What do I DO??? Kind man but stupid owner...#15 positive update

[Medusa]

Get permission from his girlfriend and also the cash to pay for the vet visit but when they come back from their trip, sit this guy down and let him know that George may be really sick. If he's as nice as you say, clueless or not, I'd tell him in plain English that George needs to go to the vet for further testing NOW. It may be something as simple as getting older that's causing George to lose weight or it could be thyroid and a couple of pills a day could handle the problem. I have difficulty believing that some people are clueless. Most times they just don't want to deal w/what may happen b/c the cat has done so well for so long w/o vet treatment. Good luck, Candace, and keep us posted, please.

[moosmom]

I agree with what Mary says.

[catmandu]

There are some people to whom a Cat is an Animal and if they get well
thats fine, if they die then they get a New Cat
I hope Candace that you can help poor old George as much as possible.

[Anikaca77]

I agree with what Mary says. Poor George. I hope he can see a vet soon.

Melissa

[Catty1]

Well, I guess my gal friend had no time to check her email.

One thing I could do is report to Animal Control here regarding neglect. That's a last resort.

I'll just be really good to Georgie boy.

[Catty1]

I talked to this guy's GF and here is her email to me today:

Hi Candace,
I spoke with G___ last night and he doesn't want George to go to the vet. He is adamant about this, but did say that if it looks like George is getting worse he will consider it. I know Garry well enough that it is no use trying to convince him if his mind is made up.
In the meantime, i will buy some of the tartar control treats you mentioned before (greenies). George is actually doing better than he was 6 months ago - eating well and able to climb stairs more easily. I do appreciate your concern, and will talk to Garry again if George's health appears to be worsening.

I replied and thanked her twice for trying):

The best price for Greenies I have seen at Zellers - but Pet Planet here in town is pretty good too (over near Shoppers). If you are in a pet store, ask about drops that are added to water to help tartar. There are several about. Lastly - I hear that filtered water is really great for bladder and for teeth. There is a Brita pitcher at the 2nd hand store for $8.00 and President's Choice filters work great as well as being cheaper than Brita! :-)

Also - pet medical research used to think that kidney cats needed LOW protein diets. Apparently that is not the case, as long as the food is high-quality protein. Two Canadian brands I have used are Origen and Now (the latter has an umlaut over the o). Pet stores often have samples. If George likes it (it can have warm water on it so George can eat it), that may help put a bit of weight on him. "Now" may also come in a wet formula. These products have no grains in them, which is why they are high in protein. Wellness and Natura have grain free wet...and these foods, wet and dry, will have other vitamins in them.

No food at a vet's is grain-free, and my vet totally approves of my using grain-free food with my guys. They do well on it - TOO well! lol - and this food also changes the pH of their urine so crystals can't form.

So...that's all we can do for now. I hope drops in the water (and George drinks lots) might help loosen or dissolve the tartar over time...cause that's the only option. George LOVES treats, so Greenies and maybe some Medi-Treats will help remove tartar as they are hard treats).

Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. Keep a few coming, ok?

[Taz_Zoee]

I think it is strange that he is "adamant" on not taking George to the vet. Is it that he doesn't want to face the fact that he might be really sick? Or is there something else (like he's not his cat and he poofed him years ago)?
Well, I hope the GF will take your advice and suggestions to at least help George in the meantime to be comfortable. And I hope you can eventually get through to your friend/neighbor to get George to the vet.
Good luck!!