PLEASE read

Originally Posted by ut0pia

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 $..

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And I think there are too many crappy vets out there that give the industry a bad name. And you usually will get ripped off by quite a few until you find a good one. I am not against them I just havent found one I like . And as for the prescriptions being expensive why is it that most vets (not that I have found any that will) dont tell you that you can get most if not all your prescriptions at the reg pharmasist where you get your own filled?

I've started using Revolution for my indoor cats after reading Cornell and Tuft's update on heartworm in cats this year, including indoor cats up North, and talking with my vet about current protocol. But, that's just me - I like the idea of preventive care, human or feline, and I like to read vet school's newsletters.

Then again, I see my gyn yearly, my optometrist yearly, and my internist as needed (I have a chronic condition) - if using professional care is good enough for me, it's good enough for my kitties. I'm blessed enough to have a job that offers insurance, and figure I should take advantage of it...I read all too often of people who are desperate for professional care, and don't have access to it.

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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ut0pia may have outside cats. Revolution is a good flea preventative, and taking precautions if you let your cat outdoors saves a lot of money and stress in the future. I don't use flea preventative on my cat because he's exclusively indoors, and no other animals come inside from the outdoors. But if there was a dog in the house, or if I let him out then I would use flea preventative. Rabies vaccines are also very good to have, at least where I'm from. I live in the southeastern United States, and down here the risk for rabies is very big. Also, there are many preventable diseases that can be prevented with a vaccine. You can often do some research on your own to find out what it does and how good it is at prevention. Ask your vet to give you some proof material, and most likely they will. Again, it takes just asking.

It's all a matter of opinion. My opinion is based on the welfare of my pet, plus saving money. To me, spending $20 on a vaccine is well worth it if it stops him from getting a disease that would potentially cost me thousands of dollars to fix. Why not stop it from happening in the first place?

I mostly use revolution just because it prevents heartworms- that is all i worry about since Jake is an indoor cat. But hearworm preventions is very important for me, i am scared of heartworms.

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.

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Misty, the problem with fleas is that we bring them in from the outdoors. They live in dirt, so wherever there is grass, plants, flowers, etc. there are fleas. They come in via our clothes and they can jump as high as 20 to 30 ft. An adult flea can hibernate for up to a year in your house. They can sense warm blood, vibrations, carbon dioxide, dioxide, meaning a potential blood source is near.

And then fleas cause parasites like tape worms, which remain undetected for a long time and ... well... needless to say are harmful to cats and dogs.

There is diatomaceous earth that you could use instead of revolution. It's a 100% natural product. Just google it and you will be amazed.

And the thread keeps going and going LOL.

I guess I just do things a little different than the majority But I really dont want to explain all my choices. I tend to forget sometimes when posting on a forum like this about different countries having different rules as well (and the need for different precautions). I dont have to get all the recommended shots (or in some peoples case mandatory) here in Canada. And its not like my pets have never seen the vet. My dog was just there about 2 weeks ago and my cat was just at the vets in July.

My point of my original post was not to go back and forth about what pets need and who appears to be a better owner because they go to the vets or choose a certain food. It was about making decisions based on our own pets and our own beliefs.

misty073 - it wasn't aimed at you, it was meant for all members, so yes - everyone will have their own opinion, and wants to share what their cat care is, and they would have done so whether you posted or not

Nobody is saying they're a better owner for what they're doing, I think everyone is pointing out they they do different things according to their pets needs which is what this thread is about.

Originally Posted by sarahp

misty073 - it wasn't aimed at you, it was meant for all members, so yes - everyone will have their own opinion, and wants to share what their cat care is, and they would have done so whether you posted or not

Nobody is saying they're a better owner for what they're doing, I think everyone is pointing out they they do different things according to their pets needs which is what this thread is about.

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Yes that is what I wanted by starting it

Originally Posted by sarahp

misty073 - it wasn't aimed at you, it was meant for all members, so yes - everyone will have their own opinion, and wants to share what their cat care is, and they would have done so whether you posted or not

Nobody is saying they're a better owner for what they're doing, I think everyone is pointing out they they do different things according to their pets needs which is what this thread is about.

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and
Sharky - thanks for the reminders, and, your many informative posts!
g

What it really comes down to is one thing:

Are YOU doing the best that YOU can for YOUR cat?

If you KNOW you don't know what "the best" is.. That's when you ask for help.

Originally Posted by Foofy Cat Lady

\\

If you KNOW you don't know what "the best" is.. That's when you ask for help.

