Setting thing right, getting back on track.

I know this post will likely make some of your angry but I'm really trying to do my best and need advice.

I have 3 cats who because of my lack of future planning and serious lack of funds have been without vet care for 5yrs. I know. I KNOW. Bad really bad. They have thankfully not had any obvious medical problems (no injuries, teeth are nice-I brush them daily-, no illness, all spayed and 100% indoor their entire lives). However I need to get them back on track and back to getting what they need to be healthy. I've found a vet to deal with. I just need to know how to approach the vet and explain I've been a bad cat owner but really want to do right by my kitties.

Also what tests, vaccines and such would be best for them to have right off the bat? They are 15, 14 and 10. One reason I didn't just give them up when things got bad money wise was I knew because of their age they would likely just be right to sleep. Again I grasp how bad this is but need some suggestions to set things right.

Bless you for keeping the kitties First, don't let the vet intimidate you - you're the customer Second, I am sure the vet has seen many cases of willful neglect and your babies are not that way.

I'm glad you are getting them back on track. I know what those financial difficulties are like. I am not sure of which vaccinations they should have in Arizona, someone else here is sure to know. Perhaps have a senior blood panel done?

Good luck - would love to see photos of your kits when you can. Welcome!

If a vet says more than you know the kittys should see me twice a yr find a new one ...

at this pt I would only do madated shots ie rabies ....

RB Kandie was nearly 15 when diagnoised with CRF ie kidney failure she lived over four yr s passed that diaganoisis ... senior issues are not PTS nearly as often anymore

No I meant if I gave them to a shelter because I could not afford all they needed to have they would have been put to sleep. The general public seldom wants a 5yr old cat much less a 10yr old one. (these were their age when my trouble started)

I'm glad you all didn't roast me right of the bat. I was hoping somebody would understand the situation. I've asked for help on other issues but when it came to my pets again and again people told me to just "dump" them and be done with
them. I couldn't so that. It would have been easier (cheap rents,more options for working) but I love them and wanted to do at least try my best to keep them.

Rabies is not required by law in arizona for cats. I will be getting if for them though.

P.S. I'm getting my glasses and my teeth fixed after I get them taken care of. I've also neglected myself so it was not like I was living the high life while the kitties were going without.

Have any of the kitties shown changes in weight or coat condition? If so, I would start by having senior bloodwork done for that cat or cats first. Focus on current possible issues first by having bloodwork done to check for thyroid and kidney issues--too many people assume weight loss is due to age and ignore it. If you've noticed any weight loss (or weight gain), have that cat checked first--spreading out the expenses over time can be helpful. I wouldn't worry about vaccines for seniors if they are indoor only. If you're in an area that has fleas in the summer, you may want to talk to the vet about flea control, since fleas can bring parasites and infections that are serious, particularly if untreated.

Great job on brushing their teeth, by the way. I keep trying to get into the habit and then falling back out of it again--as a result, Odo needs yet another dental. Just doing that one thing can make a huge difference in their health long term.

No changes in health/weight. Eating fine still active no personality changes. Only change I've noticed is the oldest one (15yrs old) can't get onto the counters in one leap just right off the bat. She has to shake her butt and jump instead of taking a running leap like she use to. I'm not 100% positive that is age related because the counters in our new place have a different surface and are a bit more slick.

The other two (14yr/10yrs) still fight (play) 2-3 times a day. They are not a completely wild as they were once but I think that is more from experience. They have knocked enough lamps on themselves or tipped over enough Christmas trees that they have learned caution...no kitty nest in my tree the last few years. The oldest one doesn't join in but she never has she is the type to just sit and watch the clowns as she (her royal majesty) is amused. She will lend a smack on the head to anyone who gets to close to her but that's all.

They sound wonderful!

I would suggest a senior blood panel for all 3 of them if you can afford it. At their age and their living conditions, vaccinations are probably of less importance than getting a baseline test on their general health. If something happens to them down the road, you have a comparison to base their tests on.

I doubt anyone here is going to roast you for doing the best you could to keep your little fur family together. We have all been through hard times. Before I found TCS I had no idea just how little I knew about cat care. Fred was 7 years old before he was neutered, but that was just to stop the spraying, I had no idea it would be good for his health and roaming issues. I hope all of them check out perfectly.

Originally Posted by Momofmany

I would suggest a senior blood panel for all 3 of them if you can afford it. At their age and their living conditions, vaccinations are probably of less importance than getting a baseline test on their general health. If something happens to them down the road, you have a comparison to base their tests on.

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Agree 1000%... Ask the vet about multiple pet discounts ( often only 10-20 % but that will add up times three).. ask if you get a break if you bring in all three at once