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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be really upset about my cat and the PDSA

44 replies

Tobythecat · 10/08/2018 08:59

Please be kind - I have autism and I'm aware I may be overreacting but i'm just really upset.

My lovey cat has had to have his teeth cleaned and possibly some removed, so took him to the PDSA. My cat is my baby and I love him so much. I was hoping the vet would be really nice to put me at ease.

As soon as I walked in and the receptionist took my details - she spoke to me like a piece of shit. When the vet called my cat to take him into the cages - she called me into a little room, put a paper collar on the cat, then took him into the back and brought back his empty carrier. The vet was very abrupt and didnt say anything, completely cold and as I left, said that the procedure was expensive and to please not just give a fiver as they would go under (I was planning on giving £40 or £50).

My poor cat had been sick in the carrier and sprayed all over the house before I left as he was terrified. He looked so afraid as she took him into the back.

Now i'm just really upset and worried about my poor cat. I hope they comfort him and are kind to him. I'm sat here crying because I won't be able to pick him up until 4 or 5pm (they will ring me when he is ready).

OP posts:

elessar · 11/08/2018 10:32

Ah so only the rich should have the luxury of pets?

In general my view would be that people shouldn't get a pet if they can't afford their care without support. A pet is a luxury/privilege, like a holiday or a big TV - not a right. So in my opinion it's not terribly responsible to get an animal knowing your circumstances don't allow you to independently fund their care.

There is a difference I think when someone's circumstances change and that's where the veterinary charities are invaluable.

The above is not a comment on the OP as I don't know her circumstances, just my personal point of view.

YeTalkShiteHen · 11/08/2018 10:38

There is a difference I think when someone's circumstances change and that's where the veterinary charities are invaluable

Anyone’s circumstances can change.

cloudyweewee · 11/08/2018 10:41

Lovely to hear that your precious kitty is now back with you, OP. Mine also hates going to the vets so I know how distressed they can get.

viques · 11/08/2018 10:50

yetalkshitehen

With respect that is not what elessar meant. A lot of people do take on animals without realising the expense of them, they don't for example get their cats or dogs spayed or neutered because of the perceived cost , this then leads to unwanted litters. Other people don't make proper arrangements for their animals to be cared for if they go away. They don't have their animals vaccinated which leads to illness and infection of other animals.

A lot of people think that if you buy food and provide water then that is it as far as pet owning responsibilities go. I am not saying that this is the case for the OP, but it is the case for a great many unhappy, poorly looked after animals with irresponsible or thoughtless owners.

YeTalkShiteHen · 11/08/2018 10:52

With respect that is not what elessar meant. A lot of people do take on animals without realising the expense of them, they don't for example get their cats or dogs spayed or neutered because of the perceived cost , this then leads to unwanted litters. Other people don't make proper arrangements for their animals to be cared for if they go away. They don't have their animals vaccinated which leads to illness and infection of other animals

Without knowledge of OPs circumstances it wasn’t really the thread to post that on though was it? I knew what it meant, I’m not stupid, but it was unnecessary on this thread.

I’m just sick fed up of people thinking they know it all and bashing people who need to access free services, it’s rife on here this week and really pissing me off.

charlestonchaplin · 11/08/2018 11:40

Ah so only the rich should have the luxury of pets? Or those with a lump sum in the bank? What about redundancy, divorce, relationship breakdown?

Or should anyone who isn’t independently minted just not be allowed an animal?

It's cruel to have an animal when you can't meet its basic needs. And I bet these people love to blather on about how much they love their animals and how they don't trust people who don't love animals (like they do, presumably). That's not love. That's using an animal to selfishly meet your own needs. It's selfish whether you can afford it or not but more so when you can't. Sorry, I don't see owning an animal as a human right. The thread has moved on from purely considering the OP's situation.

YeTalkShiteHen · 11/08/2018 11:41

It's cruel to have an animal when you can't meet its basic needs

OP can and has.

The thread has moved on from purely considering the OP's situation

Only because self important posters felt the need to derail with irrelevant virtue signalling of no relevance to the OP.

VinoISVeritas · 11/08/2018 11:52

Or you could just be kind to people, and not be an aggrandising prick, as your post suggests you are.

Birdsgottafly · 11/08/2018 11:56

Pets are invaluable to some people, especially to people with Autism and such conditions.

