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sharky

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First this is the rule of TCS ...
TheCatSite.com Forums is dedicated to cat care & welfare. We are a worldwide forum and therefore a mix of different cultures, races and religions; there is always room for different opinions, however, intolerance, bigotry, and religious ridicule will not be tolerated. Additionally, there is no room for flames, slams, and personal vendettas that carry on to the public view. Posting of graphic and or objectionable photos is strictly forbidden. Anyone caught doing this will be automatically banned.

We have drafted some basic principles we'd like you to be aware of before you post: Remember, we are a family oriented website.

1. No online advice can replace direct veterinary intervention. If you suspect that your cat may be ill, please contact your vet immediately. You are welcome to look for advice in the health forum while waiting for that appointment, but never delay proper veterinary care waiting for Internet advice. Remember that cats, and especially kittens, are very adept in keeping pain to themselves and delaying treatment may cause irreversible damage.


This is a CAT WELFARE site which means we are expecting you to actually use a vet as needed... In most industrialized country's this equals once or twice a year check up s when NOT sick . More if sick . If you cannot afford to see a vet check out the links that have been put together on the subject.

Yes typically vets do not have advanced education in nutrition , neither do MOST on here
... But asking your vet questions about nutrition may save you heartache and lots of money later... Most are willing to look up new things as Many on here have found out ... Myself included having asked many vets and not a one was completely unwilling to hear me out and then give feedback based on their experience ...



NO one diet will keep all cats healthy . Many cats live without issues on grocery dry . While Many on here do not think this is optimal it is perfectly acceptable . If you cannot afford it check out the links that have been put together on the subject.

Read the threads at the top of forums these are sticky threads for a reason , many basic questions can often be answered there
 

misty073

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This is an intresting post...not sure the point of it and I hope this doesnt seem like I am trying to create a problem as I am new to the site and finding some good advice in reading alot of the posts.

But it appears to be of your opinion and I find it a little offensive (even though not directed at me...or so I hope LOL) I dont take my children to the Drs 2x a year for a check up so why would my cat go to the vet 2x a year? Sure when my kids are sick (and a dr appt is needed we go)

You stated... "Yes typically vets do not have advanced education in nutrition , neither do MOST on here ... But asking your vet questions about nutrition may save you heartache and lots of money later... Most are willing to look up new things as Many on here have found out ... Myself included having asked many vets and not a one was completely unwilling to hear me out and then give feedback based on their experience"

I feed my dog Raw and am researching on switching my cat. Asking a vet who doesnt have an anvanced education in nutrition is not going to save me heartache and lots of money (it may but I doubt it)

And in the very same post you stated "Many cats live without issues on grocery dry . While Many on here do not think this is optimal it is perfectly acceptable."

It acceptable to feed a lower quality cat food (to each their own on this as I do know that all cats thrive differently on different foods and I am not here to judge on what others feed their cats) but only taking a cat to the vets when sick is unacceptable?

Sorry I dont mean to start something but like I said I did find this post a little offensive to those who dont share the same opinions as you.
 

rosiemac

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Originally Posted by misty073

But it appears to be of your opinion and I find it a little offensive.
I don't think Jen's post is offensive?. She's basically stated the common things when it comes to the welfare of cats.

My cats go for a check up once a year, so that to me is normal?
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by misty073

but only taking a cat to the vets when sick is unacceptable?
See... Cats are notorious for hiding diseases and pain, so when you notice that they are sick it can be much too late... That is why it is so important to take them to an yearly check up. That, and the shots, of course.
Nobody here is proclaiming that supermarket food is the best food - she is saying it is acceptable, and that many cats thrive on them... that's all.
 
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sharky

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Originally Posted by misty073

This is an intresting post...not sure the point of it and I hope this doesnt seem like I am trying to create a problem as I am new to the site and finding some good advice in reading alot of the posts.

