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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Getting a rescue cat but have one or two concerns

23 replies

JMSA · 16/10/2025 20:17

We were approved today for getting a rescue cat and we are so happy. She’ll be given the most wonderful home with us.
She’s had a rough start. She’d had her first litter by one year old and she and her kittens were given to the rescue centre with dreadful diarrhoea. She is undergoing treatment and is on the mend, thank goodness. We will be able to pick her up in just over a week. She has had Giardia and Cystoisospora.
The woman at the rescue centre told me that Giardia cannot cross species, however I think this is untrue. We are strong and healthy, but we also have our 10 year old dog to consider. In case anyone is wondering, he is exceptionally cat friendly and the cat has previously lived with dogs, so all good there.
However I’m a bit worried in case it should reoccur. Obviously I’ll have to declare it to the insurers, but that’s just one of those things.
The poor love will also have to be spayed while in my care, as she has been too unwell thus far.
Has anyone had experience of Giardia and am I worrying over nothing? I would be gutted if this match can’t go ahead, but the health of our existing pet has to come first.
Thank you 🙏

OP posts:
Wherethewildthings · 16/10/2025 20:22

Giardia is very treatable. I wouldn't stop the adoption because of it.

JMSA · 16/10/2025 20:24

Yaaay, thank you!

OP posts:
JMSA · 16/10/2025 20:25

It’s just not something I have encountered before. Our previous rescue cat never had it and our robust little dog has always had - touch wood - good health.

OP posts:
Favouritefruits · 17/10/2025 14:22

With medicine the cats Giardia will clear up, definitely no reason to not get the little kitty! Lots of cats and dogs have it without realising.

JMSA · 17/10/2025 15:43

Thank you. I feel very reassured and will 100% proceed. Can’t wait!

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 17/10/2025 16:03

Don’t forget to pay the tax!

JMSA · 17/10/2025 17:58

Toddlerteaplease · 17/10/2025 16:03

Don’t forget to pay the tax!

Don’t know what you mean, sorry.

OP posts:
Wherethewildthings · 17/10/2025 17:59

JMSA · 17/10/2025 17:58

Don’t know what you mean, sorry.

They want a photo of your new cat 😂

Toddlerteaplease · 17/10/2025 18:02

Cat tax is a picture of your new kitty. It’s compulsory 😂

JMSA · 17/10/2025 19:35

Aah, I see. Sorry! Let me oblige 😁
These are the only two photos I have, from the rescue centre. She’s still
a bit scrawny from the illness and from nursing her babies. I think she looks very leggy, but maybe that’s just the way she’s laid out! The vet notes say that she’s small, with her growth having been stunted from having a litter so young.
Anyway, we think she’s beautiful 💕 My daughter has finally decided on the name Esme. Do you think it suits her?

Getting a rescue cat but have one or two concerns
Getting a rescue cat but have one or two concerns
OP posts:
Wherethewildthings · 17/10/2025 19:44

Lovely name!! And gorgeous cat. Lucky you and lucky her ❤️

JMSA · 17/10/2025 19:56

Wherethewildthings · 17/10/2025 19:44

Lovely name!! And gorgeous cat. Lucky you and lucky her ❤️

Thank you 🤗

OP posts:
Allergictoironing · 17/10/2025 21:50

Aw poor skinny little Esme - I'm sure you'll get enough weight on her quite soon. And the name is fab, suits her.

When does she come home?

JMSA · 17/10/2025 22:07

One more week to go! She has to start testing negative and put on some weight first. I believe she also has another vaccine to get.

OP posts:
Grizelofthechaletschool · 17/10/2025 22:09

We had an Esme, in her case short for Esmerelda. Also a rescue cat. Your Esme is beautiful ❤️

toucancancan · 17/10/2025 23:10

The likelihood of Giardia reoccurring can be reduced by keeping her on a consistent diet high in protein and with low carbohydrates. It's also easily treated with a paste from Pets at Home.

learieonthewildmoor · 19/10/2025 03:03

We will need regular updates on Esme. She looks like an Excellent cat.

Toddlerteaplease · 19/10/2025 15:21

How long her her legs?! She’s gorgeous!

JMSA · 19/10/2025 16:34

Toddlerteaplease · 19/10/2025 15:21

How long her her legs?! She’s gorgeous!

Why thank you. She’s like a 90s supermodel, feline version 😆

OP posts:
JMSA · 19/10/2025 16:34

learieonthewildmoor · 19/10/2025 03:03

We will need regular updates on Esme. She looks like an Excellent cat.

Don’t worry. You WILL be bored of us 😄

OP posts:
Birchtree1 · 19/10/2025 16:50

Giardia is a zoonotic disease, as in you can get it.
I had it once and it was horrid....BUT
It is easily treatable and fairly common in puppies/ kittens/ rescues ( panacur as treatment is best, 3 day course recommended, i usually prescribed 5 days)
If she was been treated she should be clear of this nowadays should be fine.
Otherwise normal hygiene in regards of faeces and cleaning poo , litter tray etc, and bow.s etc as they like to lick their bottoms.
Stop your dog from eating her faeces.
BUT if she has been properly treated she should be fine and NOT have it anymore!

EmpressaurusKitty · 19/10/2025 16:50

JMSA · 19/10/2025 16:34

Don’t worry. You WILL be bored of us 😄

I hope that means you & Esme are going to come on to the Excellent Cats threads, @JMSA!

www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_litter_tray/5416721-scottish-tourism-the-excellent-cats-debate-gizmos-suitability-as-a-top-influencer?page=22&reply=147937579

MumChp · 19/10/2025 18:15

One of our late cats got giardia. Treated by the vet and no issues. He reached an age of 17. Sister was treated too. Didn't catch it.

Esme is cute!

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