Healthy Cat Adoption - turns out I got an ill cat

retireby35

I adopted a cat and went to the old owners house to pick the cat up. I was told by both the old owner and the adoption agency that the cat was healthy, etc. The first day I raised that the cat pee'd a lot more than I believe it should but I put it down to stress. On day 2 I noticed that the cat was dribbling blood so swiftly took him to the vets the same day. The vets told me that the gum was badly diseased, its teeth were black and decaying and that the infection may have spread through the cat. I explained the situation, listed off the issues I had (cat weeing a lot, constantly hungry, bad breath, etc) and Im due to take the cat in next week for blood tests and if all is well an operation the same day to remove his teeth.

I feel absolutely awful for the cat and 'dumping the cat' back at the old owners for me isn't really an option. The cats been in pain which has simply been ignored and it isn't fair on the cat. I've asked the cat adoption place for financial help as the insurance the cat comes with doesn't cover dental nor the smaller bills but been told there's no help and just simply told 'sorry'.

(The cat is on 3 types of medication at the moment for pain/infection until the operation, which I've had to pay for). 

I've been quoted around £800 on top of what I've already paid for the blood test and operation. Whilst I am more than happy to pay for any issues arises during my ownership (on day 1 I signed upto the vets plan and pet plan insurance (which only insures from week 3 onwards)) I don't think its fair for me to pick up the bills to fix the issues that the cat had when it came to me. I was told the cat was healthy which is far from the truth.

When I spoke to the vets about this, they said that cat adoptions are notorious for passing on ill pets as 'healthy' when it isn't the case and they see cases like mine all the time.

Is anyone aware of anything else I can do? 

I have of course learnt from my mistakes and will ensure next time that a) my pet plan insurance is purchased 2 weeks before I collect the cat. Paperwork comes with the cat to say the cat has been recently checked and is healthy 

Green_hopeful

We have adopted several cats and they have all been ok. One did have bad teeth and bad breath and we had to have some dental work done.  

There are two sorts of vets in the UK. Some vets are owned by the vet and some are owned by big companies. You can check on companies house who the directors are. If they are one of the vets at the practice then they are independent and are likely to be more reasonably priced. https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company This is the website to check. The vets company name should be on their website. 

To give an example our vets are independent. Our cats dental work cost £265 for up to five teeth removed. I think it was about £300 for more teeth. A general blood test was £90. My friend had her cat treated at a big corporate vet and paid £1000 for the dental work. 

Perhaps check to see if your vet is independent and if not find someone locally. You could ring and ask how much they would charge for the dental work. 

Sometimes charities will help with vet bills or have vets. I think Blue Cross or PDSA might be able to help but again you might need to search locally. 

Sorry you have had an unfortunate experience but hopefully you and the cat will have a lovely relationship. 

FlorayG

What sort of adoption 'agency' is that? I've volunteered for Cat's Protection in the past and they always declare any problems and pay vet bills for outstanding issues. I know they may have very little money to spare but it seems they didn't even get a vet check on this poor kitty before rehoming her
I hope you and your new kitty have a lovely life together, whether or not you manage to sort out the payments she will be worth it

marcia_

 That's awful behaviour from the adoption agency. Those local to me offer ill cats for adoption but are clear they will pay for vet fees 

sheramber

The adoption agency obviously accepted the previous owner’s saying it had no health problems.

The health problems may have been the reason they were refining it.

I have adopted three rescue dogs and collecting direct from a previous owner would raise a red flag for me. 

I would also want the animal to have had a vet check.
 

In respect of insurance, you will not be able to buy it before  you take ownership of an animal as you have to declare that you are the owner and the animal lives with you.

Now the cat has  responsible owner and will receive the care it should have had.

Thank you for caring and I hope you go on to have a happy future together.