What to do?

pinkneon · 04-25-2016, 08:45 AM

On Saturday I stayed over at my brother's house, and came back yesterday afternoon (feeding Sweep and the cat before I went). However, when I got back, I notied the cat had a slight blad patch on him. At first I wasn't too concerned as it was part of his fur that was all matted together, which had fallen off. After taking a closer look I notcied it looked infected - might be a cut or bite. This may well be the reason he was limping the other week, and though the vet treated him for a possible infection, he was sent home as he seemed to be ok. This morning, the area was weeping pus, only a little. Now, he's not techinally my cat (belongs to the whole family) and his owner is saying that instead of taking him to the vet (which was my idea) he would rather give the cat some sort of "homeopathic tablet" (usually meant for humans). I disagree, but he won't budge. I don't want the cat to get sick if an infection is left untreated. I don't know what the tablets are, or even if they will work in a cat, as they never work for humans! The owner of the cat used to be a doctor, but gives everyone homeopathic tablets, even though half the time they don't work.

My dilema is ... Should I just wait til he is next out and take the cat to the vet myself or not? I don't want to get into trouble, but I don't want the cat to suffer. Currently I have to stay here, so I'm concerned taking the cat to the vet could result in me being kicked out, meaning I would have nowhere to go! But at the same time I take the health and wellbeing of both people and animals very seriously, and think he should be seen by the vet. I do have the money, so that isn't an issue for me. I am unsure the reason why the owner won't take him to the vet ...

Pebbles82 · 04-25-2016, 08:57 AM

That does sound tricky. Maybe you could try and do both. Let the owner give the homeopathic remedy (it can't do any harm) and say you think you would like a vet check as well just to do a belt and braces approach. I agree with you, infections and septic things do need disinfecting or antibiotics if it's an infection. On the other hand homeopathic remedies can be effective for some things.

If it is just a septic looking scratch then it will probably heal on its own although might need bathing with a mild antiseptic or some antiseptic cream on. If it's a wound weeping pus then that really could do with looking at.

How is the cat behaving at the moment? Does she seem well in herself?

All I can suggest is some sweetly tactful diplomacy. Cook a nice dinner for the cat owner and then say how great it is they know about homeopathy and it could well sort things but they would be doing you a big favour if they let you take it to the vet as well which you are happy to pay for, because it would stop you worrying having the cat checked over and that although it is a belt and braces approach at least the cat will be sorted one way or another. And see what happens. And smile while asking

barley · 04-25-2016, 11:01 AM

Are you in the UK? If so I think perhaps you should gently remind the owner that he has a legal responsibility to seek veternairy care for his pet when he needs it, and failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Pebbles82 · 04-25-2016, 11:02 AM

Good point!

pinkneon · 04-25-2016, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barley

Are you in the UK? If so I think perhaps you should gently remind the owner that he has a legal responsibility to seek veternairy care for his pet when he needs it, and failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Tried this over dinner, as that is when they are usually in the best mood, to be told that it's "unfair for the cat to have treatement from the vet!" At which point I had to leave the table because I was so angry! They are out all day tomorrow, so I think I will at least call the vet, if only to get advise, especially as whilst we were having dinner the cat had diarreah!
It looks like a sort of adcess that may have burst or something. If he was my cat I'd have cut that lump of fur off him before as it was bothering him, and then taken him if it had been infected ... I just hope I don't get told off for ringing the vet!

barley · 04-25-2016, 11:22 AM

Poor cat - totally respect you're in a very difficult situation but abscesses are so so painful and cats are incredible at hiding pain!

Are you a minor? If not, can't you just take the cat to the vet yourself?

Pebbles82 · 04-25-2016, 11:46 AM

That sounds a bit strange. Why is it unfair for the cat to have treatment from the vet? I think just take the cat to the vet. You can always say it collapsed and it was an emergency - a sort of white lie.

CMB · 04-25-2016, 11:52 AM

All calls to the RSPCA are confidential. If needs must you could report them, so an inspector comes out to see the cat and makes them take it to a vet or face fines etc.

It's a hard call to make as they are family and are letting you stay with them.

pinkneon · 04-25-2016, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

That sounds a bit strange. Why is it unfair for the cat to have treatment from the vet? I think just take the cat to the vet. You can always say it collapsed and it was an emergency - a sort of white lie.

No idea ... Not sure if they are thinking that it's very expensive, or that they honestly believe their homeopathic remedy will solve everything. Or maybe he is concerned that as the cat is quite old he could get really sick and we might have to get him pts. Either way I don't think it's a very responsible attitude! I'll ring the vet in the morning and get some advice. I can always take him to an RSPCA vet if I can find one, as this won't cost as much as a vet. But if the vet tells me to take him in then I will, even if it means Sweep and I have to leave here!

pinkneon · 04-25-2016, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMB

All calls to the RSPCA are confidential. If needs must you could report them, so an inspector comes out to see the cat and makes them take it to a vet or face fines etc.

It's a hard call to make as they are family and are letting you stay with them.

But if that happen would I loose Sweep? I've heard stories where people have called about another person in the household's animal, and they've lost ALL the animals!