I told my mum not to buy any fish. Any advice?

Excellent idea, Stacy.

Your profile says nothing about Mom. Does she have a Dementia. How old is she that she does not understand what is involved with having fish?

Maybe "steal" them when she is not around and return them to the store. Explaining nicely that your Mom has no way to take care of these fish, telling them were she planned on putting them. When she asks where they are, tell her the cats must have gotten them and that is why you don't have fish.

Personally, I would not get her a fish tank unless your willing to do all the maintenance.

I used to go trolling for fish with my dad, many years ago. Anyone else? 😊🐌🐌🐬🐙🐠🐟🐋🐳🐊

After googling I think the fish must have been northern pike, in northern Minnesota.

I'm thinking a local cat has or will soon enjoy a nice fish supper.

Actually, Charlen, I've stopped feeling cross with your mother and switched to thinking about what utter numpty *sold* her the fish without asking anything about how they were to be looked after. Do you know where she got them?

If your mother likes fish, and can take care of them, you can take her to go buy a proper aquarium with a filtration system to put the fish in. Taking care of pets gives her a purpose and something fun to do and keep busy.

If your mother doesn't or won't take care of the fish and no one else will, please take the fish back to the store, or give them away to someone who can. Then buy her one of those fake fish in a tank that swims around when you plug it into an electrical outlet. It's fun to watch. My mom used to have one of those. No cleaning needed.

If you're in the UK, call the RSPCA and ask them to send someone round to have a firm word with her. She could be prosecuted for cruelty. No, really, she could.

There is a ‘Gardening as therapy’ thread on this forum. I suggest that you ask your question about your mom’s pond there. Good luck finding a suitable response.