George came with his brother when there about 8 weeks old and after having feline cowpox did not get vaccinated until they were about 12 weeks old. At the time it was discovered about George's heart condition (tetralogy of fallot - 4 major heart issues) and, although a home had been found for them both, I decided that George would stay here, as it was thought that his lifespan would be short. The family that were taking both George and his brother were made aware of his medical condition but I thought it unfair to expect them to take on a cat whose medical costs could be astronomical for a short life span. I also thought it better that they be separated early so that Dave (George's brother - the family gave him that name) would not become reliance on his brother for companionship and then suffer if something had happened to George early in his life.
He has been on medication all his life, which luckily he takes very well. George suffers from high blood pressure and I was told by the cardiologist that he produces too many red blood cells and it was thought that if his blood pressure got too bad he would have to be "bled" to ease the pressure!!. Apparently, he would have been a very good blood donor cat if this had been necessary.
He was castrated at approximately 8 months, but it was done under a light sedation and took about 3 minutes!! The Vet, the Nurse and myself were all worried stiff but he was put in an oxygen tent before the op and back in it after. However, after his funny episode a couple of years ago, when he was quite poorly but got very stressed going to the vet, he does not have vaccinations anymore under the advice of my vet and his life is kept as quiet as possible, although no one has actually told him he is ill.
George is now 4 1/2 years old. I have not heard of any other tetralogy of fallot cat living this long but then again it is a rare condition so there could well be others out there. George was feral when he arrived which made him quite difficult to treat for anything but as he has matured, he has calmed down quite a bit and for the first time ever, he actually jumped onto my lap the other night, reduced me to tears.
I suppose if there are no huge medical bills to be paid, due to no actual treatment and the person wishing to rehome her is fully aware of her condition, and the possible shortness of her life, there is no reason the right home could not be found for her, but would they definitely have to be re-homed together.