But it appears to be of your opinion and I find it a little offensive (even though not directed at me...or so I hope LOL) I dont take my children to the Drs 2x a year for a check up so why would my cat go to the vet 2x a year? Sure when my kids are sick (and a dr appt is needed we go)

You stated... "Yes typically vets do not have advanced education in nutrition , neither do MOST on here ... But asking your vet questions about nutrition may save you heartache and lots of money later... Most are willing to look up new things as Many on here have found out ... Myself included having asked many vets and not a one was completely unwilling to hear me out and then give feedback based on their experience"

I feed my dog Raw and am researching on switching my cat. Asking a vet who doesnt have an anvanced education in nutrition is not going to save me heartache and lots of money (it may but I doubt it)

And in the very same post you stated "Many cats live without issues on grocery dry . While Many on here do not think this is optimal it is perfectly acceptable."

It acceptable to feed a lower quality cat food (to each their own on this as I do know that all cats thrive differently on different foods and I am not here to judge on what others feed their cats) but only taking a cat to the vets when sick is unacceptable?

Sorry I dont mean to start something but like I said I did find this post a little offensive to those who dont share the same opinions as you.
I am not meaning to be offensive just giving the GENERAL standards of care .. If one cannot meet the general standard of care then perhaps one should not keep that type of animal... It is recommended that you take an animal to the vet yearly not for shots but to check the general health, this comes from many sources not my opinion... I do twice yearly do to issues in my house ... I ask do you get a check up at the dr yearly knowing that you may find something not right early? same principal as a yearly vet check . Many will come on here crying about something that if they had gone for that vet check would have been caught and easier to care for .

Have you ASKED a vet about raw? I have several and NEVER got the DO NOT feed that ... Rather here is what I have seen / heard / read on it or my experience ... I have been actually given solid advice and how to make sure it is right even from a regular country vet . I started on the raw journey well before it became trendy...

The best food is the one the cat will eat , you can afford and are willing to give and that the cat does well on...
 

misty073

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Originally Posted by Rosiemac

I don't think Jen's post is offensive?. She's basically stated the common things when it comes to the welfare of cats.

My cats go for a check up once a year, so that to me is normal?
Well for you this would be normal. I am sure I am not the only one here who doesnt do yearly or 2x yearly visits. There are lots of common things when it comes to the welfare of cats (pets) that I guess was my point. I am moving to a raw diet for my cat (dog is already there and doing great) I find it a little contradicting that it was stated a cat should be going to the vet 1-2x a year but its acceptable to feed grocery store quality food if your cat does ok on it. Why is it not acceptable to feed my cat a better quality food and see the vet when needed (as I determine what is needed).

I guess my point was (I am never very clear when it comes to typing online) There are lots of different ways to keep our pets healthy and everyone has different opionions, it appears to me that the original post was of an opinion and I didnt really see the point to it. I am not anti-vet but I am anti-wasting money...and I dont believe that a vet is the be all end all (maybe when I actually meet one I trust this will change). This is my personal opinion and for those who do take their cats 1-2x a year that is what works for them.

I feed raw to my dog (I am still researching for my cat but introducing slowly) Even though my personal opinion is that raw feeding is the best for cats and dogs I would never make a post saying its the only acceptable food for a cat or dog.
 
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sharky

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Originally Posted by misty073

Well for you this would be normal. I am sure I am not the only one here who doesnt do yearly or 2x yearly visits. There are lots of common things when it comes to the welfare of cats (pets) that I guess was my point. I am moving to a raw diet for my cat (dog is already there and doing great) I find it a little contradicting that it was stated a cat should be going to the vet 1-2x a year but its acceptable to feed grocery store quality food if your cat does ok on it. Why is it not acceptable to feed my cat a better quality food and see the vet when needed (as I determine what is needed).

I guess my point was (I am never very clear when it comes to typing online) There are lots of different ways to keep our pets healthy and everyone has different opionions, it appears to me that the original post was of an opinion and I didnt really see the point to it. I am not anti-vet but I am anti-wasting money...and I dont believe that a vet is the be all end all (maybe when I actually meet one I trust this will change). This is my personal opinion and for those who do take their cats 1-2x a year that is what works for them.

