Hi all - I've been asked if I would consider taking in a foster with a few health issues. It is an 11 month old female but is kitten sized and hasn't been growing. It get diarrhea if it eats anything other than its usual food, has some possible inner ear or neurological issues (it ***** its head to the side - I don't have full details yet)... and it has urinary incontinence. It is a Manx cat, so that last part is likely associated with the breed.
I'm ok with dealing with those issues as long as there is a decent chance that the cat will recover and live a normal life... but I'd rather not commit to fostering a cat that will likely stay with me until it can be set up in a sanctuary type home. I'd rather spend my time helping other fosters that are in need and more adoptable (I know that is harsh). The diarrhea sounds like food allergy / sensitive stomach so I'm fine with dealing with that (and can feed limited ingredient / raw diet), the neurological problem doesn't seem to affect that cat too much, the stunted growth is odd - I'm not sure what that might be... and the urinary incontinence is my biggest concern. The cat needs to be bathed daily and can wear infant diapers... I'd need to put plastic down in my spare room / quarrantine room.
Has anyone dealt with urinary incontinence? I have read that there is potentially surgery or medication that could help, I'm not sure if that is a decent chance or slim to none kind of odds. I'm researching about this condition but I'd appreciate any suggestions, links or stories that people have. I don't want to turn this cat away as I'm the only foster home that will consider it, but I also want to help as many cats as I can and I'm not sure that this is a good use of limited resources...
Also, any thoughts on stunted growth? We thought that the lady sent a 'cute / kitten' picture of the cat at 2-3 months but it was a very recent picture of the 11 month old kitty.
Thank you!
I'm ok with dealing with those issues as long as there is a decent chance that the cat will recover and live a normal life... but I'd rather not commit to fostering a cat that will likely stay with me until it can be set up in a sanctuary type home. I'd rather spend my time helping other fosters that are in need and more adoptable (I know that is harsh). The diarrhea sounds like food allergy / sensitive stomach so I'm fine with dealing with that (and can feed limited ingredient / raw diet), the neurological problem doesn't seem to affect that cat too much, the stunted growth is odd - I'm not sure what that might be... and the urinary incontinence is my biggest concern. The cat needs to be bathed daily and can wear infant diapers... I'd need to put plastic down in my spare room / quarrantine room.
Has anyone dealt with urinary incontinence? I have read that there is potentially surgery or medication that could help, I'm not sure if that is a decent chance or slim to none kind of odds. I'm researching about this condition but I'd appreciate any suggestions, links or stories that people have. I don't want to turn this cat away as I'm the only foster home that will consider it, but I also want to help as many cats as I can and I'm not sure that this is a good use of limited resources...
Also, any thoughts on stunted growth? We thought that the lady sent a 'cute / kitten' picture of the cat at 2-3 months but it was a very recent picture of the 11 month old kitty.
Thank you!