However, I used to be a support worker and occasionally used to take pets to the PDSA, or accompany the person to do so. It used to be full of Pensioners, who again, their Pet is a source of comfort and companionship and without a Pet, they would be using other Services more.

Children benefit from Pets, especially those in poorer circumstances.

I've noticed the last few years that the PDSA is being filled up with Chihuahuas and French Bull Terriers etc, all costing at least £500-£1500 and the owners are turning up with Family members (who are probably the one's getting benefits) in decent cars.

I was in there last week and i harshly judged someone who appeared to be a drinker, looked scruffy and was with a bull terrier type dog. He gave a sizable donation and handed in what had been appealed for (paper towels/tuna).

But those with the designer dogs, in expensive clothes come and go without giving anything.

I can understand the change in attitude of the Staff, but they should be polite.

Buswankeress · 11/08/2018 12:02

I wondered how long it would take for someone to start digging at the fact it's free veterinary care. Other than the donation the OP made of course.
So what? It's better than the animal not being treated at all, or being left feral, or in a shelter or pts because it can't find a home.
I've never had to use the services of the PDSA, I have insurance for my horse (who are robbing bastards to be honest and will happily take your £50 a month and then think up a hundred reasons why they can't pay out, forcing me to take them to the ombudsman)
And I've had routine stuff done with the dogs, but because I'm experienced and have applied myself to learn about the animals I have, I can prevent many things and treat minor things the same way I would if it were me. And then seek veterinary advice or treatment where needed.
And I'm not overly sentimental either, I won't keep a suffering animal alive and put it through treatment when it's likely to lead to a poor quality of shortened life. So I don't need millions in the bank.
If however, my circumstances change (which can happen to anyone) I'd use the PDSA to ensure my animal got what it needed.

Willow2017 · 11/08/2018 12:21

I must be very lucky indeed. In 30 years i have never met a rude vet who hasnt been civil and absolutely sympathetic to me or my family when we visit whatever the reason with a variety of pets. (They were and are also great with the pets too)

Never used pdsa though.

Original poster

Tobythecat · 11/08/2018 18:38

There's always one privileged twat that has to give their 2p worth. My cat is adopted and has a lovely life being spoiled by me - he is an older cat who is probably much happier living with just me than being in a shelter and overlooked because of his age. We have helped each other and god forbid I rely on a charity to help care for him when he is unwell.

OP posts:

YeTalkShiteHen · 11/08/2018 18:48

How is he doing now OP?

POPholditdown · 11/08/2018 19:03

Glad he’s better OP. I generally love my vet practice but even they have a couple of staff who are rude. There is one who always talks to me like shit when she tells me I have an outstanding balance, but never manages to read a bit further to see it’s an insurance claim.

I’m also not sure why some posters are having a go for using the PDSA for its intended purpose. It’s irrelevant telling the OP some people shouldn’t have pets, when the OP doesn’t seem to be one of those people.

NotGoodAtMakingFriends · 11/08/2018 19:03

The vet sounds very rude! I don't blame you for being upset!

Hope your cat is ok today.

Original poster

Tobythecat · 11/08/2018 19:21

My boy is happy to be home . He had sardines when he came home last night and wolfed them down. Today he isn't eating as much - I suspect the pain meds have worn off and he is in a bit of pain.

OP posts:

YeTalkShiteHen · 11/08/2018 19:22

Oh bless him I bet he enjoyed the sardines!
I’m sorry he’s sore today, hopefully he’s back to himself tomorrow!

MrsChollySawcutt · 11/08/2018 21:25

My oldest DCat has terrible teeth and had a similar procedure a few months ago, a full dental clean and three teeth out with stitches in his gums in two places.

He had painkillers for a week afterwards and antibiotics after his 5 day checkup so keep an eye on him OP, He was quite subdued for a good couple of weeks but was fine after that.

In all the treatment cost me £620 but he's so much better now. It really is one of the more expensive cat treatments, the vet was probably trying to let you know that but it came out in an abrupt way.

LEMtheoriginal · 11/08/2018 21:34

The cost of a dental with extractions where i work can be in the region of £400 - i shit you not!

The Op cannot afford this and i am pleased the pdsa were able to help. They absolutely should nit have made her feel guilty for this. Peoples circumstances change and it is good that folk can still benefit from reduced price vet treatment.

Its when people rock up with the latest designer breed puppy expecying free treatment that it becomes galling

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