I’ve invested more in my cats than in my 401K.
Part 2 of vet visit. The bill. The one that made me faint.
My vet is not a bargain vet. I could find a cheaper one. But I’ve been to a few, and I’ve learned that the peace of mind that comes with having a vet you have complete confidence in and really like is worth its weight in gold. And I don’t just like my regular vet, either. I like the other vet in the office, and the staff as well. No one talks down to me, everyone patiently listens to my bazillion questions and my overanalyzing. I find that I like women docs more, too. I can probably chalk this up to the fact that I’ve only had interactions with 2 male vets and I didn’t feel like either of them were particularly affable. I’m sure there’s plenty of really awesome male docs. I just haven’t met them. In conclusion, when your cats are your children, nothing is more important. So I’ll happily pay a lil more for their care.
I’d expected a decent-sized bill. I just didn’t expect HOW much.
1. Exam. Expected.
2. Bloodwork. Expected. Not expected? Adding the charge to recheck Taco for FeLV and FIV. Suggested because one of his pupils was noticeably bigger than the other. Apparently, even kitties have been screened for this as babies, it’s recommended that they’re screened again 2 months after moving into forever home. Taco wasn’t, and either of these could be a cause for different sized pupils. This is where paying extra for a good vet comes in…Upon your kitty’s first visit, they take his or her picture for their records, as well as make a little laminated tag to put on the carrier. My vet compared the picture to the live Taco and noted that his pupils were fine in the pic. DETAILS. I LOVE THEM. I haven’t gotten the results back yet. Also another reason I love my vet? They’re super up on technology. They email.
3. Rabies vaccine. Expected. Don’t necessarily agree with this one, but it’s required for his kitty license and if we need to board them on vacay.
4. License. Forgotten about, but expected. Stupid, because they’ll never get out. Of course it’s possible, but my cats are terrified of the outside world. Twice the door has opened accidentally and not noticed for a few hours and no one went near it.
5. Kitty probiotics.
Ask your vet about this if your cat’s poop makes you gag.
Don’t laugh. Taco has the MOST rank-smelling poo in the world. It’s impossible for me to understand how he and Moosh eat the same thing but comes out SO much more foul from his ass. Adding the probiotics helps a bit. Worth the money. I promise.
6. Revolution.
Die, fleas, die.
Not expected. Was reminded it’s coming up on flea season again. Wish to avoid an invasion. And yes, I know there’s natural options for fleas but I’ve tried all of them, and trust me, they don’t work in Florida. It’s all dirt here, which is flea heaven.
7. Kitty food.
Urinary health cat food. Yay.
Taco’s stupid prescription food. I suppose it’s not horribly expensive but in my eyes, it is for crap food that’s not natural or organic or byproduct-free. But it helps him, so who am I to complain?
And that, my dears, is why Mommy is eating PB&Js for awhile. I never thought I’d spend so much on a vaguely healthy cat. Sigh.
Still waiting for my brats to start working. The slugs are sleeping at the moment.
Get up and make me money.
I’m about to send them out with resumes.
MEOW hear this! 
I feel your pain, sister. Really.
Another really great (awesome might be a better word) thing about Revolution is that it’s a one-stop shop kind of product for preventing fleas, heartworm disease, and several other parasites (as the box says.) Heartworm disease – even just one worm – can kill a cat. And, although heartworm disease is less common in cats than in dogs, it’s not something to f-around with. I use Revolution as well or Advantage Multi – both are Rx products because of the heartworm prevention component.
I’d also like to be a “green” momma all the time but it’s damn hard and, quite frankly, I just want to use what works. (and comes with a serious, for real, warranty should $hit go sideways.) FYI, if you’re interested in natural probiotics, check out Only Natural Pet Store: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/search.aspx?avs|Pet+Type=Cats&avs|Department=Supplements&avs|Supplement+Type=Probiotics
I’m very happy my vet recommended the Revolution…it really does work great and the extras are good for peace of mind too.
Thanks for the tip on the probiotics! I’m definitely going to get those when I’m out of the box I just bought. I hadn’t thought to look around for alternatives!
I think it would be easier to be straight green if we could communicate with them. But you’re right, I would rather go with what’s proven to work. Although I will say that the Vet’s Best flea spray is pretty damn good (but ain’t nobody happy when I spray em’ down). My mom’s house was infested and I sprayed it on my legs and amazingly, it kept the fleas off entirely.
I know where you’re coming from. I got our cats as a birthday gift from my brother, he got them from a rescue society. The first vet bill was over $900. Two spaying, two groups of shots, two check ups, two microchip and an over night stay for one after there were complications. I’m glad we could give them a home but I probably would have just gone to our local SPCA, for $60 you get a spayed kitty. My husband wasn’t impressed.
Yikes. $900! We got Moosh already fixed and vaccinated from a rescue org, and yup, $60. Not microchipped though. I know I should microchip them. Taco’s not either. He was free from a friend, she took in the prego momma and couldn’t keep them all. She found a home for one, then got attached to the other two, so she got everything done, but realized she couldn’t afford momma and two boys, so I was quite honored that she would entrust me with her baby. From what I hear, Taco and Zorro are two peas in a pod, so I don’t think her mental health could have afforded both of them anyway.
Still cheaper than children.
LOL….true that. We don’t have kids and while we battled with that idea when we were a bit younger (I divorced once in my 30’s), we missed the boat and people always tell us we were the smart ones. I don’t think they’re always joking either.
That was really awesome to be able to help your friend and give Taco a home. I imagine she was overjoyed and relieved he was going to a great home. Everything is overcharged here in Alberta, I think they assume everyone’s working in the stinky oil patch. yep, $450 clams each plus tax 😦
Wow, I guess I was lucky to get away with $378 for my yearly exam + mentioned add-ons.
It actually worked out perfectly, I was asking for another cat and the boyfriend wanted a tabby, so voila! Only stipulation was to name him Taco. He was originally Fernando so when I tell my friend (also a co-worker so I see her every day and we share a lot of stories) about him we refer to him as Fertaco.
Aren’t you IN your 30s?
Fertaco 😀
I was in my 30’s……20 years ago, LOL. This year I’ll be…. 5-2……oh man, I can’t even say it.
Wow. You look pretty damn good. No bullshit, would not have guessed. I sincerely hope I take after my mom, whose age I will not mention here out of respect but will only say she was 38 when she had me, but looks, in my opinion, probably about the age you claim to be. You go, girl!
😀 ok, I’ve got a really bad cold and I can barely taste this glass of wine I’m trying to enjoy 😀 so thanks, that made my day. I think age is a bit of an attitude, so you’re way ahead of the game, and I mean that in the nicest way.
I hope you’re mom reads here too, because you just made her really happy!