Sad Story - Any Advice?

I've been a member for quite a while, but this may be my first post.

I live in Lower Manhattan (NYC), a high-rise neighborhood. For the record, I have a 2 year old male cat named Solo. Last week I saw a flyer in my local pet shop that was looking to find a home for two 4-month old adorable sister cats. After a lot of thought I called the number, and the person happen to live in the building next door to me. I went to visit the cats that night (in the neighbor's 23rd floor apartment). The first thing I noticed was open windows with no screens or barriers of any kind. I told her right off that she needs screens. Long story short - I agreed to take the kittens after they were fixed (about a week later). Yesterday morning the neighbor called me crying. Yup, one of the girls fell out the window and died. Needless to say I was devastated! What's worse, now she wants to keep the remaining kitten!

I called the ASPCA hoping they could at least send a letter, make a phone call, or pay her a visit. I can see her windows from the street, and she still has no screens. The ASPCA can't do a thing. I plan to stop by the Vet (where the last cat is scheduled to be spayed), and ask them to insist that she screen her apartment.

I am very hurt, and very angry. I'm sorry for the long winded post. What would you do in my position, if anything?

! That seems like neglect to me.

Is there anyway this may be a money issue preventing her from doing the right thing? Ace and many other home stores/big lots sell the screen inserts pretty cheaply(I use them as a back up to my screens and i only have a 2 story house)
So sorry for your loss and really hope soemthign can be done to prevent the same horrible death for the other one

Oh how terribly sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rest in peace, sister kitty.

Of course you're hurt and angry! HOW IRRESPONSIBLE!!!!!

Is there any reason you're not taking the kitty now - and letting her pay for the vet visit and spay? Do you have any place to keep her separate from your kitty (meaning that if for any reason she's not healthy, she's separate until she can see the vet?)

That's probably what I'd do in this situation.

And I assume the issue re: the windows is that she still has other cats?

She might have avoided it because of building rules or cost or something. But there's nothing stopping her from purchasing lattice work and screen - and tacking the screen to the lattice work and nailing the latticework to the moulding edge of the windows (inside). It's quick and cheap, and provides the protection needed.

I doubt very much the vet will get involved. If it were us - we'd probably offer to both pay for it and to do it. I can't believe she didn't close the windows after what happened!!!!!!

Originally Posted by LDG

Is there any reason you're not taking the kitty now - and letting her pay for the vet visit and spay? Do you have any place to keep her separate from your kitty (meaning that if for any reason she's not healthy, she's separate until she can see the vet?)

Click to expand...

She decided to keep the other sister after the tragedy - I won't be getting either one! Last night she dropped me a sympathy card, consoling ME for what happened. I sent her a very stern email explaining that this wasn't about me! No one can force her to install window guards, so, I can only pray she learned her lesson. I told her in the email that this first accident was simple neglect, but should it happen again it will rise to gross and willful neglect, which is a crime. I reported it to the ASPCA so they have a record, in case it happens again.

Thank you for your thoughts...

Presto, so sorry to read this. How awful!

At this point, it seems like the only thing you can do is to purchase the adjustable screen inserts yourself and take them to her as a gift. They run anywhere from about $8 to $14 each, depending on how tall you want them. You can order them from Amazon.com and even have them delivered to her.

Newt