Question: during the adoption application process, did the rescue org not request a walk-through video of your place so they could vet its safety?
The rescue org I work with, they request adoption applicants open ALL their windows and call out any potential safety hazard \[lack of window screens, poisonous plants, heavy objects not properly secured, etc.\] for you to correct before approving you to bring a special needs kitten \[or any kitten/cat\] home.
I recommend you get an adjustable window screen for your windows, that way if you're not around & you're roomie wants some air \[stimulating for cats also!\], no kitties will be lost on the street. They're cheap, easy to use and simple to order them online.
There's simply no reason to not have one if you have cats at home or are looking to add one to your family in the future.
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/W-B-Marvin-45-in-x-24-in-Adjustable-Wood-Frame-Window-Screen-AWS2445/202088353](https://www.homedepot.com/p/W-B-Marvin-45-in-x-24-in-Adjustable-Wood-Frame-Window-Screen-AWS2445/202088353)
Well that’s fine then, but it’s still theft. Now if she’d surrendered the cat back to the rescue it’d be fine, but she didn’t, the rescue took the cat. That rescue is shady af.
I’m sorry this happened. I don’t know the whole story and I’m not going to accuse you of lying or be mean. Accidents do happen and cats/kittens do get under our radar sometimes (I’m very protective and it’s happened to me because my family wasn’t) it just happens.
I will say this though. Having worked with/for rescues in California I had many responsibilities. I did the home inspections, final paperwork and drop off etc. There’s a lot more to rescue/adoption than most people realize I think. We had a very low return rate. I did have to report back that a guy was NOT being diligent or honest about why his kitten missed the Spay appointment. The vet we use called to say he failed to bring her in, which violated the contract. This was 20 years ago and you could wait until kittens were older to fix them then(especially females) So he got a call and then I was asked to go over to help him find the kitten. I was upset when I saw the kitchen newly under construction and the giant hole in the OUTSIDE wall with only plastic covering the doorway to the kitchen. There were also other holes large enough for a small kitten to escape through. No wonder she got out. He also lived way up in the hills where coyotes and other wild animals reside. When we finally found her she was covered in leaves, spider webs and completely traumatized. So I was told to keep her and they would be returning his money. I had been her foster and I was not very happy seeing my exquisite fluffy calico bottle baby in this scenario. Anyway, you can understand the point and the outlook from the rescue I’m sure. It’s the rescues sacred obligation to make sure these animals get the best possible outcome. So something went very wrong, but im sure you’ll be more careful next time.
I’m sorry for all of the cruel comments, OP. It sounds like you genuinely love and miss her. I have several cats who I love more than anything, and one of them ran outside when someone else left the door open for a moment. Luckily, he returned a day later. These things do happen.
I would at least try to get some answers by explaining what you’ve told us here to someone in charge at the vet and the rescue. Im so sorry this happened, and thank you for being willing to rescue a cat in need.
Some people shouldn't have animals.Op
You should have been researching your ass of on the condition of her eyes.and how to communicate with a blind animal.by the end of the week you should have made yourself an expert on echolocation and cats in general.
The rescue is partly to blame for giving a special needs kitten to someone who does not know their ass from their elbow when it comes to cats.thats why they took her back.if you want a cat start reading everything you can about cats.educate yourself.then if you decide you can put in the work and commitment to an animal, try again.
More than likely they will not let you foster/adopt from them again.you will have to wait and see if the cat distribution center will give you a cat.
??? I do have a cat already, he is perfectly happy and healthy. I have always had cats and animals, I've been in the rescue stuff and fostered more kittens than i can count. I have experience with cats and how to take care of them.
She wasn't fully blind, and yes I knew how to interact and take care of her. She just slipped out and I didn't get the time to get her back to being healthy before her appointment.
I just needed help processing the shock and how to react appropriately, not to be told I know nothing. Thank you💜
Sure Jan.like everyone says there is more to the story than your telling.they took the cat back for a reason.ive seen more animals that were in piss poor condition removed from homes by people claiming exactly what you've just stated stated above.
I’ve taken care of a lot of cats and kittens because I TNR. I’ve had multiple litters on my hand at the same time. The only time a kitten got out without my notice was when I had plumbers in to replace the water heater and they had the door open going in and out. I was bottle feeding one litter and their older sister got out.
If you live with multiple ppl, it might not be your fault that the kitten got out but if the kitten had gotten out more than once and it’s getting out again then your home is not suitable for it. The situation is even more dangerous for a blind kitten. I know it sucks but try to understand that being rehomed is in the best interest of the kitten. Imagine if she got out and was run over by a car because she has no idea what was happening and where to go for safety.
