My cat is 10 months old and everytime I take her to the vet, she gets so stressed that she gets an URI and she gets it really bad and my other cat catches it from her!! In June I'm supposed to go for her yearly vaccinations but I don't want to take her because I know she'll get sick again!! What can I do??? I got her spayed last week and she is very sick right now and on antibiotics!!
2006-12-20 01:37:17 · 20 answers · asked by CTU 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's not the vet, he's really nice, it's when she goes out!!
2006-12-20 01:54:49 · update #1
To Longviewcyclist, if you don't like cats, what are you doing in the cats question, you have a dog, why don't you euthanize your dog or use your riffle??????
2006-12-20 03:00:05 · update #2
If she is an indoor cat she does not really need yearly vaccinations. If she has had her basic kitten shots and a rabies vaccination she will be fine.
Go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations" (it's at the end of about sixty articles). Dr. Hovfe also has updates on vaccinations in her newsletter archives. Holistic and homeopathic veterinarians are opposed to the over-vaccination, feeling that it can cause many problems resulting from vaccines. So you should consider other veterinary opinions before subjecting your cats to the shots.
You can get a bottle of Rescue Remedy from a health foods store. You can treat your cats with three to four drops of that when they have to go to the vet. It will help reduce their stress from the trip and being in a strange environment.
2006-12-20 02:28:49 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cats who get upper respiratory infections from being stressed may have an underlying condition. Animals in shelter environments often get URI because they are stressed and in close contact with animals of unknown origin. An otherwise healthy feline is not going to be prone to a URI unless in direct contact with another animal who has one. Secondly, your cat should not be on antibiotics and very sick post being spayed if she is otherwise healthy. I would have some concerns again about her underlying health.
The person who suggested a different vet may be correct, not because of sterile procedures, but because your 10 months old cat is having atypical health issues. Talk to neigbors, friends, family to see who they use as a vet, and make an appointment.
If your cat is an indoor/outdoor, she needs to be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS. Alternately, she should be tested for the Bartonella virus. Last thing to test for would be FIP.
2006-12-20 01:55:16 · answer #2 · answered by Mary F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct when you say a URI, or Upper Respitory Infection, can be brought on by stress.
You definitely need to take her for her shots as they will help protect her from URIs in the future and thus spreading them to your other cats as well.
Consult with your vet about what you can do to minimize your visits to the vet with her as well as her ever having to stay overnight.
In the meantime, make sure your cat has proper nutrition to strengthen her immune system.
Wait until the last possible moment to pick her to take her to the vet so you don't telegraph your nervousness to her. If you use a carrier, try to get one that she can see out of and know what's going on. If possible, elimate the carrier all together and just put her on a leash. Sometimes when pets can see around them it has a calming effect.
Talk to her once you are in transit. Maybe bring a blanket or something that has both of your scents on it so she is comforted.
You could also try taking her for rides when you aren't going to the vet. Right now she probably associates leaving the house and car rides with going to the vet. That makes her upset before you even get there so that by the time you get to the vet she's probably ready to climb to the top of your head and stay there.
Never scold her for being afraid as that will only aggravate the situation.
All the best... Thank you for being a responsible pet owner!
2006-12-20 02:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call around and maybe there is a vet that is willing to do a home visit. However, regarding the yearly vaccinations, if both of your cats tested negative for feline leukemia and are strictly indoor cats, I wouldn't worry so much about the shots. I had a friend who did not believe in vaccinating her indoor kitty and she lived to be 18! Illnesses and post-op appointments are important though and shouldn't be avoided. Good luck!
2006-12-20 01:54:48 · answer #4 · answered by Summer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find another vet. Obvisously your cat does not feel comfortable with your current vet and that vet isn't very clean. Go to a vet that you know is clean and friendly, make sure your cat like the vet too. Ask family and friends if they know a good vet.
Don't just NOT take it to the vet. Your cat needs the proper medicine and vaccination to live a long anf healthy life. If you really care about your cat you will take it to a respoinsible vet.
2006-12-20 01:47:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Listen to your cat. She's refusing to go for a reason. My cat always fussed when I tried to get her to the vet near my home. I couldn't understand it. The guy wasn't a particularly friendly type, but I accepted it because he was close. But several times he misdiagnosed and it led to a more serious and costly problem.
I have another vet now who's excellent and my cats don't mind going to him at all.
So listen to your cat. She's smarter than you think.
2006-12-20 02:03:47 · answer #6 · answered by pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't a good idea to just not go, if she gets that stressed then see if your vet will give you a tranquilizer for the visit so she can still get checked out and have her shots. It doesn't have to be a strong one but just enough to keep her calm, or maybe they can make a suggestion as to what to do for her.
2006-12-20 01:48:05 · answer #7 · answered by kna0831 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
housecall vet! A vet will come right to your house to give shots and the cat will not stress. Also, you might ask your vet office if they could have a vet tech come over to do it.
2006-12-20 14:02:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd definately talk to the vet about some options......
you might be able to buy the vaccinations from a farm supply store (not sure what those stores are called...)
the vet might be able to prescribe the cat a tranquilizer that you can give her before going to the vet....
talk to your vet!
good luck!
2006-12-20 02:07:10 · answer #9 · answered by SNAP! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will get better. Give her lots of T.L.C.
I know you feel mean at the moment for hurting her but your carpets and floors and her in heat are all worth her operation.
she will never go into heat again:)
re: vet visit
look in the phone book.
we have a mobile vets service near us.
maybe you have one near you?
then, your cat [whats her name? you didnt say]
can stay at home instead.
All the very best to you and your feline.
2006-12-20 01:48:30 · answer #10 · answered by chippy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