Cat check ups

[EvianBaby]

How often do you take your cat to the vets for check ups, etc?

I've just been rollocked by someone when I said I haven't taken mine since he had his injections as a kitten (apart from once when he was a bit off colour).

My reasoning is that firstly he's a vicious little sod and has a note on his file that they must not attempt to treat him at all without sedation. It's all a little too distressing for him so I don't see the point if he seems well and normal but am I a bad pet owner as this person suggests?

[lankeela]

No I don't ever take animals for a check up unless I think there is something wrong.

[B00]

Same as Lankeela, I don't take them to the vets unless it's called for. However that being said, I will keep on top of the kittens injections (provided I dont roast her for Xmas- the litte git) each year, so she'll be given the once over then I imagine.

[Ankou]

nope, stresses him out too much. he gets runny poo all over the box and quite literally wails like a baby in pain.

[boxtops]

I take mine once a year - they go for their cat jab boosters every year, and the vet gives them a once-over while they are there.

It doesn't make you a bad owner - some people don't believe in cat vaccs but having nearly lost two twin-boy cats to cat flu in the past, I wouldn't ever risk again not vaccinating them.

[tommy-h]

NO you are not a bad person.Cats hate Vets.And they are all vicious little b**s
Until the last moment youre animal will fight and scratch at any stranger but remember the good times

[woofgang]

No you aren't. My dogs hate the vets so the vet and I go to a lot of trouble to keep them out of the surgery. They go once a year for vacs and a check over (fast!) but thats it.

[Mycrowsoft]

My dog loves going to the vets as he know the vet will give him a few treats.

[Ratty2E]

My dogs go once a year for boosters and they get a checkover then and hopefully that's it till the next year. Years ago I had a cat and she did get regular boosters too but then she did have to go to a cattery once or twice a year, other wise I probably wouldn't have bothered as she rarely ventured far from the back door. She wasn't particularly violent at the vets but she did yowl and sulk for ages when we got home. It is up to you if you get your animal vaccinated/checked over yearly or not but I personally feel happier knowing their hearts, lungs etc are working as they should and if not to catch it early.

[China Doll]

Once a year for vaccinations and if I thought he was ill/loosing weight without explanation/had an obvious injury. He is insured so I have to have his teeth checked yearly and his vaccinations up to date as part of the policy. He turns in to a monster at the vet so I wouldn't take him for just a check up... I don't go to the doctors myself unless I have something wrong with me.

[Old_Geezer]

One takes one's cat to the vet's when they appear to have a health problem. One does not do so on a whim.

[wolf63]

Frankie is on an inhaler for his asthma and I am supposed to take him to see the vet 2 or 3 times each year for a check-up (they are supposed to do this when there is an ongoing prescription).

But the minute we get to the vet he starts purring loudly (due to stress) and the vet can't check his lungs due to the noise that he is making and it is pretty much a wasted journey - and I have the pleasure of paying for the visit.

I have to take him in next week for a steroid jag so that he doesn't need his inhalers over the Christmas period. More expense!


:-)

[EvianBaby]

Well I'm glad I'm not the only terrible cat owner. :)

It was such a massive guilt trip. Then I wondered what she must have been like with her kids. They probably got ignored in favour of the cats.

[rsvp]

dogs and cats are completely different - most cats hate the vet experience and get really stressed whereas many dogs love it - they get treaties as has been pointed out. Few cats will fall for that! You are not a terrible owner, I've had animals all my life and only ever taken them to the vet when they needed it. To my way of thinking you are a brilliant owner and doing what you think is right for your cat instead of pandering to what others think they should be doing regardless of how much it stresses the animal.

[Rodge2]

My cat goes every 6 months as he's 16 and the vet suggested it might be an idea to come more often just to avoid any unnecessary discomfort if he develops a problem in between vaccinations. On the second extra one, he was found to have a painful problem with 2 teeth.

[rockyracoon]

My dog goes once a year for jabs, he hates the vet with a passion so has to wear a muzzle. I wouldn't take him unless necessary as it stresses him and me too much.

[utepoot]

I know any vet would have words with me, but my three cats haven't been to the vet in years, except one who had a UTI and needed antibiotics. They seem fine, happy and healthy etc. I think they want you to come in so often just to make more money.

[Purple_Popple]

Same as you Evian, I have needed to take mine to the vet since his injections as a kitten, I dont even bother with boosters to be honest. I know what to look out for if they are under the weather/off their food and I worm/de-flea/groom them regularly and do my own health checks on them.