New kittens in a bad way [Archive]

Moggz

26-06-2006, 08:18 AM

After the death of our Christmas last week, we decided that the best way to heal the wounds was with a kitten.
we found a "breeder", who from the phone calls seemed ok. She had had an accidental litter between her BSh queen and Persian boy, so the kittens were £40 each, but what attracted us was the black tortie she had available.

So friday I go off to fetch my kitten.

When I arrived I could smell the house from about 10ft away, which made me rather uncomfortable, but I desperatley wanted the black tortie.

when i entered the premises I was handed 2 small "things" with the declaration of "arnt they a cute pair". These kittens were tiny and suposedly 9 weeks old. not only were they tiny - but skinny and felt dirty. we were shown around and saw cat poo everywhere, sections of carpet with obvious urine bleaching marks. her cats of various pedigrees (persian, BSH, birman) all looked bedraggled and thin. Even her Pregnant rottie looked underweight and her "ancient?!?" 9 year old GSd was in terrible shape. The Giant continental rabbits in 3ft hutches were enough to make me cry.

the woman complained about the other 6 torties upstairs that she was going to have to deal with as no one wanted. So I did the worst thing - I grabbed the kittens, made comments about not paying because of their state - to wich she agreed, and I left.

In the car on the way home, the kittens passed foul yellow diahorea, and they smelt awful - not just of poo, but of stale urine and plain uncleanliness.

We got them home - and the first thing i had to do was wash them because they were so bad, once in the water - all the fleas dropped off and the water changed to a foul brown.

the kittens were then dried and rushed to the vets.
There their eyes and ears were cleaned again and the diagnosis is vile.

Anaemia, dehydration, malnutrition, cat flu, conjunctivitis, deformed paws for the one girl, mites, lice, worms and fleas. so far £151.63

the girl with the deformed paws may need to be declawed - we shall have to see.

they are being treated with eyedrops, antibiotics, anti inflamatories, and are on a diet of plain chicken and brown rice, with lactol to drink.

But we cant stop the diahhorea. they have been wormed. but the diahhorea is yellow and awful.

Solstice, the one with the deformed paws, weighs 880g, Saturnalia, the black tortie weighs 570g and is terribly weak and struggling, so not feeding them is not a possibility.

What can i do to stop the diahhorea??

Help??

Mog

CJK

26-06-2006, 08:25 AM

I dont know what you can to do to stop the diorhhea, but the poor kittens!

I hope youre going to report her to the rspca or something? Treatment of animals like that is appalling.

smudgley

26-06-2006, 08:28 AM

Oh my word :shock:
well as they are now under the supervision of the vets - hopefully the diarrhoea can be sorted. I would be feeding chicken / fish only & using pro-biotics from the vet to settle the gut.

On one hand I think you are a good person for taking on these poor little mites & getting them vet treatment but I also think that you are encouraging this sort of breeder to continue breeding by taking kittens from her.:?

Did you not contact Cats protection? My branch covers your area. We have all colours of kittens. Wormed / treated for fleas / well socialised / healthy / vaccinated / microchipped - all ready to be homed & all for a small donation.

Anyway - hope these little ones do ok.:)

smudgley

26-06-2006, 08:31 AM

Also - I wouldn't be letting these kittens come into contact with my other cats if I were you. Not at this stage.

Moggz

26-06-2006, 08:56 AM

We have the kittens seperated from my other cats. And i know taking them wasnt the best idea, but i just couldnt leave them there.
As for the CPL - of the 6 rescues i called, i got a very bad reception when i mentioned that i have 4 dogs - including 2 staffies, as well as 10 other cats and the fact that i live by a main road. also 2 were very funny about the fact that we both work full time - despite the fact my animals are rarely ever alone because our shifts are opposite.

I shall call the vets asap - and ask about probiotics

Mog

yola

26-06-2006, 09:38 AM

How heartbreaking!!! This person needs prosecuting for animal cruelty. Thanks for taking the kittens - I would have too, had I been in your position.

I hope the kittens' tummies settle and that this horrid person gets her comeuppance . . . 'deal with' the unwanted torties ????? . . . I'd be straight onto any and all authorities I could - that sounds ominous :(

whiskey

26-06-2006, 09:44 AM

oh my word how could these people be so cruel and irresponsible well done you for taking the little kittys on with so many problems i just feel so sorry for the one`s that were left behind something needs to be done about these people what a cruel world we live in.hope your little kittys soon feel better by the sounds of it they have gone to a good home:D :D :D :D :D

PurpleJackdaw

26-06-2006, 09:53 AM

Well done for saving those kittens ,It sounds like they would have been "got rid of" if you hadnt taken them ,I would have done the same
You should certainly contact the athorities about the conditions they came from and how ill they are now and the state of her other animals
People like her need to be stopped :mad:
Fingers crossed the kittens pull through

borderdawn

26-06-2006, 10:24 AM

At the risk of getting shouted at there are a few things that strike me here.

