"He's just a cat" (vent)

bob'smom

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I still work with Freckles former owner. We were talking and I told her that I would be in late tomorrow because I needed to take Freckles to the vet. She told me that "he's just a cat" and not waste my money! I would think she would be happy that he's getting the proper care, but I guess not. She never took him to the vet, and when I got him he needed 4 teeth pulled. (I have never told her about that.) He now has some sort of upper respiatory issue and I don't want it to get any worse or spread to my other cat (who has asthma.) I really don't want to talk to her unless I have to right now.
 

rosiemac

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Some people just havent got a clue have they!.

It wouldn't be that though if she or a member of the family needed medical treatment, oh yes they'd fork out for that, so whats the difference between a human and "just a cat!!"
 

twofatcats

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Can you imagine what her reaction would be if she knew I'm in the process of setting up a trust for my cats in the event of my death or major disability? And they are "just cats." Cats that had been wandering the streets or eating out of a garbage dump before I got them. Certainly not purebreds.

Yes, I also shudder when I hear that phrase, especially when used with regard to veterinary care.
 

phenomsmom

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That is terrible! I cannot stand it when people act like our cats are not members of our families. I would be devastated if somehting happened to Phenom!!
 

squirtle

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Originally Posted by Bob'sMom

I still work with Freckles former owner. We were talking and I told her that I would be in late tomorrow because I needed to take Freckles to the vet. She told me that "he's just a cat" and not waste my money! I would think she would be happy that he's getting the proper care, but I guess not. She never took him to the vet, and when I got him he needed 4 teeth pulled. (I have never told her about that.) He now has some sort of upper respiatory issue and I don't want it to get any worse or spread to my other cat (who has asthma.) I really don't want to talk to her unless I have to right now.
It seems like I remember you taking him to the vet and trying to decide whether you should tell her or not... is that correct?
She sounds like one of those people who you have to give up on expecting that they are going to care
.
I am glad that Freckles is with you now and is being well taken care of
Let us know how his appointment goes.
 

eilcon

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Unfortunately, it seems like some people can't (or don't want to) understand the concern we have for our pets and our bond with them.
I'm glad Freckles has you to care for him now.
 
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bob'smom

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Yes, I did debate whether to tell her about the surgery. I didn't, and now I don't think I'll tell her anything else. I stopped showing her pictures of him quite a while ago. I felt guilty for not telling her, but that now seems a wasted emotion.
 

ryn

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That kind of attitude towards cats is all too common.
Glad Freckles is in your care now.
 

sweetiecat3

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That is horrible. I sympathize with you completely. I cannot tell you how many times I, and lots of other people on TCS, have heard that from some people. They think I am crazy since I care so much about my cats. They just don't get it. I too am very glad that Freckles has a great mom like you now.
 

evnshawn

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Originally Posted by rosiemac

Some people just havent got a clue have they!.

It wouldn't be that though if she or a member of the family needed medical treatment, oh yes they'd fork out for that, so whats the difference between a human and "just a cat!!"
I do think that there is a difference between humans and cats. That is, if I had to choose between my husband getting medical treatment or one of our kitties getting medical treatment, my husband would win out.

If you take on the responsibility of a cat, however, that means you take care of that cat. Our cats give us affection, teach us about caring for others, and provide countless hours of entertainment.
In return, we feed them, keep them as healthy as we reasonably can, protect them, and play and cuddle with them—and, usually, love them. That's the deal.

The problem with your coworker is that in her eyes, there are humans, and then there is everything else. (Either that or she lacks empathy toward anyone but herself, regardless of species.
) I don't know how you could convince someone like her, who thinks that just because a creature is not human that it doesn't matter, otherwise.

Like everyone else, though, I'm glad you have Freckles.
 

clixpix

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Originally Posted by Bob'sMom

Yes, I did debate whether to tell her about the surgery. I didn't, and now I don't think I'll tell her anything else. I stopped showing her pictures of him quite a while ago. I felt guilty for not telling her, but that now seems a wasted emotion.
There is nothing to feel guilty about. You did what was medically necessary for the health of Freckles. If you told her, I doubt she would be upset for the sake of Freckles, but would think you were a fool for spending the money to have it done.

I would quit sharing any information about Freckles with her. She obviously does not care one bit about him.

Freckles is lucky to have you in his life!
 

allezany

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I try not to push the issue too much with people as far as the concept of "Cats & dogs are people, too." Any more discussion about the care that our dogs/cats get and the role they play in our lives just pushes them farther toward their end of the spectrum. Then, when I do feel like I need to strongly encourage someone to seek veterinary care or to spay/neuter, they aren't as quick to dismiss what I have to say "because she's just a fanatic who goes totally overboard on her pets."

Honestly, it doesn't sound like your coworker cares one way or the other about the welfare of the cat, so I'd probably just stop talking about the cat with her altogether. If she asks, I'd just say "Things are going wonderfully. How are things with you?" I think it will cause a lot less stress for you!
 
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bob'smom

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It looks like Freckles has a viral infection, so I'm working on some environmental things such as more frequent vacuuming and possibly changing his litter brand.

I came in this morning and she was sitting with my assistant. She didn't ask what happened and I didn't tell her. I guess that's the way it has to be.
 

alaynna

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Some people don't understand that cats are part of the family too.....they are like our children...lol
 

rockcat

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Originally Posted by Bob'sMom

It looks like Freckles has a viral infection, so I'm working on some environmental things such as more frequent vacuuming and possibly changing his litter brand.

I came in this morning and she was sitting with my assistant. She didn't ask what happened and I didn't tell her. I guess that's the way it has to be.
My guess is that she feels guilty and is blowing you off so she doesn't have to be reminded that she was neglecting Freckles (even though you did everything you could so that she wouldn't feel this way).
Only a cat, huh?
I'm soooooooooo glad that YOU are Freckles mommy now!
 

laureen227

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Originally Posted by LilleKat

people like that should be prevented from keeping animals
i don't understand them. i had a co-worker who called in & took a personal day because her pregnant cat had been in labor since the evening before, & she had to take her to the vet. the boss didn't seem to think this was an issue - but one of the other people in the office said, "It's just a cat." now, even my mother, a non-cat person, said "If it's a personal day, she's entitled to do whatever she wants with it. Also, the cat was in pain - the humane thing to do was take it to the vet." why can't people distinguish between anthropomorphizing & humane treatment? it doesn't matter that we feel these cats are our families - taking an ill animal to the vet is the humane thing to do.
 

evnshawn

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Originally Posted by laureen227

why can't people distinguish between anthropomorphizing & humane treatment? it doesn't matter that we feel these cats are our families - taking an ill animal to the vet is the humane thing to do.
 
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