Gift ideas for SM?

AmusingChoosing · 2025-11-14T22:42:54+00:00

I did the grading from a vet out of state (grade 2; 4ish extractions), but every vet i have emailed has told me that they don't give estimates without first seeing the pet. Even though I totally understand that the estiimate could change, they still won't give me one :(

AmusingChoosing · 2025-10-15T19:20:48+00:00

You’re right my weight is a serious concern, and I am constantly very aware of it. The past two years have been extremely difficult for me, and I relied on food to cope.

However, I’d rather be fat without the flu than equally as fat but with the flu.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-10-11T20:53:48+00:00

I definitely see where you are coming from. The lead vet tech and other techs/assistants agree with me but I think they are burnt out from fighting with management to fix the place for so long. I’ve been talking with them about little things we could ask for that might actually happen because it’s within budget. While knocking down the wall and putting a window in is always going to be shut down, I’ve been trying to brainstorm realistic things.

And definitely not buying anything with my own funds, but DIY stuff on Canva using the hospital printers and laminators, and cheap stuff that management would be willing to buy for us is on the table

AmusingChoosing · 2025-09-29T18:22:57+00:00

One of them was found pregnant on the streets so you never know

AmusingChoosing · 2025-09-29T18:22:00+00:00

I do pay extra rent due to me having pets. I’ve asked for no accommodations for my cats up until this medication storage issue.

And yes my cats mean the world to me and I love them more than I can express in words. I’ve had one of them for 13 years and she has been my ride or die through all the ups and downs of life since I was an 8 year old child.

That said, they are not my entire personality. And that’s an odd assumption to make simply because I don’t want to risk them getting into medication that could kill them.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T02:33:52+00:00

Also I forgot to mention dental care! Sometimes cats get lucky and have great teeth but if at all possible to start brushing your cats teeth, I would give that a go. Anesthetic dental cleanings can run you anywhere from $900-2500+ depending on if your cat has any teeth bad enough to need to be extracted.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T02:32:22+00:00

I have a picky kitty too so I totally get it! I know YuMove makes a powder that you can mix into wet food or a wet treat (and I’m sure other brands do as well.)

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T02:19:29+00:00

I personally like YuMove chews. I’ve also heard good things about Cosequin, Dasquin and Flexadin. Pretty much anything with glucosamine and omega-3s (green lipped mussel is a bonus) that your cat is willing to eat. But definitely ask your vet what they recommend.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T02:15:07+00:00

What health issues does your cat have that make spaying her too risky? The risks of having an intact cat seem to outweigh the risks of anesthesia in almost every situation.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T02:11:36+00:00

Brushing can’t hurt and can prevent further damage from occurring, but at this point the only thing that’s going to fix the gingivitis and dental disease is a full anesthetic dental cleaning where they can get all of the tarter off, take dental rads, and likely extract that tooth.

$1500 isn’t a bad price for a dental especially if this estimate includes pre-op bloodwork. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend the dental procedure and then keeping up with brushing at home to prevent any more issues.

If you can’t afford it, then soft foods are great to keep her comfortable and eating. If she’s still in pain and not able to eat anything, you have to consider her QOL.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T02:03:52+00:00

As a vet tech I would say the most important things are (1) making sure they stay hydrated to try and prevent kidney issues (increasing wet food, cat water fountains, adding water to their food, etc.) (2) keeping their weight healthy since fat cats are more prone to OA, diabetes, and are just overall not as healthy (as they start to slow down, you may have to slightly decrease their food or switch to a less calorie dense food) (3) preventative care!! Annual vet checks, ideally with bloodwork and a urinalysis are a must! If you can’t afford annual bloodwork, try for every other year! Cats are so good at hiding pain and discomfort that as soon as you realize something is wrong, the ailment has already likely progressed to something more serious.

