Cat OAP Health Check

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

When Harry had his claws clipped last week the vet nurse suggested he have full OAP health check with blood tests. I phoned up this morning to check the price and, including vaccinations, it will be £321.59 which I really can't afford!

Now I think everyone knows I would do anything for Harry and if he was ill or injured I would find the money without question. Is it necessary for him to 'be tested for absolutely everything you can think of' (vets words) though, especially when there's not a lot we can do as he's such a fussy eater and can't be pilled? The only problem he has is a cough which his usual vet is aware of and it bothers us more than him.

[Toddlerteaplease]

Snorg is outraged at Harry being described as an OAP!

[Toddlerteaplease]

I think if he's happy and well in himself if not go looking for problems.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Harry wasn't too keen either! I think I looked pretty outraged as the nurse told me he doesn't look his age!

His usual vet hasn't pushed for any tests at all and Harry is eating well, not drinking more than usual and isn't losing weight so I'm leaning towards leaving him (and my bank balance!) be.

This was him having his Sunday lie in.

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Has your vet turned into one of those mega vet franchises?

Harry look gorgeous as usual.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Not at all! I'm presuming the quote came from the very enthusiastic vet who want to test poor old William, who was a stray at that point, for everything. His usual vet is very live and let live and doesn't want to put him through too much.

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Thank goodness for that.

I reckon Harry should just be left alone to chill.

[Fluffycloudland77]

This is like those ads for full body mri so they can check you haven’t got cancer 🤦🏻‍♀️.

I wouldn’t put a well cat through those tests, it’s not exactly a fun day out for all the family is it?.

[seltaeb]

Even taking blood can be very traumatic for the cat, so if he seems fine I would leave it, except perhaps vaccinating against cat flu?

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I'm feeling happier about leaving him be now! My vet is amazing and we'll stick with him unless it's an emergency obviously. When he saw Harry about his cough he told us he doubts it'll ever go but there's no point putting him through tests.

We were told he had early CKD a few years ago and then that he was back to normal so that's probably the only test I'd let him to have, but even then I think what's the point as he won't eat renal food (even though the nurse did recommend I buy a starter pack for £80!) and won't take anything other than Ipakitine.

seltaeb, he's vaccinated every year and I'll continue with that but I'm going to let him enjoy his retirement without being poked and prodded around.

Fluffy, I hate the idea of putting him through tests, especially as I'm the person who immediately deleted the text from my GP inviting me for an over 40s health check!

[Toddlerteaplease]

You are never over 40! Thought you were about 35, certain older than me and I'm 38.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Toddler I love you! I'm 45 in a couple of weeks!

[Drivemybluecar]

Good grief. I would never pay that. I pay a monthly small fee to the vets. I get his pills and a six month check up on my 10 nearly 11 year old cat. I’m sorry I wouldn’t be paying that amount of money for that.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I'm glad it's not just me! As I said, if he was ill or injured I would pay it in a heartbeat but this seems to be looking for something wrong with him. The poor cat has had enough issues to last a lifetime without looking for more!

I looked at the healthy pet club but it wasn't worth it for us, as we couldn't have the same flea treatment and as we only worm him every 6-12 months (the vet agrees) it wasn't worth it.

[Allergictoironing]

Mine get a basic annual MoT when they have their jabs, but that just consists of hands run over, check ears, eyes & teeth, weight, temp, & listen to heart & lungs (going next week in fact).

Girlcat could tolerate more if absolutely necessary, but Boycat would probably totally freak (even more!) if it went further than that. As it is, he gets very distressed in the cage (panting, crying, shaking) and takes a few hours after coming home to get back to normal. I could never put him through any tests that weren't absolutely necessary.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Harry has that as well and he would tolerate more as he goes very limp when he's at the vet but I'm not prepared to put him through it.