Money Moral Dilemma: Should my housemate repay me for looking after her cat?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My housemate adopted an older cat. I didn't agree as we're both busy people, and told her I wouldn't be responsible for its care. But I ended up looking after it while she was away, and began buying it food, toys etc. I bonded with the cat and, now my housemate's moving out, I've taken over formal ownership, paying to have its microchip updated etc. With vet bills and other costs, I've spent over £1,000. Should I ask my housemate to contribute, considering the cat was supposed to be hers?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. 

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JGB1955

No.. don't be ridiculous! You've adopted the cat and now have to pay the consequences.

cireland

£1000 in vet bills??? Regardless you’ve adopted it so need to take the rough with the smooth I’m afraid.

PeteW

 I've taken over formal ownership

There's your answer.

MButton

That is all part of the responsibility of "taking ownership". If you adopted a child, you wouldn't ask the biological parents to contribute because the child was supposed to be theirs. You've done a wonderful  thing stepping into the role - just take comfort and pride in that. 

discountcrazy

No afraid that won’t do. You can’t take ownership and then ask for money! Welcome to the world of cat owners.

Neil49

No way. You should either pay the costs otherwise have had it rehomed as soon as she left. 

Middlestitch

Ridiculous amount of money to spend on a cat - but you chose to do so. Your cost.

StoneleighCat

You say you have bonded with the cat. Welcome to the world of pet ownership. Enjoy the pleasure of having a pet, which also comes with financial responsibilities. 

Woodland_Fairy

Why did you not discuss the issue of cat related finances while your housemate was still living with you? I know these sorts of conversations can be awkward, but unless you had an agreement in place at the time you spent the money then I don't think it's fair or moral that you should effectively be spending your housemate's money for them. It seems to me that you chose to buy the cat toys, food, and voluntarily paid the Vet's bills etc. I think, if you're honest with yourself, that you really accepted responsibility of the cat before your housemate moved out - emotionally, as well as financially. 

So, I just have one thing to say:-
Congratulations! You've got a cat!! Although, actually, we all know that the cat now owns you, not the other way around

Woodland_Fairy

Middlestitch said:

Ridiculous amount of money to spend on a cat - but you chose to do so. Your cost.

Aww, that's not really very kind. If we accept an animal into our life then it's our responsibility to ensure they have the very best welfare standards and an enriched life, regardless of costs (although, time and effort will always be the biggest cost - or should be). Basically, if we can't afford to do that, then we shouldn't be taking on the responsibility of a companion animal.

But, yes, I totally agree with you regarding the fact that the OP chose to take on those costs - and were not under duress to do so.