Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Be Careful What You Wish For

We've been without a pet for two years. People told me I'd eventually be glad to be pet free but I've yet to reach that state of being. I would prefer a dog but understand a cat is the more practical choice.

Our son and his family are cat magnets. I think they're up to five now. I decided if I was patient a nice kitty would show up at their place that would be perfect for me.


Yesterday Son sent me a text that another hungry cat had showed up on their porch. I was excited, thinking it surely must be meant for me.


Next I thought surely not. Surely this is not the cat I've been waiting for, surely not.


Son says it's the skinniest cat he's ever seen, just skin over bones.


He says it's a friendly cat and very loving.


The report this morning was it was eating well and using the litter box like a pro.

At the moment it has a private bedroom in their home. In the morning it goes to the vet.

I'm thinking the following:
1) It will have a chip
2) Feline Leukemia
3) Thyroid Problems

It won't be cheap just figuring out it's health situation. The very least will be an office visit and a panel of blood tests. After that there may be medicines and shots or possibly the expense of euthanizing it. It's not cheap to befriend a homeless cat. They would not consider taking it to a shelter.

Bob began his usual rant about them taking in another cat. They're cat people, what can I say. They have a 14 year old son that's a cat person as well. He didn't answer when I asked him what he would have done if he'd opened the door to it on his porch, what would he have said to grandson?

He didn't want to talk about that. I'm really hoping this is not the cat meant for me, that might be a problem.

19 comments:

  1. Poor baby! If it showed up at my door, I'd have a hard time turning it away. The skinny might be a result of parasites, or a house kitty that never learned to hunt. Anyway -- I've been through the process of euthanizing a stray that showed up at my place with significant problems. It was as hard as if it had been my own kitty for years. Sigh.

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    1. I also have a hard time turning kitties away. I don't like dropping them off at a shelter. I prefer paying to have them euthanized if that's what has to happen. If it should have feline leukemia the vet will insist it be euthanized. Personally I would euthanize it if it is diabetic or has thyroid problems but that may not be the choice my son makes. I won't take it as a pet if it has ongoing health issues. I cannot afford that financial drain. Will be interesting to see what happens.

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  2. Wow, I never expect to read this post. Can't wait to see what happens next. I have never, ever had a cat show up at my house. Well, two of the neighborhood cats come hunt mice in my back field but I know where they live. They aren't strays. Just curious, why would you prefer to have a cat euthanized by a vet rather than the humane shelter?

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    1. Less stress to the animal to go straight from vet examination to being euthanized. In a shelter might have to wait hours or days in a cage.

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  3. We keep talking about getting a dog or cat. So far, it's only talk. That is one sad-looking kitty. Your son is a softy.

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    1. I feel sure son's house vibrates with a message only cats understand that if you need a home this is the place to go.

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  4. Being very allergic to cats (2 minutes in a house and I KNOW. It doesn't matter how good a housekeeper you are, or if I even see the thing.)...makes it real easy for me to pass on them. Little female pups are an entirely different can of worms. LOL Good luck!

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    1. No allergies among our bunch. Son's family likes only cats. I like both.

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  5. Some people get used to animals in their home and it's a very positive influence. I've never had an animal in my home. I did get very attached to my daughter's dog.

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    1. 52 years of the 54 years we've been married we've had a pet. Remains to be seen if we'll have another one.

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  6. Minnie started out just that rail thin. She was like picking up a bird. You need an animal and this cat really needs a home. If you do decide in favor, let me suggest an automatic litter box. 50 times worth the price.

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    1. This kitty is in serious renal failure. Too bad she didn't find her way to them sooner.

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  7. I have 8; 1 was adopted from the shelter, the other 7 showed up and I couldn't turn them away, some, of course, with illnesses. One lost an eye to feline herpes, but she's very agile and active. Love them all, even if one is very, very naughty.

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    1. You would have much to talk about with our son and daughter-in-law. They love them all. It's amazing. Thanks for your comment.

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  8. Oh, bless your heart. You son sounds like a wonderful, kind-hearted man. The cat looks like it would be beautiful once it gets enough to eat and puts on some weight. I think a loving cat would make you happy.

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    1. Good to hear from you. This one was probably a beautiful cat at one time. Very sad.

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  9. That is a sad looking cat, for sure. I think I hope this is not the cat for you, either.
    Son and family are to be commended. They are kinder than I would be.

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    1. No, this kitty won't be mine. Son and his family spare to expense. I can't afford to have a cat in poor health.

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  10. Cats can be good company. Too bad Bob isn't a cat person. It would give him something to concentrate on.

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