Vet dilemma with older cat

missourigrl

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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!
 

Willowy

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I would only take him when he's actually sick. I don't agree with annual vaccinations, so no reason to go for those. You might want to get a baseline on bloodwork done sometime in the next few years, bt other than that, no reason to stress him like that for just a checkup. I'm sure the stress negates any possible benefits.
 

catsallaround

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did he have full blood work after all this happened?  Is he ok at home?

I would take him in only to get a rabies every few years.
 

Other option would be a trap or small metal dog crate and a trap divider.  You could put him in the crate/trap and insert the divider at vets he can get pinned for the shot so alot less stress of taking him out/netting him.
 

orientalslave

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It does matter to keep an eye on his weight - older cats sometimes start gradually getting thinner and that needs investigating.  It also matters to keep an eye on his teeth, and his heart.  Another vet might manage better as well - some are definitely better with cats than others.
 
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missourigrl

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did he have full blood work after all this happened?  Is he ok at home?

I would take him in only to get a rabies every few years.
 

Other option would be a trap or small metal dog crate and a trap divider.  You could put him in the crate/trap and insert the divider at vets he can get pinned for the shot so alot less stress of taking him out/netting him.
I think they did do some blood work at that time.  Everything was fine.  He is just fine at home as well.  That's a good idea about the metal trap.  He's a big boy, about 16lbs.  He's very sleek, always has been, just a big cat :)  Thanks for the recommendation!!
 
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missourigrl

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It does matter to keep an eye on his weight - older cats sometimes start gradually getting thinner and that needs investigating.  It also matters to keep an eye on his teeth, and his heart.  Another vet might manage better as well - some are definitely better with cats than others.
I do keep an eye on everything, and honestly he could probably use a teeth cleaning.  He hasn't been experiencing any other problems, he seems very healthy.  Honestly, I don't think it's the vet.  He would react the same way no matter where I take him.  He was nearly feral when I found him at 6 mos old.  Thanks for the input!!
 

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animal-care.com has some but there are plenty of other sites:)  Or if there are tnr groups/shelter call and ask if you can borrow the set up a day or two they may have some to loan out with a deposit.

I only take mine when sick after they are fixed or for rabies for the 2 outside cats.  Maybe schedule a dental appointment where they can knock him out and examine his mouth and go ahead and do a dental and any other work that needs to be done.
 

orientalslave

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If you do get him knocked out, make sure they take blood and check it while he's not being a menace!
 
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missourigrl

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animal-care.com has some but there are plenty of other sites:)  Or if there are tnr groups/shelter call and ask if you can borrow the set up a day or two they may have some to loan out with a deposit.

I only take mine when sick after they are fixed or for rabies for the 2 outside cats.  Maybe schedule a dental appointment where they can knock him out and examine his mouth and go ahead and do a dental and any other work that needs to be done.
I will check online and around town for the traps.

I think the next time he goes it will be for dental/check up/blood work.  Get it all done at once :)
 
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missourigrl

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If you do get him knocked out, make sure they take blood and check it while he's not being a menace!
Yes, I most definitely will have it all done at once!!  Thanks!
 

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I think they did do some blood work at that time.  Everything was fine.  He is just fine at home as well.  That's a good idea about the metal trap.  He's a big boy, about 16lbs.  He's very sleek, always has been, just a big cat :)  Thanks for the recommendation!!
to add to this, there are also the cat restraint bags that leave the head out and then the other parts can be undone as needed.  i agree you only need to go every 3 years unless sick.

also, of course, you can also collect a fecal sample and take it to the vet (also have mail-order tests) for an annual (or however often) fecal test.

and weigh at home, take temperature (i have an ear thermometer), etc. 
 
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missourigrl

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to add to this, there are also the cat restraint bags that leave the head out and then the other parts can be undone as needed.  i agree you only need to go every 3 years unless sick.

also, of course, you can also collect a fecal sample and take it to the vet (also have mail-order tests) for an annual (or however often) fecal test.

and weigh at home, take temperature (i have an ear thermometer), etc. 
Oh, I hadn't heard of the bags.  Interesting.  Thank you!
 
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