Adopt these two or not?

[Dolceandgabbana14]

I went to meet two young cats last night who I found through a small rescue charity. They are currently living in a small pen in a lady's back garden.

The cats are both female, one is a year and quite confident, the other is about six months, much smaller and very, very nervous.

The fosterer said she doesn't spend much time with the cats because she has so many. The house was filthy and a complete tip, the lady looked like she hadn't washed for a month I'm trying not to judge, but it wasn't a good impression I got.

She told me the cats had arrived absolutely crawling with fleas. They've been treated now but as it was dark outside, I honestly couldn't see if there were still signs of an infestation. The younger cat was very frightened, so I didn't really interact much with her, leaving her to come to me but she didn't want to. When I stroked the older one she had a pea-sized lump half way up her tail. I mentioned this to the lady and she was quite dismissive, saying it was probably just an old injury. I thought it was strange that she didn't seem aware of it, as it was really quite obvious. I had to pick the same cat up to pop her back in the pen so I could leave and I felt another similar lump on her tummy. I am worried about these lumps.

Although I feel that these cats need rescuing from the rescue I am really worried about what I might be taking on.

Any advice you can offer? The cats are reserved for me, but obviously if I don't take them I need to let the rescue know asap so they can find another home.

Well it sounds as though they do need rescuing from the rescue. Try not to judge too much though. I imagine it was either that or leave them on the street. There aren't enough rescues and there aren't enough homes. Something has to give.

Are they neutered?

It's unlikely that there is anything seriously wrong with them. As for fleas, just give them a good spot on treatment as soon as you get them and that's that sorted.

The lumps could be matted fur or benign cysts (fatty lumps essentially), which are harmless and don't need treatment usually. If they're scabby then they could be a flea allergy. A small lump on the tail is unlikely to be anything serious (bear in mind I'm not a vet, but have been in rescue for 15 years and seen just about everything).

I'm feeling so torn. It would be awful to take them if there was something wrong with them, me and the children would be heart broken and DH would be even worse

But leaving them is awful too.

They've both been neutered and microchipped, and are booked in for their first vaccinations on Thursday.

Imo you have two choices.
Worry about them at her address.
Or worry about them at yours.

Now do you need wise mn name suggestions?

The lump you're feeling on the tail could be a tail kink. One of my dear cats had this. I don't know about the tummy lump. I bet a quick phone call to your local vets would give you some great info and advice though. I agree with the PP in that fleas aren't an issue if you're prepared. I took on a rescue kitty who was crawling with them and I kept her in the bathroom with tray and toys and food etc. for a week while I combed the buggers into the bath and washed them down the plughole She'd had a spot-on from the vets and within that week she was clear and much more comfortable.

I will say this though, she is still a very, very nervous girl compared to my other 2 cats who were 'accidental kittens' I acquired who'd had a good start with a nice family. She will occasionally come for a fuss, but is terrified of footsteps and the doorbell (although at least she doesn't jump up the chimney now when she's startled.) so in terms of your vision of a 'family pet' just be aware to manage your children's and DH's expectations with the younger, more nervous one.

Hopefully though - once they know which side their tuna's buttered, they'll start bossing you all around and you'll be their faithful slaves for evermore!!!

Good luck

I don't see why it is more likely there is anything wrong with them than it would be with any other cat you take on. (apologies for the clunky sentence - brain not working).

The lump thing doesn't sound particularly concerning.

If they've been neutered recently, won't the vet have looked over them?

The cats are both female, one is a year and quite confident, the other is about six months, much smaller and very, very nervous.

I took on two cats like this: one confident and another very very nervous. The nervous cat watched me handle the confident cat and gradually relaxed because of it. So I think this would work for you as well, as you can use the confident cat to demonstrate that you are not an evil human. Just make sure that you have safe hiding places where the nervous cat can sit and watch what is going on without feeling threatened.

Hi!
Just an idea but if you took the cats on would the rescue allow you to take them straight to your private (non biased) vets for a quick look over and then if there was anything serious found you could make the decision quickly on wether to return them or not. I know it is tough but I have been in this position and ended up looking at a bill for thousands. This was the opinion of two different private vets and the charity still said their vet felt it wasn’t that bad (only a grade one) when it clearly wasn’t. I wasn’t told the dog had any condition and it was conveniently left out of the vet report. I know it’s not nice to think about but you need to safe guard yourself as when you take them on they are entirely your responsibility and if she wasn’t aware of these what else wasn’t she aware of? I’m sure the lady is only doing her best however when/ if you take on these two you are clearing the way for two more to come into this situation (a good thing if the situation is in the best interests of the animal). Sometimes fosterers just go and pick up the animals and no one actually checks after a while of knowing she will take them. Maybe things have just gotten on top of her. As someone mentioned we can’t be picky when it comes to cat rescue space these days however if you are concerned I would maybe mention it to the charity or a local authority as it’s not fair on the animals. They didn’t choose to be there. As for the little one. She might come out of her shell but she sounds a little bit feral to me if she has been kept outside but it might just be her personality. Many cats/kittens on the wilder side do come round, it would just be entirely your decision as you have a wee one at home. I’m so happy for you that you are deciding to rescue though! I love my rescue moggy and wouldn’t change her for the world. It sounds cheesy but it’s so rewarding knowing I saved her from such a rubbish life. Good luck whatever you choose.

We adopted a 13 month old boy cat from a very similar sounding situation. The lady was lovely and obviously loved all her rescue cats but the house (and her) was grim.

Our boy cat was horribly nervous and 18 months later is only just beginning to accept fusses and loves.

If you have the room and the time, please take them on. They deserve a chance, our boy cat makes my heart sing when I see him trotting off down the garden or flying in through the cat flap singing his little heart out.