I just adopted a sick cat

I brought home a cat I adopted from an owner who posted him through a Bengal rescue site. We made the three hour drive to pick him up. He seemed very lethargic and was like a wet noodle. I assumed the owner had drugged the cat for the ride to our home. When we got home, I was holding him and he peed blood on my shirt. We were shocked and took him to the vet. He was treated for a urinary tract infected. The original owner did reimburse us for that visit. He still did not get better, so I took him back to the vet. They did a blood test and it turned out that his kidneys are at dangerous levels. He has been at the vet getting fluids and antibiotics. Should the original owner responsible to pay this vet bill? She is playing that she did not know he was sick, but my vet said that this had to be brewing for a long time. We are devastated.

I am so sorry that you adopted a cat that was so seriously ill.  It has to be a terrible shock.  I can't help but feel glad for the cat's sake that you did, however, since he obviously needed vet care that he wasn't getting where he was originally.  As to whether or not the rescue is responsible for the cost, it would seem that ethically they should pay for it, but I don't know if they are actually legally required to do so.  I do know that when my ex adopted a cat that turned out to need surgery and a feeding tube that the shelter from which he adopted her paid the almost $1000 to cover the charge.  So there is certainly precedent that shelters and rescues pay for vet care when they adopt out a sick pet.  Some will even pay for behavior issues.  I once adopted a cat who bit me constantly and the rescue offered to pay for visits to a behavior specialist.

It would seem to me that even if the rescue refuses to pay for your cat's vet bills, at the very least they should refund any adoption fees you may have paid.  This does not sound like a well run rescue, though.  To overlook a cat that ill, it would seem he was not being cared for properly.  It also strikes me that using the excuse that the owner did not realize the cat was sick is not a valid excuse for not paying but only an insight into the kind of care he was receiving.   I'm wondering if they can even afford to reimburse you. 

I hope your new kitty feels better soon and am so sorry you are going through this. 

Margd,

Thank you for your reply. The Bengal rescue was involved as post Rex as a courtesy listing. I have been in touch with them and do believe that Rex was sick when I picked him up from the original owners home. Not sure if they are responsible for the vet bill. The owner has the mean to pay. She has two home that are both over $400,000 each. Rex still has an infection and they are treating that with some antianxiety meds that may increase his appetite. I have told the original owner that I will get a lawyer if she does not pay the vet bill.

Thank you,

Paula

a cat doesn't start peeing blood at the start of an infection. these people had to know this kitty was sick and it's a shame they didn't take him to the vet especially when they could afford it! i hope everything turns out all right for him..

I just came from the vet to see Rex. He looks good and has more energy, but still not eating on his own. Tomorrow morning they are going to do another blood test to see how his kidneys are functioning. We will have to make some decisions tomorrow. I hope it is all a bad infection, but not sure if a kidney infection could cause his levels to be so bad. I am hoping for the best. Not sure of the quality of life of a cat who's kidneys don't function properly. I guess the vet will tell us more tomorrow. Just so sad that the previous owner did not take him to a vet when he first became ill. She won't fess up to knowing he was sick. If I could spew fire, I would at her.

Paula

I don't blame you for being furious about this.  I really hope Rex's kidney values are closer to normal tomorrow.  It is really awful that the rescue didn't take better care of him and get him to the vet when his illness first started.  Hopefully you will be able to recover some of your expenses from them.  Good luck at the vet tomorrow.  Please let us know what he s(he) says.

Awww. I hope it's good news from the vet tomorrow!

Sending well wishes that the vet can offer Rex some hope. I've had cats with kidney issues, and it can be draining and scary to watch your cat be so ill.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Rex's blood work came back normal. The vet was so surprised because his kidney levels were so bad. It is a miracle. He is feeling so much better and eating and drinking water on his own. He is hanging out on a cat tree that I have by a window. It is so nice to see him healthy. I am still dealing with getting the owner to pay the vet bill.  Thank you all for your understanding.

Paula

This is such great news! I'm so glad Rex is with someone who loves him and takes care of him. Good luck with the breeder - I hope you are able to get reimbursed.

I am so glad he's doing well.

That's fab news, so glad he recovered!

I'm glad your kitty is getting better.  And good luck getting the owner to pay the bills.   ITs sad they didn't assume responsiblity for their pet, but they were surrending it to a rescue.  Many "resued" animals are sick.  WE are dealing with it right now.  We started out fostering, and the shelter was paying for her care, but it was required that we take the cat to THEIR vet, and she wasn't improving.  We ended up adopting becase we were not happy with the care she was being given and wanted the freedom to get her better care. Now we wish she could just get well...  I think your situation might be somewhat the same.  you cannot step in and make people get their animals vetted.  Even the cat still l ived with her previous owners and you turned her into the Humane Society, they woudl have the option to surrender the cat if they chose not to seek vet care. Of course if you can afford the lawyers...you may meet with some success...

Anway, glad the cat is finally in a loving home!