Against not going to the vet

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I would like an answer to this question. Why is everyone so against self treating pets?? If it is something that works, how is it so different from going to the vet and paying them thousands of dollars to do the same thing? I can see that ya'll may be worried that the treatment might not work and the cat would be in pain and possibly die- but why not accept that we don't always have to run to the vet when our cats are ill? (I'm mainly talking about when Wessie couldn't urinate and I used to apple cider vinegar to treat it. Many other people have found that it worked for them and it sure worked for me. Twice.)

Oh- and I might add that Wessie also didn't go to the vet when he was shot. I think he got very lucky there, as it was in his leg, not near his vital organs.

If the cat is suffering, it's neglect to not provide medical care. If home care is possible and effective, that can be enough, but certain situations require medical assistance. For instance, you mention a blockage. If the cat is actually blocked, it's too late for home care and it's probable that the cat will suffer and/or die without medical help. If one can prevent blockage through home care, that's super, but once the cat is blocked, that ship has sailed. A cat who has been shot would almost certainly be more comfortable if treated, at least given some pain relief. Not providing that care is causing the cat to suffer unnecessarily.

I don't run to the doctor for every little thing, and I don't run my pets to the vet for every little thing. And I'm suspicious of what doctors and vets recommend, I always do my own research because sometimes their recommendations/treatments do more harm than good. But I know when actual medical care is needed. And taking a sick pet to the vet almost never costs thousands of dollars, especially in rural states. Plus you get to choose what treatments you pursue, so you can control costs that way.

Of course there are people who believe a pet is worth nothing more than a bullet to the head when they get sick or injured. And those who just don't care if their pet is suffering. No point arguing with those types.

Allowing your cat to be shot and not taking him to the vet is animal cruelty, plain and simple.

We here at TCS love cats. We know more than anyone else what is and ISNT painful to a cat. Since our creation we've seen hundreds of cats suffer and die needlessly because the owner did not want to take the cat to the vet.
That's why.

It-is-a-very-good-question,and-should-generate-some-good-discussion.

Minka-is-right,we-on-here,really,love-our-cats.I-am-prob-the-worst-one-one-here,the-most-overly-pickey,lol.If-ya-mess-with-my-kitties,ya-best-start-picking-our-your-horsie-color.

Some-issues-are-simple,we-that-are-knowledgeable,know-what-to-do,and/or-call-the-vet-to-confirm.

But-the-most-important-thing-we-know,and-that-some-have-a-hard-time-learning,is-when-to-call-the-vet,and-when-to-rush-them-to-the-vet.

The-biggest-reason-is,if-you-don't-know-what-the-issue-is,and-you-try-to-treat-it-yourself,you-can-make-the-situation-worse,kill-them,and-delay-proper-treatment,that-could-have-helped,now,its-too-late.

Do-you-know-what-centrine-is?Did-you-know-it-can-kill-a-cat,that-has-heart-issues?

Did-you-know,that-alot-of-medications,over-the-counter-or-prescribed,that-work-on-a-normal-cat,can-kill-a-cat-with-heart-issues.Do-you-know,which-are-safe,and-which-aren't?How-do-you-know,if-a-cat-has-heart-issues?

This-is-a-test.

Cat-whose-mission-in-life,is-to-eat.She-went-to-college-for-it,has-a-masters-degree-in-eating,won't-eat-breakfast,throwing-up,diarea,otherwise-been-fine/normal,and-no-other-visable-symptoms.What-would-you-do?

I-knew,to-rush-her-in.It-saved-her-life.

Based-on-your-theory,what-would-you-do?

I-got-more,way-cool-tests.

If my cat ever got shot like yours did, I would definately want pain medication and antibiotics! The poor little thing at least deserves that kind of basic care.

I was in a rush when writing my post and meant to add more about Wessie being shot. Honestly, I would have taken him to the vet if I could in both situations. When he was shot he probably could have used pain killers, you're definitely right. I'm just sharing that cats don't always need a vet to get better.

Mostly I'm referring to when he couldn't urinate. People just seem so against the possibility that cats don't always need professional care.

And before anyone says I don't love my cat- I do. I sounded like a heartless person when I mentioned him getting shot (at least I thought I did in the post). But I really am not, and I care very, very, very much about my cat's health and well being.