I feed raw to my dog (I am still researching for my cat but introducing slowly) Even though my personal opinion is that raw feeding is the best for cats and dogs I would never make a post saying its the only acceptable food for a cat or dog.
YOU also realize that I wrote this for a BROAD audience not just YOU


YES finding a good trustworthy vet is a vital thing
.. there are a few stickys on that too
 

rosiemac

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Originally Posted by misty073

Why is it not acceptable to feed my cat a better quality food and see the vet when needed (as I determine what is needed).
At the end of the day that's your choice.

I don't feed my cat's cheap food that contains animal parts because i myself don't eat cheap food either, so their no different.

I take my cats for a yearly check up to have their eyes, ears, teeth etc... checked over just like i take myself to the dentist every year for an examination.
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Rosiemac

At the end of the day that's your choice.

I don't feed my cat's cheap food that contains animal parts because i myself don't eat cheap food either, so their no different.

I take my cats for a yearly check up to have their eyes, ears, teeth etc... checked over just like i take myself to the dentist every year for an examination.
Furthermore you would be breaking the law in most states by not vaccinating your cats yearly, thus by not taking them for an yearly check up.
Nobody is advocating feeding cheap grocery food as the best choice here - stick around, research the site and you will see that this is pretty far from the truth for TCS members... Sharky included, as a nutrition specialist... Sharky is saying that it is Acceptable - and the truth is, that it is.
 

sarahp

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I think sharky's post is a very good reminder for many people - new and established members alike. It is very true that the same diet is not the most appropriate for every cat. One of mine has food sensitivity issues, and it's taken a lot of trials, but we've finally found a food that she tolerates without throwing up. I can't feed wet food because it comes straight back up, and is usually projectile vomited by Stumpy.

Feeding dry food only works for us because we have one cat who will scarf food down, one who is quite shy and prefers to eat when it's quiet, and another who likes to graze throughout the day, so it works best to free feed dry food, so with help from members here I have found a food that suits all their needs, and my girls are happy with that, and have gorgeous coats.

The feral colony I take care of gets a cheap, higher fat content mixture of dry and wet due to my own budget, and the fact that they have different needs.

I realise this would not work for everyone though, and would never claim that everyone should do what I'm doing. All cats have different needs depending on age, health, activity levels, and owner's budget. Telling another member that what you feed is the only way to have a healthy cat is not helpful because each cat and household is different.

I personally do take my cats in yearly for check ups because I want to know that they aren't developing heart problems, and want to get their teeth checked, and have the vet feel them over for any weird lumps, or change in the feel of any organs. My vet and I have a good relationship, she knows me and my cats and she knows that I know what I'm talking about so treats me appropriately. I go for annual physicals, so do my cats.
 

misty073

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Well before this topic turns into a long thread on what each person does or doesnt do with their pets...Sharky and I have PM'd about the situation and all is good (right
)

My point isnt about what foods people feed or if they go yearly or never to the vets. Its about each of us doing what we believe is best for our pets. And clearly by everyones posts they are doing that
.


We also dont have yearly vacination laws (I am personally glad of this too) for pets. And we dont have laws saying we have to vacinate our kids (whole other forum LOL). I am in Canada.
 

fiddledee

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Vet student here, thought I'd put in my 2 cents...

I think that many people are encountering a minority as far as veterinarians are concerned. And yes, I have been to and expereince terrible, money-hungry vets before. But they are not all over the place. Don't let one or two encounters sodden your opinion of all vets and create broad, sweeping generalizations about them.

Turn the tables and try to see things from a vet's eyes [a good vet, not the ones who want money]. You see numerous clients and patients every day, and when it comes to a matter of money, everyone gets antsy. Which is very understandable. However, a vet does this public services not only for monetary benefit, but for the welfare of animals all around. The main aim is to keep a client's pet healthy and happy. A vet also went to 4 years of undergraduate study in some sort of difficult science or agriculture curriculum. Most vet schools require that their incoming students take some veterinary related studies and work for a vet before even applying. Courses like Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Companion Animal Science and Nutrition, Mammalian Physiology, etc... Then, the next 5 to 6 years are spent slaving away at an intense curriculum. Just go to any accredited vet school's website and you'll see just what all has to be crammed into a vet's mind. Then after that there is specialization and interning.

