A Visit to the Vet

[Edwina's Secretary]

Tuxlover - sorry to be so long responding -- was gone for the holidays. I'm not sure what makes it different but certainly the catcentric "bedside manner" we encountered from vets and technicians alike, no dogs in the waiting room to get Edwina's blood pressure up. I will be a true believer when she goes in for her teeth cleaning. This has been a HORRIBLE experience for her in the past -- so bad last time I almost suspected abuse (on both parts!) I spoke with the cat vet about how they administer aenesthesia etc. and feel more comfortable. We'll see.

It is interesting though. This was one of the first cat clinics and was started by a woman vet many years ago. It supports four vets and the waiting room was full. Since then, other cat clinics has been established. A successful idea!

[Logan]

You know what, I think a cat's only vet has the advantage of one major thing, no barking dogs. I would imagine that the atmosphere is much calmer there. We have one nearby, and I would like to consider it, but right now, I trust Dr. Robinson too much to make a change.

BUT, I missed this post initially, and I can promise each of you that I feel your pain. That cartoon Pam posted over the weekend said it all. My Butter literally freaks at getting in the carrier, and takes every ounce of strength I have to force him in. In fact, I really need to people to do it right (and I don't have two people most times). Dr. Robinson has told me that if I ever can't catch him, we'll tranquilize him, then bring him in. Now someone just needs to tell me how to get a pill down that boy's throat!!!

The funny thing is that he turns into mush, literally, when he gets there. And like most of you, he goes right back into the carrier when its time to go home. Aren't they funny? Mimi, is such a nice patient. Her only problem is that her fur falls out by the handfuls!

I love this message thread. Can't believe I missed it for 6 days!

And Big Charles, it is nice to "meet" you. I have read two posts from you today, and somehow missed your "entrance" to Pet Talk. But I welcome you!!! Nice to have another "guy" around. I'm sure Spencer and Phred and some of the others will agree!

[ November 26, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]

[tuxluvr]

Logan, Ritz also goes into "autoshed" at the vet as well. She hardly sheds at all at home....you would think she was molting during a vet visit. Poor little stressed out kitty!

[Pam]

One day while apologizing to the vet for the heavy blanket of fur that was adorning his shiny silver table, deposited by my Trevor, he explained to me that stress causes intense shedding. That said, though both of my cats seem to take a vet visit in stride (once we get them in their carriers) it is very apparent to me now from their fur loss that do feel some stress. I guess they are just trying to live up to that old deodorant commercial, "never let them see you sweat" but the fur loss gives them away!

This is the cartoon Logan was referring to:



[ November 26, 2001: Message edited by: Pam ]

[Cynthia]

Vet visits cause my guys to both shed and sweat!! Apparently stress makes them sweat through their paws. They leave damp pawprints on the shiny steel table along with prodigious amounts of fur -- my vet said "yep, white coat syndrome!"

[catwoman]

The last two times I have taken the girls to the vet, Weezie has flattened herself against the very back wall of the carrier. Thelma (having no place further away to go) has proceeded to lie ON TOP of Weezie!