Egluntyne Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Best of luck Olly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Just caught up with this Olly. How rotten for you and the poor puss, but maybe someone was looking down on him when they sent him to you (although that bill probably doesn't make it feel like it). Like Clare, I wish you were nearer too as I still have all Phoebe's things including her igloo (she loved hers, Olly only wanted one all the time she was using one) - I simply couldn't bear to part with her things, but they would have had a good home with you. I got mine at Wilkinsons - maybe they still do them? I too would try and get the charity to stump up the cost. I know we all take on these animals with their best at heart but "Ooops, word censored!"ody expects a bill like that in the first 5 minutes, and the it must all be terribly traumatic for the poor soul. Wishing you all the best and a happy and healthy outcome xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisnrob Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Rob and Chris would be the best people to ask about this, but I haven't seen them online for ages now Sorry - have been visiting friends in Wales I have replied to Olly in a PM. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Rob and Chris would be the best people to ask about this, but I haven't seen them online for ages now Sorry - have been visiting friends in Wales I have replied to Olly in a PM. Rob Lovely to see you Rob XX Thanks for turning up. I forgot to say that my little adopted cat came out with cat flu a week after we adopted her, so together with the stress of new home/people, she had to go back to the vet for dosing. I phoned the rescue centre - they weren't very forthcoming, but I made sure that they ended up paying for the treatment, which was no small amount. Go for it Olly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Keeping fingers crossed that the poor little thing is a bit more relaxed again today even if you don't see much of him. I was going to say please give hima hug from me but of course he won't want you to touch him will he Anyhow sending loads of good wishes and vibes his way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Oh Olly, what a shame for you! I do have a large dog crate in my shed which I used as a kittening pen, if you want to borrow it just let me know. I've also got a folding indoor kennel, nice and soft, which the kittens used to use as a hidey hole if you fancy that either, although you might fiind that a nice big cardboard box would do as well if covered in blankets. Pets at Home do a paste called Nurish-Um which I have used to good effect on my anorexic cat. The other thing you could try is tuna in springwater - I've yet to find the cat who can resist the smell. there are a couple of bach flower remedies which are good for nervous kitties as well, we used Rock Rose for Cleo, and some rescue remedy in water when she first arrived - here is a link http://www.critterchat.net/bach.htm We've also used a tiny drop of valerian in water - they love the smell as it's very similar to catnip, and it makes them just a little bit calmer. Good luck with him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Caught up with this thread a bit late. I am so sorry to hear about your new cat woes, and I also think that you should let the animal charity know the situation and get some sort of apology from them and definitely get compensated for your huge vet bill. I agree with the idea of tempting him with some tuna, my vet told me that he recommends pilchards in tomato sauce to get dogs or cats to eat. I do hope he starts to behave like a happy cat. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Thats absolutely disgusting . It's such a stupid, short term view: it doesn't help the cat, it doesn't help you, and above all, it doesn't help the charity; after all anyone hearing this would think twice and be far more suspicious before adopting an animal themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 26, 2008 Author Share Posted August 26, 2008 thanks everyone for the suggestions, and the offer Aunty E - I nearly pm'd you anyway, knowing your vast experience with cats. Rob kindly pm'd me with some suggestions. I've done exactly what you said - put the bed inside a cardboard box - but so far Custard's still preferring Behind the Desk. Can't be too feeble though, as he'd managed to push the computer unit off the table today! It's no light weight. I'm pleased to say that he has now eaten everything I've put down - including the antibiotic tablet - and he's probably wishing I'd log off here so he can tuck into the coley fillet I've just cooked for him! I'll get some tuna though for when I don't have time to cook things. I haven't phoned the charity yet 'cos in my panic I seem to have lost the bloomin' phone number, typical of me. I am feeling a lot happier, and once again thank you all for the support and suggestions. What would I do without the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexgirl73 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Words have actually failed me for once I volunteer for Cats Protection, and I am utterly gobsmacked that a charity would mislead you this way (I am really hoping and praying it wasn't a CP cat) All cats that my branch gets in are completely vet checked, blood tested, flead, wormed adn then microchipped and neutered before they leave us. Any cat who has a long term chronic illness can have the bill paid by us if needed (but very few people ask that of us). And if ANY cat develops an illness within the first few weeks of leaving us, we usually have them taken back to our vets adn if it was something not spotted by us we pay for treatment. I would strongly urge you to get in touch with the so called 'charity' and demand an explanation. Fingers crossed for poor puss Oh actually, have you tried Felliway? Either the spray or the plug in. It takes about 2 weeks to fully take effect, but great for nervous cats. Also rescue remedy. And if you can get the dog crate, fantastic. Either that or sit in the room quietly with him, with a really smelly treat (sardines ) and see if he will come out to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 27, 2008 Author Share Posted August 27, 2008 Thank you everyone for your support and helpful suggestions, especially Rob. I did ring the woman from the charity last night, all she could say was 'I don't know what to say' When I told her the age estimate I've been given, I got the 'well all vets have different opinions' and