MetaChat - Overnight kitty

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

19 November 2007

Overnight kitty My cat has to stay overnight at the vet so that they can collect a urine sample. He's going to be alone from 9pm - 7:30am. What do you think about that? Some vet type details inside. →[More:]I'll try to be brief. Cat was sick this morning, vomiting, and seemingly constipated, panting. We brought him straight into the vet who after x-rays found him to be indeed constipated. They did an enema which helped, but didn't clear him completely. They kept him to collect a urine sample just in case. (14 year neutered male with urinary tract infection last year.) So, he hasn't urinated yet, which is kinda not that great since he has been there all day already, so they are keeping him overnight. BUT no one is there from 9pm to 7:30am! I am a bit worried about him being alone that long...should I be?

(He's been alone at home that long before, but he wasn't sick.)

post by: typewriter at: 17:17 | 13 comments

Although I am lucky enough to have a house-call vet, the times that my cats have been overnight at the hospital make them, I think, more appreciative of the home they have and the humans who serve them.

Of course this only lasts a few minutes, once they get home.

posted by danf 19 November | 17:19

So am I just being over-sensitive? I don't rationally think he is going to die overnight, but what if something happens?

posted by typewriter 19 November | 17:24

Would the vet have a problem with your taking him home overnight (er, the cat, that is) and bringing him back first thing in the morning?

posted by occhiblu 19 November | 17:30

They are keen to collect a sample, and I can understand why, based on his history. I don't have a crate at home to keep him so that I could get a sample. I can't recall if he has stayed overnight before, even when he had very serious surgery. He may have, I don't remember.

posted by typewriter 19 November | 17:44

Oh, I see. I didn't realize there was a reason they were keeping him overnight, other than convenience.

I guess in that case it's just a question of whether or not you trust this vet and the vet's office staff. If you feel weird about it, or aren't convinced they're being responsible, then see if you can just bring him in tomorrow.

If you've had a good relationship with the doctor, though, and trust their judgment, then keep taking deep breaths and try to relax. (Easier said than done, I know; I freaked when they had to anesthetize my cat in order to clean her teeth.)

posted by occhiblu 19 November | 17:50

No, I have pretty strong trust with this vet's office who handle all my critters, though their prices have gone up in the last few years. The cat seems to not be seriously ill, and probably feeling better after his enema. I am probably just projecting that he will be lonely. Both my partner and I often work at home and we have a housemate who is also often home, so quite literally the cat is very rarely alone and follows humans from room-to-room.

Deep breaths. Thanks.

I can't imagine how I'd handle the worries of having a kid instead of a kitty.

posted by typewriter 19 November | 18:00

Awww, poor kitty. I hope everything turns out okay, (((typewriter))).

posted by deborah 19 November | 18:06

No need to worry. We left Whitey Ford at the vet for a few nights with no overnight staff. He was fine with it. I think he even liked it because he did not have to have strangers around all night.

posted by arse_hat 19 November | 18:19

Yeah, kitty will be fine. I know how it feels, though--the last thing you want for your cat at a stressful time is for him/her to be alone. He'll freak out a bit, then probably go to sleep, and if not, it's only for one night. A good vet (which it sounds like yours is) will make sure he's comfortable and well taken care of. It *will* be okay. Give lots of treats (if allowed) and snuggles when you get him home, and you'll all feel better. Best of luck to typewriterkitty!

posted by elizard 19 November | 18:37

Thanks all. I am probably also overly stressed because of ~~work~~ procrastination.

posted by typewriter 19 November | 18:59

Cat came back. With a $725 vet bill. And two pills a day for the next ten days. He's hiding right now under the bed.

meow.

posted by typewriter 20 November | 12:26

Aww and ouch. But I'm glad he's back home. Thanks for the update, typewriter.

posted by deborah 20 November | 19:42

Yay for the cat! Boo for the bill!

But I'm very glad he's ok.

posted by occhiblu 20 November | 20:31

← Does anyone still eat cereal || Bunnytown →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN