Plus, when dealing with rescue, one day you can take in a stray cat that you have no history of whatsoever. Why does this cat get more of a chance because you know nothing about it, than one that you actually have some history of.
Thanks for the lovely comments Lesley
I would agree that it is difficult and these cats have given me sleepless nights, I didn't go to sleep until about 7 this morning worrying about them and then I had to go to work
Most of the cats that come in, have at some stage been in contact with Cat flu and are more than likely to have the Corona Virus. Without testing all of them, I really wouldn't have a clue who has had what and being honest, how many people with just 2 cats can honestly say, their cats haven't been in contact with either? Both of these conditions are mainly brought out in stressful situations such as rehoming, going into a cattery etc. and I really haven't got the funding to test each and every one. The only times mine are tested for anything are if I suspect they are carrying something, ie if they are constantly snotty or whatever, and they are then also tested for FIV/FeLV, or if I get an older unneutered tom in, then he would also be tested. In the ideal world, there would be more homes than cats but sadly that isn't the case. Most cats do build up an immunity to the Flu Virus and Corona but chances are most would have had it anyway unless they have come from a family home where they have been indoor cats. Most rescue cats do not come from these sorts of environments, and I know my vet would be happier with me if I only took in nice healthy cats/kittens and turned down the snotty unhealthy types of cats but if I only did that, how can I be doing rescue? Whether these are from a breeder or off the street, I am not going to differentiate, in my eyes they all need help and as Lesley said, the strays etc we have no way of knowing of their history. These cats need to be sorted asap, and if Lesley does decide to take one on, she is aware of what it involves and will take whatever precautions are needed. When you take any cat on, vets and rescues usually advise keeping them separate for a couple of weeks in case of illness, what they don't say is test them for anything and everything. I would be interested to know if anyone has had their cats tested for the Corona virus before introducing them to their own or is it a test that most rescues test for? Regarding finding the ideal homes, yes Coco and Simba dropped lucky and with someone who not only adored the breed but had experience of dicky tums, I couldn't be happier for them but a lot of people also run a mile when they may have a problem. I have one I need to find a home for at the moment, she is absolutely beautiful but does suffer from IBS, she is from a very loving home but because of her problem and the fact they have kids coming over to stay, the cat sadly has to go
I have got a week to find her a home, otherwise she is going back to her breeder