Why on earth would you take kittens that were in such a poor state, let alone pay for them? Obviously the breeder is not very responsible or careful to allow an accidental mating, and with the host of problems you mention, you must of been able to see it.

I would suggest you report the person to the RSPCA immediately and the local environmental health office for that area. Whilst I really cannot offer you any sympathy, I do wish the kittens the very best of luck, I hope they make a good recovery.

I think you are in my area, pm me the name of the breeder and I will see if I can help get it stopped.
Dawn.

PurpleJackdaw

26-06-2006, 10:42 AM

the woman complained about the other 6 torties upstairs that she was going to have to deal with as no one wanted. So I did the worst thing - I grabbed the kittens, made comments about not paying because of their state - to wich she agreed, and I left.

I take this as she didnt pay for the ill kittens :?

Moggz

26-06-2006, 10:44 AM

PurpleJackdaw

26-06-2006, 10:49 AM

I didnt pay for the girls, i did say so in the original post. And i took them because the comments she was making.

the appropriate authorities have been notified.

Have spoken to the vets who will be dropping off some probiotics later, so hopefully tummies will soon settle.

Yes I thought you didnt pay for them
Will the authorities that you contacted let you know if they are going to take any action ,I really hope they act and stop this woman causing any more suffering ,people like her shouldnt be allowed to keep animals :mad:
fingers crossed for the kittens :)

Moggz

26-06-2006, 10:55 AM

I dont know if they will let me know.

This "breeder" has quite a few ads up on admart - selling cats that i saw while i was there. and some that i didnt. Hopefully the RSPCA will be able to sort this all out

Sweet

26-06-2006, 11:47 AM

Awwww - keep us posted to how the little ones are doing x

Luz

26-06-2006, 12:56 PM

Well I think you your an angel for taking the poor kittens away. You obviously care a great deal for animals or you would of left them there probably to rot and die like the 'ones upstairs'.
I hope the RSPCA let you know what the outcome of there visit has been.
Hopefully the kittens will start to pick up soon. If any of my pets get upset stomachs I feed them scrambled egg it usually binds them up quickly. You could mix it in with some raw minced chicken to make it more appetising. Best of luck.

Kay

26-06-2006, 01:16 PM

If the kittens are still suffering with iffy tums you are just feeding it by giving them food. I realise the are very tiny, their weights are what I would expect my Persian kittens to be at about 6 weeks, but they will not gain any weight while they have such serious diarrhoea. The best action would be to starve them for 24 hours but to stop them getting more dehydrated is to put a glucose mix in their water. It is easy to make just add 1/2 teaspoon of glucose powder (available at the chemist) and a pinch of salt to 1/2 a pint of boiled and cooled water. After 24 hours then start reintroducing food. It might also be worth using Science Hill AD diet your vet should be able to sell you this it is brilliant for putting weight on for poorly cats. If they still have it try this again it just gives the tums time to settle. The other worry that I would have is that there is the possibility that the kittens have F.I.P. I hope they don't as this is fatal but they definitely haven't come from a careful home. Good luck.

Moggz

26-06-2006, 03:00 PM

We have SOLID POOS

*does an appropriate dance*

Moli

26-06-2006, 03:04 PM

Good for you, taking on these little ones, they stand a good chance of a happy healthy life now...

Mags

26-06-2006, 03:04 PM

That's good news!! Hope the kits will continue to improve.......
http://bestsmileys.com/dancing/9.gif

CJK

26-06-2006, 03:05 PM

aww so pleased to hear that, fingers crossed these little ones pick up now.

Hreow

26-06-2006, 03:20 PM

Amazing the things you can get over-joyed about, isn't it? :grin:
Congratulations and really well done! Hope the rest is just as good news as well.

Donna

26-06-2006, 04:01 PM

What a sad story. I would of had to take the kittens too, just to try and save them. Hope the woman gets in serious trouble for her awful treatment of the animals.

Hope the kittens start to do well soon x

CJK

26-06-2006, 05:03 PM

well, I am not going to mention any names here, for every one involved sakes. BUt it turns out this so-called breeder is someone I have heard of.
The only reason I heard of her is a friend of mine wanred me not tog et a kitten from her after I had enquired about a persian kitten from her.