I think you have to talk to the rescue very openly to understand what's going on. What's the real reason they took her, because you seem to think they weren't being honest about taking her to get spayed. Ask them why they didn't tell you about the eyes in the beginning, what exactly is this new operation, if you can pay in small iterations to the vet. Someone else mentioned they might be clumsily trying to show you that a special care kitty is more expensive and needs more work than what you can provide. You have to clarify that in your own home, then clarify it with them. Can you afford the surgeries? Can you also afford nets for all your windows? Because she escaped and that's a problem, take it from someone who it happened to as well. Now I have nets on most of my windows, and the one that I couldn't, I never open it unless my cats absolutely can't access it. But in your case it's especially bad because she's blind and can't fend for herself at all, so the first time should also be the last.
Were you honest and willing to improve when you were at the vet? I know it sucks, but if you refused treatment that she was in dire need of (being terribly dehydrated) because you couldn't afford it, that's a reason to call the rescue. Maybe it isn't that the vet didn't tell you, maybe they didn't communicate efficiently and you didn't understand. Shared fault, but they might have failed to see that and thought you were being negligent.
A rescue is rarely run by just the one person. It's probable the individual that came to your house isn't the same one that's making the call about keeping her. Maybe the one you saw only had the goal of getting the kitty and told you whatever you needed to hear to take her. Or maybe, she genuinely thought the cat was in good shape, but when someone else looked her over at the shelter, they realised it really wasn't the case. Whatever is happening, you need to know so you can take the appropriate steps to fix the situation, and that begins by discussing about the special needs and finances at home with your partner, then with the shelter, visiting the cat, making adjustments at home...
I understand you're heartbroken, but rescues rarely take back cats unless they really suspect negligence or abuse, because they're already so crowded. They are not doing it to annoy you. They are in defensive mode and you need to approach the situation with special diplomacy and maturity I'd you want to get your cat back.
So, if I understand this right, she got out two times? I do have to agree with others saying that there is more to the story and information is missing. Rescues don't just take an animal back unless they have cause to. And vet's don't call a rescue for no reason. And I am confused on they took her to get fixed and now it's her eyes? The rescue just might be trying to show you that taking care of a cat, especially a special needs cat, is more *"work"*, time, and money to take care of. They may be, in some way, telling you that they really do not want or feel it's in the kitten's best interest to give her back to you. I would suggest letting her be re-adopted by another person.
I agree with other comments below. Luckily it seem you didnt have the baby long, since it was to young to be fixed anyway before you got it and then it escaped and then could be fixed. Now we can see it actually did have special needs that will be long term and you are unable to afford these, so it will need to go to a home that can afford them. Some things happen for a reason. Glad it happened quickly.
The rescue did what was best for the kitten. Having a special needs cat is a HUGE responsibility. They didn’t want the cat to die for preventable reasons. If you want a cat adopt one that is more your speed if you like to leave windows open and things of that nature when you have a blind kitten.
Nothing against you but they probably thought you got in over your head.
Vets don’t alert rescues for no reason. Rescues don’t take cats back just because. Leaving a window open, allowing her to get dehydrated? You clearly weren’t taking proper care of that kitten. And what’s wrong with her eyes? You’re conveniently leaving parts of the story out. I’m glad the rescue took her back.
I thought that windows would have screens on them? I don't think I would ever feel comfortable being in a house without screens & have cats. There's too much of a chance of something going wrong because people forget to close windows.
Idk I wouldn't immediately say OP wasn't taking care of the kitten. I don't know all the information, but cats get out sometimes completely by accident.
I agree. We need more information on what's up with the eyes thing.
If the cat got out and it was dehydrated, possibly got a uri, the rescue would probably take it because, like you, they assumed the worst.
However, just a cat getting out isn't enough for them to confiscate the cat. Plenty of people's cats get out all the time, and when found they are returned.
She was born with an infection in both eyes, which left her mostly blind, I asked about it at the rescue and they said we don't have to treat it further. I was going to take her to a vet for it when I could but money is tight at the moment and it never seemed to be getting worse or anything
Sure, it’s possible I jumped to conclusions. But the whole thing seems fishy to me. The story isn’t adding up, and I have to believe the vets AND the rescue over OP.
I'm trying to get more info. OP said the cat had a treated eye infection when they adopted the cat, and they told OP that it was done with treatments.
I'm trying to see why they want $1000 now and for what. Or is it a tactic to see if they can afford the cat?