A vet doesn't show it, but when a client comes in and throws all of a vet's knowledge back in his/her face, it's kind of offensive. No, we don't know your pet like you do, but we just want to use our 8 years of schooling to at least help you.

I don't know if I'm out of what's considered "normal," but I find myself going to many doctors at least once a year. I go to the dentist twice a year for check up and cleaning, I go to the eye doctor once a year [this may not count for those who have 20/20 vision], I go to the gynecologist once a year, and I go to my GP once a year just for general physicals [I am active, so that may be a difference]. But see? If you count all of your external doctors that aren't your GP, the average person does go to get some sort of medical checkup or care once a year. A vet is kind of a "jack of all trades," due to dental care and other specifications he/she does. Even though I have a strained pocketbook, I go to my vet once a year for the sake of my animal. I want trained eyes to tell me if he's normal. Also, most vets have access to the latest veterinary research material, so I also use the time to ask them what's going on in the veterinary world. Not only is some of it interesting, but you are forwarned about anything that may potentially threaten your pet.

My point is that all vets aren't out to get your money. Keeping animals healthy also helps human health, which is directly beneficial to us. Also, times aren't easy for vets. We don't get all those medications we have to give to your animal for free. A vet pays for a set shipment of certain prescription and non prescription items and drugs. Lately since the economic downturn, those supplier's prices have skyrocketed and in order to make any profit, the vet in turn has to jack up their prices. So next time you notice a price jump, try not to get angry and see that the vet is going through hard times too. Often if a client explains a situation with us, we empathize and try to cut costs for you as much as possible.

Communication is essential. If you feel that you're being wronged, speak up! Ask the vet "why" and he will probably explain it. If you show expertise and bring up certain points that you've researched yourself, the vet will probably open up to you even more, seeing that you understand what he/she is talking about.

As far as nutrition goes, most vet schools are changing, making it so that Nutrition is the same as all other vet courses: a 3 hours credit class. With a lab it would become 4. Anyway, a vet is knowledgeable about nutrition, and just how much it effects animal health. Also, many schools are offering Nutrition specialties along with a D.V.M. Just like a veterinary cardiologist, these are normal vets that went to school, then went an extra semester for specialization and became veterinary nutritionists.

Many vets are from a generation that loves to explore other methods of treatment. The vet I worked for would often give holistic advice in addition to a prescription. Also, most vets should treat most sources of pain with anti-inflammatories, not pain meds. About 85-90% of pain is caused by inflammation around certain nerves. Therefore, treating the source of the pain is more effective [and less costly] than changing the way the brain perceives pain with a pain killer.

In conclusion: Not all vets are terrible! When you find a good one, latch on to them and go at least once a year. Some vets even schedule owner conferences that are free, upon an owner's request. So if you really did not want to spend money, you could just go talk and give him an update on your pets. Other ways to save money are doing normal preventative things as an owner. Your vet will often give you verbal advice on how to save money and optimize your pet's health if you just ask. We're not evil people that want to take your money. If we did do things based on money and prestige, we would have become doctors. Better pay and more respect in the medical world. Because my love and interests are in animals, I want to devote a career to them. Most vets are passionate about animals, just like all of you on this board. It kind of hurts that a field in veterinary medicine gets the least honor and respect among the medical professions, and it also feels bad to not get a little respect from patients' owners.

I'm sorry you all have had terrible experience with veterinarians, but there are good ones. We just want your pet to be healthy and happy.
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by sarahp

I think sharky's post is a very good reminder for many people - new and established members alike. It is very true that the same diet is not the most appropriate for every cat. One of mine has food sensitivity issues, and it's taken a lot of trials, but we've finally found a food that she tolerates without throwing up. I can't feed wet food because it comes straight back up, and is usually projectile vomited by Stumpy.

