Taking Health for Granted

Last year, my larger cat faced a significant injury when I accidentally cut his flank while grooming him with scissors. Following that incident, he developed a blocked bladder and required a few days in the veterinary hospital. Although this was a stressful ordeal, it ultimately strengthened the bond I share with him.

However, we also have a smaller cat, who is the nephew of my larger cat. Let’s refer to him as the "little cat." Until recently, he had always been vibrant and healthy.

One morning, I awoke to hear the little cat vocalizing in a way I had never experienced before. Concerned, I picked him up and noticed he felt unusually warm. Comparing his temperature to that of my larger cat, I worried he might be running a fever. Perhaps it was just a simple fur ball or a minor stomach upset that would resolve itself soon.

To Call or Not to Call?

As I glanced at the clock, I realized it was eight o'clock, and the vet would open in thirty minutes. Should I make the call? I hesitated, knowing they would likely be swamped with emergencies. What if my little cat's condition was just a mild cold?

I decided to contact the vet. They asked if I could hold if it wasn't an emergency. Despite my doubts, I explained the situation, and they advised me to monitor him and check in again at two o'clock.

However, as the morning progressed, I noticed my little cat moving listlessly around the kitchen, vocalizing in discomfort. It was clear he was in pain, and he seemed even warmer than before. Though I questioned my own perceptions, I couldn't ignore my instincts.

I picked up my phone again, apologizing for the inconvenience. I expressed my love for my cat and my fear of missing a serious issue that could have been resolved with a timely visit. The vet understood and offered me an urgent appointment at 12:30.

I readied the cat carrier, preparing myself for an anxious wait as my little cat continued to vocalize and hide under the bed, while my larger cat instinctively curled up beside him to provide comfort.

Crisis of Confidence

While waiting, doubts flooded my mind. What if my little cat improved by the time of our appointment? What if the vet found nothing wrong and suggested I stop wasting their time? Even though I knew the vet would never say that, my mind spiraled into worst-case scenarios.

What if this was a sign of a severe illness from which my little cat would never recover? When we love our pets, thinking clearly can become difficult.

As I stepped into the vet's office, I braced myself for the worst. Memories of our previous cat, who suffered from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and had to be euthanized, weighed heavily on my heart. The initial symptoms of FIP were subtle, making me overly cautious with any behavioral changes in my cats.

A Thorough Examination

The vet conducted a comprehensive examination of my little cat. Thankfully, aside from some abdominal sensitivity, he found nothing alarming. To my surprise, my little cat didn’t even have a fever. Instead of vocalizing, he purred during the exam, leading me to feel as if I had wasted the vet's time.

The vet reassured me that bringing my little cat in was the right decision. Given the sensitivity in his abdomen, he recommended a pain-relief injection that would last for 24 hours.

Feeling a Bit Foolish

I left the vet feeling a bit foolish for my anxiety about what turned out to be a minor issue. However, I reminded myself that I know my cats well, and my little cat’s behavior that morning was certainly out of character.

It’s better to feel silly for a moment than to regret not acting sooner on a potential health issue. Ultimately, the vet likely preferred to see a healthy cat over one that was seriously ill.

Would I act the same way in similar circumstances again? Absolutely. My love for my cats outweighs any concern about feeling like I'm wasting the vet's time.

And yes, the vet did present me with a bill, ensuring it wasn’t a complete waste of their time. Such is the price of love!

Thank you for reading my story. If you enjoyed it, you can find more of my writing on Medium at robert porter. Additionally, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter at robertfporter.substack.com.