At the latest count this woman is selling 7 cats, and also taking enquires on a further litter not yet ready for re-homing!

I was to get a kitten from her, but was emailed by her back in january saying the kitten was unwell as she had "brought in a cat with flu".
It would now seem as if the whole household is infected with something and she is trying to "get rid" of the poorlies! And stilla sking between £100 and £200 per cat.

surely the RSPCA will do soemthing about this? Is there anyone with more experience in this field who can give any advice? Or is it a matter of leave it to the RSPCA?

Seems terrible she still getting away with it, i was in touch with somebody in januray who DID buy a kitten and reported her to the RSPCA then!

Hreow

26-06-2006, 05:11 PM

It might make the RSPCA's job easier if you could somehow compile a list of people who have bought a sickly kitten and would like to see her stopped. Other than that, I think you'll have to go via RSPCA. : /

smudgley

26-06-2006, 05:17 PM

The rspca will not give you or anyone else any info on the lady ie if they are or are not going to prosecute as this is confidential information.

Kim

26-06-2006, 09:16 PM

Although I can see Dawns point that if people are prepared to take these kittens this woman will just continue to breed more, I have to say that had I been in your shoes I would have done exactly the same. No way could I have left them there. At least you didn't pay her, thank goodness. I agree with others you need to report her to the RSPCA and Environmental Health for the appaling condition of these animals and the conditions they are living in. Let's hope these authorites do the right thing by these poor animals. These people make me so bl**dy angry. :mad:

Fran

26-06-2006, 09:40 PM

Good luck raising these babies...I would have done exactly the same if I had been in your shoes ;)

borderdawn

26-06-2006, 10:06 PM

smudgley

26-06-2006, 10:08 PM

Apologies for not seeing you didnt pay :)

Still, the RSPCA wont do much, they never do, but the environmental health officer can force entry if they are a "breeder" because chances are they are unlisenced. They can be prosecuted for this and then the animals can be removed.
Dawn.

Hate to say it, but I agree with you there Dawn. :(
I've had too many negative experiences with them unfortunately. (ooh that makes it sound like I've been in trouble with them, I just mean I've dealt with them on several occasions & never found them to be helpful)

Kazz

26-06-2006, 11:29 PM

I hope your kittens pull through although my sensible head would say walk away I doubt my heart would let my legs walk - so I imagine I would have done the same thing and sadly I agree the RSPCA are very very very slow to act under these or any circumstances :( unless you can get Rolf Harris involved
I agree the EHO is a much better bet - even maybe the TAX man as I doubt the breeder is paying tax.

You are in my area to I am in Bham - I hope all goes well for your kittens

honeybunny

26-06-2006, 11:46 PM

How sad :( I hope your kittens make it :(

All my 3 are rescue cats so have never had to deal with breeders and reading this I am glad. Let's hope that if the RSPCA can't/won't help then environmental health will. I didn't know people who breed have to be licensed but am glad to read it is so.

Hreow

27-06-2006, 09:23 AM

... All my 3 are rescue cats so have never had to deal with breeders and reading this I am glad. ...
It's not so difficult. You just need to find out if the breeder is a responsible breeder before you go. Word of mouth works wonders and even if the breeders you are recommended are too far away or do not have a suitable cat/kitten, they might be able to direct you to someone they know is responsible and who is better situated. Having ads in papers isn't a recommendation. Although this isn't fool-proof, your chances are pretty good of getting a well-cared for animal that suits you and your life. Moggz - you ran into one of the (hopefully) rare cases when it sounds good, but is horrible. I'm honestly not trying to make out that you did anything wrong. :-)
CP covers a good chunk of Britain and a fair few breeds, so asking here would be an option. I'm sure someone can give a "absolutely!" or "noway!" stylee comment or at least a few hints of defects and good points to look for.

Naomi

27-06-2006, 09:40 AM

The RSPCA are very slow to act.

I had a puppy who went to a good home, or so we thought. Did home check etc but then I actually saw their little boy stab the puppy with a pen, consequently the pup bit him and the poor thing got slung across the wooden flooring. It took the RSPCA 6 weeks to respond to both mine and her neighbours concerns about the pup. By the time the RSPCA responded I had finally got my pup back and rehomed. I've informed the RSPCA that none of their literature or their fund raisers are to come to my house.

Sorry to any supporters of the RSPCA

Definately agree with the others, contact the Environmental Helath. The act a lot quicker.

