Sick Cat - Help?

[Pantlandia]

I have been taking care of the ex's cat for about a week. She was supposed to be picked up yesterday, but my ex made excuses to not pick her up and asked if I could cat-sit for "a little while longer". Honestly, I can't, but I don't have a choice. 

The cat went into heat about 4 days ago. Since that time, she hasn't eaten hardly anything and she's been throwing up. I've tried a couple of different foods, but she doesn't seem like she's eaten anything in the last couple of days. Her throw up has been liquid, not food. She isn't in heat any longer and she is just kind of moping around. She comes out from under my daughter's bed every so often to be petted but then just kind of lays around. She has pooped a couple of very small poopies in the cat box, but I don't see any traces of pee. She could be peeing under the bed, because she did pee on the kitchen floor and she is drinking water.

I'm a little concerned, obviously, because I do not have the money for a vet. I don't know what's wrong with her. My ex is adamant about keeping the cat (as well as two dogs) even tho they have no place to live. If something happens to this cat, my daughter will be devastated. My ex has already lost two dogs to animal control before the two she has already and my daughter keeps track on her calendar how long they've been gone...

Any suggestions? 

[Deleted]

Find a low-cost clinic and get her spayed. (The cat, not the ex.)

How old is the cat? What are you feeding her? I've never had a cat that went into heat so I don't know what they're like (other than loud!) but it sounds like it could be any number of things: constipation, anxiety, etc.

Maybe she ate a calculator and some pencils- oh wait, I guess that's a dog. Nevermind.

[kritter]

Your Ex needs to find a clinic and get that cat spayed before she is having a litter of kittens to find homes for.

She is probably technically still in heat if it has only been 4 days.

"How long does a female cat stay in heat?

Estrus typically lasts between 7 to 10 days. If your cat doesn't become pregnant then it will repeat every 14 to 21 days until she does become pregnant or the seasons change."


I am about to go on a rant about your Ex so I am going to back right out of this thread.

[Pantlandia]

The ex- is already spayed, thank goodness.

The cat is around a year old (maybe younger?). I asked my ex- what she eats, she said Meow Mix is what she feeds her. I bought that and just bought some wet food. Not sure what else to try, if anything.

I have read that it could be because she's in unfamiliar surroundings. I don't know. My resources (ie money) is very limited (rent and electricity check this pay period) and I know darn well my ex- isn't going to contribute (she hasn't paid child support in 6 months now, I doubt she'll pay for her cat since she won't pay for her kids).

[Pantlandia]

Aug 8, 2016 21:09:55 GMT kritter said:

Your Ex needs to find a clinic and get that cat spayed before she is having a litter of kittens to find homes for.

She is probably technically still in heat if it has only been 4 days.

"How long does a female cat stay in heat?

Estrus typically lasts between 7 to 10 days. If your cat doesn't become pregnant then it will repeat every 14 to 21 days until she does become pregnant or the seasons change."


I am about to go on a rant about your Ex so I am going to back right out of this thread.

I don't blame you. There is much to rant about and it's all deserved.

I will talk to my ex's mom and see if we can't get her fixed. She isn't displaying any of the signs of being in heat any more, but that doesn't mean anything either. All I know is that my daughter is worried, which makes me worried, which pisses me off that I am stuck with this. If I get caught with this cat, I get in trouble with the apartments. 

*sigh*

[Deleted]

My guess is the hormones are messing with her and affecting her appetite and/or making her depressed. You're in Portland right? Here are some resources for low cost Spay-Neuter - www.oregonspayneuter.org/services.html Looks like you should be able to get it done for around $50. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this and also about your daughter and the dogs - that's sad and sad anyone else gave the ex animals after that happened.

[Deleted]

I hope your cat feels better soon. Years ago I had an unspayed cat and I don't think she ate much when she was in heat. I am a little concerned that she doesn't seem to be eating at all. Cats can get liver disease if they go as little as 24 hours without eating.

[Pantlandia]

Just wanted to update:

I think it was the change of scenery mixed with being in heat (reproductive) and being in heat (weather). She has stopped throwing up and is eating a little and drinking water. She's not a big cat (actually skinny and smaller) so I don't really expect her to eat a ton anyway.

I contacted the ex- again about when she is supposed to pick the cat up. She was supposed to this last Sunday, but when I contacted her on Saturday she asked me to watch the cat a little while longer. Cut to today...no word from the ex. I message her and ask what's up? Why do I have to keep contacting her regarding this when it's HER cat. She responds saying they still haven't figured things out yet and is the cat really that much of a bother?

