'I got tricked into adopting a sick cat': Person adopts 11-year-old cat which the rescue claimed to be healthy, gets attached to her, only to find out that the cat is sick and is going to be expensive to take care of, and now, they feel helpless

Here at ICHC, we always talk about how it's the cat that adopts the human and not the other way around. We talk about how you don't really get a choice in the matter very often. You walk into a shelter, thinking that you're going to adopt a kitten only to end up with a fluffy senior feline instead. You adopt a regular cat only to find out that she is pregnant and end up adopting her kittens as well. And like the person in this story, you think you're adopting a regular, healthy senior feline only for it to not turn out quite that way.

It's expensive to take care of a sick cat, we know, but we do it anyway, because they are ours, and we love them, and we are willing to do anything for them. But when it's a cat that you just adopted, when you weren't prepared for the responsibility, it could be hard. But it doesn't make it any less true - this cat has clearly adopted you, and that means that there is going to be a way to deal with anything that happens. 

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Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky Mariel Ruvinsky
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  • 01

    "I got tricked into adopting a sick cat. And now I feel helpless."

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    via hotarubeee
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  • 02
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    via hotarubeee
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    I just moved into a new apartment, and secured myself a better job. I thought finally it's time to add someone to the family. So, I adopted Jelly about 4 days ago from my local humane society. She is 11 years old and obese, which I was informed about initially before adopting her. Other than that I was under the impression she was relatively healthy.
    via hotarubeee
  • 04
    The day of adoption she had some on her leg and the staff told me she had some diarrhea that morning, and gave me some food to help treat it. I went ahead and signed the papers to adopt her and took her home. The first 2 days she wasn't eating much and continuing to hide, which i thought was due to a new enviroment.
    via hotarubeee
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  • 05
    Over the next couple days her condition began to decline rapidly, she doesn't come out of her spot anymore, She doesn't eat anymore, her fur is coming out. She only goes to the litter box to attempt to use the bathroom but nothing comes out, unless it's completely liquid diarrhea.
    via hotarubeee
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    I took her to the vet and spent 400$ getting her tests done, there the vet told me she most likely has kidney disease. Still currently waiting on the results for the test, and I can't relax. I've had her for 4 days, surely the shelter would've noticed this was more than just diarrhea. I took a look through her medical records, and it shows that the diarrhea began 4 days before I adopted her.
    via hotarubeee
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    It also shows she had been recommended to have a urinalysis done, which was never done. It also revealed her condition was being monitored. I was told by the staff she had "diarrhea", not that they thought it was something bigger. Keep in mind this shelter is directly connected to a veterinarian hospital. Someone had to have known something was wrong.
    via hotarubeee
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  • 08
    She is the sweetest cat ever, all she wants to do is be pet. I can't afford to treat something as dire as kidney disease. I don't want to give her back to a negligent shelter, in fear they won't treat her. I don't want to give up on her myself. I've grown attached to her in such little time. I feel completely defeated in this situation. If anyone has any advice at all please feel free, I don't know what to do.
    via hotarubeee

  • What a difficult situation. We are sorry to hear that you are going through this. And yet… we cannot say that we are sorry this kitty found its way to you. You sound like a good person, someone who cares, and we believe that whatever you do, you're going to do the right thing for this cat. 

  • 09
    Angel_dust548 I don't know where you're located but at least in Western US it's required for shelters to be transparent and only adopt out healthy cats. All other animals must be treated accordingly until they are given a clean bill of health or at least a treatment plan.
    via Angel_dust548
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    I would take your paperwork back into the shelter along with paperwork from your vet. Confront them about the situation and ask that she be treated under their dime since her symptoms and likely her illness developed under their care. You can also pursue this legally if you'd like. If they demand that she be returned to the shelter you can tell them that you are her owner and are not willing to give her back but it's their responsibility to treat her since her condition has been around before yo
    via Angel_dust548
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  • 11
    hotarubeee OP Wow, I did not know this at all. I am located in CO, thank you so much for this advice. i'll definitely look into it, i planned on going back to the shelter after i receive test results to try and figure out where things went wrong. I'll look into this more.
    via hotarubeee
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    chanel100 If it's chronic kidney disease, it can't really be treated. You can supplement kidneys, but the most important thing is choosing the right food and possibly phosphate binders if phosphate levels are too high. So, these are just the initial costs. If it's acute, you should start with an IV drip for a few days. So, you don't have to worry about longterm the high cost of medication. I only ever take sick cats, because they're the ones who almost never get a chance. Update: Please note tha
    via chanel100
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    hotarubeee OP Thank you so much for the advice. I'll keep the post updated on the results of her tests.
    via hotarubeee
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  • 14
    fruityflyy Oh my goodness. No advice, but wanted to send you both well wishes sorry you are going through this can I ask where you're located?
    via fruityflyy
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    hotarubeee OP Thank you for the kind words. We're located in Boulder, CO.
    via hotarubeee
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    "Jelly update!"

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  • We hope that the people of the internet come together to help you with some of the initial payments that will need to be made for us. You deserve it, she deserves it. She looks like an absolute sweetheart, and we would want her to have the very best. 

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    Im unable to edit original post, and my update got deleted within the subreddit. I'm reposting this so people who are following Jelly's journey, can get some insight. Jelly's results came in and shows she does have early stage kidney disease. On top of this, the tests were unable to shed any light on whats causing her diarrhea and rejection of food.
    via hotarubeee
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    She is due back to the vet for further tests, she is in desperate need of veterinary assistants as I haven't had much luck getting her to eat. Im currently syringe feeding her in little amounts to keep her stable until her vet appointment on Monday at 11:30 (soonest could get her in without spending copious amounts of money on an emergency visit).
    via hotarubeee
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    I've emailed and called the shelter multiple times this morning, and I have yet to hear back. My next step would be to go in person, and demand someone to speak to me. Paying out of pocket for these expenses are adding up. If you would like to help Jelly at all please dm me, or read my bio as I am unable to promote donations in this subreddit. Please keep us in your prayers.
    via hotarubeee
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  • 20
    The overwhelming amount of support i've received is nothing short than a blessing, just days ago I was crying on my closet floor near Jelly's favorit spot feeling so defeated. And now today I stand with newfound hope thanks to all you guys! Love sent from me and Jelly. Thank you! Also visit my profile for more Jelly updates if her condition changes.
    via hotarubeee
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    ratio7 adopting a senior cat was already an amazing thing and i'm so glad you're doing what you can to keep her going donated, please keep us updated! just
    via ratio7
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    hotarubeee OP Thank you so much! every little bit helps improve her quality of life. Thanks to your donation we are making steps forward. You are a part of her journey, your kindness will never be forgotten. I'll update after her next appointment, with any new news! Bless your soul.
    via hotarubeee
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  • 23

    For anyone who wants to help out:

    bee you're here for Jelly any advice and or donations are more than appreciated, my only goal is to give Jelly the happiest most comfortable last few years. Feel free to DM, for gofundme. Venmo: bee2314
    via hotarubeee

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