Adopting a cat with luxating patella

[Twonkyboo]

Would you adopt a cat with grade 2 luxating patella? The rescue charity say they will cover the cost of an operation if it is needed in the future. The cat takes daily pain relief medication.

The cat is 6 years old. Do you think the fact he has this medical issue means there will be lots of vets bills in the future?

I have just lost a cat who had kidney disease and arthritis. I don't want to rush into adopting a cat who will have lots of problems. What do you think?

I would as long as the rescue foot the bill!

My DBro & DSiL have a rescue with a luxating patella. She is an indoor only cat (one of 2) and she doesn't really have any problems at all apart from needing painkillers when it goes out - it usually pops back in quite quickly.

While it's in, she has no issues at all except that she's a bit less adventurous than some, and even when it is out it doesn't restrict her that much. It hasn't got any worse over the years just stayed the same, and the must have had her at least 6-8 years now.

If the rescue will cover any costs I can't see the issue really.

I had one for years. We got advice from a cat physio who advised managing it with exercise so we had to have her stand on her back legs for treats (up against furniture if needed), which she soon got the hang of. We did it several tines a day , took 30 seconds, which soon became a habit and that kept her going happily until she passed away in her sleep at 16.

Thank you so much for the replies. They are all very positive.

Allergic and zipped do you know what grade the luxating patella is/was? If I am lucky enough to adopt the cat I will definitely find out about exercises.

Check carefully what costs the rescue will cover.

You will be able to insure, but it's likely that everything orthopaedic will be excluded.

Can you afford the pain relief medication on top of other expenses? Are you happy to take on risk of paying for excluded treatments which the rescue has not undertaken to cover?

Physio would be excluded (where it is for pre-existing/excluded condition) so you'd need to pay for that too.

This may sound harsh but I would absolutely not take on a cat with this kind of problem. I also don't believe that it's sensible (or fair to the cat) to keep a cat going on daily painkillers for many years.
You also have to ask why this particular cat has ended up in rescue aged six. Cost of treatment? behavioral issues related to pain?
I know there is a no kill policy at many rescues but there are times when putting an unhealthy animal to sleep sounds a much better idea then palming off an animal which will need life long treatment to an new owner.

wetotter thank you for replying. I spoke to the rescue today and they are saying they will pay for pain relief and all ongoing costs related to the medical condition. So if the cat got arthritis in that knee it would be covered but arthritis not in that knee would not. If the arthritis is age related it is not covered it has to be because of the medical condition.

Yes i would have to pay for physio and other things if needed.

He has had blood test done which were fine, no kidney disease. He is energetic and happy since he started the pain relief medical. They are discussing with vets which pain relief will be best to be on permanently.

It's a difficult decision for me.

Grumpy you are right it could be that he had behavioural issues because of the pain. The owners said it was because they couldn't afford all their cats. They had other cats.

I suppose I was thinking of 6 as quite young. My previous rescue cat had a limp when she came to me and had pain relief but not every day. She was 5 or 6 years old and I had her for 8 years.

I suppose that's why the rescue think we are a good match. I have been through similar situation before. Except this time it is maybe more serious.

If I do adopt the cat, do you have any food recommendations? I think he is eating Felix at his foster home.

My previous cat had Royal Canin renal or whatever renal food she would eat. I think before that it was lily's kitchen and Sainsbury’s delicious? and also encore. Would like something good but not too expensive. The Royal canin renal got very expensive.

Afraid I don't, though I could try to find out (though they may be on holiday)

Thanks for getting back to me Allergic and offering to find out, that is kind of you but no need. I think I have made my mind up now and I will proceed with the adoption. The cat has been reserved. Need to have the home check done and finalise some things before but hopefully it will happen soon. Thank you