I thought I had everything sorted out for my mother's cats. *Update post #16*

[Ember]

After my mother passed away, I was left her her two elderly cats. I feel horrible, but I can't keep them. I thought I had everything sorted out and had them on a waiting list to go to a cat sanctuary. Except then last week they told me there were spots available and all I had to do was get some tests done. Yeah, those tests will come out to between $600 - $800!! I can't afford that! I dropped down to part time to care for my mother and that's groceries for a month! So I've had to e-mail them back to say that I'm very sorry but I just can't afford the tests they require.

But now I'm back to square one and need to do something with these animals. I feel horrible because I like to think I'm a very responsible pet owner. I have one cat of my own and I'm fully prepared to care for her until the end of her life. But I simply can not take on the responsibility of two additional animals long term. My house is a disaster from mum's two throwing up, they fight with my little girl, and I'm nearing the end of my rope. I don't know what to do anymore.

*sigh*

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

You do what you can, then you do what you must.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

How old are they? Is euthansia an option if they are sickly & heck even that is expensive. Sounds like you are between a rock and a hard place.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I'm sure you asked around, but have you sent out an email to everyone you know asking to see if they know anyone who can take them on? In the email, ask your friends to please forward to whomever they know are cat lovers.

Include pictures of the kitties and even state you'd be okay to split them up if no home will take both of them.

This is the last resort, but then if you have no takers, you might have to make a choice that we'd all hate making.

But know that you've done so much for your mom, it is okay.

 

[dakcp2001]

Are you in Massachusetts? I can ask around for you here if you want or if you are not too far. I have a lot of cat people in my life Its tougyht for you and going to be tough for them. If they have to be put to sleep, it is sad, but peaceful and will save them from having to readjust again,I am sure they are missing your mom too!

 

[Ember]

Are you in Massachusetts? I can ask around for you here if you want or if you are not too far. I have a lot of cat people in my life Its tougyht for you and going to be tough for them. If they have to be put to sleep, it is sad, but peaceful and will save them from having to readjust again,I am sure they are missing your mom too!

I'm in Alberta, Canada. But thank you for the kind offer to help.

 

[Jockaroo]

Ember, I am a member of a pet forum that has the majority of its members in Canada (I'm Southern U.S.). Many of the members are very passionate about animal rescue. You may want to visit the forum and ask if anyone knows of additional reputable rescue groups in Alberta, potential foster homes or even pet transport. I looked and many of the members are from Ontario, but many just list "Canada" as the location; a few are in Alberta. These are good people and may be able to help you find resources. You can find the group at:

http://www.pets.ca/forum/

The general forum would probably be the best place to post. That and the health forums are the most active. If you chose to join and post about your mom's cats, let me know, I would be happy to give you a virtual intro and vouch that you are not a troll. I don't have a huge post count, but have been around for several years. I've followed your story and heartache with your mom's illness. You show a strength of character that many of us can only dream about. Good luck and let me know if I can help.

 

[cabanafrau]

Ember, I am a member of a pet forum that has the majority of its members in Canada (I'm Southern U.S.). Many of the members are very passionate about animal rescue. You may want to visit the forum and ask if anyone knows of additional reputable rescue groups in Alberta, potential foster homes or even pet transport. I looked and many of the members are from Ontario, but many just list "Canada" as the location; a few are in Alberta. These are good people and may be able to help you find resources. You can find the group at:

http://www.pets.ca/forum/

The general forum would probably be the best place to post. That and the health forums are the most active. If you chose to join and post about your mom's cats, let me know, I would be happy to give you a virtual intro and vouch that you are not a troll. I don't have a huge post count, but have been around for several years. I've followed your story and heartache with your mom's illness. You show a strength of character that many of us can only dream about. Good luck and let me know if I can help.

Seeing this response renewed my hope that there are still kind, decent & intelligent people posting here. I've had my doubts lately.

OP, so sorry for the loss of your mom and hope you have very good luck finding the right solution for the cats.

 

[moburg]

Any nursing homes in the area that might want some pets for the residents?

 

[bettymae1121]

Call some vets in your area, explain your situation and see if there are any that are willing to donate or heavily discount the tests that you need. I know my vet has a fund for owners with no money that need vet care for their pets, this would be something they'd consider paying out of that fund (I'm in IL, unfortunately, or I'd refer you).

Alternately, are there any colleges or universities in your area that have a vet medicine school? They may have a program to give their students practice with live patients that could be free or discounted.

 

[englishteacha]

Could you send out a message to everyone you know saying you're looking for a home for 2 kitties? Our school district has an email marketplace where people can list items to sell/give away, and kitties appear there very frequently, and all of them have been taken in by someone in the district.

