Hi everyone, I apologize for the length in advance...
I need some advice here. A few weeks ago, my partner and I adopted a cat from a coworker. The coworker informed me that the cat had received her shots and that she "thought" she had been neutered. Knowing that this was not necessarily the most reliable information a new pet parent can receive, I had decided that I would take Olivia (the cat) to the vet anyway so I could assure myself she was fully healthy and could begin her new life with my partner and me.
However, she went into labor one week after coming home with me. Two days after that, I was laid off due to the economy. Over the next month, as I looked for a new job, money started to become tight. Luckily, this time period was very easy. The kittens never moved from the nest we built for them in the corner of our bedroom. Knowing the risks, we chose to basically just observe as Olivia cared for her litter. During this whole time, we acted based on the following ideas: the kittens can not be seperated from their mother until at least week 8-10, handling the kittens in any way until at least week 4 could harm them or upset Olivia, once they were at the 9-10 week mark, we would take them to the ASPCA so they could be examined, vaccinated, and made ready for new loving homes; and lastly (and perhaps the biggest mistake of all) that we would keep one kitten, maybe two and Olivia.
We are now at the 8 week mark. Between week 1-2 and now the kittens have started to branch out across the apartment, gaining names and both of our love and attachment. This was a slight heartbreak but not a major issue. Nor was the week long period when the kittens were still learning to use the litter box and were marking and having little accidents all over EVERY piece of furniture, sheet, pillow, or article of clothing they could find.
The real problems have just started to arise in the last four days. Recently, Olivia has begun a bad new habit. She now climbs onto anything she can and digs in everything. She digs in and tries to take food and drink from us. Four days ago, we noticed a few of the kittens vomiting. They had recently begun eating Olivia's regular cat food and other than the vomiting, seemed fine. The vomiting has stopped totally but now Olivia and at least one kitten are having yellow diarrhea that smells absolutely horrendous. When Olivia uses the litter box, I have had to walk outside. Olivia has also started hissing, growling, and batting at the kittens.
We know they need veterinary care but cannot afford it at this time, especially not for all six. I want to take them to the ASPCA to get help and eventually find homes, but we do not want to lose the two kittens we are in love with. I also am concerned about being accused of cruelty or neglect because they may be sick. This has not been the case. They have been fed and had fresh water at all times, have been socialized and played with, we just simply cannot cope with this situation.
I would appreciate any opinions, advice, criticism, or ideas.
I need some advice here. A few weeks ago, my partner and I adopted a cat from a coworker. The coworker informed me that the cat had received her shots and that she "thought" she had been neutered. Knowing that this was not necessarily the most reliable information a new pet parent can receive, I had decided that I would take Olivia (the cat) to the vet anyway so I could assure myself she was fully healthy and could begin her new life with my partner and me.
However, she went into labor one week after coming home with me. Two days after that, I was laid off due to the economy. Over the next month, as I looked for a new job, money started to become tight. Luckily, this time period was very easy. The kittens never moved from the nest we built for them in the corner of our bedroom. Knowing the risks, we chose to basically just observe as Olivia cared for her litter. During this whole time, we acted based on the following ideas: the kittens can not be seperated from their mother until at least week 8-10, handling the kittens in any way until at least week 4 could harm them or upset Olivia, once they were at the 9-10 week mark, we would take them to the ASPCA so they could be examined, vaccinated, and made ready for new loving homes; and lastly (and perhaps the biggest mistake of all) that we would keep one kitten, maybe two and Olivia.
We are now at the 8 week mark. Between week 1-2 and now the kittens have started to branch out across the apartment, gaining names and both of our love and attachment. This was a slight heartbreak but not a major issue. Nor was the week long period when the kittens were still learning to use the litter box and were marking and having little accidents all over EVERY piece of furniture, sheet, pillow, or article of clothing they could find.
The real problems have just started to arise in the last four days. Recently, Olivia has begun a bad new habit. She now climbs onto anything she can and digs in everything. She digs in and tries to take food and drink from us. Four days ago, we noticed a few of the kittens vomiting. They had recently begun eating Olivia's regular cat food and other than the vomiting, seemed fine. The vomiting has stopped totally but now Olivia and at least one kitten are having yellow diarrhea that smells absolutely horrendous. When Olivia uses the litter box, I have had to walk outside. Olivia has also started hissing, growling, and batting at the kittens.
We know they need veterinary care but cannot afford it at this time, especially not for all six. I want to take them to the ASPCA to get help and eventually find homes, but we do not want to lose the two kittens we are in love with. I also am concerned about being accused of cruelty or neglect because they may be sick. This has not been the case. They have been fed and had fresh water at all times, have been socialized and played with, we just simply cannot cope with this situation.
I would appreciate any opinions, advice, criticism, or ideas.