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Yes .. No ONE who knows what is best should be asking and we all hope those who are unsure ASK

Firstly, great post Jen. We ALL need reminders and that includes seasoned cat owners and newbies.

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.

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You mentioned that this thread keeps going and going but you're actually making little digs and then people are just responding. Whatever works for your kids - I'm not going to get into lice shampoo with kids because this is a TREATMENT rather then a preventative (like Revolution). Noone is saying give vaccinations because they say you should - I'm fairly confident that I'm speaking for most here in saying that we don't all get every single vaccination under the sun for our cats. For example my cats don't get vaccinations past their kitten shots (but I do live in NZ).

Please stick around and read some more threads. I've been pulled up countless times on this forum about nutrition (usually by Sharky) and since I have a very open relationship with my vet I always discuss suggested treatments I have researched.

Originally Posted by misty073

And the thread keeps going and going LOL.

I guess I just do things a little different than the majority

But I really dont want to explain all my choices. I tend to forget sometimes when posting on a forum like this about different countries having different rules as well (and the need for different precautions). I dont have to get all the recommended shots (or in some peoples case mandatory) here in Canada. And its not like my pets have never seen the vet. My dog was just there about 2 weeks ago and my cat was just at the vets in July.

My point of my original post was not to go back and forth about what pets need and who appears to be a better owner because they go to the vets or choose a certain food. It was about making decisions based on our own pets and our own beliefs.

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There is a huge difference between treating an issue and preventing an issue. I originally came from New Brunswick and on the occasions I visit am still taken aback by the rural attitude towards "pets". Most allow their cats outdoors, rarely, if ever, take them to a vet and if they do treat with any kind of medication such as de-wormer, they buy it over-the-counter. They don't even want to hear that this form of treatment is not good for their cat or dog - heck their family has been treating pets like this for years. Their pets don't live to ripe old ages for the most part but it doesn't matter to them because hey, nobody neuters their animals either and it's always just as easy to get a replacement. I certainly don't agree with these practices and would never treat my pet in such a cavalier manner but those folks laugh at people like me and think how silly and stupid we are to treat our pets so well. So be it! As Sharky was trying to do with the original post, we can only try to educate people and they will only learn if they are open to learning.

As for personal beliefs, there is nothing wrong with having personal beliefs as long as they are not a detriment to good health.

Here in Ontario where I live, rabies shots are mandatory. I go for an annual checkup and twice yearly dental check-ups and my cat gets annual checkups and vaccinations. It's called preventative care. And just as I've shopped for a human doctor I'm comfortable with, I've also shopped for a vet that I'm comfortable with.

Originally Posted by misty073

And the thread keeps going and going LOL.

I guess I just do things a little different than the majority

But I really dont want to explain all my choices. I tend to forget sometimes when posting on a forum like this about different countries having different rules as well (and the need for different precautions). I dont have to get all the recommended shots (or in some peoples case mandatory) here in Canada. And its not like my pets have never seen the vet. My dog was just there about 2 weeks ago and my cat was just at the vets in July.

My point of my original post was not to go back and forth about what pets need and who appears to be a better owner because they go to the vets or choose a certain food. It was about making decisions based on our own pets and our own beliefs.

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Don't worry, you're not alone. The first post seemed to come out of nowhere. I assume something prompted it but I don't know what.

I do wish everyone would remember that this forum should not be considered the definitive authority on any topic whatsoever. It's just a bunch of people sharing experiences and opinions. Some people *may* have more knowledge than others or they may just *believe* they have more knowledge than others. How do we know the difference? We can't possibly.

I consider any information gleamed here to just be a single piece of a puzzle to be added to pieces obtained elsewhere that together, hopefully, build a coherent picture.

Originally Posted by mschauer

Don't worry, you're not alone. The first post seemed to come out of nowhere. I assume something prompted it but I don't know what.

I do wish everyone would remember that this forum should not be considered the definitive authority on any topic whatsoever. It's just a bunch of people sharing experiences and opinions. Some people *may* have more knowledge than others or they may just *believe* they have more knowledge than others. How do we know the difference? We can't possibly.

I consider any information gleamed here to just be a single piece of a puzzle to be added to pieces obtained elsewhere that together, hopefully, build a coherent picture.