 

[Ember]

Ember, I am a member of a pet forum that has the majority of its members in Canada (I'm Southern U.S.). Many of the members are very passionate about animal rescue. You may want to visit the forum and ask if anyone knows of additional reputable rescue groups in Alberta, potential foster homes or even pet transport. I looked and many of the members are from Ontario, but many just list "Canada" as the location; a few are in Alberta. These are good people and may be able to help you find resources. You can find the group at:

http://www.pets.ca/forum/

The general forum would probably be the best place to post. That and the health forums are the most active. If you chose to join and post about your mom's cats, let me know, I would be happy to give you a virtual intro and vouch that you are not a troll. I don't have a huge post count, but have been around for several years. I've followed your story and heartache with your mom's illness. You show a strength of character that many of us can only dream about. Good luck and let me know if I can help.

Thank you! I've created an account as "DISEmber." I really appreciate the help, as I don't want to have to put the cats down. They were cherished pets, and I want to do my best to ensure they're well cared for. I just can't be the one to do it.

I contacted the spca today, to see if they had any recommendations. They had a few places I haven't tried, so I'm going to follow up with those, too. They did tell me that they won't adopt out cats older than 10, so it would be euthanasia if I have to take them there.

 

[Jockaroo]

Ember, I didn't see any new threads that you started. I will start a thread for you and edit this post with the title so you can post information about the cats on the thread. I really want you to find them great homes. Older cats can be great companions. Ten isn't really that old--I have friends that have had cats live to 20.

And Cabanafrau, thank you for your kind words.

Added: I sent you a PM. If you can't retrieve it, look on the pets forum for a thread called "Two older cats in need of home(s)--Alberta, Canada, owner passed away, please help." It is in the general forums. Please post on the thread with information about the cats. Good luck. Wish I was closer so I could really do something to help....

 

[sixcats]

To make things easier in the meantime can you keep them in one room so your current cat isn't upset? The puking could be due to food changes, are they eating the same foods that your mother used to give them?

Putting the cats together without easing them into it may be why they aren't getting along. I know that you still initend to find a place for them but maybe keping them apart and reintroducing them slowly will make the situation better.

 

[Ember]

Ember, I didn't see any new threads that you started. I will start a thread for you and edit this post with the title so you can post information about the cats on the thread. I really want you to find them great homes. Older cats can be great companions. Ten isn't really that old--I have friends that have had cats live to 20.

And Cabanafrau, thank you for your kind words.

Added: I sent you a PM. If you can't retrieve it, look on the pets forum for a thread called "Two older cats in need of home(s)--Alberta, Canada, owner passed away, please help." It is in the general forums. Please post on the thread with information about the cats. Good luck. Wish I was closer so I could really do something to help....

I found your message, thank you. I replied to it, so hopefully someone can help. (Sorry I didn't do it sooner, I had to start on dinner.)

To make things easier in the meantime can you keep them in one room so your current cat isn't upset? The puking could be due to food changes, are they eating the same foods that your mother used to give them?

Putting the cats together without easing them into it may be why they aren't getting along. I know that you still initend to find a place for them but maybe keping them apart and reintroducing them slowly will make the situation better.

I keep them separated at night, when my little one sleeps in my room. But during the day, they're together. They were together for the nine months my mum battled cancer with no real problems, the fighting is since mum's death. I think part of the problem is that when my cat, Molly, is sitting with me one of the others will come and literally bat her out of the way. She's fully grown, but very tiny. I push the offender off and pick Molly back up, but I think there's issues over getting attention. I try to make sure that mum's two are getting affection and play time, but I do snuggle more with Molly...

 

[Ember]

So the owner of the sanctuary called me at 10 pm last night and has agreed to take the cats without the tests. He seemed very annoyed at me, but I'm not avoiding paying for the tests so I can go on vacation, I truly can't afford that much money. He kept saying he could get them done for $150, tops. But that has to be a specially negotiated price, because I called 8 different vets. I offered to pay that, because while it would hurt I could manage $300, but he told me not to bother.

Truthfully, if I hadn't heard such good things about this couple from a few of the different agencies I've been in touch with I'm not sure I'd agree to let the cats go there. I get that his must be a thankless job, rescuing cats from people who have mistreated them. But I don't feel I've been a villain here. I'm doing everything possible to take care of a situation I had no making in.

Anyway, as of Thursday, the cats will have a new safe home for the rest of their lives. I feel better and worse at the same time. Like if I was a better daughter I would have found $600 for the tests, or be in a position to care for them myself, or... I don't know. The whole thing is just hard.

P.S. Thank you again, Jockaroo, I've posted this on the pets.ca forum as well.

 

[minniebeth]

Ember, know that you are doing the best that you can...

 

[Pumbaa_]

congratulations ember on finding a great resolution for the cats.

 

[FergieTCat]

You are doing more for those cats than many other people would have bothered. I commend you and your heart!

 

[Rora]

You are doing more for those cats than many other people would have bothered. I commend you and your heart!

I agree!!

Glad the kitties are off to a good place!