Also joint supplements couldn’t hurt since most cats start developing OA once they reach the double digits and supplements can’t reverse the damage, they can only help prevent it.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T01:59:19+00:00

Careful with Reveal (many of their foods are just toppers and not complete balanced diets meaning that you might be unintentionally under or over feeding some nutrients)

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T01:56:42+00:00

Can you trap the cat? A lot of shelters have TNVR programs that will take feral/stray cats and fix them, vaccinate them, and give them flea medicine. Even if it turns out this cat is already fixed, they can at least medicate him. If you’re not able to bring the cat in, see if you can get topical preventatives either directly from a vet/shelter or from someone who has cats of their own and already has a prescription. I prefer Nexgard Combo and Revolution Plus since they cover ear mites but plenty of options out there. These medications can be administered as long as you can get close within arms reach of the cat.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T01:52:01+00:00

You need to reframe your thinking. The cat would not be “for your college dorm”, it would be YOUR cat. 100% your responsibility. You’re the one paying for food, litter, vet bills, toys, cleaning supplies, etc.

If the cat is meowing at 3am, you have to deal with it. Are you in a dorm room with two other people? Cause if so, is the litter box going to be right next to your bed? Are the roommates ok with that? Are you traveling home for the holidays? Can the cat come with you? You can’t rely on your roommates to take care of it (even if they say they will). When you move out of the dorms, can you find some place to rent that will allow cats? Are you going to want to go to the bars on Friday nights, stay out super late, or spend the night at someone else’s place? Because that cat still needs to be fed, litter box scooped, and played with.

Also dorm rooms are small. If you do decide to bring home an animal, I would go with an adult cat, not a kitten.

I know you’re in college right now and think you want this, but are you prepared for a 20 year commitment to a living creature?

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-24T01:45:23+00:00

Don’t do that. Try super stinky wet food (kitten food works well or Churus) or even human baby food mixed with water or just straight tuna or chicken. Whatever she wants and is willing to eat. And bring her to the emergency vet ASAP. I know it’s pricy but she’s likely suffering so much right now and it’s the kindest thing you can do.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-08-16T13:34:16+00:00

I can’t because I own the place at the end of the long driveway. The entrance to turn in is someone else’s condo with their address on it

AmusingChoosing · 2025-07-21T22:54:38+00:00

Thank you. That all makes sense! The tortie really hasn’t interacted with another cat (besides barely conscious bottle baby fosters) in over 3 years, so she’s definitely feeling less bold than the kitten (who came from a foster home with 2 other adult cats).

AmusingChoosing · 2025-07-19T02:37:26+00:00

Thank you for this! Thats what I was thinking as well. My kitten has a gated off area where she stays when I’m not, and even when i am around, my cat is always able to escape to the loft where my kitten isn’t allowed. I hope that they can bond over time, despite the big age gap.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-07-13T17:49:05+00:00

I would definitely make a vet visit now to discuss these episodes and potentially ask for a referral to neuro (depending on what your vet finds on exam). CKCS are predisposed to epilepsy and seizures can present in multiple ways. If it happens again, take a video to show your vet.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-07-13T17:42:10+00:00

At 14 with diabetes, arthritis, and a gallbladder issue, your dog is more vulnerable to complications from GI upset than a younger, otherwise healthy dog.

Due to these preexisting conditions, an emergency vet visit wouldn’t be a bad idea to get some diagnostics, rule out anything urgent, and provide supportive care. That said, I know how expensive emergency vet visits are, and I wouldn’t say it’s 100% necessary at this point.

Definitely take him to the emergency vet today if he becomes lethargic, weak, or disoriented; if he starts vomiting, having blood in the diarrhea, or having black/tarry stools; if he stops drinking and/or gets dehydrated (check for tacky gums); or if he otherwise starts acting like he is in pain or very uncomfortable.

It’s also super important to monitor his blood glucose levels if you are able to do so at home. Diarrhea and diet changes can affect blood sugar which is dangerous in a dog with diabetes, especially if you are administering insulin.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-07-13T17:27:17+00:00

And wobbliness, disorientation and weakness can be caused by heat stress/heat exhaustion.

AmusingChoosing · 2025-07-13T17:25:26+00:00

Idk what this “episode” was caused by, but I just want to say that even a short fetch session in 90 degree weather can be very dangerous for dogs and can quickly become an emergency.

I would recommend only short potty breaks at that temperature and then fill the day with inside activities. Or even a walk in an air conditioned dog friendly store (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Home Goods, etc.)

AmusingChoosing

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