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Yes a number of things prompted the post

But the above has good info ... ALWAYS double check info you get online in a forum or other format .... Many years ago someone made up an entire study and placed it online ... I say offline but that is me being old .. You can verify most info easily though , but that too may just me being old

I dont want to get involved and any angst (sp?) at all but I do want to say that if it wasnt for this forum I wouldnt be the resposible pet owner that I am today. I love my babies but was more willing to spend money on frivolous (sp?) stuff than their own health or care. When I joined I was literally at loose ends and just thought this would be fun but in turn Ive learned a lot from everyone on here and have nothing but thanks and gratitude to everyone. LDG was a member who took her own time and efforts into helping me find a low cost spay and neuter clinic so I could get my boy Hercules fixed so I didnt add to the over population of kittens by having some because I rescued a little girl who was dropped off at my house. Im also getting her spayed Nov 7th because I have learned it is so much healthier for her to be spayed than to let her go into heat cycle after cycle for no reason. Ive also had nutrition and poop issues with two of my cats and thanks to this place I was able to find a better food in my area that actually resolved the poop issue I had. My cats have become healthier happier animals thanks to the people on here who have taken the time to help me in my ignorance. That doesnt discount the other things Ive had the pleasure of reading about and seeing pics of everyone elses cats! SO to EVERYONE on here...Thanks for being here and being a great place to turn to for mindless fun and information!!

Best wishes!

Originally Posted by 3CatsN1Dog

I dont want to get involved and any angst (sp?) at all but I do want to say that if it wasnt for this forum I wouldnt be the resposible pet owner that I am today. I love my babies but was more willing to spend money on frivolous (sp?) stuff than their own health or care. When I joined I was literally at loose ends and just thought this would be fun but in turn Ive learned a lot from everyone on here and have nothing but thanks and gratitude to everyone. LDG was a member who took her own time and efforts into helping me find a low cost spay and neuter clinic so I could get my boy Hercules fixed so I didnt add to the over population of kittens by having some because I rescued a little girl who was dropped off at my house. Im also getting her spayed Nov 7th because I have learned it is so much healthier for her to be spayed than to let her go into heat cycle after cycle for no reason. Ive also had nutrition and poop issues with two of my cats and thanks to this place I was able to find a better food in my area that actually resolved the poop issue I had. My cats have become healthier happier animals thanks to the people on here who have taken the time to help me in my ignorance. That doesnt discount the other things Ive had the pleasure of reading about and seeing pics of everyone elses cats! SO to EVERYONE on here...Thanks for being here and being a great place to turn to for mindless fun and information!!

Best wishes!

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Yup, some of the puzzle pieces I've obtained here and been very beneficial to me also. I have *always* verified the information elsewhere before acting on it though.

Originally Posted by 3CatsN1Dog

I dont want to get involved and any angst (sp?) at all but I do want to say that if it wasnt for this forum I wouldnt be the resposible pet owner that I am today. I love my babies but was more willing to spend money on frivolous (sp?) stuff than their own health or care. When I joined I was literally at loose ends and just thought this would be fun but in turn Ive learned a lot from everyone on here and have nothing but thanks and gratitude to everyone. LDG was a member who took her own time and efforts into helping me find a low cost spay and neuter clinic so I could get my boy Hercules fixed so I didnt add to the over population of kittens by having some because I rescued a little girl who was dropped off at my house. Im also getting her spayed Nov 7th because I have learned it is so much healthier for her to be spayed than to let her go into heat cycle after cycle for no reason. Ive also had nutrition and poop issues with two of my cats and thanks to this place I was able to find a better food in my area that actually resolved the poop issue I had. My cats have become healthier happier animals thanks to the people on here who have taken the time to help me in my ignorance. That doesnt discount the other things Ive had the pleasure of reading about and seeing pics of everyone elses cats! SO to EVERYONE on here...Thanks for being here and being a great place to turn to for mindless fun and information!!

Best wishes!

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I also have become a better pet owner due to what I've learned here and if this site does nothing else than help us become more responsible then that's a huge plus. There are some members with much more experience and knowledge than others. Some, like Hissy, have been caring for ferals and rescuing cats for several decades and I would say that she has probably forgotten more than some of us know. Sharky has studied nutrition and has much more knowledge than most of us so yes, it's a great place to learn. There will always be those that dispute what they see here and that is their prerogative. The last vet I went to told me how wonderful Hills Science Diet food is - right!

I'm thrilled that I found this place and have learned so much.

Originally Posted by misty073

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)

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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I would rather take my cats for a check up where they can find any problems that might be starting than wait until they actually get sick and it may be too late. As for the two times a year, as my vet explained it to me, cats age faster than humans so twice a year makes sense.