Why do some cat owners delay vet visits for sick cats, asking online?

I'm not sure what Sandy needs to be treated for, and I'm sorry if you posted a previous question that I did not see. User questions are not linked, so if there was more information in another question, I did not see. Please post again with more information about her so we can help you.

Hello! As a cat mom (of older cats as well!) I know how it feels to worry if they are sick or not! I can tell you that it is always better to be safe than sorry. Don't ever feel bad for worrying about your pets! If you are concerned, then you should take your cat to see your vet! The thing about cats... they are really good at hiding their pain and their illness! So if you, an obviously very in tune with your cat, owner, feels like your cat does not feel well, then you are probably right! Trust your gut! I hope your baby feels better soon and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions! I'm always available for consultations!

Hello. Would your mom feel the same way if the patient in question were a newborn, an invalid, an elderly dementia patient, all people that may not be able to self-advocate for themselves. Pets NEED people to advocate for them. Yes, a procedure or test might be uncomfortable or painful in the short-term, but pain medications can substantially increase the comfort for our pet patients. Unfortunately, the cost of tests & procedures may be more than your family can spare. Continue to advocate & lobby for Mila's care & perhaps she will be willing to go the next step to find out what might be wrong with her. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your cat was very ill and really took a turn for the worse suddenly. It is really quite hard to say whether or not it was too late on this one. Cats are very stoic creatures and sometimes it is not easy to pick up on signs of illness or these signs may not be easily noticed. If it was FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), cats with this disease can become sick very quickly and typically will not make it past a week after diagnosis. The presence of a tumor can have vague signs but can end rapidly depending on what time of tumor so it can be hard to say for sure. It sounds like you did everything you could for him at the time. Sometimes things do worsen and progress rapidly despite all efforts. You certainly did the right thing to bring him into a veterinarian. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

CJ really needs a vet visit when you can manage it. In older cats hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease are possibilities and require bloodwork to diagnose. The good news is many of the conditions can be treated or managed but you need a diagnosis in order to determine the best treatment. Some areas may have low cost clinics or many vets accept Care credit http://www.carecredit.com/apply/ I would contact local humane societies to see if they can offer any suggestions. Some have programs that may help with vet bills. Good luck and thank you for using PetCoach.

I'm sorry to hear that Sabbath is so sick. Pale gums, lethargy, and a fast heart rate may be signs of anemia, or a low red blood cell count. This could be due to a flea infestation, infectious diseases, or cancer. Sabbath really must be seen by a vet. Aside from treating a flea infestation at home (if one exists), there really isn't anything you can do at home to manage clinical signs this severe. Try to ask your vet if they accept payment plans or have other financing options available.

Unfortunately there may not be anything you can do for Matt at home except to try to offer him tasty foods and encourage him to eat and drink. The fact that he has lost weight indicates that he may have an ongoing disease process. Many things can cause weight loss including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, parasites, cancer and other causes as well. The only way to know for certain what is happening is if physical exam and blood work. Other diagnostics may also be needed. Most health conditions are best addressed early and need to be for the best prognosis. You may look into financing with a company like Care Credit or Scratch Pay. You can go online to find information about these companies and requirements. Certainly try to get a ride from friends and family. Other services may also be available like rideshare. I hope this helps and best of luck.