Huge Mistake--How Do I Fix?

First, I want to apologize for any improperly-placed posts. I'm using a new smartphone and I'm still learning to use it.

This might seem more suited to the pets forum, but it's more about my mental health, so that's why I'm posting it here.

Here's where I am. My boyfriend and I brought in two cats from those who were outside. The first one was because of an injury; we rescued her. The other was a foolish idea on my part, because I let my emotions convince me that I could handle another cat, even though I was struggling with the one.

I want to post a lot more details than I'm posting but I'm still getting used to typing one letter at a time here. In short, I love all my cats, but I can't keep taking care of the outdoor cats (I got pneumonia last year, just for one reason),and the indoor cats (actually, they're also outdoor cats, too, since they spend time in both locations), and my OCD is worsening because of the indoor cats.

It would break my heart to give them up, but I feel it might be necessary for my sanity. Problem is, my boyfriend is also attached to them, and he'd resent me if I asked to give them up. Additionally, I don't know where or who to give them to. I don't want to give them to a place that will put them to sleep, nor do I want to risk them ending up in the hands of dogfighters or abusers. I feel really stuck.

On top of everything, one of the indoor cats is pregnant and due anytime. My boyfriend says, when the kittens are old enough, he will take them to a shelter. I'm okay with this, if it's a no-kill shelter... Except there aren't any around here. The other cat is male and neutered. My boyfriend never got around to fixing the girl.

I wish I'd never started feeding the cats, because I wouldn't be in this mess. I don't know of anyone who can take them, and I haven't heard from an organization that I emailed who I was hoping could help.

There's more to this story, but I'm ending this here in hopes someone has answers for me. I have another issue I'd like to discuss, but I'll post that later. Thank you.

Are there no cat rescue organisations in your region?

I know there are people in Trenton who work with feral and stray cats. Even though they're not in your area, they might know of someone who can help you. Leadership - Trenton Cats Rescue

Good luck in finding a solution. I have worked with feral cats and trap/neuter/return before and it can be very stressful.

Hi Maven--

I see you're in South Jersey. It looks like these guys are the big no-kill rescue in your area--don't know if they are the ones you contacted already--

Animal Welfare Association

I also found this list of no-kills in Jersey, not all are in your area though--

No Kill Network

I hope you are able to work things out. Cats are great but they can be stressful!

Sorry for the double post but I just thought of a few more things--

Have you talked to your vet? They usually have their ears close to the ground re: rescue orgs and people who are willing to take cats in.

Also, if they are feral-ish, you might want to advertise them to prospective adoptees as "barn cats." I don't know what your particular area of Jersey is like, but up here in the North these are popular with the farmers.

Thanks for the replies. I will look into the ones I haven't tried. I was wondering if somewhere out of area might be able to help. The problem with spay/neuter/return is, I can't afford it, and I need an option to stop feeding the cats outside. I hate to do that, and that's why I'm hoping to find homes for them.

I just heard back from one group, but they don't find homes or take in cats. I have a notice in a store that sells pet items, as well as farm supplies, but there's two or three other notices there by people looking for homes for their cats. I'm thinking of calling some farms directly to ask.

Yes, I'll call my vet. That's a good idea, although I don't have a lot of hope, I've hit roadblocks so much.

ManOfConstantSorrow, there used to be at least one I knew of, but it's closed now.

Thanks for the ideas, guys! I'll let you know how it works out.

Just a side note: My pregnant cat just had two kittens in the past couple of hours. I'd be surprised if that's all there are, because she's got a big tummy, but we're waiting and watching. We don't need more cats, but they will be cute to have around, OCD or no OCD.

You can always put a flier on a board in a store like petsmart or petco, the vet would be a good idea..If i lived closer, I'd love to have them
Let us know how it turns out

Sorry for not getting back sooner. The reason I'd prefer not to post on a board like that is, dogfighters might answer the ad, and I'd feel awful if any of them ended up in those hands.

My pregnant cat has had her kittens. There are three, all adorable. However, mama cat chases and bullies our other male (fixed) cat on sight, and he's terrified of her. We've been putting him out by day and sneaking him into my room at night. Any idea how long this will last?

Usually lasts until the babies are walking on their own I'm afraid. Sometimes until they're weaned. Maybe craigslist then? You can always ask to see their home or offer to bring the kitten to them so you can see their environment. Dog fighters usually wouldn't bother if it wasn't a quick transaction. Asking questions about how the kitty will live (indoor/outdoor etc) also discourages people.

Thanks, but I would never use Craigslist for that. It is notorious for dogfighters looking for bait animals. Unfortunately, there are dogfighters in my local area. I appreciate the suggestion, though. I still have to contact the sites suggested here. Been very busy, and have a lot going on.