https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 31 May 2026 02:39:46 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831366 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:35:29 +0000 RKitty 2831366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: Oh also after reading my response I didn't mean to sound like you needed to leave your kitty behind! I totally get wanting to stay with him and it's great if that's your decision I just wanted to help you feel at ease if you did decide to leave him to go on vacation. :) I'm glad you have another vacation soon you'll be able to go on! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831365 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:32:49 +0000 RKitty 2831365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: Yes it's a different type of antibiotic and the not preferred one for UTIs but when you have a cat that is impossible to medicate its better then nothing!</p> <p>I'm glad you have him on a wet food diet! People don't release how much wet food diets can actually help a lot of cat's issues. (Like cats with diabetes - it's like 100% more controllable on wetfood vs dry food and people have had kitties not need insulin once the cat is on a controlled wet food diet!) You might want to try a different style fountain. I'm not usually a big pusher of expensive cat products but if your cat will use it it's one of the ones worth your money. I've also been know to drain tuna cans for the broth to give to kitties to up their water intake lol. (fostering kitties you get a lot in of questionable health that need some extra care) </p> <p> @KT326: Check out the canned food lines by Weruva. They're actually formulated for cats with crystals. (Low in all the things they need to avoid) And they're made with way better ingredients then the prescription diets. (My opinion on prescription diets is whole 'nother essay but lets just say you can get over the counter foods just as good for your cat as the prescription ones) My crystal kitty also didn't like wet food but he would eat the Weruva foods just fine. (except the one with peas he'd leave the peas behind...) And I did run the food by my vet to make sure it was okay and she fully approved the diet.</p> <p><a href="http://www.weruva.com/cat-cuisine-chicken-beef.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.weruva.com/cat-cuisine-chicken-beef.php</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831358 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:18:30 +0000 KT326 2831358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: we have this fountain for our cat </p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Drinkwell-Stainless-Multi-Pet-Fountain/dp/B002SB91QS/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1530296168&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=drinkwell+360" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Drinkwell-Stainless-Multi-Pet-Fountain/dp/B002SB91QS/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1530296168&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=drinkwell+360</a></p> <p>I went through quite a few trying to find one he likes. He also gets the crystals in his urine if we aren't careful. We have to buy the special prescription dry cat food specifically for his urine troubles because he refuses to eat canned food (crazy cat!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831350 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:50:09 +0000 cat620 2831350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RKitty: @gotkimchi: I just called the emergency vet about the shot, and she said the specific antibiotic they gave him does not come in shot form. They said I could inquire with my family vet about the shot, but they recommend I stick with his current medication as they think that's what would be best for him. </p> <p>@RKitty: Thanks for your response. I'm not sure what all they did with him in the hospital, but I know they did a urine analysis and bloodwork as well as an overall exam. He is already on a 100% canned food diet, because he has had problems in the past (although it was several years ago). Sometimes he sneaks over to my dog's bowl and will eat some of his dry food, so I'll try to keep a closer watch on that. I tried the fountain before, and he didn't like it. He drinks a little bit of water from a bowl, but I mostly rely on the canned food for his liquid intake. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831341 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:32:00 +0000 gotkimchi 2831341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: yah we got a shot that last 10 days </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831338 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:23:39 +0000 RKitty 2831338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: They have a shot that last a week too. Speak to your regular vet about getting it. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831337 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:19:54 +0000 RKitty 2831337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: I've foster cats for almost 10 years now and had a cat with a history or UTIs due to crystals in his urine. This is way more common then people realize in male cats.</p> <p>He'll only need the pain management for the first few days until the infection clears. (Honestly I've never treated a cat with pain meds for a UTI past 24 hours and rarely do). Speak with your vet about about the antibiotic shot. While it's not the best meds for an UTI it works and does it job. My kitty who had UTIs had to have the shot because he was an abused Siamese with serious mental issues and I could NOT medicate him regularly. (he was a rescue surrendered to us and wasn't adoptable so he stayed with me)</p> <p>And again it's the 48-72 hours of when a cat showing signs of a UTI are the most critical. Because cats hide illness so well typically by the point an owner catches it's can pretty severe case which can lead to kidney infection or blockage leading to death. Signs are kitty being lethargic, not eating, not drinking, not using the litter box. </p> <p>The best thing to do for your kitty to start increase in his water/fluid intake ASAP. Did the vet drain his bladder and give him fluids? This is often a treatment for cats with a severe UTI. The thing with fluids is that it flushes out the infection and if the infection was caused by crystals it flushes out the crystals. This is similar to how as humans you can help treat UTIs or prevent them. So put him on a strictly wet food diet for the next couple of days and if you don't have one already get a water fountain for him to drink out of. Running water stimulates cats to drink more water.