Urgent -- Need Immediate Answer -- Adopted Cats

twocats2014

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Hello,

I adopted two domestic shorthair cats from a shelter two days ago.  One had a cold the first day I went to visit the shelter about two weeks ago and was treated with antibiotics.  I waited two weeks until the antibiotics were done to pick them up.

I looked at the paperwork today because she still seems very weak with watery eyes, and I saw a note in the documents saying she had three circular lesions on her on 11/17.  I called the shelter and they said they didn't know what was done to treat the lesions.  They just noticed them during spay surgery.  They said there was nothing in the documents that said what they did to treat them.  I can still see the lesions and they look just like ringworm, especially the one on the tail.

I must have asked them a million times if the cats had any diseases because I have a toddler at home.  They told me that they didn't.  I am absolutely furious.  Why would they lie or not check the history before letting me adopt her?  She was checked out by the agency's vet two weeks before I adopted her and that's when they found out she had a cold.  Based on the paperwork and the lesions I see, I'm sure she has ringworm.

I like the cats a lot, but I have a toddler at home, and I'm just plain angry now!!!  What should I do?  Return the cats or keep them?  I adopted them on Monday and it's Wednesday now.  We're not that attached to them yet obviously, and I would choose my daughter's health over them anyway.

Please help me decide!!!
 

zoneout

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As much as I hate to say it I would bring the one with ringworm back to the shelter. I assume the other cat is healthy and ok to keep. You might tell them that you would be willing to take her back after she gets a clean bill of health but otherwise cannot take the risk of your daughter getting infdcted.
 

denice

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If the kittens have ringworm then your daughter and you have been exposed and if your going to get lesions you will rather the kitties are returned or not.  I understand your being upset with the shelter for not telling you but really for both people and pets it's more frustrating than serious.
 

seaturtle

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I would take them back. I am surprised they let them be in the shelter without isolating them - ringworm spreads fast.
 

conikat

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I understand your frustration and your anger, but most shelters can't afford all the testing and treatment that they need. My poor baby had either FIP or Cancer, but I did not take him back. He was mine as far as I was concerned so the vet and I did the best we could for him. I'm glad I didn't because he would've missed out on the love and cuddling and comfort we gave each other until I finally lost him.but that's me. Good luck with this.
ConiKat
 

reikitty

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I totally understand your frustration about the ringworm. And I'm really sorry you had this issue. The group I volunteer for don't allow kitties to get adopted out that show signs of ringworm, and if it's possible the kitties have been exposed to it we let them know. Ringworm isn't a huge deal, it's just a pain to get rid of.

But now it's to late. The kitties have been in your home long enough to expose you and your daughter, even if you take them out of your home you'll still have the spores in your home. And if you wait and bring home a new kitty they can pick up on the spores too and get ringworm.

Take spotted kitty to your vet and get confirmation if possible that it's ringworm and then talk to the shelter. Or see if the shelters vet will see the kitty. Hopefully you can get them to agree to help cover treatment since you can prove they had when you got them from the shelter.... but don't be surprised if they wont.  Or best bet it's not ringworm.

Try to keep your toddler away from spotted kitty if possible and maybe even keep her separated till shes cleared. And watch the second kitty too the stress of moving to your home may 'activate' the ringworm on the second kitty too.

There are lots of great tips on how to treat ringworm and how to keep it from spreading on this forum and online.

Good luck!
 

sarah ann

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Ringworm is not a terrible disease and is easily treated. There is no need to be furious.

Yes ringworm produces uncomfortable lesions, but most antifungal creams found at CVS will clear it right up, should you or your daughter get infected.  If you are really worried pick up some athletes foot medication from cvs and rub it on the feet of your daughter. She is most likely to be exposed walking around barefoot.

Ringworm spores stay in the environment for up to 18 months. Ringworm can be found anywhere- schools or daycare, parks etc. Exposure is really common and most people will be exposed without showing any symptoms. Adults are generally more immune to the disease than children.

Ringworm loves warm moist and damp environments so keeping dry skin is important.

If you wish to keep the cat, keep her isolated in the bathroom with a litter box. The bathroom is the easiest area to disinfect with bleach. 

I'm not sure that cat needs to be returned to the shelter. All shelters I know of recommend that you take the kitten to the vet after adopting. This is standard procedure where I live.  So if you can take the cat to the vet, get her checked for ringworm. There are other diseases that can cause hair loss (allergies for example) that do not cause disease in people.  Even if she has ringworm you can keep her in the bathroom until treatment is completed.

Whenever I take in a kitten from a shelter, they stay in the bathroom for a few weeks in quarantine.  I encourage everyone to do this with a new animal, as it prevents you from spreading disease throughout the house or to your other pets. 

A vet visit after adoption is ALWAYS a good idea!  Shelter pets almost always have some disease (whether it be ringworm or internal parasites). Usually it is easily treatable and nothing to worry about. In all my years of adopting and taking in rescues I have never had a disease outbreak.

Please do not worry too much about your child. Unless she has some major health issues, exposure to ringworm or other bacteria is good for her immune system!  Studies have even shown that lack of exposure to environmental bacteria is bad for children and increases the risk for autoimmune disease such as allergies.

Ringworm is so common she will be exposed eventually whether you want her to or not. You just won't be aware that she was exposed, as most likely she won't show symptoms!
 

raelli

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I adopted a kitten (unknowingly) with ringworm about five months ago. I am fairly sure the shelter did not know about it, or they likely would have noted it, since they did tests for most of the major illnesses. 

It took us a few weeks to realize, and only when my boyfriend and I got it were we sure. We even thought it was fleas for a while. 

At the end of the day, it was annoying but harmless. Ringworm is easily treated in humans, and it can be treated in cats as well. Even in a toddler, it should be no real cause for concern. Our cat no longer shows any symptoms, despite doing nothing to treat him. He is happy, healthy, and fun, and I would take having ringworm for the rest of my life rather than give up my baby. Ringworm wasn't his fault and I'd never punish him by giving him back. In fact, all the work we did to make sure he was healthy (he was one sick cat...) only makes me love him more. 
 

manemelissa

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Okay I would be furious too. When you adopt an animal from a shelter and are told that it's in good health when it's not and they knew it at one point, that's a big deal. Not to mention that now you may have to pay for treatment for not only the sick cat, but purchase anti-fungal cream for you and your daughter as well. Doesn't matter that ringworm is something fairly common or treatable; being exposed to a fungal infection unexpectedly (and unnecessarily) is not okay. If I were you I would talk to the shelter and see if they will treat the cat/diagnose it. They may not, but it's worth a shot! I'm sorry this happened right when it's supposed to be an exciting fun time for you and your family!
 
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twocats2014

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Thank you all for your caring responses.  We took them to the vet and sure enough, it is ringworm.  I'm about to post a new thread with an update.  We ended up taking them back to the shelter yesterday, but I'll pick them up today.
 

zoneout

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Sounds like you came to a good conclusion that benefits everyone including the innocent kitties. Glad to have a happy ending.
 
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