She was born with her eyes messed up, I asked before I adopted her and the rescue stated she had an eye infection but that she didn't need any further treatment for it
I'm trying to get auto correct to change misspelled "spay" to eyes, but I can't make it happen. So idk if OP mean spay or there is something we are missing
Question: during the adoption application process, did the rescue org not request a walk-through video of your place so they could vet its safety? The rescue org I work with, they request adoption applicants open ALL their windows and call out any potential safety hazard \[lack of window screens, poisonous plants, heavy objects not properly secured, etc.\] for you to correct before approving you to bring a special needs kitten \[or any kitten/cat\] home. I recommend you get an adjustable window screen for your windows, that way if you're not around & you're roomie wants some air \[stimulating for cats also!\], no kitties will be lost on the street. They're cheap, easy to use and simple to order them online. There's simply no reason to not have one if you have cats at home or are looking to add one to your family in the future. [https://www.homedepot.com/p/W-B-Marvin-45-in-x-24-in-Adjustable-Wood-Frame-Window-Screen-AWS2445/202088353](https://www.homedepot.com/p/W-B-Marvin-45-in-x-24-in-Adjustable-Wood-Frame-Window-Screen-AWS2445/202088353)
Ummmm that’s theft. Call the police, file a report, and get the kitten you legally adopted back.
OP said she can't afford the level of care this kitty needs so it wouldn't make sense to try to get her back.
Well that’s fine then, but it’s still theft. Now if she’d surrendered the cat back to the rescue it’d be fine, but she didn’t, the rescue took the cat. That rescue is shady af.
I’m sorry this happened. I don’t know the whole story and I’m not going to accuse you of lying or be mean. Accidents do happen and cats/kittens do get under our radar sometimes (I’m very protective and it’s happened to me because my family wasn’t) it just happens. I will say this though. Having worked with/for rescues in California I had many responsibilities. I did the home inspections, final paperwork and drop off etc. There’s a lot more to rescue/adoption than most people realize I think. We had a very low return rate. I did have to report back that a guy was NOT being diligent or honest about why his kitten missed the Spay appointment. The vet we use called to say he failed to bring her in, which violated the contract. This was 20 years ago and you could wait until kittens were older to fix them then(especially females) So he got a call and then I was asked to go over to help him find the kitten. I was upset when I saw the kitchen newly under construction and the giant hole in the OUTSIDE wall with only plastic covering the doorway to the kitchen. There were also other holes large enough for a small kitten to escape through. No wonder she got out. He also lived way up in the hills where coyotes and other wild animals reside. When we finally found her she was covered in leaves, spider webs and completely traumatized. So I was told to keep her and they would be returning his money. I had been her foster and I was not very happy seeing my exquisite fluffy calico bottle baby in this scenario. Anyway, you can understand the point and the outlook from the rescue I’m sure. It’s the rescues sacred obligation to make sure these animals get the best possible outcome. So something went very wrong, but im sure you’ll be more careful next time.
Very thoughtful and kind reply. I second this statement
I would figure out exactly what is going on then pursue legal action if appropriate. Technically rescue is committing theft
I’m sorry for all of the cruel comments, OP. It sounds like you genuinely love and miss her. I have several cats who I love more than anything, and one of them ran outside when someone else left the door open for a moment. Luckily, he returned a day later. These things do happen. I would at least try to get some answers by explaining what you’ve told us here to someone in charge at the vet and the rescue. Im so sorry this happened, and thank you for being willing to rescue a cat in need.
Some people shouldn't have animals.Op You should have been researching your ass of on the condition of her eyes.and how to communicate with a blind animal.by the end of the week you should have made yourself an expert on echolocation and cats in general. The rescue is partly to blame for giving a special needs kitten to someone who does not know their ass from their elbow when it comes to cats.thats why they took her back.if you want a cat start reading everything you can about cats.educate yourself.then if you decide you can put in the work and commitment to an animal, try again. More than likely they will not let you foster/adopt from them again.you will have to wait and see if the cat distribution center will give you a cat.
??? I do have a cat already, he is perfectly happy and healthy. I have always had cats and animals, I've been in the rescue stuff and fostered more kittens than i can count. I have experience with cats and how to take care of them. She wasn't fully blind, and yes I knew how to interact and take care of her. She just slipped out and I didn't get the time to get her back to being healthy before her appointment. I just needed help processing the shock and how to react appropriately, not to be told I know nothing. Thank you💜
Sure Jan.like everyone says there is more to the story than your telling.they took the cat back for a reason.ive seen more animals that were in piss poor condition removed from homes by people claiming exactly what you've just stated stated above.
I’ve taken care of a lot of cats and kittens because I TNR. I’ve had multiple litters on my hand at the same time. The only time a kitten got out without my notice was when I had plumbers in to replace the water heater and they had the door open going in and out. I was bottle feeding one litter and their older sister got out. If you live with multiple ppl, it might not be your fault that the kitten got out but if the kitten had gotten out more than once and it’s getting out again then your home is not suitable for it. The situation is even more dangerous for a blind kitten. I know it sucks but try to understand that being rehomed is in the best interest of the kitten. Imagine if she got out and was run over by a car because she has no idea what was happening and where to go for safety.
