Posted on 06/28/2006 9:00:54 PM PDT by Huntress
Dear FReeper animal lovers:
I have a dilemma regarding my cat and could use some advice. I have had Norman the cat for six years and he is a very beloved pet and companion. He got sick this morning, and my vet says he must have surgery or he will die. Here is the problem: the vet quoted me a price of $1800 (yes, $1800) for Norman's treatment; this includes what he has already done in an attempt to cure the cat without surgery, the surgery itself, and care after the surgery. $1800 is a tremendous amount of money but still within the bounds of what I can afford (barely). If I pay for the surgery, it is going to hurt financially. If I have the vet put Norman down, I think I will feel guilty about it forever.
My parents and many of my friends think I'm out of my mind for even considering spending this much money on a cat. What would you do if you were me?
I have a couple of 16 year olds eating Purina One for Seniors. One of them had Urinary track problems before I switched.
I spent $800 on hip surgery for a youngster that cot hit by a car. I honestly don't know what I would have done if it had been $1800. I think it would depend on the chances of a long and healthy life.
Good for you and Normal! Keep us up-to-date on his recovery. And take some pictures!
I have a 24-yo cat.
I spend $100 a month on her meds and around $1200 a year for doctor visits.
I would pay triple that if I had to.
BUT. I don't have kids. Thank God I don't have to choose between my cat and my kids.
consider the facts....it's a cat.
LOL! I have seen my boy in similar poses. He's such a ham, but a big lover. My big black was actually a feral kitten. He was found during a blizzard nearly frozen to death near the dumpster where I worked. He was rushed to the vet, thawed, and went wild. I took him home and within 2 days, he was like putty in my hands. Been one of the most loving cats I've ever had.
God bless you. Once you take on an animal, you take on a sacred trust.
I will say a prayer for Norman (and you) tonight that your relationship continues for many, many years.
I meant to say Norman who's now normal!
Well, bless his little heart. I'm really happy things turned out so well for him and you. I lost my Georgie in Jan. 1999 after 8 years of bliss together (no one else could stand her, she was so spoiled and conceited - she had six toes, I've been told that's a good luck sign), my heart still breaks and I haven't found a replacement, other than my four grandsons. I'm glad your situation turned around!
Great news. Great thread. Lots of good advice all around to consider. I am happy to hear the prognosis is good.
Romeo, our older cat has features similar to your cat. He adopted us when he was around 2 years old (he is 12 now). He kept finding his way into our home and settling down in the living room. He had a royal blue collar on so we knew he had a family elsewhere. We took him to the vet and posted signs around the neighborhood, but no one claimed him. So we stayed with us.
We got Tommy a few years after Romeo. They fought for about an hour and then became best of friends. The two of them remind me of the odd couple. Romeo seems to be a very proper sort and is easily offended. Tommy is the opposite- all brute, barrel chested, and quite a hog at the dinner table.
Best of luck, and get well soon, Norman.
I'm so glad to hear that! Prayers for you and Norman (still!)
"I have a 24-yo cat."
When I was a kid we had a cat that lived until long after I had moved away...28 years...would have lived longer but my sister ran over her with the car. She was deaf and blind (the cat, not my sister but that could be debated) and she still insisted on going outside and wandering around in the yard. Unfortunately she could not hear my sister start her car...anyway...she was otherwise healthy to the end.
Wow -- 28 years!!
My cat is 100% indoors. So I can hope for the best... :)
Good for you one your decision. Best of luck with the payments, and hope your cat recovers completely.
Wonderful news about Norman. I hope you will have many happy years ahead.
I spent $800.00 on a stray I found that had been hit by a car. I took him home, nursed him back to health, had myself a new pet, until the first lightening storm when he jumped the fence in fright never to be seen again.
If I had it to do over again, I would. Grit your teeth and pay for the surgery. Norman is a member of your family, he would do it for you if your situation were switched.
Only you can make such a decision but..., as much as we might love our pets, there comes a time when they must be dispatched. Having had to personally do so (personally..., not through a vet...), you never forget them but hope that you have done the right thing!
It is as close to playing God as we shall ever become...
Welcome back :) Thanks for the ping.
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