Following my extremely distressing (and disgraceful) recent experience with the local branch of a well known cat charity/adoption centre I just wanted to warn others out there about some things to bear in mind if you're thinking about adopting an animal, particularly an older animal, in this way.
1) Never, never just take the word of the volunteer when they tell you the animal has been checked by a vet and is healthy enough to be fit for adoption. ALWAYS insist on seeing the veterinary proof of this - the charity's statement is not enough. Check any paperwork you're given (such as a vaccination record) is completed in full by the vet and important information such as weight and body score isn't left blank, you should also ensure you're provided with information (preferably written) about the animal's dental health.
2) Never take the word of the volunteer when they tell you the animal came from a previous loving home where their health needs weren't neglected, ask if vet records/treatment history is available to be transferred to your own vet.
3) If at all possible arrange to see the animal first before they're brought to your home and handed over, if the animal is obviously underweight/has matted fur/smells or you have any concerns at all don't proceed until you know what the cause is. Once the animal is in your home it's too late, even if you notice an obvious problem within hours.
4) Make sure you're aware of any adoption fees at the start - don't end up taken by surprise when they're mentioned for the first time at the point the animal is already in your home and you're expected to hand over £60 cash per animal.
5) Arrange for a check up with your own vet as soon as possible after adoption, it's worth paying for to ensure peace of mind.
6) Contact your own vet straight away with any issues, do not rely on assistance (or even a response) from the adoption charity in the case of any early concerns.
7) Don't rush out and buy toys, beds, carry cases etc for the animal until you know for sure it's healthy.
Four days after adopting 6 year old Clyde we had to have him put to sleep as he had severe end stage kidney disease and his poor little mouth was rotten with toxins. His extreme thinness, very matted fur and noticeable strange smell were all signs of a poorly cat, and were all overlooked by his previous owner, the volunteer who'd been engaged with him for a number of months and the vet he saw within the hour before he was handed over to me. I can't comment on the state of his mouth at that point but believe it highly unlikely that a cat in such an advanced stage of this disease would be showing no signs of a dental/gum problem just four days previously.
I contacted the adoption volunteer every day during those four days and expressed increasing concern at Clyde's condition. I requested confirmation that a health check had actually taken place,specific information about the result and some advice. I was ignored each time and am still waiting for a response to my questions despite the volunteer being aware of Clyde's subsequent death.
Feline kidney disease is a common and manageable disease, cats can live many happy and healthy years with the condition (Jemima lived with it for a decade after diagnosis) but only if they have a responsible owner and good veterinary support. Clyde was failed by all those, owners and experts alike, who should have cared for him and identified a problem - either early on to enable him to live a good life with the condition or latterly so his dreadful suffering could have been ended sooner.
No comments:
Post a Comment