I said "I'm not sure how to put this more clear and to the point but WE CANNOT HAVE PETS AND IF THE MANAGER SEES HER OR FINDS OUT, WE WILL GET A NOTICE. It's NOT that she's a bother, it's that YOU are putting THE KIDS AND MY home at risk because YOU CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT..." I told her she had until Friday to figure it out.

Well, not an hour after that, the manager called and said it was brought to his attention that we have a cat and we have a strict no pet policy and this needs to be taken care of ASAP.

*sigh* I feel bad because she's a good kitty and I really wish my ex- would let someone take her, but I can't risk getting into trouble because of her.

I guess the fact that she's feeling better is more important that anything else right now.

[titus730]

Your ex isn't related to Trump, is she? It seems everything is about her with no regard for anyone else.

[Deleted]

Aug 8, 2016 21:13:08 GMT Pantlandia said:

Aug 8, 2016 21:09:55 GMT kritter said:

Your Ex needs to find a clinic and get that cat spayed before she is having a litter of kittens to find homes for.

She is probably technically still in heat if it has only been 4 days.

"How long does a female cat stay in heat?

Estrus typically lasts between 7 to 10 days. If your cat doesn't become pregnant then it will repeat every 14 to 21 days until she does become pregnant or the seasons change."


I am about to go on a rant about your Ex so I am going to back right out of this thread.

I don't blame you. There is much to rant about and it's all deserved.

I will talk to my ex's mom and see if we can't get her fixed. She isn't displaying any of the signs of being in heat any more, but that doesn't mean anything either. All I know is that my daughter is worried, which makes me worried, which pisses me off that I am stuck with this. If I get caught with this cat, I get in trouble with the apartments. 

*sigh*

Can you bring the cat to your ex's mom? Or tell ex that you will have the cat at her mom's house on such&such a day/time and she'd better come and pick the kitty up or her mom will have a new pet?

[blissfullymiserable]

Ugh, what does Trump have to do with any of this? Ridiculous.

Jeremy I hope you find a good solution for the kitty.

[Deleted]

Oh Jeremy, this sucks. I hope you can get the ex's mom to take the cat. If not I'd call the ex and tell her if she doesn't get the cat by 6pm tomorrow (or whenever), you're going to have to surrender it to a shelter because otherwise you and HER CHILDREN will be evicted, and if your daughter is broken-hearted it will be ALL HER FAULT.

It's just ridiculous how much this woman takes advantage of you and your kids.

Also, do you have any idea who told the building manager about the cat? Any chance the ex did it just to create more problems for you?

[titus730]

Aug 9, 2016 22:25:33 GMT blissfullymiserable said:

Ugh, what does Trump have to do with any of this? Ridiculous.

Jeremy I hope you find a good solution for the kitty.

Uh, it was a tongue in cheek comment, a joke. Not to be taken seriously.

[val2525]

Aug 9, 2016 22:54:01 GMT @ahrncitygal said:

Oh Jeremy, this sucks. I hope you can get the ex's mom to take the cat. If not I'd call the ex and tell her if she doesn't get the cat by 6pm tomorrow (or whenever), you're going to have to surrender it to a shelter because otherwise you and HER CHILDREN will be evicted, and if your daughter is broken-hearted it will be ALL HER FAULT.

It's just ridiculous how much this woman takes advantage of you and your kids.

Also, do you have any idea who told the building manager about the cat? Any chance the ex did it just to create more problems for you?

^^^ ITA. I'd tell the ex now (if you haven't already) that the apt mgmt called and you have to have the cat out ASAP. Therefore you will be taking it to a shelter or her mom's house tomorrow or Wednesday (whatever day you can go).

[Pantlandia]

Can't take the cat to her mom's, just not possible. I believe the upstairs neighbor called the manager (we have feuded since I moved here, although we have been somewhat cordial for the last 6 months), there really isn't anyone else would care enough to call. I honestly don't know how anyone would know because she doesn't get into the window. The only thing I can think of is that she heard my daughter talking to the neighbor girl about the cat being here.

I have already told the ex that she has until tomorrow to get the cat gone. My manager is okay for one more night, but after that, I get a notice.

I actually saw the kitty eat earlier, so I know she's eating. She isn't vomiting any more and there is more poop in the cat box.

[val2525]

Good to know she's eating, anyway! How about his mom's house? Or is there a rescue group you could contact/see if they'll take her?

TBH, it's your ex who should be doing this, but from what you've posted she's clueless and lazy. Thank you for at least caring what happens to the cat.

[Pantlandia]

My mom just moved into a new place after the fire, they are no pets, too (including caged and tank pets). We're working all angles to find someone who can take her...you're right, she should be doing this. She did post on Facebook asking friends. My daughter is freaking out, too

[val2525]

Good grief. Sounds like where you are is more pet unfriendly than where I was looking to move. I've been spoiled by pet friendly cities.