Well, the thing is, if he were TRULY blocked, nothing would have fixed it except catheterizing him. There's just no other way, the blockage needs to be removed before anything can get through. For instance, say, a coffee maker (I'm trying to fix my grandma's so I'm thinking about it :tongue2. If it's completely blocked from hard water deposits, trying to run vinegar through isn't going to help. There's nothing getting through so it can't help. I'll have to take it apart, scrape the hard water deposits out, and THEN maybe running some vinegar through will help. See what I mean? So suggesting that a blocked cat doesn't really need a vet is pretty dangerous. Blockages kill, and fast.

I didn't mean to offend you. I am interested in holistic natural cures too in some cases. For example if my cats start sneezing I give them l-lysine at home first. If it gets worse or turns into an infection I would take them to the vet because I know if left untreated that could cause them to stop eating, and cause liver failure. If someone asks a question about their cat's health my advice is usually to see a vet because cats hide illness very well and can decline in health very quickly. I would rather be safe than sorry.

FlintMcCullough said:

This-is-a-test.

Cat-whose-mission-in-life,is-to-eat.She-went-to-college-for-it,has-a-masters-degree-in-eating,won't-eat-breakfast,throwing-up,diarea,otherwise-been-fine/normal,and-no-other-visable-symptoms.What-would-you-do?

I-knew,to-rush-her-in.It-saved-her-life.

Based-on-your-theory,what-would-you-do?

I-got-more,way-cool-tests. :high5:

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Well, to be honest I don't have any "theories". I'm only wondering why the majority of the people on this board seem so against any home care.

If that happened, I suppose I would be extremely worried and hope for the best. If I could do what I would like, I would take him to the vet. Unfortunately I do not really support myself, so I can't take my cat to the veterinarian whenever I would like to.

smitten4kittens said:

I didn't mean to offend you. I am interested in holistic natural cures too in some cases. For example if my cats start sneezing I give them l-lysine at home first. If it gets worse or turns into an infection I would take them to the vet because I know if left untreated that could cause them to stop eating, and cause liver failure. If someone asks a question about their cat's health my advice is usually to see a vet because cats hide illness very well and can decline in health very quickly. I would rather be safe than sorry.

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You didn't offend me at all. I completely understand where you are coming from and agree with your post. I would rather be safe than sorry as well, but as you know, not everyone can run to the vet.

My post was really referring to the time when Wessie wasn't peeing as MUCH as usual. Willowy, you are right, I don't know what would have happened if he was actually blocked. He was able to get out a little. I was asking for help on TCS to see if anyone had any helpful input for my situation. Unfortunately, everyone was very rude and started acting as though I hated my cat or something. They all predicted that he would die. When he didn't, they were all silent. I'm not suggesting that everyone should avoid the vet and let their cat suffer- but why push aside things that actually work??

If a cat is having issues peeing in the slightest it can turn to a block very very soon after-natural remedies may not have a chance to take affect.  I lost a cat who was dribbbling pee made appointment and by that time he was not dribbling anymore.  Options were go to er clinic or euthanize.  I did not have the money the er quoted on phone and he was euthanized.  I have learned more over the years from the many cats I have.  L-lysine, having sub-Q fluids, vitamin C, terramycin on hand along with some clavamox.  Always having a dose of pain meds(easy to obtain after a neuter which I have done a few times a year on ferals-some ppl can not get some supplies if they only have a cat or two, also an open minded vet helps

Minka said:

Allowing your cat to be shot and not taking him to the vet is animal cruelty, plain and simple.

We here at TCS love cats. We know more than anyone else what is and ISNT painful to a cat. Since our creation we've seen hundreds of cats suffer and die needlessly because the owner did not want to take the cat to the vet.
That's why.

