I think Ivy is going back to his breeder or original owner.

[Catty1]

I read the breeder's first and latest email, and she seems to be saying that there is no point spending $2,000.00 on tests for Ivy. As she said, most vets would treat the symptoms rather than the root cause(which $2,000 may not tell anything about).

Is his coughing worse when he runs or plays? She asked that, because if that is when it happens, then it is likely related to the heart problem.

If he does it whether active or not, then it's something else. His sinuses could be clogged, or he might have a bronchitis or something.

I think the breeder also wants to spare you expensive tests that two vets have advised on. If his coughing appears to be from something else, and that can be treated - then you could keep him in good health.

I think the breeder just doesn't want you to be overwhelmed by keeping him, that's all.

[shais_mom]

I am very sorry to hear this and I know you will do what is best for IVY.
For what its worth - It didn't think she was forcing you to do anything- if you tell her you want to keep him for awhile - I'm sure she would be ok with that - the first email said anytime...
good luck

[buttercup132]

For now I'm just going to think about it for a couple days.
Maybe make a pro and con list for what's best for Ivy myself and Ducky.

[Freedom]

For now I'm just going to think about it for a couple days.
Maybe make a pro and con list for what's best for Ivy myself and Ducky.

Excellent! this is a very tough decision. Don't rush into it.

The breeder seems to be doing 2 things: 1. stepping up to the plate, as a good breeder should, and saying hey look, things aren't right, I take the cat back, no questions. That is highly commendable of her! 2. in the 2d message, she is saying there are other tests, not diagnostic, which are less than the $2000, and those will just help to address symptoms without finding the cause. If she gets Ivy back, it sounds like this is the route she will pursue. She says "miminal tests to determine if there is fluid in the lungs," and if there is, then the vet prescribes meds to address that. And those meds improve the quality of life.

I remember the video you posted with the sounds of Ivy breathing. In your pro and con list, you need to mark down if you keep Ivy, will you let things be with the breathing like that? Or will you have some additional vetting done to address that? And I think THAT is the minimal testing the breeder is referring to. (I hope I made that clear; I re worded it three times.)

You've got some time and still be able to arrange things for the 21st if you decide to return Ivy. Bless you, this is such a tough one!

[emilysgk]

I think the breeder sounds truly concerned for the cat and that is why she wanted him back. She wasn't, nor can she, force you to give him back. (Unless you were the original owner and it was in contract, which does not involve you) I think she is worried about his health and just wants to be sure he is ok. Its also true that other things can be done to figure out the coughing thing and wheather its related or not. As far as I know a good chest x-ray can even help in determining if he has fluid build up or an enlarged heart. Im sure you will make the best decision for you and him.

[carole]

I agree I think the breeder is concerned for Ivy's welfare and that is a good thing, it is a toughie alright, but i think i would keep him myself, honestly judging by the many people here including myself who have kitties with heart murmurs they rarely have many problems, but of course Ivy might be the exception, you really do have to weigh up the pros and cons,and do what is best for you and Ivy in the long run.

[caffeitina]

No! No! No!...PLEASE don't give Ivy back to the breeder. From the sounds of things, they never really took care of him properly there With you, Ivy has a comfortable and loving home, and losing that would be very traumatic for the little guy and, probably, negatively impact the delicate condition he's already in My vote is PLEASE TRY to keep Ivy.

Maybe you can talk to your vet, the one who is a friend of the family. Ask if you can work out a payment plan to cover the bills for Ivy's testing and treatment. I'm certain he would be open to the idea...couldn't hurt to ask.

Or maybe your parents can help you out a little as this is a medical emergency concerning a family member (Moms and Dads are usually good for stuff like that).

Either way, please try to do what's best for Ivy--both healh wise and emotionally. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything turns out for the best

[Catty1]

Caffeitina - the breeder sold Ivy to another owner, and it was THAT owner that treated Ivy so badly.

The breeder did NOT want Ivy to go back there.

If Buttercup wants to talk to her vet about just treating symptoms, then it might be worth keeping Ivy, and keeping him on a med or two.

I can't see the breeder having Ivy shipped all the way back to her just to have Ivy PTS. Makes no sense.

[jennielynn1970]

For now I'm just going to think about it for a couple days.
Maybe make a pro and con list for what's best for Ivy myself and Ducky.

I think you need to take yourself and Ducky out of the equation and focus on what is best for IVY.

Will you be able to care for him if his condition worsens? How much are you and your family willing and able to afford?

I'd contact the breeder and see what you can do about the shipping, and decide on the date if you cannot or do not want to have a pet that may be sick for his entire life. He may have good days, and he may have bad days, but that is reality.

Do what is best for IVY. That really doesn't take pros or cons. That takes one decision. Do you want to have him live a life with you, knowing that he may become very sick at some point in the near, or not so near, future? If so, keep him and love him for the sweet boy his is, and know that it may be a long life, but it may not. Or do you want to have the breeder to take care of him and find out exactly what is wrong (if that is what she was saying she would do). If she would not keep him but have him PTS, I think I'd keep him!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Alicia, I'm sorry to hear about Ivy. This is a very difficult decision and you really need to think about what's best for Ivy. I'm sure that we'll all support you with whatever decision you decide. If it was me, I'd probably just keep him and give him lots of love and attention and try to keep him as comfortable as possible with whatever time you may have with him.