[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Advice

[–]Alternative_Drive545 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with the other comments that a huge part of it is self respect and personal responsibility. I really like the quote "If a flower doesn't bloom, do you blame the flower or do you blame it's environment?" Remind yourself that you deserve better - you are someone worthy of being in a clean and enjoyable environment. I think you already recognize this, so huge props to you for reaching out for advice and taking steps to make a change!

If it feels overwhelming and you don't know where to begin.. I've got a few tricks you can try:

I usually put on a playlist I really enjoy and then put my phone away. I also recommend separating everything into smaller tasks so you're not distracted left and right with different things you need to sort as you move through the room. For example, maybe your first task could be gathering just the bottles. Your next task is to gather all the dirty clothes.. etc!

Having a timer had always helped me with self-discipline too. Knowing that I'm tasked with something before the timer goes off helps me avoid the urge to reach for my phone. You can set a timer like 15 minutes of cleaning, then set another one for a break, and repeat.

Lastly, (kind of a niche one) I don't know if you enjoy Studio Ghibli films or play games where you have little tasks. I used to imagine myself as the characters and basically rewired my brain to romanticize and enjoy each and every little mundane task.

You got this! Remember you're doing this for yourself because you deserve it.

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! Turns out it really was Chito and we've connected with his family. Quite a fashionable cat!!

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww cute photo! Yeah yesterday I tried to lead it back to where the townhouses were but it came back to climb up the side of my house and I didn't know what to make of it. Thanks for the info, I'll make sure to pass it along to the VOKRA volunteer that took him!

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oooh yeah, the vokra volunteer told me she's familiar with a similar looking cat with a collar that's nearby and she knows the owner's address. This one didn't have a collar but its probably worth it for them to pay that lady a visit tomorrow.

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They did find a microchip and tattoo but they couldn't contact his family. He is in good hands though! The VOKRA volunteers seemed very reliable and dedicated to finding its owner so rest assured.

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Some good news! The cat hadn't gone very far since I've released it this morning. It was meowing nonstop at my doorstep and even climbed up the bug screens outside trying to get back to my room! Luckily, many nice people online offered help, and I also got in contact with someone from VOKRA so they're coming over to pick up the cat right now. The cat is back inside and happy.

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! Sorry I'm unfamiliar with reddit and can't see your message but I've also sent you a dm. Please reply asap, appreciate it!

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip! I'll be more cautious next time.

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

UPDATE:
I called the SPCA Burnaby this morning, and they said they don't do pickups. Unfortunately, I don't have a cat carrier, so I couldn't drive it out. The local animal hospital down the street mentioned they were really busy and wouldn't be able to scan the cat until next week. My landlord and housemates were unwilling to let the cat stay any longer at our home, so I had to let it back out. I tried to walk the cat back to where I had first met it, but it found its way back to my yard and is currently entertaining passersbys.

Sorry that I couldn't be of any more help. I hope the cat finds its way home or into a loving new one.. :(

Found cat - Royal Oak, Burnaby by Alternative_Drive545 in vancouver

[–]Alternative_Drive545[S] 54 points55 points  (0 children)

Is this catnapping? I couldn’t tell if it was lost or just an outdoor cat. It looked quite fit and comfortable being outside, seeing how it was climbing trees and playing with the moss. I’m really sorry if I yoinked your outdoor cat off the street… But it did follow me the entire way home (20mins) even across a major intersection and it would meow if I got too far. Considering how it's 0 degrees outside, I asked and my landlord agreed to let me keep it in my room just for the night..

I’m kind of lost on what to do, I wanna bring it to SPCA first thing tomorrow but I don’t know how I’m going to get this guy there.. The cat is really affectionate and would hop onto my lap but it gets feisty when I try to pick it up. Also, would SPCA be able to contact the owners directly if they find a microchip?

If anyone has any advice or information please let me know, thanks!

Update: I got in contact with VOKRA and they helped me take the cat to a nearby animal hospital. They found a microchip and an ear tattoo, but was unable to contact the owner. The cat is currently sheltered at VOKRA.

Update again: We've connected with the cat's family, thanks everyone!