Feeding dry food only works for us because we have one cat who will scarf food down, one who is quite shy and prefers to eat when it's quiet, and another who likes to graze throughout the day, so it works best to free feed dry food, so with help from members here I have found a food that suits all their needs, and my girls are happy with that, and have gorgeous coats.

The feral colony I take care of gets a cheap, higher fat content mixture of dry and wet due to my own budget, and the fact that they have different needs.

I realise this would not work for everyone though, and would never claim that everyone should do what I'm doing. All cats have different needs depending on age, health, activity levels, and owner's budget. Telling another member that what you feed is the only way to have a healthy cat is not helpful because each cat and household is different.

I personally do take my cats in yearly for check ups because I want to know that they aren't developing heart problems, and want to get their teeth checked, and have the vet feel them over for any weird lumps, or change in the feel of any organs. My vet and I have a good relationship, she knows me and my cats and she knows that I know what I'm talking about so treats me appropriately. I go for annual physicals, so do my cats.
So true Sarah, such a good point... No one diet is good for all cats... I too have a cat with food sensitivity, Bugsy, but unfortunately I am not as lucky as you in the fact that I haven't yet found one diet feeds all here, but hopefully i will!
Bugsy is allergic to chicken, of all things, so he can not eat most of canned or dry foods - I also suspect he might has IBD, but that has not been diagnosed.
The best choice in quality and that has been working great for him is a fish based diet Orijen 6-fish, mixed with Acana Grassland (Lamb/Venison/Fish) for Dry, and Tiki Cat for Wet. Yes, Tiki Cat, more fish for wet, and yes, he is a male... - why? because it is the only wet food he eats, and he NEEDS to take his L-Lysine daily, as well as his pro-biotics and digestive enzymes... This is what will keep him from having repeated URIs, and diarrhea... This is what works for him...
Lucky will not eat ANY wet food - have tried it all, luckily even though finicky, she will eat any dry I give her, ans long as transitioned slooooowly...
Miss Hope on the other hand.... Transitioned her very slowly (veeeerryyyyyy) into this food, and she never liked it, so she is now on an all wet diet (ziwipeak).
So - this is what works for the three of my babies - and this is only inside of my house...
I am sure as I learn, as they grow older, or even when I get a job (hopefully soon!), their needs and my budget will change, and so might their diets... But I will always give to them what they they need - to the best of my ability -
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Fiddledee

Vet student here, thought I'd put in my 2 cents...

I think that many people are encountering a minority as far as veterinarians are concerned. And yes, I have been to and expereince terrible, money-hungry vets before. But they are not all over the place. Don't let one or two encounters sodden your opinion of all vets and create broad, sweeping generalizations about them.

Turn the tables and try to see things from a vet's eyes [a good vet, not the ones who want money]. You see numerous clients and patients every day, and when it comes to a matter of money, everyone gets antsy. Which is very understandable. However, a vet does this public services not only for monetary benefit, but for the welfare of animals all around. The main aim is to keep a client's pet healthy and happy. A vet also went to 4 years of undergraduate study in some sort of difficult science or agriculture curriculum. Most vet schools require that their incoming students take some veterinary related studies and work for a vet before even applying. Courses like Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Companion Animal Science and Nutrition, Mammalian Physiology, etc... Then, the next 5 to 6 years are spent slaving away at an intense curriculum. Just go to any accredited vet school's website and you'll see just what all has to be crammed into a vet's mind. Then after that there is specialization and interning.

A vet doesn't show it, but when a client comes in and throws all of a vet's knowledge back in his/her face, it's kind of offensive. No, we don't know your pet like you do, but we just want to use our 8 years of schooling to at least help you.