all she could suggest was that I ring the vet that they'd used. I didn't see the point in that, and to be honest I am so upset by the whole thing that I just didn't want to talk to her any more - I did tell her I'd had a big bill, she made no offers and by that time I just wanted to finish the phone call. I am rubbish at confrontation! It's also awkward because a friend is involved in the chain that led me to this cat, and I don't want to cause upset that might come back to her. For all those who have asked, it was NOT the Cat's Protection League, I'm pleased to say, nor was it any other well-known cat sanctuary or charity - it's a small local charity. Everything happens for a reason, and perhaps Custard was destined for me. The best outcome will be if he perks up and plumps up, and he is eating lots now. I will post future updates on the 'My Family and Other Animals' thread, as it's probably of more interest to people who read that, but once again thanks for all the help. I'd be lost without this forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Hi Olly, I'm rubbish at confrontations too so don't worry. I would strongly advise you to follow up your telephone conversation with a letter. That way you can tell them exactly what it is you expect them to do - copy in your vet if needs be as they may well have to produce some documentation at some point. With regard to it being a potential problem for your friend - I don't think that would be the case. The charity is clearly in the wrong here and they need to do something by way of compensating you financially, it's nothing personal but you were most definitely misled. I'm sure your friend would be 100% supportive. Get that letter drafted asap - you can't leave it too long. You've got all of us behind you, just think about that when you're composing it !! Hmmm, on second thoughts.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 The letter is a great idea Clootie Go for it Olly; I can see that you don't want a confrontation, but they really ought ot be stopped from doing this again to some other poor puss-cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Reading the various replies is disapointing,but all charities rely on staff who are only human and therefore not imune to making mistakes or in some cases not knowing the full facts.Most rescue animals come with some degree of emotional or mental baggage and i guess this is sometimes overlooked by both potential owners & staff. The information they give for various animals up for adoption is only as good as what they've been told by previous owners,but often they lie to put the emphasis of bad behaviour onto the pet rather than owner through lack of training,medical care or plain abuse.I got my Bullmastiff from local animal shelter and he too came with emotional baggage-he'd been knocked around a bit and was quite handshy,but three years later you'd never ever know he had a bad start to life.I got him at 12 months old so he went through a lot in short space of time,but he is now the most funniest,friendliest and loyal companion you could ever want.They often just need patience and understanding. I do hope Custard (great name by the way!) gets well and becomes a wonderful family member. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 I think a letter is a good idea as well - you really shouldn't have to pay that amount of money to sort out a problem that should have been spotted before any rehoming attempts were made. Those of you who were around here two years ago when we moved to the farm will know that we inherited un-neutered feral cats and could get no help from CP, RSPCA or the local cat rescue - I lost all faith in animal charities from that point. We managed to catch the last two kittens last December and take them to the vets to be neutered. They were not as inbred as the others ( a different Tom had visited) and would have made lovely pets for someone - about 8 weeks old. I phoned the local cat rescue people and offered them for rehoming - at that stage I could have kept them in a large cage while they recovered from their ops. I was told "we do have a waiting list you know, it will be at least 3 months before we can take any kittens" ........as if I was ever going to be able to catch them again at 5 months old Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Hello Olly what a terrible time you have had. Custard was so lucky to find you. It sounds like you are making some progress now, at least he's eating more. I think this will be a long but worthwhile experience. DEFINATELY write that letter. The vet was way out with his estimate. not by 6 months, by 6 years! Im no expert but there must be some obv signs as to his real age. Good luck and well done for being such a compassionate and lovely owner. Custard has definately landed on his feet this time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 ARGH. Now I'm FURIOUS with cat charities. I've been calling round today, to see if any rescue shelters might want to foster orphaned kittens with Cleo, as she has lots of milk and is a brilliant mum, and the amount of sheer abuse I've been given over the phone actually has me near to tears. All I wanted to do was help a kitten or two which might otherwise die, and instead I've been shouted at and accused of maltreating my cat and causing the cat overpopulation crisis by self-righteous people who have no idea. I was accused of breeding for profit. Well, of course, after all, I just spent £500 to produce one live kitten. Even if the whole litter had lived, they wouldn't have covered the cost, and I knew that. I just wanted my cat to be ok. I didn't even want her to be pregnant again for another year, and took steps (unsuccessful obviously) to prevent it happening. And none of those charities would home to me anyway as I live on a 'main' road apparently. I'm so upset, and now can't face calling any other centres, in case I get this again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Bloomin cheek of them - what's all that about then? That seems a dreadful response from the charity to someone who only wants to help............. what's wrong with these guys? Have a triple chocolate muffin and cuppa - you'll feel better after that !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Oh Olly and Aunty E - what rotten times you are both having. Sometimes peoples attitudes simply stink don't they.... Hugs and cake all round methinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I agree Claire; cake heals all hurts and upsets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