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As if I don't want to take my cat to the vet. I can't take him to the vet. I think it's a lot better for a cat to have a home where someone loves them, feeds them, and gives them the best care in their ability, than to be living in a small cage at the animal shelter. Oh- and I love cats. I doubt I would be on a cat forum if I didn't.

catsallaround said:

If a cat is having issues peeing in the slightest it can turn to a block very very soon after-natural remedies may not have a chance to take affect.  I lost a cat who was dribbbling pee made appointment and by that time he was not dribbling anymore.  Options were go to er clinic or euthanize.  I did not have the money the er quoted on phone and he was euthanized.  I have learned more over the years from the many cats I have.  L-lysine, having sub-Q fluids, vitamin C, terramycin on hand along with some clavamox.  Always having a dose of pain meds(easy to obtain after a neuter which I have done a few times a year on ferals-some ppl can not get some supplies if they only have a cat or two, also an open minded vet helps

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You euthanized your cat because he couldn't pee?? I'm really sorry that that had to happen to you- it must have been a very difficult decision for you, but I still don't understand why you would have made that choice.

My cat stopped dribbling too. He was lethargic, seemed uncomfortable, and I was worried that he might die. But you know what- he was perfectly fine within three days. And it he has been perfectly healthy since then.

catbehaviors said:

You euthanized your cat because he couldn't pee?? I'm really sorry that that had to happen to you- it must have been a very difficult decision for you, but I still don't understand why you would have made that choice.

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Because if it's between that and letting him die in pain. . .well, euthanizing is the best choice. The chance of a blocked cat being "perfectly fine" without medical care are incredibly slim. You've been very lucky, but if your cat hadn't recovered he would have suffered terribly before dying.

Because the regular hour vet I went to did not do the type of care he needed-24 hour care for a few days to at least a week  He had been to the vet many times before for antibiotics/bloodwork.  Also I was in my teens.  The cost to just have him seen and stabilized was staggering then adding in the care costs.  He was not peeing at all and was HUGE.  I think you may have had issues with a very partial block or irratation in the ureatha due to a urinary infection.  The chances you dealt with a full on block case that was solved with apple cider vinegar seem unlikely after dealing with a few cats who had varrying issues.  You say fine within 3 days-he would have gone toxic by then. 

Also keep in mind everytime a cat trys to pass a stone or crystals it scars up the inside a bit making it narrower.  That is what my vet told me the first time he started having issues and how it was important to monitor him.

Now, I don't hesitate in the slightest and take my two nearly eight-year old adult cats and nearly six-month old kitten to the vet if I notice any changes in litter box habits, appetite, or activity level. I learnt my lesson the tragic and hard way when I neglected to take my first kitten I ever adopted to the vet when he was showing signs of illness. I was going through some serious health issues at the time and failed to notice that Oliver was using the litter box way too much until one day he collapsed and then died three days later in my arms at the vet from renal failire at the age of 13 years. When he lay dying in my arms, I was screaming and crying. Later I made a promise to myself to learn from his horrible suffering and be a better fur baby mom to any future pets. It's the guilt and pain that I still suffer to this day (I'm crying as I write this post) that prompts me take my current fur babies to the vet when I think anything unusual is happening. Okay, maybe I'm bordering on paranoia. But I'm not a vet and my babies can't tell me if they aren't feeling well or are hurting. I don't take chances anymore. My kitten Bella's life was saved last month when I took her to the vet after not peeing for over 24 hours after having her baby canines removed...her adult canines were growing beisde them. (I know now that the canines were taken out too early. I trusted this particular vet. He put her into jeapardy. I've since changed vets...the one I'm seeing now saved Bella's life). She had SQ fluids, and injected/oral antibiotics to bring down a 103 degree fever and battle her infected mouth. She's nowfully recovered. The doctor told me if I had waited one more day, Bella would have died. (She wasn't eating hence not getting fluids hence potential kidney problems.) No, I don't take chances anymore. For example, my two senior cats are going to the vet in January for a check-up and blood tests. I'd rather go without food myself than deny my babies vet care. I recently purchased excellent and comprehensive pet insurance for all three of my babies. This helps tremendously...

I'm sorry about your kitty...

jlc20m

catbehaviors said:

Well, to be honest I don't have any "theories". I'm only wondering why the majority of the people on this board seem so against any home care.
If that happened, I suppose I would be extremely worried and hope for the best. 

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In-her-case-she-refused-breakfast.Since-her-mission-in-life-is-to-eat,I-knew-it-was-serious.