I don't know if I'm out of what's considered "normal," but I find myself going to many doctors at least once a year. I go to the dentist twice a year for check up and cleaning, I go to the eye doctor once a year [this may not count for those who have 20/20 vision], I go to the gynecologist once a year, and I go to my GP once a year just for general physicals [I am active, so that may be a difference]. But see? If you count all of your external doctors that aren't your GP, the average person does go to get some sort of medical checkup or care once a year. A vet is kind of a "jack of all trades," due to dental care and other specifications he/she does. Even though I have a strained pocketbook, I go to my vet once a year for the sake of my animal. I want trained eyes to tell me if he's normal. Also, most vets have access to the latest veterinary research material, so I also use the time to ask them what's going on in the veterinary world. Not only is some of it interesting, but you are forwarned about anything that may potentially threaten your pet.

My point is that all vets aren't out to get your money. Keeping animals healthy also helps human health, which is directly beneficial to us. Also, times aren't easy for vets. We don't get all those medications we have to give to your animal for free. A vet pays for a set shipment of certain prescription and non prescription items and drugs. Lately since the economic downturn, those supplier's prices have skyrocketed and in order to make any profit, the vet in turn has to jack up their prices. So next time you notice a price jump, try not to get angry and see that the vet is going through hard times too. Often if a client explains a situation with us, we empathize and try to cut costs for you as much as possible.

Communication is essential. If you feel that you're being wronged, speak up! Ask the vet "why" and he will probably explain it. If you show expertise and bring up certain points that you've researched yourself, the vet will probably open up to you even more, seeing that you understand what he/she is talking about.

As far as nutrition goes, most vet schools are changing, making it so that Nutrition is the same as all other vet courses: a 3 hours credit class. With a lab it would become 4. Anyway, a vet is knowledgeable about nutrition, and just how much it effects animal health. Also, many schools are offering Nutrition specialties along with a D.V.M. Just like a veterinary cardiologist, these are normal vets that went to school, then went an extra semester for specialization and became veterinary nutritionists.

Many vets are from a generation that loves to explore other methods of treatment. The vet I worked for would often give holistic advice in addition to a prescription. Also, most vets should treat most sources of pain with anti-inflammatories, not pain meds. About 85-90% of pain is caused by inflammation around certain nerves. Therefore, treating the source of the pain is more effective [and less costly] than changing the way the brain perceives pain with a pain killer.

In conclusion: Not all vets are terrible! When you find a good one, latch on to them and go at least once a year. Some vets even schedule owner conferences that are free, upon an owner's request. So if you really did not want to spend money, you could just go talk and give him an update on your pets. Other ways to save money are doing normal preventative things as an owner. Your vet will often give you verbal advice on how to save money and optimize your pet's health if you just ask. We're not evil people that want to take your money. If we did do things based on money and prestige, we would have become doctors. Better pay and more respect in the medical world. Because my love and interests are in animals, I want to devote a career to them. Most vets are passionate about animals, just like all of you on this board. It kind of hurts that a field in veterinary medicine gets the least honor and respect among the medical professions, and it also feels bad to not get a little respect from patients' owners.

I'm sorry you all have had terrible experience with veterinarians, but there are good ones. We just want your pet to be healthy and happy.
Hey, not all - I LOVE my vet - he is awesome! He is soooo honest - he once told me about Bugsy's dental problem: "You know... I am a very bad business man... I could just take your $$$ and do the dental cleaning... but that would do nothing for him - just put him through anesthesia and pain... Take your $$$ and go to an specialist - here is his phone # I can't be dishonest with you" That is when I started really trusting him! And the specialist he referred me to is one of the best in the country for gingivitis - people travel from all over to see him... his friend from college...
He is so caring with my kitties that he sprays feliway on the exam table before I even put the carrier on... He hugs my kitty and tells her he is sorry that he needs to be mean and give her an injection when he needs to do so...
He is an older gentleman, very, VERY knowledgeable, and VERY passionate about animals, but his true passion is cats... Doesn't do anything unnecessary, and always tells me the truth.
I had never called him with a question where he didn't call me back - just a true sweetheart. I am so lucky to have this guy as a vet!
 

yosemite

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I am also in Canada and have found that many rural vets are not comfortable with our smaller animals. I went to one that was given rave reviews and he was so scared of my sweet, laid back cat he didn't check his ears or his mouth at all - just gave him the vaccinations as I held Bijou. Obviously he was terrified of Siamese cats, whereas the vet that I now go to removed the lump on his upper thigh with just a local anaesthetic while the vet tech held Bijou and whispered sweet nothings in his ear.

