I am getting really worried as I research FIP that my cat has this terminal illness. Should there have been steps taken and information about this cat given to me before he was adopted? I paid for him to be neutered but since he had a cold when I took him home, he could not get the operation, and I was told that he would recover in a few weeks. We payed about $80.00 for the cat including the antibiotics and neutering. I am obviously not getting him neutered if he is terminally ill.
I am really just furious and would like my money back. What the heck, I thought I had a healthy cat. We already spent about $500 on cat accessories and now we won't have a cat, not to mention the pain and suffering.
I feel that we were screwed over and not told things...and not to mention the fact that our friends and realtives may give their cats a this disease if they don't wash their hands - its highly contagious.
2007-05-02 09:39:47 · 19 answers · asked by fanny gardener 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes I certainly think shelters should not knowingly hand over a sick cat. Have you spoken to the shelter about it? Were they aware the cat has FIP? Cat's do not really get 'colds' and they will know this. If the cat was snotty when you picked it up, they should not have let it go because they should have known it was likely it had some sort of virus.
Talk to the shelter, they should really be footing the vet bills.
Chalice
2007-05-02 09:52:34 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My kitten tested positive for FelV. I was sad, but I kept him. He will always be the sweetest kitty. Just because they have an illness, doesn't mean they don't deserve a good life.
The only problems I had with my kitty is upper respiratory infections once a year. The only thing i regret is he only lived to be 4, he was fine Sunday then gone on Tuesday.
Before you take the kitty back, because they will, think about him, do you want him put to sleep,because that is what they will do...I promise you they will.
You will be able to have a happy kitty for as long as he lives. It may be anywhere from 3-10 years. The same goes for any cat, any cat could just die without cause.
Your cat needs someone to care for him, let it be you. The shelter could give you a voucher for the future. I believe these things happen for a reason. Some higher power believes you can care for this kitty, the way it should be.
Nobody could blame you for taking him back, not even me. I just want you to think about it. I would trade anything in the world right now for my kitty back. Can you tell in only been a few weeks. Good luck!
2007-05-02 09:59:55 · answer #2 · answered by Shelly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you take the cat to the vet immediately after adoption? (most shelters recommend this, and some even give a free vet visit). If the disease was unknown to the shelter personnel, and the cat contracted it before adoption, then it should be the shelter's responsibility and you can either take the cat back for exchange or take the cat back for a refund (which is sad considering the poor kitty is sick and will probably be put down immediately). If it is found that the cat contracted the disease after adoption, then there is nothing you can do. Remember that shelters make all reasonable efforts to adopt out healthy animals.
2007-05-02 09:49:17 · answer #3 · answered by Audrey A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a responsibility to this kitten. When you took him in, you committed to the cost of veterinary care, food, shelter, litter, and time it takes to raise an animal. You're first duty is to take that kitten to a vet. It doesn't matter that you don't feel he's worth $150, he's your responsibility and if he's sick he needs to be taken care of. Second, shyness can be overcome. All it requires is the time for both of you to learn how to communicate with each other and the willingness to listen. Now, if you really don't want this cat, the only 'moral' thing to do is find a responsible new owner yourself. You owe him that much. There's absolutely nothing right about tossing a domestic animal out on the streets. The only thing that does is let you pretend you're not responsible for it's death.
2016-05-19 00:29:00 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FIP is not a nice disease, so I understand your worry. However, it's not overly infectious, despite the name. And it doesn't always cause peritonitis. It's also very difficult to diagnose, so it's very possible the shelter personnel didn't realize he had it. I actually don't know of any shelter that tests for FIP - only Leukemia, or possibly FIV. A test will tell you if the cat has been exposed to Corona virus, but since that virus doesn't always result in FIP, it isn't reliable. Plenty of cat's have been exposed to Corona virus, but never develop FIP. Feline Enteric Corona virus is shed in the feces and can be passed on to other cats, however, it is the mutated form of the virus that leads to FIP.
Simple hand washing will eliminate the worry of passing the disease to your friends cats. The disease can live outside the body, but it's rapidly destroyed with simple cleaning agents.
You paid extra for neutering? He should have been neutered before he was even offered for adoption, and the cost of it should have been included in the adoption fee. I would definitely let the shelter know what's going on, but I would bring him to a vet for proper diagnosis first. Many symptoms of FIP are symptoms of other diseases or conditions, as well.
Out of curiosity - what on earth did you buy for this cat that would equal $500?
2007-05-02 11:07:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some shelters do allow people to adopt cats who are positive for FIV and other illnesses, though they generally screen to make sure there are no other cats in the household who might contract the disease. And they tell the adopters about it upfront. What happened to you is no OK and you do need to speak to the shelter about it. Look over any paperwork you signed to see if there's any language about returning animals for health or other reasons. It could have just been an oversight, so be polite and explain the situation.
The answer to your question is that they generally don't without telling you about it first.
2007-05-02 10:06:01 · answer #6 · answered by Demon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On one hand, I am happy for your cat that he found a place to live in comfort and security before he dies. It would be horribly sad if he spent the remainder of his life in a shelter. He is probably so very grateful that you brought him into your home.
That being said....I completely understand your frustration with the shelter that you adopted him from. I would contact them and see if there is not something that can be worked out. Perhaps they can allow you to adopt another kitty for free, now or after your current cat passes. I hope that you will find it in your heart to allow the cat that you just adopted to live out the rest of his days with you and show him lots of love. I know it is painful to lose a pet, but at least you will know the little guy had some happiness in his short life.
I wish you and your cat the best.
2007-05-02 09:59:53 · answer #7 · answered by Sophie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello, many clinics like pounds don't even test, is the problem BUT DEFINATELY it needs to be reported to those where you got the cat from & the VET should do this as well, cuz every other cat, ferret, specially kittens... could get this !!! Now that you have had the cat at your home, no kitten can come around..as it is highly infectious..bout all you will be able to do is make sure you have a cat that has had the inoculation/ vaccination for the illness, but no baby kitten will have the immunity..takes awhile for the vaccinations to take affect..so sorry about all this..just one of the cons of getting animals sometimes..definately it needs to be reported tho ASAP !!Take Care :)
2007-05-02 09:53:07 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my MIL works in a shelter and the reason they do this is that these cats create a lot of work for the shelter and they incur the cost of keeping the cats healthy. In my MIL's shelter they advise of cats health and that is has special needs. The owner needs to acknowledge the health of the cat. If you unknowing bought a sick cat and were not told, you should try to get your money back. Just remember the cat might not have presented sick before leaving the shelter. Best of luck!
2007-05-02 10:05:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does a terminally ill cat not deserve a happy home? Would you actually deny the poor thing that too? Is adoption with you for life or not?
Accessories can be used with another cat, so you're out $80.
By the way, it's common heygiene to keep one's hands clean.
2007-05-02 16:41:54 · answer #10 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