Her-ALT-value-was-917,normal-is-10-100.They-ran-3-seperate-samples,and-tested-each-one,3-times,read-the-same-each-time.She-was-sent-to-a-specialist-on-an-ER-basis.x-rays-and-ultra-sound,revealed,she-had-liver-issues.3-months-and-$800-later-of-changing-meds-and-doses,to-see-what-she-would-respond-to,she-was-all-better.My-vet-even-got-on-the-phone,calling-specialists,and-stopped-an-appt,when-they-called-her-back.They-told-her,send-her-to-the-ER,like,now.

They-got-her-to-eat,by-giving-her-pepcid-AC,and-baby-food,until-she-would-eat-wet.

If-I-had-tried-to-treat-her-myself,she-would-have-died,that-is-exactly,why,I-am-against-trying-to-treat-them-myself,and,hope-for-the-best.

I-also-have-a-crystal-kitty.He-was-blocked,in-he-went,had-to-be-catherized.Treat-him-myself?Home-care?He-would-have-died.

For-those-that-may-not-know,if-a-kitty-is-blocked,and-unable-to-pee,ya-got-12-hrs,to-get-them-to-the-vet,or.......its-too-late.

I-understand,if-one-does-not-have-the-money,or-a-way-to-get-to-a-vet,or-circumstances,beyond-their-control,but,I-thought-the-jist-of-this-post,was,why-do-people-seem-to-be-against-home-care,or-treat-them-their-selfs,or-holistic-care.I-have-2-examples,of-why-not.

I-can't-anser-every-post,and-some-days,just-don't-have-time-to-even-get-on-here.As-one-touched-on,we-can-tell-right-away-the-ones-who-aren't-going-to-listen,and-I-have-to-stay-away-from-those,they-upset-me-too-much.The-ones-that-upset-me-the-most,are-the"boyfriend"posts.They-choose-the...............

over-the-safety-and-health-of-their-kitty,why-even-bother-to-post.Must-be-a-big-one,LOL.

catbehaviors said:

As if I don't want to take my cat to the vet. I can't take him to the vet. I think it's a lot better for a cat to have a home where someone loves them, feeds them, and gives them the best care in their ability, than to be living in a small cage at the animal shelter. Oh- and I love cats. I doubt I would be on a cat forum if I didn't.

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For me there is no option. I would sell everything I own before I would make the excuse that I couldn't take him. If I literally had nothing to sell, no one to borrow from, I would give him up. Plain and simple.

P.s. If your animal is shot, saying 'I could not afford vet care' does not fly with Animal Control. You will be arrested.

Willowy said:

Because if it's between that and letting him die in pain. . .well, euthanizing is the best choice. 

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Agree there are times that euthanising is far better than letting an animal suffer in pain, not an easy decision but one that sometimes must be made.

I'm all for natural treatments, and my vet is very open to discussing and also recommending natural treatments. there are also holistic vet practices, but I really don't think it should ever come down to choosing a home treatment over a vet visit first. 

A cat who's been shot or having problems peeing isn't even a question to me.

missymotus said:

Agree there are times that euthanising is far better than letting an animal suffer in pain, not an easy decision but one that sometimes must be made.


I'm all for natural treatments, and my vet is very open to discussing and also recommending natural treatments. there are also holistic vet practices, but I really don't think it should ever come down to choosing a home treatment over a vet visit first. 
A cat who's been shot or having problems peeing isn't even a question to me.

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I agree. There are some things I might try a natural remedy for. Gunshots and being unable to urinate are definitely things the vet needs to check. I have a cat who has been totally blocked several times because of crystals. He just laid stretched out and crying. It is a pitiful sight to see a cat in the kind of distress. Better yet, having had kidney infections and bladder infections myself, I can tell you, I wanted some medicine and I wanted it fast.

The folks on this board for the most part are like me. I believe a pet is a lifetime commitment. That means giving it the best care within my financial means. If I couldn't afford the medical bills, I wouldn't have the cats.

Gosh, must I repeat myself? This is not a post saying that you should wait it out and try home care while your pet needs medical care. It is a post questioning why people are against home care that works.

I've never liked euthanasia honestly. I suppose I'm too selfish, but I know I would regret it and wonder for the rest of my life if they would have survived.