The oldest we've ever had was 19. I currently have a 17 year old cat, who my vet wants to do $500 in work on to "keep him alive longer" and "improve his quality of life." He's an old kitty. He's still relitively active. He plays with the younger cats sometimes. He's slowing down, but he's an old kitty! The 19 year old cat had to be put down because she no longer used the litter box, kept bringing home parasites, etc, and my mom wasn't willing to deal with her anymore. (I was on my own at the time and my 17 year old cat was about 5)
I can't see spending that amount of money on a pet who probably isn't going to live much longer, anyway. She said something about possible kidney failure/change of diet. Should I call her and ask if we should just buy the perscription food from her? He's only like 6 1/2 lbs and she wants to "put him under" to do some of those procedures. I'm afraid he might not come out, along with the scary vet bill. What do you think?
2007-01-26 20:56:34 · 10 answers · asked by Gabby_Gabby_Purrsalot 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
We can't really afford it. We were stretching it just for vaccinations for the three cats this year.
2007-01-26 21:05:07 · update #1
But he is my baby, and he doesn't appear to be suffering. If you read more carefully, one of my concerns is that he won't come out of it if she puts him under for these procedures.
2007-01-26 21:06:44 · update #2
Don,t send the money. That happen to me too, with my 19 yr cat.I spend $450. 3week ago. The vet told me she,ll run test on my half dead cat . So I took my cat home two weeks my cat Die in my Arms . . don,t even put him under. Let your cat die at home.
2007-01-26 21:30:34 · answer #1 · answered by Susan A 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't know why your vet wants to put her under, that is too risky for just running tests. Why would the vet just not take a blood sample to see what is going on and you can make a better decision from there once you find out exactly what the problem is and what it is going to cost to treat the cat. Bloodwork is not $500.00, so ask you vet exactly what procedures she wants to do (and a cat should not have to be knocked out to take blood), and tell her about money concerns. Your cat is not that old, he may live for another 2-4 years, and if he is not suffering, and is still somewhat active, and eating, then I think you shoud try to extend his life if possible. If it is kidney failure, ask your vet about fluid treatment (lactated ringers) to help extend the cats life. You can be taught to do this at home. If you really care about this cat then $500.00 is really not much to save it's life. I understand that if you are putting out $500.00 on a monthly or more basis it can be really detrimental to your financial situation...but if this is a one time thing just to get the cat diagnosed, and the care and treatment will not be as much....then I think you go for it. Good Luck.
2007-01-27 07:51:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do they need to put him under anesthesia? Is he hard to control? If they just need to get some blood and urine samples, I dont see why they cant do that awake or with a mild sedative. If your vet hasnt been able to do bloodwork, then she cant know for sure whats wrong with your cat, so no she cant prescribe a diet. A diet that would be good for a cat that needs to gain weight would not be good for a cat that has kidney problems, etc. At this point it all depends on you, and how much you want to do for your cat. Yes he is old, and probably wont live too many more years (personally, my cat lived till 22 years) but the amount of time he may live can possibly be extended if we know whats wrong with him. I'm sorry to say it, but your at a decision point and whatever you chose will affect the outcome, you know your cat best and you'll know what the best for him is
2007-01-26 21:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by cs 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When I was growing up, my parents ran a cat shelter in the country. The cats we kept averaged about 17 or 18yrs of age. Some lived longer, and a few younger, but unless your cat is unlucky and gets sick, most will live for at least 16yrs, but as you can see from the other posts, it's not unusual for them to live into their twenties. I hope my four year old boy lives a long life!!
2016-05-24 04:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it might be a lot of money but if it will prolong the cats life then it's worth every penny.
Talk with your Vet and see if they'd be willing to set up a payment plan...most Vets are more than happy to do this.
As far as putting him under there is a test the Vet can do on the cat to see how he will tolorate being put out.
2007-01-27 02:50:27 · answer #5 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They may want to do a blood test to determine the problem. Ask him to use chamber anesthetic this worked with my cat who has liver problems.It is anesthetic that is circulated instead of put directly into the cat ,as I understand it, ask the vet for information.A change of diet may help as long as she is comfortable and happy.There is a lot of medication on the market these days for kidney problems.They often anesthetize an animal when they do x-rays.
2007-01-26 22:49:13 · answer #6 · answered by Lindsay Jane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is alot of money but if the vet thinks it is worth it and you love this cat and can afford the $500 then do what you can. losing an animal is hard so if he isn't suffering get as much more time with the cat as you can. my friends cat is 20 and still kicking so who knows.
2007-01-26 21:03:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats live to between the age of 16 and 20 usually altho sum die b4 hand due to other things
2007-01-26 23:10:43 · answer #8 · answered by Mrs Chad Michael Murray 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat lived until he was 21. that is the longest i have evr heard any cat live!
2007-01-27 00:31:57 · answer #9 · answered by Crazy Cas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had one that lived 5 hours and one tha tlived 8 years
2007-01-26 21:09:09 · answer #10 · answered by Island Girl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