How healthy are rescue cats? UPDATE

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7475

I realize where you are coming from but still prefer to buy my pedigree cats from reputable and outstanding breeders. I just feel it is in the best interest of my existing cats not to take a chance of any communicable disease being brought into my home. Even with isolation, the germs are on me and in my home.

I just plain enjoy reading and studying pedigrees and genetics too. It has become a hobby of mine. I have always found Biology interesting. It all boils down to pesonal choice and what we feel is best for us on a personal and private level.

I wish everyone the best!

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:59 pm

My two cents - everyone has their own experience and this is a place that we can share our experience, strength and hope for our beloved pets as well as stray, pedigree cats, rescue cats - whatever. The line gets crossed when people get nasty and rude. As Celeste has pointed out, in the state of our Nation and our economy, we have much larger problems. So the world would be a much better place for all to be kinder, gentler and let's all learn to love one another despite any differences because in the whole grand scheme of things - life is much too short. And I agree Celeste, it is time to stop making excuses to justify the difference between right and wrong. Let's keep the flow of things positive. And it is okay to ask questions and there should be no attacks. EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH AND HOPE - I'm praying for World Peace myself. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!! Blessings - Lanie :smile

Viscountess Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 435

Allie almost died since she could not have her cysts aspirated since she tested positive for ringworm. This lead her into an emergency hospitalization whereas the condition is dismissed under such circumstances. Also lead into a second hospitalization due to her poor immune system she acquired a virus from the first hospitalization which lead to making everyone else in the family ill. Sassie also required hospitalization! :cry

Not to mention the pain and suffering, I was faced with over $6000.00 in hospital bills. I never bothered totalling up regular vet bills for everyone else since I felt what I don't know will not hurt me. :smile

Ringworm doesn't sit well with me. This was the worst household this disease could have been exposed to. My beloved mother and I came down with it also. It took forever for me to clear it up on my Mom who had cancer. :sad

I do recall a well known breeder from a previous forum I was a member at stating I should take it easy on Romeo's breeder and this did not warrant her closing her cattery. :shocked

I guess I am made of money. :lol

And since Allie is old anyways, maybe I should have just put her to sleep. I could have saved a bundle here. What the yeck...I have others that are younger!

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7475

I have been researching my own topic here more and more. I have come to the conclusion it's all a Big Crap Shoot as they say in Vegas!

You take your chances whether buying a cat or rescuing one I have found in my own personal life. I am trying to compile a list of questions to ask and procedures to follow to ensure your new kitty, whether purchased or rescued, comes into your life as the happiest and healthiest it can be.

Thank you ALL for your varied thoughts on this subject. Each point of view is correct and the right one in my opinion because it was expressed from the heart and from your experiences.

Bottom line--Each cat is special and beautiful because we love them and they love us! Thank you all so much and best wishes.
Joane

Baroness Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

I think shelters are just overwhelmed and underfunded. Not fun to get a cat who might need care, but you're doing a good thing by taking a shelter cat and they will get better with care. :smile

You will then have a loving pet whom you helped save.

I have taken several shelter cats in the past and they were always healthy.

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7475

Thank you persiansweeties for telling me your story of adopting healthy cats. My biggest worry is bringing a disease into my home to my existing cats. I deal with one breeder and only one breeder that is superior in every way so I know my cats are always healthy and never at risk for bringing disease into my home.

I would definitely consider rescuing a persian kitten/cat one day as long as it did not have a contagious disease. I have to really protect my existing cats first.

Great job you are doing promoting rescue! I will definitely keep an open mind to doing this!

Baroness Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

JoaneWing, don't feel bad for wanting to protect your beautiful kitties! It's your responsibility to take care of them first and foremost because you already have them, and there will always be persons who don't have a cat yet or lost one who will want to rescue one. They just need to know where to look.

I looked and looked before the Internet when I wanted to buy a Persian. And there are always new people graduating from h.s. and college who want their first Persian or other kind of cat. I'm just trying to get the word out to new people who don't have Persians yet and always wanted one or want another.

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7475

What a sweet thing to say Persiansweeties. Thank you for your kind understanding. You are a good person. You are doing great work but also have the heart and kindness to understand everyone's circumstances. You have a lot of Class!
Joane