Saturday was Sassy’s 3rd Birthday and 1st Anniversary of her joining our family. The first thing we did to celebrate?! We took a trip to the vet! Don’t worry – she’s fine. It was just time for her yearly check up, and unfortunately for her it was scheduled on her birthday. I know, I know…. what were you thinking, MOM?!? Anyway, she did well for most of the time. She wasn’t fond of the car ride over there, but once she got into the exam room she had a good time exploring and getting treats from the vet.
This was just the second time I’ve been to this vet (the first time was with Caster when he had an entire nail sheath stuck in his eye). We switched vets recently, so I am still trying to get a feel for whether or not I like this one. Seeing how this vet would be with Sassy and what she would say about FIV was going to be a huge indicator of whether or not we would continue seeing her. I’ve already had one bad experience with a vet giving me terrible information about FIV, and I didn’t want another one. The visit got off to a shaky start. The vet tech came in to weigh Sassy and ask about how she was doing (she already knew she was FIV+ because I told them that when I made Sassy’s appointment). Then she asked me if I knew for sure if Sassy had FIV or if she had just been vaccinated against FIV, as vaccinated cats will test positive for life. If you’ve read our post about the FIV vaccine or if you’ve read anything about the vaccine at all, then you know that there is NO way to tell if a cat actually has the virus or if they have been vaccinated. I politely questioned her, and she confidently assured me that there was a blood test that could be done that would determine the difference. She left the room, and I was left thinking that it was time to find another vet… again!
*Begin rant: What is with vet techs being so uneducated and giving out bad information?! In this case, the incorrect information would only result in someone wasting $150 on a blood test that would just again tell them that their cat is FIV+. But a tech at the vet’s office I called when we first rescued Sassy told me that I should just put her down, and then an actual vet told me that Sassy had AIDS, would probably live a few years more, and should just be kept outside. Giving out bad information like this is so incredibly dangerous! Thankfully I didn’t listen to those people, but others might! This is why education and awareness about FIV and other diseases like this is so very important. It could literally mean the difference between life and death. The fact that there are veterinary professionals out there giving such terrible advice is just scary. I understand that there is so much to know and that one person can’t be expected to know everything, but if you don’t actually know about something then just admit it and refer the patient to someone who does! End rant*
Thankfully the vet came in a few minutes later and the first thing she said was, “There is no test that will tell you if Sassy has FIV or if she has been vaccinated.” Phew. At least the vet knows what she’s talking about. She then went on to say that none of the vets in or around where we live will even administer the FIV vaccine, and as Sassy was found as a stray here, chances are she really is FIV+ and wasn’t just vaccinated. Oh well, I wasn’t worried about that anyway. Moving on. Overall, the vet said Sassy is doing really well and is healthy. However, her back teeth have some tartar build up and there is some gum inflammation, so she recommended that Sassy have a dental cleaning done sometime within the next six months. I was afraid that would be the case – dental issues are very common with FIV+ kitties, so I wasn’t surprised. So after Christmas, we will be scheduling a dental for Sassy girl.
Okay, Sassy’s telling me that I need to get on to the good stuff. Okay, okay, okay…
When we got home, the real celebration began. Sassy got to open her present……
A BRAND NEW SCRATCHING POST!!!
The Ins & Outs of FIV
The FIV Vaccine: What You Need to Know
FIV+ Cats CAN Live with FIV- Cats: 7 Real-Life Stories of Peaceful, Happy, & Healthy Coexistence
Sassy would like to especially thank Dezi, Lexi, and Mom Audra from Deziz World for this beautiful birthday card. It really made her feel special. Thanks, girls.
What an awesome scratching post! That, and some (make that a bunch of) treats should just about make up for the birthday vet visit.
Oh no! Vet appointment on birthday! Haha, but it’s definitely great that Sassy is no longer alone on the street, she has pawrents to take care of her and make sure she stays healthy. And the present! What a pawsome scratching post! Looks like she is enjoying it a lot 🙂
I understand the rant. Unfortunately, I’ve also found some technicians and vets are not always reliable. But some poeple believe their words because those words are from specialists in this field.
I did not know so much about FIV+ kitties until I read your posts. Thank you for all your information and I hope more and more poeple are aware of facts (and real facts) about FIV+ kitties!
Well at least the Vet shows some positive signs. I totally agree with your rant. That’s why the most important thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge and then be a super patient advocate for your critters.
At least you are clued up on FIV!! It says alot these days that the “general public” need to be educated about so much that professionals should already know!!
That scratching post is awesome!! We laughed and laughed at The Sassinator’s efforts on the old one!! xoxox
Sassy, I’m so glad you got through your check-up (what WAS your Mom thinking??? On your birthday???) and got a badly needed new scratching post. Wow, you sure shredded that old one, didn’t you?
