My cat Binky needs to have blood work done on Friday and she does not like going to the vet and becomes very difficult to handle. The last time she had her blood taken, they had to give her full anesthesia. Not only does it worry me about the affects of putting her completely under but the cost associated with the whole visit (physical exam/blood panel/anesthesia) is around $450.00 which is really putting a strain on me especially when I spend just over $100 every month for her meds. Is it really necessary for them to give the anesthesia? Can’t they give me a sedative to pick up the night before and give to Binky just before bringing her in to the clinic the next morning? The problem is that I have to drop her off at 9:00am and the blood work may not get done until later in the morning. Last time, I dropped her off at 8:30am and was not able to pick her up until after 2:00pm. I asked the vet tech on the phone if it would make it easier if I were to put a soft cone around Binky’s head before bringing her in so that it would make it easier for them to be able to handle/restrain her in order to get the blood work done but she said not to and that it would make it more stressful for her. The tech said they have all the necessary masks/head cones/gloves etc… Does anyone have any advice? Should I call back tomorrow and ask to speak the Binky’s vet directly and ask about getting a sedative in a pill to give her before bringing her in? I hate to think the vet clinic is just trying to get me to spend more money by saying the only alternative they have is to put her fully under. One more thing, can you refuse to have your cat vaccinated if it’s been over 3 years? Binky just turned 4 years old and her last shots were 3 years ago. She is an indoor cat. Can they refuse to see her if I don’t have her vaccinated?