After many years in private practice and with pets of my own, I have come to the conclusion that dogs adapt to our family life, and cats just allow us to live in their world.  I have always believed that when we get to the afterlife, that all the animals will be able to speak to us and explain all the things they kept trying to tell us that we never understood while on Earth.  When I had my own practice, it always amazed me that most dogs really liked coming to my office.  I think it’s safe to say I never met a cat who wanted to be there. But they are such great companions; the kind who will stay in bed with you for days with the flu, purr so loudly that the couch vibrates and follow you to the bathroom just to keep you company.

If they could talk to us, I think these are some of the things cats would have liked their families to understand before a visit with the vet:
“Why did you insist on opening that crate door as I hissed at you, lunged at the door and swatted with all claws bared?  I am really scared, and even familiar people aren’t much comfort right now. Sorry, mom and dad, you shouldn’t hold me for my exam because I may get you too.  Just let me calm down somewhere quiet.”
“That soft lump over my back is from the neighborhood bully I tangled with.  It’s an abscess, and I need the doctor to see it and put me on some antibiotics.  Don’t forget to have them recheck me for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in a couple of months in case that mean cat had some nasty germs.  And can I stay in the house from now on?”

“I know I keep asking to go out and roam all hours of the night. Really I’d be much happier inside, but my hormones are raging.  Please don’t keep putting off having me neutered.  You’ll likely get more rest, and I’ll be much safer, if you’ll call and schedule my surgery now.” 
“I didn’t pee on the laundry out of spite.  It hurts when I go because I have a bladder infection.  Can you take me to the vet so I don’t start using other things for my litter box out of habit?  Once I get used to it, the habit will be hard to break, you know.”
“I know you feed me because you love me, but I am a food-driven couch potato.  I have gotten really overweight, and I am afraid I am going to get diabetes.  Can we get me some exercise and lower my calories after you have the vet check me out?”
“I am still lying in the same place I was when you left for work because I feel awful!  I am running a temperature of 104.5, and I am too stiff to even get off my bed.  I may not feel that hot to you, but I really need to get to the doctor to find out why my temperature is so high.  No, I can’t take the fever reducers meant for you or the kids.”
“Please, please, please don’t use that flea medicine on me without checking with doc.  No money you save will be worth me dying from toxicity.”
         
“I am aware that we have the reputation of being finicky eaters, but I don’t want my usual cat food because I am nauseous.  Yesterday I vomited, but it’s not from a hairball.  I know you didn’t see me eat the dental floss (or tinsel or yarn or thread), but I just wanted to play with it. Now it’s stuck in my belly.  Sorry, but I really need to see the vet.” 
   
“I try to be tough – and many times I get better despite what you do – but when I look like I feel bad, I really should go to the vet’s office.  I promise to be on my very best behavior.  You believe me, right?”

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

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