It is discouraging when the people who should be in the know about certain facts, aren’t! Especially when there are always people who will take whatever the “experts” say at face value and won’t question it. This can be disastrous for kitties who are FIV+! Hopefully people will become more and more educated about the facts of FIV+ cats and more will be embraced into loving families.
Sassy, good job on the old post…now get going on that fabulous new one! 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
Oh my we missed Sassy’s Birthday! Sorry pretty girl. Seems like Mom has it taken care of.
Timmy
We just had a friend call about her neighbor who took her cat to the emergency vet for a fever. That is what the answering service said to do so… When we found out the cat was still there 3 days later it was like “Check, never use that emergency vet” Ended up Fever or Unknown Origin. Big help after 4 days 3 nights.
Ah well that is my rant
Dad Pete
take a cat to a
I, like you, have had that same issue with vets. Sadly I fell prey to bad information more than once. It is disgusting that they aren’t more ‘with it’
A Beautiful scratchy post present. Boy, sure did look like you needed a new one too! Rant away, please. Our mom’s been around the block with some of those kinds of vet techs too. Thank you for sharing! Purrs….
Wow ! What a pawsome scratching post ! Have fun ! Purrs
What a cool scratching post! It looks like a lot of fun! 🙂 Have a wonderful day, sweetie! 😀 xx Roxy & Tigerlino <3
Sassy what a great bday and I must admit…I am a tad jelly over your nice new scratching post
Hugs Madi your bfff
Sassy, We are so happy that you had a good vet visit. Going on your birthday really stinks, though. But your gift is meowvolous. You really do give your scratching posts a workout! Can’t believe your old one is only a few months old. We just went back and looked at all the photos and got a kick out of seeing your daddy watching you from the bed in the photo with you atop your scratcher. Wishing you more and more happy birthdays. Sending our love to all. Astrid sends her beloved Sampy more kisses than she can count and also paw-pats and purrs. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Happy Birthday Sassy! I am glad you had a nice birthday and got lots of great gifts. I love these posts about FIV, it is very valuable information.
OMC what a gweat scwatchin’ posty. Dat old one sure took a beatin’. MOL And weez can’t believ yous made hers go to da VET specially a new one on hers Meowday. Yous got dat wight, what wuz yous finkin’? MOL Nex year it’ll be diffewent, wight? 🙂 Weez awe so pawsumly glad Sassy ended up wiff you. Weez so glad yous found each udder and dat yous didn’t lissen to da ignowant VETs but did yous own wesearch. Happy Happy happy Meowday Sassy.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
What a great scratching post you got, Sassy! That should make up for having to go to the vet on your birthday. 🙂
Happy Birthday and Gotcha Day! Too bed you had to spend it at the stubby place.
You seem to be off to a good start with your new vet, and hopefully the vet had a little chat with the tech after your appointment to be sure the tech had the correct information.
Wow – that is serious destruction of the old scratching post! Hopefully the new one holds up a bit longer.
Happy birthday, gorgeous gal!! Enjoy that new scratching post while it lasts! 😉
Hey! Happy Birthday, Sassy! We so sorry we late. Wow what a cool scratcher you got! We wish you many more happy birthdays.
Sassy I hope that you get that new vet’s staff trained better – these things to happen but it’s sad when they do! As for your birthday celebration – WOO HOO on the new scratching post! You most certainly needed a new one and that one is a real doozy…..enjoy it and enjoy MANY more happy and sassy years.
Hugs, Sammy
sassy…bee lated best fishes, happee day wishes N mice creem dishes two ewe ♫♫♫♪…other than de visit two de place oh eevil it soundz like yur day waz az awesum as yur new scratchin post !!! way kewl ~~~
hope yur yeer a head bee filled with happee nezz & health; hope yur scratchin post laastz a long long time !! ♥♥♥
hope yur week oh end bee filled with sea bass shrimp & sardeenz ♥
There is NO excuse for taking a kitty to the vet on their birthday! Geeze, you better have a talk with your Mom! At least she made it up to you Sassy, by getting you that super cool scratcher! Love, Cody
Happy belated birthday, Sassy.
Sorry to hear you had to go to the vet on your birthday, Sassy. That’s just … wrong! We do like that pawsome new scratcher, though!
Happy belated birthday, sweet pal!
Happy belated birthday Sassy – and what an awesome new scratching post you have…. we are quite envious!
Happy Belated Birthday Sassy and Happy Gotcha Day! What a great present you got, sounds like you will be enjoying it for sure!
Sassy, I’m so glad you got through your check-up (what WAS your Mom thinking??? On your birthday???) and got a badly needed new scratching post. Wow, you sure shredded that old one, didn’t you?
I, like you, have had that same issue with vets. Sadly I fell prey to bad information more than once. It is disgusting that they aren’t more ‘with it’