Unsure on what to do...

[misscrosson]

I just have afew questions that I'd like to ask... see if anyone might be able to help me out....

At the current moment I have a 3yr old cat... and she's never been to the vet before, doesn't even have any of her shots or anything... reason for this is because my parents allowed for me to get her, and they really can't afford any vet bills or anything... and I love animals, now that I have a part-time job I'd like to take her in to get her shots, plus I think she might have something wrong with her ears, possibly an infection because they have an odor coming from them, plus she gets really upset sometimes when you touch them...

But my main concern is that she is a very vicious cat... doesn't let anyone touch her but myself.. if anyone else does usually she'll hiss, paw/scratch at... etc... and sometimes she gets so scared that she seems like she's going to attack, tho she never does... just only does this when she feels like she can't get away... none the less, my worries is how/what will the vet do to be able to handle her?.... or will he force me to put her down?

Also, she's an indoor cat, and if I ever pick her up and try to take her outside she gets really scared, and makes crying noises... I took her for a car ride once, and she like panted the whole time, like as if she was hot or something (like dogs do)... and she tried the whole way ... I live in the middle of no where, the nearly vet would be a 3hr drive away.... how might I be able to get her there when she is like this?

Also, any clue on an estimate of how much the vet bill might be just to get all of her shots? I was thinking maybe around $500-$600?

[blueberrybun]

Just to get shots would only be about $60. If you want the vet to check out her ears though that is another story. She will need medicine from hearing what you described. My guess is that you will come out with a bill somewhere around $100. I worked at a vet clinic and I am estimating using my knowledge of what we would charge. Also, about the aggression, the technicians and the vet know how to handle vicious cats. They may, though, want to sedate her to give her the shots which may cost some money. I am not sure how much though. When you are at the vet, ask about a sedative that you can give her next time you take her for the long car ride. You will probably just have to deal with her in the car the first time. The vet will not tell you to put her to sleep if she is mean. Even if he/she does, you do not have to do it. Also if that were the case I would never see that vet again. Goodluck and I hope she gets for medical care. She needs it.

Oh I just though about it. The vet may want to do a Feline leukemia/ FIV test on her since she has never seen a vet before. That could be about $40 more depending on what kind of test is used.

[misscrosson]

Thanks alot!... That really puts me at ease... I just hope that everything's the same here in Canada... as I'm not from the States...

When I phone to book an appointment for my cat, which type of information should I be giving them?... Should I just tell them that I want to get all my shots for my cat and that she's now about 3yrs old and never seen a vet before, plus get her eats checked out because I believe she might have an ear infection of some sort? ... also, could all of this be done in the first appointment?

Another question I have is how much is the price about for getting a cat fixed? and is there anything I should be worried about if I don't?... I dont plan on letting her having a litter, plus she never goes outside because she's an indoor cat... and she's terrified to go outside so I'm not worried that she might get out... my main problem is I'm still living with my parents before I move out for College in a year, and they say that when a female cat gets fixed her stomach drops, and they said they don't want a cat in the house that looks like that...

[Cat&Dog mom]

Blueberrybun gave great advice and pretty much covered it all. Just a few things I would like to add though, will you be putting her in a carrier, I would strongly advise that you do, it will be in her best interest and safety, you can put a towel over the carrier to keep her a little more calm, it might help a little. Also if they have too many problem they will muzzle her or sedate her, and depening on the ride there if she is totally freaked out and you are concerned about the ride home I would let them sedate her. My guys are horrible at the vets office so once in a while they have to muzzle them so they can to the body exam. Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

[blueberrybun]

About getting her fixed. It will probably cost about $150. Benefits of having her fixed is that first off she will not have to go through heat anymore. That will makes her feel better. Also, it will decrease her risk of breast cancer, ovarian cysts, uteran cancer, and some other reproductive disorders. So, if your parents want to to risk her health for her appearance, well, I think you get the point. ;)

When you call the vet just let them know that you are a new client to wnats to bring a 3 yr old cat for her first round of shots ever and that you also want them to take a look at her ears. That is it. Since you don't have any, you will not have to bring in any records.

[misscrosson]

Thanks alot, I will get on phoning around to different clinics and booking her an appointment, also will look around for a carrier for her...

I think I'll wait to get her fixed when I leave for College, because that way she'll be out of the house... so my rents won't have to look at her... plus I'll talk with the vet about it also...

