The high cost of saving a six-legged kitten
TV Channel 10-WPLG Miami is carrying a story about Hex, a six-legged newborn kitten that was the only one in his litter. Hex actually is more of a cat-and-a-half; look carefully and you can see the bottom half and two legs of another kitten extending from his abdomen. (Go the Local 10's Web site here, and you'll get a better idea).
Veterinary Specialists of South Florida think the extra legs and body came from Hex's Siamese twin that never fully developed. His Cooper City family wants to do the surgery that would remove the extra appendage, and repair the intestines; his vets say Hex "could pull through."
The catch: It will cost between $2,400 and $3,000.
Hex's family is asking for donations to Veterinary Specialists to help.
So: Is it worth saving Hex and other domestic animals born seriously deformed? If the family can't pay for the surgery now, will they be able to afford other medical complications that might come up later?
On the other hand: You look at the video of the little guy, scampering around like any other 6-week-old kitten, and it's hard not to reach for your checkbook. What do you think?
If you vote "save Hex and I want to help," click here for contact info for Veterinary Specialists, which is collecting contributions toward the cats' care.
(photo from Local 10.com)
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
After watching the video, actually my first thought was, why isn't the mother cat spayed? The kitten never would have been born if the mother cat was spayed. So there's a big negative right there for me about this family and no I wouldn't donate to them.
The question of saving a kitten or animal of any kind like this, I don't think has a right or wrong answer. Whatever the answer it is a very emotional one.
I often think when I read about some rescue group spending lots of money to save an animal, how that money could be better used for several, as opposed to helping one. But that overwhelming emotion of seeing what an animal has endured makes you want to help.
Posted by: KCK | April 23, 2008 9:01 AM
I agree -- this one was a tough call for me. I believe an important part of having an animal companion is being willing to accept the financial responsibility for them (which should have included, as you said, spaying). On the other hand, do you not give the kitten a chance? Hex seemed very healthy, with a chance at a normal life. Tough call. But thanks for your views.
Posted by: Diane Lade | April 23, 2008 11:54 AM
Donate and save the cat. Use $50 to have the momma fixed. Do what you can to help all animals. Enjoy the post operation success of Hex and know you helped.
Posted by: 2ksport | April 23, 2008 12:13 PM
My problem is, in a situation such as this, I can not separate, yes help the animal and "your owner is an idiot".
This isn't an animal born somewhere on the street or someone who just found it and wants to help.
It's someone who was too irresponsible to have their pet fixed and to make matters worse let an unspayed cat roam outside.
If they don't have the money to help the kitty let it be their gut-wrenching decision as to what to do.
I know I come off sounding very mean, but these situations anger me to no end. As my husband has to remind me sometimes "you can't save the world" and this is just one of those "can't save the world" situations for me.
Posted by: KCK | April 23, 2008 4:58 PM
Aw, come on. What a bunch of meanies you people are. Save the poor little creature and stop blaming the owners for not having the mother spayed. It's not about them, it is about Hex.
Posted by: Carol Wooden | May 25, 2008 2:36 PM