As with a human doctor, you need to shop around and find one you trust and can relate to.

For food, I buy and feed top quality because I'm old and can afford it. When I was young and single I would not have been able to feed my beloved Susie the same quality food I now feed Bijou. Susie was healthy, lived to be 14 and had a good quality life.
 

ut0pia

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Originally Posted by misty073

This is an intresting post...not sure the point of it and I hope this doesnt seem like I am trying to create a problem as I am new to the site and finding some good advice in reading alot of the posts.

But it appears to be of your opinion and I find it a little offensive (even though not directed at me...or so I hope LOL) I dont take my children to the Drs 2x a year for a check up so why would my cat go to the vet 2x a year? Sure when my kids are sick (and a dr appt is needed we go)

You stated... "Yes typically vets do not have advanced education in nutrition , neither do MOST on here ... But asking your vet questions about nutrition may save you heartache and lots of money later... Most are willing to look up new things as Many on here have found out ... Myself included having asked many vets and not a one was completely unwilling to hear me out and then give feedback based on their experience"

I feed my dog Raw and am researching on switching my cat. Asking a vet who doesnt have an anvanced education in nutrition is not going to save me heartache and lots of money (it may but I doubt it)

And in the very same post you stated "Many cats live without issues on grocery dry . While Many on here do not think this is optimal it is perfectly acceptable."

It acceptable to feed a lower quality cat food (to each their own on this as I do know that all cats thrive differently on different foods and I am not here to judge on what others feed their cats) but only taking a cat to the vets when sick is unacceptable?

Sorry I dont mean to start something but like I said I did find this post a little offensive to those who dont share the same opinions as you.
But you need stuff like revolution and certain shots and random little things that need to be done yearly..It's not like the vet does much when you go for a routine check up, they just look at Jake feel his belly and say he's at a good weight, he looks healthy- that's all stuff I already know because I pay very close attention to him and how his weight is changing. But the thing is I need to get his revolution and shots thats why it's important to go every year.

And I also feel like the original post was something that needed to be said- because many people will ask questions and wait for the response rather than going to the vet. That's definitely not acceptable.
 

ut0pia

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Originally Posted by Fiddledee

Vet student here, thought I'd put in my 2 cents...

I think that many people are encountering a minority as far as veterinarians are concerned. And yes, I have been to and expereince terrible, money-hungry vets before. But they are not all over the place. Don't let one or two encounters sodden your opinion of all vets and create broad, sweeping generalizations about them.

Turn the tables and try to see things from a vet's eyes [a good vet, not the ones who want money]. You see numerous clients and patients every day, and when it comes to a matter of money, everyone gets antsy. Which is very understandable. However, a vet does this public services not only for monetary benefit, but for the welfare of animals all around. The main aim is to keep a client's pet healthy and happy. A vet also went to 4 years of undergraduate study in some sort of difficult science or agriculture curriculum. Most vet schools require that their incoming students take some veterinary related studies and work for a vet before even applying. Courses like Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Companion Animal Science and Nutrition, Mammalian Physiology, etc... Then, the next 5 to 6 years are spent slaving away at an intense curriculum. Just go to any accredited vet school's website and you'll see just what all has to be crammed into a vet's mind. Then after that there is specialization and interning.

A vet doesn't show it, but when a client comes in and throws all of a vet's knowledge back in his/her face, it's kind of offensive. No, we don't know your pet like you do, but we just want to use our 8 years of schooling to at least help you.