Man, sorry for all the questions, just i want the best for my cat! I was also thinking about getting a kitten, I know I almost did once, but my parents didn't like the idea... so it would be something that won't happen for afew months, when I move away for school... as long as my roomies won't mind it...

But my question is, with a cat that is aggressive is it a good idea to get a kitten? I was thinking of picking up a cat from a shelter, but I figured with a kitten it would be easier for them to get to learn to get along with each other... and less fighting...

[blueberrybun]

I agree that a kitten would be easier, and you can find kittens at the shelter as well. There is no telling whether or not the cat will take to the new kitten. She may only by people aggressive and not aggressive to other cats. Just keep in mind that no matter what there will be some tension between them for atleast a week. You can try to find a guide to introducing cats on the internet. Make sure you consider though the financial situation. Please don't get another cat if the cat will not go to the vet like had happened to your current cat. It would not be fair. And also keep in mind that when you go off to college, if you have no job you will probably be very tight on money. I know I am. Almost all of my money goes to my dog and cat since I get them only the best food and so on. They live better than I do! Just a few things to consider.

[misscrosson]

Well, I'm not totally concered about money, I have that under control, I know for sure the next cat I get for sure will be taken to the vet and get it's shots, etc right away...

I feel bad for all of the cats and kittens that are in shelters, so for sure that will be the first place that I'll look.... plus then I'll know that I'm getting a healthy cat, other then a kitten that might be carrying a disease or what not, and put a big hole in my pocket trying to save it... just the wait on seeing if you get approved for the cat at the shelter is sooo long, but worth it in the end im sure!

[misscrosson]

Here's some pictures of my little angel... hehe, or rather devil at times.. :p

http://photobucket.com/albums/d30/misscrosson/

[blueberrybun]

She's so cute!!

Forgot to mention that the spay should also help with her attitude! Kitties get PMS just like we do!

[misscrosson]

Weird thing tho... just before, and during her being in heat, she's the nicest cat ever, very cuddly... lets anyone and everyone touch her, when she's at her best!.. lol

[blueberrybun]

Cats in heat will do that. They roll around on everything and love to be cuddled. Its just the unspayed cats can be very moody when they are not in heat. It is kinda the opposite as us. But when I say they have PMS like us i kinda just meant that they have mood swings. In heat the are adorable but when not in heat they can be mean. Not all are like that though.

[jojoalexis]

there is also a wonderful product on the market called petease or petcalm - it is a natural sedative that will relax her/ I would try this at home a few days before going anywhere - when you are home with her - and start out with a smaller amount than suggested

[igraine32511]

What a beautiful cat she is! I have an all-black kitten named Arthur who is about 2 months old...I LOVE black cats, they are so cool. Just wanted to tell you that if i were you, i'd focus on getting this cat the care that she needs, before you even think about getting another cat.

Good luck and take care!

--emily

[lyssiana]

Dont worry so much! The vet will know how to handle a testy feline. Also, I dont know how it is up there, but here in baltimore, sometimes you can get vets to make house calls. I am insane about cats being indoor only and my two older stripies are agoraphobes. ^^

Also, I know at this point I'm just repeating but getting her fixed might just improve her arritude problem.

And I am going to stress this, not that you will, but because it goes to my heart, if you do get a kitten, dont let it down. Do everything you have to for it. The vet, food, ect. I know people say cats are less work, but that isnt really true. Trust me, I have 4 of the little monsters. I have to lock them out of my bedroom to get a moments peace.

As far as fighting goes, if they do, let them. Unless the kitten is in danger. Cats need to work it out. When I got my greylings, my older cats acted like they were 80 pound terriers. It was awful for a short while, and then one day I walked in on them all sleeping together on my pillows.

Good luck!

[misscrosson]

My cat has two patches of white on her tummy.... and for sure before getting another kitten I'll be sure to be able to take care of it....

Well, I can't have vet calls here because the closes vet office is 3-4hrs away from here... I live in the bush kinda... lol in the middle of no where...

[lyssiana]

My cat has two patches of white on her tummy.... and for sure before getting another kitten I'll be sure to be able to take care of it....

Well, I can't have vet calls here because the closes vet office is 3-4hrs away from here... I live in the bush kinda... lol in the middle of no where...


My grey male has two patches of white too, one on his chest and one right above the business end on his belly.

I live in a city, the middle of no where sounds nice. Bummer about the vet call tho.