replies to questions

Please dont respond to questions "take your pet to a vet immediately", I am sure they thought of that already and are looking for something more specific.

The reason I do that is because I can't possibly know ALL of the details and often don't know enough about the problem to know what questions to ask. And almost 99.99% of us aren't vet technicians much less vets so providing medical advice is against Forum rules--for good reason.
It also helps me to know why the person doesn't want to take their cat to the vets: money (there is a sticky for that)? Don't trust the vet (find another one? ) Fear (the delay in action may provide a worse outcome).
Some people are looking for reassurances, which, when I can, I provide. But I personally would not want to be responsible for a delay in action causing a more serious illness/death.

Because a lot of people don't want to spend a lot of money on a stray cat,you'd be surprised on how many vets will give you a big discount too if you tell them 'This isn't my cat' it's a stray I'm trying to help after someone dumped him'. This has happened a lot with me, I think my vet just sighs when I bring another in. The world would be such a better place if everyone would just spay and neuter right at the beginning, and I truly curse someone who can dump a pregnant cat and expect her to survive. I've got two mamas right now with three kittens a piece.

If people want more specific, they should consult a vet, even if it's just a phone call. I don't think people realize the importance of proper medical care from someone who is trained to know these things. Additionally, some people don't realize that you can just call a vet and ask the receptionist or a vet or tech if the symptoms they see are serious enough to warrant a visit.

I'm tired of seeing people who think the internet has all of the answers. The internet has a bunch of answers - some right ones and many wrong ones, and a bunch of anecdotal experience. None if it is applicable to one issue for every single cat displaying symptoms.

The reality is that there are some people who don't consider taking their pet to a vet first. Or rather, if they do, it's a second thought or a fleeting thought. Whether it's because it's inconvenient or expensive or whatever their rationale is for not taking that first step, they may need the push that "yes, this is urgent".

None of us want to come onto a forum to see that someone's cat died because they didn't get it to a vet in time, or worse yet, that part of the community said it was an issue that could have waited or would resolve on its own. The amount of guilt we would feel as owners and as part of the community that helped make that decision is not taken lightly. We're not here to reassure people that "it's okay, it'll get better" - we're here to learn and to help other people err on the side of safety, to get help when needed, and to not sit idly by and assume things will get better on their own. Ideally none of us would have to learn the hard way.

The CatSite has very specific policy regarding administering medical advice. This is why people will reply with "take your cat to the vet". No one here can replace a qualified veterinarian. We can give advice based on our own experiences and opinions, but you need to get a vet to see and diagnose your cat. It's not reasonable to expect some random person on the internet to do that.

Cat Care Policies, Guidelines and Stances


1. If you suspect that your cat may be ill, please contact your vet immediately. No online advice can replace direct veterinary intervention.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.



2. Do not provide medical advice. Discussing various options is encouraged and you may share your experience including details about what kind of medication was administered and dosage. However, do not suggest to another member that they should change anything in the course of treatment prescribed by their vet without first consulting with a qualified veterinarian.

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