Lets hope the kittens continue to get stronger and that this 'person' get's what they deserve and more

Moli

27-06-2006, 09:46 AM

Its the same up here, I reported a puppy farmer to the SSPCA, all they could say was, as this person had a license, there was nothing they could do!

CJK

27-06-2006, 12:38 PM

makes me so angry about the RSPCA etc, theyre meant to care about the welfare of the animals, but then leave them suffering for weeks on end!

I saw some nice glasses cases today, and mugs etc. When i took a clsoer look theyre from the RSPCA, with money from the sales going to them. I walked off, almost huffing out loud!
Besdies which I think a tenner for a mug with a kitten on is a bit over priced, and I dont hold much faith in the RSPCA anymore.

Hreow

27-06-2006, 01:29 PM

Is part of it legal? I've read that the law requires the poor animal to be half-way-or-worse to dead before they're allowed to do anything. There is apparently a new one in the making that means they just have to prove that the treatment - if continued - would be bad for the animal.

CJK

27-06-2006, 02:47 PM

There certainly need to be tighter laws on this sort of thing, more checks done, maybe pet licensing of some sort?

Moggz

27-06-2006, 05:12 PM

Daily Update:
more solid poos
Kittens going mental at the sight of a food bowl.
Saturnalia has started to meow - and after being held for about 4 hours by our friend Niall last night - has started to try purring.
Solstice appears to have monkey in her somewhere as she is climbing upside down across the roof of the crate, she is becoming very active.
Sat now weighs in at 610g and Sol 920g

No news from RSPCA

Mog

CJK

27-06-2006, 05:15 PM

Moggz, so glad to ehar theyre picking up.
Can you believe this woman has another 9 cats LUS unkown number of siler tabby kittens for sae. probably knowing theyre all sick!!!

good luck with your ones

Hreow

27-06-2006, 05:20 PM

Aaaaaa, they acting like proper kittens.... Well done you! Think there's hope they'll be just fine.

Naomi

27-06-2006, 05:20 PM

That's fantastic news!!!!!

I'm so glad the kittens seem to be picking up. Fingers crossed they continue to improve :D Surprising what a little love and good food can do

Moggz

27-06-2006, 05:22 PM

It's not so difficult. You just need to find out if the breeder is a responsible breeder before you go. Word of mouth works wonders and even if the breeders you are recommended are too far away or do not have a suitable cat/kitten, they might be able to direct you to someone they know is responsible and who is better situated. Having ads in papers isn't a recommendation. Although this isn't fool-proof, your chances are pretty good of getting a well-cared for animal that suits you and your life. Moggz - you ran into one of the (hopefully) rare cases when it sounds good, but is horrible. I'm honestly not trying to make out that you did anything wrong. :-)
CP covers a good chunk of Britain and a fair few breeds, so asking here would be an option. I'm sure someone can give a "absolutely!" or "noway!" stylee comment or at least a few hints of defects and good points to look for.

I am very aware that I went about it the wrong way, and those of you who wish to smack my bottom can come round once the kittens are better :P

I would say that in Future I will go about it properly, but realistically with 12 cats, the only reason i would get another cat now would be if someone died (god forbid) and even in Felix is 20 - he will never die! I am hoping to get a good 20 years out of each of my cats.

But I am currently working on the principal that at least i have gotten these babies out of a bad situation into a good one.

Even though I now have 12 cats - all of them get the attention, medical care and food they require, they run loose around the house causing mayhem - yet my house doesn't smell and its clean and my kitties are happy. I put a lot time and effort into all of my babies. the only way that womans house can be that bad is because she doesn't care and is lazy.

And on a fab note - Husband just got a bonus from work - so im off to zooplus soon to buy a whole new load of cat-towers, i have some fab plans.

Hreow

27-06-2006, 05:41 PM

At least you called to inquire first, to hear if she sounded ok, which she obviously did. May I call round to look at the cats instead? :-D You did a really good thing for those kittens! and you're obviously working miracles now, as they are bouncing back to normality.

Many cats doesn't mean that they are in any way mistreated or unhappy. Just requires skill/luck to get cats that fit into the available space. Which in my case is just one at the moment. : /
It's horribly difficult to be a mad cat-woman with just the one, but I try my best.

Mags

27-06-2006, 06:07 PM

So pleased to hear the kittens are improving Moggz...........I congratulate you for getting them out of an unhealthy 'home'....

Donna

27-06-2006, 06:21 PM

Glad they are imroving still x

smudgley

28-06-2006, 09:02 AM

glad to hear they are piking up. :cool:

Moggz

28-06-2006, 11:57 AM

Daily Update:

We have had massive improvements overnight.

