I have previously posted about him but the title was more regarding vet bills.
I have had a 12 year old cat from a friend of a friend for almost a fortnight. My first mistake was not adopting from a shelter, and a mistake I will not be making again.
I was told he had no health issues, chipped, neutered etc. (I naively assumed he'd had a recent check up in order for her to state this)
He was a bit thin, and she told me that this was because he'd gone off his food due to being stressed (busy house with 2 big dogs and small children) but that he'd likely settle with me and put the weight back on.
I took out an insurance policy for his age around 3 days after I got him. I additionally have a monthly pet health club plan, and he went to the vets yesterday for his initial check up.
The vet of course wanted previous medical records, so I asked her. It turns out in the 6 or 7 years she had him he never saw a vet once and therefore hasn't had any vaccinations or treatments in that time, thankfully he was neutered with the owner before.
He has several health problems confirmed and suspected. The bills are high, I won't get into all that, but the bills are high and with them being pre existing, I can't claim.
One of them is a long term condition too.
Sadly, I just cannot afford what could be over a thousand pounds or more. I can afford pet food, litter, insurance and excess to a certain amount.
I am not willing to take out credit cards or loans, I honestly think that is irresponsible. I could save up say £100 a month extra towards his costs, but evidently it's not in the cat's best interests to wait so long.
I've told the last owner and she claims she had no idea about any of this and is really sorry. She offered some finances but says she can't afford those bills either. I have another cat but she had no pre existing conditions and was insured from day one.
It's heartbreaking and I feel like I've let him down. I didn't expect this and I want to give him a good home. Has anyone got any advice?
I will definitely not be advertising on classifieds, I have emailed rescue centres, understandably some are full.
I wanted to give an older cat a home, he's a black cat too at that. I know they are often overlooked and I don't want him passed from home to home.
I've said to rescues that I'm more than happy to foster other cats on a short-term basis if they need.
Please, no judgement. It's very unfortunate.