I don't know if I'm out of what's considered "normal," but I find myself going to many doctors at least once a year. I go to the dentist twice a year for check up and cleaning, I go to the eye doctor once a year [this may not count for those who have 20/20 vision], I go to the gynecologist once a year, and I go to my GP once a year just for general physicals [I am active, so that may be a difference]. But see? If you count all of your external doctors that aren't your GP, the average person does go to get some sort of medical checkup or care once a year. A vet is kind of a "jack of all trades," due to dental care and other specifications he/she does. Even though I have a strained pocketbook, I go to my vet once a year for the sake of my animal. I want trained eyes to tell me if he's normal. Also, most vets have access to the latest veterinary research material, so I also use the time to ask them what's going on in the veterinary world. Not only is some of it interesting, but you are forwarned about anything that may potentially threaten your pet.

My point is that all vets aren't out to get your money. Keeping animals healthy also helps human health, which is directly beneficial to us. Also, times aren't easy for vets. We don't get all those medications we have to give to your animal for free. A vet pays for a set shipment of certain prescription and non prescription items and drugs. Lately since the economic downturn, those supplier's prices have skyrocketed and in order to make any profit, the vet in turn has to jack up their prices. So next time you notice a price jump, try not to get angry and see that the vet is going through hard times too. Often if a client explains a situation with us, we empathize and try to cut costs for you as much as possible.

Communication is essential. If you feel that you're being wronged, speak up! Ask the vet "why" and he will probably explain it. If you show expertise and bring up certain points that you've researched yourself, the vet will probably open up to you even more, seeing that you understand what he/she is talking about.

As far as nutrition goes, most vet schools are changing, making it so that Nutrition is the same as all other vet courses: a 3 hours credit class. With a lab it would become 4. Anyway, a vet is knowledgeable about nutrition, and just how much it effects animal health. Also, many schools are offering Nutrition specialties along with a D.V.M. Just like a veterinary cardiologist, these are normal vets that went to school, then went an extra semester for specialization and became veterinary nutritionists.

Many vets are from a generation that loves to explore other methods of treatment. The vet I worked for would often give holistic advice in addition to a prescription. Also, most vets should treat most sources of pain with anti-inflammatories, not pain meds. About 85-90% of pain is caused by inflammation around certain nerves. Therefore, treating the source of the pain is more effective [and less costly] than changing the way the brain perceives pain with a pain killer.

In conclusion: Not all vets are terrible! When you find a good one, latch on to them and go at least once a year. Some vets even schedule owner conferences that are free, upon an owner's request. So if you really did not want to spend money, you could just go talk and give him an update on your pets. Other ways to save money are doing normal preventative things as an owner. Your vet will often give you verbal advice on how to save money and optimize your pet's health if you just ask. We're not evil people that want to take your money. If we did do things based on money and prestige, we would have become doctors. Better pay and more respect in the medical world. Because my love and interests are in animals, I want to devote a career to them. Most vets are passionate about animals, just like all of you on this board. It kind of hurts that a field in veterinary medicine gets the least honor and respect among the medical professions, and it also feels bad to not get a little respect from patients' owners.

I'm sorry you all have had terrible experience with veterinarians, but there are good ones. We just want your pet to be healthy and happy.
I just want to say that just like misty073, I am not against vets but I am against wasting money. Of course it isn't the vets fault that their equipment and pharmaceuticals are so expensive! It's the whole industry, too many middle men and things are more expensive then they really should be because people are able to make money when they really have no business in that industry, like salesmen of equipment, etc..
I actually feel like vets don't make enough $..
 

misty073

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Again not wanting to get into the personal choice thing, But why do I need revolution? I dont use lice shampoos on my kids on a reg basis so they dont get lice and I dont worm them just because they play in the sand box
and I dont give them every vacination just because it exists and someone says I should.
 
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sharky

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Originally Posted by misty073

Again not wanting to get into the personal choice thing, But why do I need revolution? I dont use lice shampoos on my kids on a reg basis so they dont get lice and I dont worm them just because they play in the sand box
and I dont give them every vacination just because it exists and someone says I should.
For you it may be, I have little issues with pests and thus use a natural control when and as needed .. in some areas there is NO option to get some protection for parasites and pests as they are Everywhere ... Most will agree NOT giving every available vax ... Some areas will EUTHANIZE a not up to date animal immediately ... Yet others have no laws concerning shots at all
 
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