My oldest cat, Asher, is 9 years old. Over the years he's gotten really bad about going to the vet. He's gotten to the point that when he goes he hisses, swats, bites, growls, runs, hides...he becomes EXTREMELY aggressive. No one can come near him so we just had to go back home.
I have tried several things in the past. I have given him a pill sedative and then took him to the vet. That did not work...same thing, very aggressive. I've tried having the vet come to the house, but that didn't work either.
The last time I took him to the vet, after all those other failed attempts, this is what went down (after discussing with the vet of course). I brought Asher in, they trapped him with a fish net, threw a towel over him, and gave him a shot of anesthesia. They put him out just enough that he could not move, but boy he still tried to growl at the vet. It worked, and the vet was able to do his examination and give his vaccinations.
My dilemma is I don't want to have to resort to this every time he goes to the vet, especially since he is getting older, but it looks like this is the only way. Therefore, he hasn't been to the vet in the last 3 years. He acts healthy and I haven't noticed any problems with him. He is an indoor cat. So my question is, should I take him to the vet and have them do this every year, every few years, or just when I notice a problem? It's stressful for both he and I. So I guess I'm just looking for some input on the situation. Thanks!
I have tried several things in the past. I have given him a pill sedative and then took him to the vet. That did not work...same thing, very aggressive. I've tried having the vet come to the house, but that didn't work either.
The last time I took him to the vet, after all those other failed attempts, this is what went down (after discussing with the vet of course). I brought Asher in, they trapped him with a fish net, threw a towel over him, and gave him a shot of anesthesia. They put him out just enough that he could not move, but boy he still tried to growl at the vet. It worked, and the vet was able to do his examination and give his vaccinations.
My dilemma is I don't want to have to resort to this every time he goes to the vet, especially since he is getting older, but it looks like this is the only way. Therefore, he hasn't been to the vet in the last 3 years. He acts healthy and I haven't noticed any problems with him. He is an indoor cat. So my question is, should I take him to the vet and have them do this every year, every few years, or just when I notice a problem? It's stressful for both he and I. So I guess I'm just looking for some input on the situation. Thanks!