exact treatment plan will be, however we were told it will be a combonation of chemo and radiation. My question, one of many, is that she has always wanted a pet however her apartment complex has a "no pet" rule.  Her primary care doctor told me he would write a letter making it an Emotional Support Animal and I am very excited about surprising her with a kitten.  I think this will had joy and companionship to her days and will help keep you in a more positve mood. That being said, I was hoping to get input from people who have gone through and/or are currently going through treatment to see if this would be a good idea.  Cats are very self sufficiant and require little work but I do not want to add to  her stress. Thoughts? 

K8M

Personally, I think it is a

Personally, I think it is a great idea overall. However, kittens actually are a lot of work and require training and weaning and can be quite destructive. A mature housetrained animal would be a much better bet. That way the personality of the animal is known and they will settle in quickly.

You might want to also consider the costs as well and ensure you have enough for all the possible vet bills. 

zyao2

good luck!!!

good luck!!!

Ottawamarc1234

zyao2 said:

good luck!!!

good luck!!!

My Miss MaggieCat...is with me all the time!

She's an 11 year old Silver Mackeral Tabby. Am single live alone. She knows am sick and is on bed with me every night. Support of a different nature.

mp327

sdaven02

First, I am sorry to hear of your mother's diagnosis.  I hope that the tumor is small, which will increase her chances of successful treatment.  As for getting her a cat, I think that is a great idea--I am a cat lover and currently have 3.  At the time of my treatment in 2008, I had 2 and they were my best supporters (other than my husband).  They knew something was wrong with me and that I didn't feel well.  I would often lie down to nap and wake up to find a cat on each side of me, both squeezed up against me as tight as they could get, as if to tell me they were there for me and everything would be okay. 

My one suggestion, which has already been made above, is to not get a kitten, but a mature cat.  Kittens are very active and require a lot of attention, which your mother might not be up for during her treatment.  I would recommend searching for a laid back mature cat that is not quite as active and is more of a "lap cat."  Just keep in mind that any cat will require a certain amount of attention--feeding and tending to the litter box a couple of times daily at the very least.  I can tell you that during the last phase of my treatment, I had no energy and having to do that would have been too taxing for me.  So, make sure before you adopt a cat for your mother, that you are prepared to help with those duties or have someone lined up who can.

My cats have all been rescues.  Spend some time with any cat you consider for adoption to get to know their tempermant.  My black cat hopped up into my lap at the Humane Society the day I brought him home and I knew he was the one.

I wish your mom all the very best as she moves forward to the start of treatment.  It can be a rough 6 weeks, but is totally doable.  Please keep us posted.

OPfarmer

I had stage 4 Squamish cell

I had stage 4 Squamish cell anal cancer real high up on the colon verge.

30 days radiation, and two double rounds of Cistplatain/6 day FU5 chemo.

Ok Pet.  Yes Yes Yes.  My German Shepherd  was my companion while kids at school and wife at work.  Lonely days crying in pain, my dog kept me grounded.   

Could not immagine not having a pet companion, personally.

JerzyGrrl

Surprising her with a kitten

I'm all for having pets and for people who need emotional support animals having them. I'm not particularly fond of the idea of "surprising" someone with an animal, especially one that's young, however. Are you going to be fully involved with the cat's care and be the cat nanny? In that case, it's doable. If not, talk it over (and definitely think about locating an older cat) with her first. 

Ohmy

My pets definitely got me

My pets definitely got me through the treatment and recovery last year.  I had four cats and two dogs at the time.  They kept me company when my husband went to work everyday.  We recently adopted a kitten and I would not recommend a kitten as a therapy pet.  I suggest you take your Mom to your local shelter and adopt an older cat who needs a home.  Cats pick us, we don't pick them.  

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch

Pet positive.

My kitty, Panda, really seemed to sense that I needed soothing and spent most of her time with me purring. However, she still needed some care. Feedings, even when I felt nauseated and smells made it worse. Also, the oncologist stressed that I could not scoop or wash the litter box while my immune system was dented. Fortunately, my husband did the care.

OPfarmer

Good point pet positive.  I

Good point pet positive.  I forgot, the hospital was worried about my dog when my immune system was crashed too.

 

But having that unconditional "love" while family was away sure was great.

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch

OPfarmer said:

Good point pet positive.  I

Good point pet positive.  I forgot, the hospital was worried about my dog when my immune system was crashed too.

 

But having that unconditional "love" while family was away sure was great.

Also....

I loved having Panda so close to me, but there were times when she used my mediport as a springboard, the scamp.

OPfarmer

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch said:

Also....

I loved having Panda so close to me, but there were times when she used my mediport as a springboard, the scamp.

A 100 pound German Shepherd

A 100 pound German Shepherd stepping on my Port would not be good!!