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Would you go ahead with this kitten?

9 replies

post · 01/08/2017 12:59

I'm not usually on this board but I'm really hoping for some words of advice or reassurance.
I've always had rescue movies but I've always wanted a particular breed of cat and family circumstances (I'm at home nearly all the time for the foreseeable with caring duties) meant that this was a good time to get a kitten. I found a breeder, and went on her list, then viewed an adorable boy, paid a deposit and then...
He and one other kitten became ill between vaccinations, started with sniffles but his brother died :( at about 12 weeks. The breeder let me know and said she'd understand if I wanted to pull out. I said let's wait and see.
My boy has now had antibiotics and apparently been given a clean bill of health. I can collect him.
I'm worried. I've never paid a lot of money for a cat before, I haven't had a pedigree cat, and although of course any animal can become ill, and I'd take care of it without a second thought, taking on one who's been poorly so young is worrying me.

Do kittens recover fully, is he going to be strong and healthy? I KNOW no one can tell me! But...shall I go ahead? Am I daft to be worried? What would you do?
Thanks so much in advance, and please be gentle. I feel terrible possibly rejecting him, but I took the trouble to find what seems to be a decent breeder and I'm feeling anxious.
I think what I really want is to be told it'll all be fine and I can bring home this boy I've fallen in love with...

OP posts:
littlewoollypervert · 01/08/2017 13:04

Can you get a checkup done by your vet before making your decision? Would a reputable breeder be happy with that if you paid the checkup fees yourself? (like bringing your own mechanic along when buying a car!)

mrscropley · 01/08/2017 13:06

I fostered a kitten with cat flu many years ago. Lived a long and happy life. ..
Def ask for a second opinion. Would the breeder meet you at a vet's before you buy it maybe?

CatchingBabies · 01/08/2017 13:08

Do you know what the kittens had? It sounds like cat flu which never goes away it lies dormant and can flare up again when the cat is stressed, are you happy to take a cat knowing that? Also bear in mind the insurance won't cover it as it's a pre-existing condition.

post · 01/08/2017 13:25

Thank you so much. I will call and talk to her. She did say I should take him to my own vet in the first 48 hrs, so I guess that's the way to go. Or even better to meet her there. I know it's going to be SO hard to take him away and even think of them taking him back though, but yes, the worry of a recurrent poorliness is just what I need to consider.
Thank you, this is so helpful.

OP posts:
HipsterHunter · 01/08/2017 13:38

I think I would be concerned in light of insurance - is the kitten already insured / can you carry on that insurance and cat flu still be included (if that is what he has?)

post · 01/08/2017 15:25

I know he comes with a short amount of insurance but thanks, I'll check.

OP posts:
stressystressy · 01/08/2017 15:50

I think it boils down to what the kitten was ill with (and it does sound like one of the strains of catflu). It typically doesn't cause them any real difficulties later in life as long as they are fully recovered when they arrive with you. The point about insurance is a good one although this tends not to be an illness which will wreak havoc for the rest of the cat's life. Definitely get a vet check and ask as many questions as you need to. Don't feel bad for rejecting the kitten if you don't feel comfortable.

isseywithcats · 02/08/2017 15:49

i personally would be wary a friend of mine bought two maine coones who had had cat flu and since then they are around 12 months now has spent a fortune on vets bills as both cats have had flare up after flare up and passed the virus on to her other cats one of whom is special needs anyway (hes blind and brain damaged) and the other two who are british short hairs , some kittens never get a flare up but some get them for the rest of thier lives and can be carriers

post · 02/08/2017 20:28

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how it goes.

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