Permanent foster cat?

8 years ago

Soooo... in December I got a call from the shelter. Could I foster a diabetic cat fora few weeks? Owner not ready to relinquish cat, but has a new baby and can't seem to get the cat's blood level steady. Shelter employee told me the cat had other issues, but in fact, the diabetes is well controlled.

I've had him since the beginning of December. They're not asking for him back or listing him for adoption. He's a lovely animal, but the fact is, I can't afford a diabetic cat. They have paid for everything so far, though. And the other issue is that with injections twice a day at 12 hour intervals, we have no life. One of our friends had an open house around Christmas, and by the time we got there, (7:30 pm) most everyone else was headed home. (Yes, we are getting up in years!) Another event came up last week. I wouldn't be there until about an hour before it ended, so I opted not to bother at all. I live in a rural area, so I'm not seeing a whole lot of pet sitters who'll give injections, too. I suspect the folks at the shelter, while kind hearted, have sorta pulled a fast one here and want us to keep him forever. Man-friend has fallen in love with cat. (sigh) Household permanent resident cat has stopped trying to kill him and only plagues him now.

Do shelters sometimes do this? I would think they would want a definitive answer from the real owner as to whether she wants him back or is surrendering him, so someone may adopt him. Yes,I know I should ask them, but like I said, I think they're hoping we keep him forever.

Featured Answer

annztoo

8 years ago

Congrats to you for taking on a cat that others would shun. As for the injections interfering with your social life, consider adjusting the injection times so that they're more convenient for you. Talk to the vet about how best to shift the time, especially if it will be more than an hour change. For me, injections around 11pm-11am would work better than 7am-7pm.

Here's is a good article on insulin injections.

I'm no expert on diabetes, but did the vet/shelter say how early the diabetes was diagnosed? I ask because sometimes it goes into remission after a few months of treatment. Also, do they have him on a diet of canned food or any special diet? If you're going thru the shelter regarding all the medical questions, ask to speak to the vet directly so there is no confusion about his care.

'Your' cat is a special case since the owner hasn't relinquished him to the shelter. My guess is the owner is also paying for all vet and medical needs since a shelter would rarely take on the expense if they didn't own the cat. If you're ok with giving him back if/when the owner wants him, then I suggest continue taking care of him. The owner may be happy just knowing the cat is being taken care of, but my guess is that with a new baby she probably won't ask for his return. Once she relinquishes him, then the shelter will approach you on whether you want to adopt, or show him for adoption.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

sonni1
8 years ago
yup. Same thing happened to me, fostered a hard to place cat. No one ever asked about her again. Finally adopted her.
socks
8 years ago
Realizing you are challenged as well, it would be tough to manage a new baby and diabetic cat. I’m sorry it’s impacting your social life. This has put you in a difficult spot because not many would want the cat.

My friend adopted what was said to be a 2-3 year old cat. When the vet records were made available, the cat was estimated to be 10 years old an in beginning stage of kidney disease.

i hope you get a manageable outcome to this.
Related Professionals
Albany Architects & Building Designers · Morgan City Architects & Building Designers · Springfield Architects & Building Designers · Winona Architects & Building Designers · Carson City Architects & Building Designers · Fort Collins Architects & Building Designers · Lake City Interior Designers & Decorators · Lafayette Interior Designers & Decorators · Gulfport Interior Designers & Decorators · Allentown Interior Designers & Decorators · Somerset Furniture & Accessories · Spring Furniture & Accessories · Enfield Furniture & Accessories · Pittsfield Furniture & Accessories · Flagstaff Furniture & Accessories
cat_mom
8 years ago
Some shelters will do permanent fosters, where they pay for all medical needs, special foods, etc. for the life of the cat (or dog). They might require using their preferred vet (they often get discounted rates) or not.
c t
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The 7 am and 7pm really is the only workable schedule. I work during the day, and the earliest I can get home is 6:30. One morning a week I have to be there early, and need to leave by 7:15. [puts head in hands.] mutters: "wasn't supposed to get attached"

annztoo, thanks for the very informative link.
nannygoat18
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Our rescue organization recognizes that some of our dogs and cats are hard-to-place and puts them in long-term (really, forever) foster homes. We pay for all costs, including medical. Just knowing that an animal has a loving safe home is worth every penny. Thankfully, there are special people like yourselves.
Debbie Downer
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Besides Anzz excellent info, check out http://www.felinediabetes.com - the forum there is one of the most incredible online communities Iv ever been a part of (had a diabetic kitty a while back.) Besides just being there for support, those folks can give you good solid info re: how you can adjust shot times up and down to accomodate your schedule - also I would ask them about the possibility of controlling diabetes with diet - a certain no. of cats can go off insulin altogether by adhering to a strict no-carb diet.

Re: whether you want to ask about them relinquishing the cat - I dont know, if the question was framed as do you want her back or do you want to relinquish her -I migh be afraid theywould then say "ok, we dont want her."]

Is there a third option - maybe theyre OK with paying the medical costs indefinitely .... theyd have a guilt free conscience, while you would have the benefit of having the financial help - a win-win solution !