Saturnalia is a little piglet, eating really well this morning. she has also become vocal and active. She is crying for attention and moving around the cage. After a discussion with the vets, we felt that it would be safe for them to come into the lounge in their cage, and so they have now met the whole household and many of the cats are very taken with them.

They have both found their purrs!! and Sat in currently sprawled on my mum, purring away very contentedly after her medications and breakfast, but Sol is tearing around the living room on a free 15 minutes. Mainly picking on my big staffy - i see a real friendship there.

It is a Good Morning.

Mog

PurpleJackdaw

28-06-2006, 12:36 PM

Well done ,its great to hear they are doing so well with your care and attention :)

yola

28-06-2006, 12:53 PM

I'm delighted they're both better, and equally delighted that you've managed to rescue them from a life of squalor and hell.

Well done you!!!!!

Mags

28-06-2006, 01:45 PM

That's such good news Moggz!:D

Hreow

28-06-2006, 01:47 PM

Sat - if you *will* name a kitten after a many-day party of feasting and excess... :grin: Really good to hear they are doing so very well!

CJK

28-06-2006, 01:48 PM

aww so pleased to hear theyre doing better bless them. God knows what would have happened had they stayed where they were

sweetmimi

28-06-2006, 10:27 PM

aww bless y ou for taking these little ones on and thank god that you did as well as I think without you they would maybe have died I am sick of the stories of the rspca they are carp IMO can you not report this breeder to someone else or at least keep phoning the rspca and asking them what the heck they intend to do about this breeder and how long are they going to take as if they can not act fast tell them you will put this story in the local paper and see how fast they get their arris in gear then

CJK

28-06-2006, 10:29 PM

It wouldnt be a bad idea to tell the papers, to highlight the fact that things like this still go on

Kay

01-07-2006, 12:32 PM

Glad the kittens are on the mend. The sad thing is you do not have to have a license to breed cats as so many of you on here think. You can apply for a registered prefix which the GCCF will register and then all your kittens will have that in front of their registered name e.g. Tilsie Look of Love (Tilsie is my registered prefix and that was the name of one of my babies). You don't have to have a prefix though and the GCCF are not registering the breeder just the prefix. The trouble is most of this type of so called breeder aren't bothered about registered cats so it isn't necessary. Anyone who says they are a registered breeder is in fact lying they may have a registered prefix but that is it. The best way of finding a good responsible breeder, and there are a lot of us out there, is to speak to them in great length, ask to see their other cats, see the general condition of the cats and where they live but the best way of all is by word of mouth.

Moggz

01-07-2006, 01:27 PM

Update:
We have been back to the vets today!!
Katrine could not believe her eyes. She really thought Sat might not make it, so to see her wandering around the exam table was great for her.

Sat is now a respectable 640g and Sol is a whopping 1007g

Eyes are weeping again so we have more eyedrops, and Katrine wants to play it safe so they have another 7 days of antibiotics.
They also have permission to have Tinned kitten food, so they are currently on whiskers, which will be alternated with fresh meat and arden grange kitten biscuits, but they will be continuing to drink lactol.

Sat is wandering around and fighting back when her sister picks on her, and is acting more like a kitten should

We are so pleased and so grateful for everyones support.

Please note that all of your screen names have now had "Aunty" added as a prefix.

Kay

01-07-2006, 01:42 PM

What a lovely prefix. Glad the kittens are continuing to improve the weight gain is brilliant.

CJK

01-07-2006, 01:53 PM

oh that is fabulous news. So glad to hear these babies have pulled through and are going to be ok now.
Any weight gain is good in kittens isnt it!

Well done for getting them this far!

Mags

01-07-2006, 02:34 PM

So pleased to hear the kittens are getting stronger......:D

Snoof

01-07-2006, 03:20 PM

Can't believe I missed this thread :roll:

Still, it saved me a lot of worrying about those poor mites. Brilliant news that they're doing so much better!

While I morally agree with Dawn, emotionally I suspect I would have taken the kittens and run, myself.

Moggz

03-07-2006, 08:30 AM

Update:

The weekend has gone fabulously for the kittens (not for me - I have bruised ribs from a kick from a res)

Sat is now being very active and trying to climb the bars like her sister, Sol has successfully hunted several of the dogs, and Sat has found a new best friend - Murphy, who in turn is lending her His mommy - Gemini the yorkie. So Sat is a clean kitty.

The kittens are eating like food is going to run out, they are doing well with both wet and dry food. So hopefully weight gain and growth will continue.

I am so pleased that my babies are doing well