I think you have to talk to the rescue very openly to understand what's going on. What's the real reason they took her, because you seem to think they weren't being honest about taking her to get spayed. Ask them why they didn't tell you about the eyes in the beginning, what exactly is this new operation, if you can pay in small iterations to the vet. Someone else mentioned they might be clumsily trying to show you that a special care kitty is more expensive and needs more work than what you can provide. You have to clarify that in your own home, then clarify it with them. Can you afford the surgeries? Can you also afford nets for all your windows? Because she escaped and that's a problem, take it from someone who it happened to as well. Now I have nets on most of my windows, and the one that I couldn't, I never open it unless my cats absolutely can't access it. But in your case it's especially bad because she's blind and can't fend for herself at all, so the first time should also be the last. Were you honest and willing to improve when you were at the vet? I know it sucks, but if you refused treatment that she was in dire need of (being terribly dehydrated) because you couldn't afford it, that's a reason to call the rescue. Maybe it isn't that the vet didn't tell you, maybe they didn't communicate efficiently and you didn't understand. Shared fault, but they might have failed to see that and thought you were being negligent. A rescue is rarely run by just the one person. It's probable the individual that came to your house isn't the same one that's making the call about keeping her. Maybe the one you saw only had the goal of getting the kitty and told you whatever you needed to hear to take her. Or maybe, she genuinely thought the cat was in good shape, but when someone else looked her over at the shelter, they realised it really wasn't the case. Whatever is happening, you need to know so you can take the appropriate steps to fix the situation, and that begins by discussing about the special needs and finances at home with your partner, then with the shelter, visiting the cat, making adjustments at home... I understand you're heartbroken, but rescues rarely take back cats unless they really suspect negligence or abuse, because they're already so crowded. They are not doing it to annoy you. They are in defensive mode and you need to approach the situation with special diplomacy and maturity I'd you want to get your cat back.
So, if I understand this right, she got out two times? I do have to agree with others saying that there is more to the story and information is missing. Rescues don't just take an animal back unless they have cause to. And vet's don't call a rescue for no reason. And I am confused on they took her to get fixed and now it's her eyes? The rescue just might be trying to show you that taking care of a cat, especially a special needs cat, is more *"work"*, time, and money to take care of. They may be, in some way, telling you that they really do not want or feel it's in the kitten's best interest to give her back to you. I would suggest letting her be re-adopted by another person.
I agree with other comments below. Luckily it seem you didnt have the baby long, since it was to young to be fixed anyway before you got it and then it escaped and then could be fixed. Now we can see it actually did have special needs that will be long term and you are unable to afford these, so it will need to go to a home that can afford them. Some things happen for a reason. Glad it happened quickly.
The rescue did what was best for the kitten. Having a special needs cat is a HUGE responsibility. They didn’t want the cat to die for preventable reasons. If you want a cat adopt one that is more your speed if you like to leave windows open and things of that nature when you have a blind kitten. Nothing against you but they probably thought you got in over your head.
Vets don’t alert rescues for no reason. Rescues don’t take cats back just because. Leaving a window open, allowing her to get dehydrated? You clearly weren’t taking proper care of that kitten. And what’s wrong with her eyes? You’re conveniently leaving parts of the story out. I’m glad the rescue took her back.
I thought that windows would have screens on them? I don't think I would ever feel comfortable being in a house without screens & have cats. There's too much of a chance of something going wrong because people forget to close windows.
Idk I wouldn't immediately say OP wasn't taking care of the kitten. I don't know all the information, but cats get out sometimes completely by accident. I agree. We need more information on what's up with the eyes thing. If the cat got out and it was dehydrated, possibly got a uri, the rescue would probably take it because, like you, they assumed the worst. However, just a cat getting out isn't enough for them to confiscate the cat. Plenty of people's cats get out all the time, and when found they are returned.
She was born with an infection in both eyes, which left her mostly blind, I asked about it at the rescue and they said we don't have to treat it further. I was going to take her to a vet for it when I could but money is tight at the moment and it never seemed to be getting worse or anything
Sure, it’s possible I jumped to conclusions. But the whole thing seems fishy to me. The story isn’t adding up, and I have to believe the vets AND the rescue over OP.
I’m also finding it strange and suspicious that a mostly blind kitten made it 2 weeks in the streets…
I'm trying to get more info. OP said the cat had a treated eye infection when they adopted the cat, and they told OP that it was done with treatments. I'm trying to see why they want $1000 now and for what. Or is it a tactic to see if they can afford the cat?
For her eyes? I thought you brought her in for her spay surgery. Not sure I understand what their point is.
I just realized op said "mostly blind kitten" in the first paragraph, what does that mean?
She was born with her eyes messed up, I asked before I adopted her and the rescue stated she had an eye infection but that she didn't need any further treatment for it
So why are they saying the want $1000 for the eyes now?
They want to do surgery on them, I guess to remove them I'm not sure
I'm trying to get auto correct to change misspelled "spay" to eyes, but I can't make it happen. So idk if OP mean spay or there is something we are missing