[jellybeanscloset412]

(((Jeremy))) No real suggestions that you want to hear. So sorry you have to deal with this!

[Shirley U Geste]

Ok, time for a serious reality check.

She never intended to take the cat back.

She dumped it on you because she knew you would be a sucker because of your daughter.

You can't risk your housing situation over her insanity and selfishness.

You need to find a rescue group that you can surrender the cat to so they can find it a permanent and stable home.

[Deleted]

I'm sorry, Jeremy. I feel for your daughter.

Maybe someone from a local facebook group will adopt the cat.

[kritter]

Aug 10, 2016 18:16:40 GMT Shirley U Geste said:

Ok, time for a serious reality check.

She never intended to take the cat back.

She dumped it on you because she knew you would be a sucker because of your daughter.

You can't risk your housing situation over her insanity and selfishness.

You need to find a rescue group that you can surrender the cat to so they can find it a permanent and stable home.

What Shirley said.  

She said it so much nicer than I could.

[Pantlandia]

You are probably right, Shirley.

I do have a question. Does anyone know the process of a companion pet? Isabella has been seeing a therapist for several months for anxiety and depression. She has wanted to ask her therapist about getting paperwork for a companion pet, but never has. Doesn't anyone know what's involved in this? The manager stated that if we had medical paperwork, then we can keep the cat.

I just don't know the process and/or how it works.

[blissfullymiserable]

Are you sure that you can afford to keep the cat? Pets can be expensive and sometimes require medical care/attention, special food/diets, etc. I'm only bringing this up because of the money worries you've mentioned here several times and kitty deserves a stable home that can care for her furever no matter what.

[kritter]

Federal  statues...


www.animallaw.info/article/brief-summary-emotional-support-animals



I have the same concerns as Bliss.  As one who all to well knows, pets can be very expensive.  

It is not fair to the cat to take her in after she has been uprooted once and then have to uproot her again because of a financial issue resulting from the care of the cat.  

You already know that the cat needs to be spayed immediately and don't know whether or not the cat has other medical issues that are unknown right now.

Jeremy, you are already responsible for 4 kids on your own.  Now might not be the right time to take on the responsibility of another living being.

[Pantlandia]

Something to think about, I guess. But since she has to be out by tonight, I guess I have to make some sort of decision....either take her to a shelter or potentially keep her. Those are the choices I have in the time that I have to do it.

[blissfullymiserable]

and yes Isabella will be sad but the longer you prolong it's departure the harder it's going to be on her. IMO there's no guessing about it, I hope you make the right decision for the cat.

[Shirley U Geste]

Companion pet law is convoluted, it has been so abused by so many people that the laws are frequently changing so you will need to check the laws in your state and also the federal laws and talk to her therapist.

Federal law says a landlord does not have to permit emotional support/companion animals for everyone with a mental illness, only those who are disabled and have a mental illness. The mental illness must be in some way directly related to the disability, which eliminates most who would apply.

So your daughters diagnosis and how the paperwork is filled out becomes fundamental in getting legitimate paperwork and it can be a long difficult process.

This landlord sounds like they are willing to work with you. But you need to be aware that many won't and it will be an issue if you ever plan on moving and still have the cat.

If you have the proper paperwork you can not be barred from renting just because of the companion/service animal, however, if there are any other detrimental things on your record (ie your recent bankruptcy) they can bar you from renting because of that. And many landlords will do that just to avoid having to deal with the animal issue, and it's pretty much impossible to prove that is what they are doing because bad credit or bankruptcies are legitimate reasons for rejecting tenants.

Also you can not be evicted just because you have a legitimate service/companion animal. But, and this is a BIG but, when your lease term is over they can choose not to renew your lease and give you whatever legal notice is required in your state (here is is 30 days) and you HAVE to move, there is no legal defense against that and they do not have to provide cause like they would in an eviction.

So think long and hard about if you want to take this route, as it is not easy and unfortunately can effect your ability to easily rent.

I just went thru this with a tenant in May so I have a lot of informational links if you want them.

[kritter]

Jeremy, the last thing you need right now or anytime in the near future is another mouth to feed and another living being in that apartment that you are responsible for.

You know what you need to do at this time in your life in regard to pet ownership.

I hope somebody in this cat's life finally makes the right decision for it.

[Deleted]

Who is keeping the dogs for her? Why can't they keep the cat for a bit too? Or her mother? Or the boyfriend/husband's mother? Supposedly it is just short term until she figures out where she's moving. If/when you start calling rescues, do NOT tell them it is your ex-wife's cat she dumped on you or give them any reason to think you are not the one with the authority to surrender her - a kill shelter may not care, but a rescue will/should.