</p> <p>Assuming you can get the antibiotic shot I'd totally feel comfortable leaving on your trip if I was in your shoes. I'd also have the sitter up his fluid - that wet food diet and maybe treats of chicken broth or water from tuna (with no salt!) If you can't get the shot maybe you could stay home for a couple of days (say 72 hours from when treatment started) which will be the most critical and give him the meds and you'll see him recover pretty quick and then you could go join your family on the vacation. (I don't typically support not finishing antibiotics but as long as your sitter tries to give it to him that 72 hours is again the most critical point).</p> <p>Lastly I HIGHLY recommend getting a water fountain for him to drink for the rest of his life and looking into doing a full wet food diet or at least increasing his wet food. Once they get an UTI they're more prone to them in the future and most likely it was caused by crystals and flushing those crystals out is the best thing you can do for him. There are also specialized diets out there that are made for kitties prone to the crystals and help prevent them. When I put my kitty on a wet food only diet he never got an UTI again until he cheated and ate other cats food instead of his...</p> <p>Best luck to your kitty and I hope you get some of your vacation at least! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831335 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:14:03 +0000 cat620 2831335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: They gave my cat an antibiotic shot before he was discharged, but it was only good for 12 hours. My only option when I got home was a liquid or a pill, both of which can be challenging to give to a cat </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831334 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:12:50 +0000 cat620 2831334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I followed up with the pet sitter we were planning to use to see if she would administer the meds if I offered to pay her extra, and she said she isn't comfortable with it. She said maybe for a dog, but cats can be finicky, which I get. I called our vet to see if they had a pet sitter suggestion, and they gave the name of someone, but she's already booked up for the month of July. I don't feel 100% comfortable boarding him in an unfamiliar place, especially with him not feeling well. He's a very large cat, and he can be hostile toward people he doesn't know, so I don't want him to be stressed out the whole time we're gone. It looks like I'll be staying home, but I'm making my peace with it. We're doing a beach trip later this summer, so I won't be missing out on all the vacations this year. </p> <p>@lindseykaye: I appreciate your comment! My cat means a lot to me, so I feel like it is my responsibility to take care of him. I haven't been able to find anyone who can take over for me, and that's okay. We're going on another vacation later this summer. My main concern is for my cat to be comfortable and well taken care of. And like you said, I won't be worrying the whole time about him if I am home to care for him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831312 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:54:10 +0000 gotkimchi 2831312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: my cat had a uti and we did an antibiotic shot cuz no way I’m trying to do that twice a day. FYI she was fine, not in pain and I would feel fine going on vacation </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831309 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:51:05 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2831309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My cat was in heart failure, but were given medication and we had a few more months with him. We had a trip planned around our anniversary to visit my family a couple states away. Since his condition was chronic and we didn't know how much longer he had (could have been a couple weeks, could have been 6 months) we decided to go. We had a friend who was a vet tech that agreed to watch him and give him meds. He ended up dying on our anniversary :( . I felt bad that our friend had to deal with him, but she knew what to do in a professional context and I'm glad he wasn't alone. I'm really sad I was there for him at the end but I don't think I would have changed our plans - it was just bad timing. </p> <p>Just wanted to share our story. Sorry the timing sucks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831306 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:41:06 +0000 lindseykaye 2831306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This happened to me over Thanksgiving several years ago - cat with a urinary problem (FLUTD vs. a UTI). The circumstances were a bit different, in that it was just my husband and I and only a long weekend home vs. a week-long trip. However, we did decide to cancel travel and both stayed home with the cat. Our friends and family were very disappointed and most of them couldn't understand changing our plans "for a cat" which didn't help matter to have to explain over and over why we made our choice and why their suggestions for workarounds were not options (or were things we looked into that didn't work out).<br /> We had a lot of well-meaning offers to bring the cat along and have it stay on the patio of the neighbors house, things like that, but like you said maintaining a low-stress is kind of key for these types of conditions during care. We also had some great pet sitters available, but they were also out of town for the holiday. I don't regret staying home, but that's partially because we had seen much of this family earlier in the year or were going to see them during Christmas time the following month. It was actually REALLY nice to take a holiday and not travel or hustle and bustle.</p> <p>But that's again very different from a long-planned family vacation with kids. All that is to say, if you stay home with your youngest it will be fine. You'll miss some fun stuff but you'll also get a rare opportunity for one-on-one time with your kids with their parents. You'll also be far less stressed about the cat, who you love and have committed to care for even during inconvenient times. If you are able to find a more experienced pet sitter, know that they take their jobs seriously and very much love animals (that's why they do it) so rest easy knowing your cat is in good hands and enjoy your vacation guilt-free.</p> <p>Best of luck! And healthy wishes for your kittyman. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831289 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:08:02 +0000 Sams Mom 2831289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: I'd definitely ask one of the vet staff if they could, like pp mentioned they obviously love animals and know how to restrain them without getting hurt to give shots and meds. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831287 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:05:11 +0000 cat620 2831287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lahela017: The cabin has a no pets policy, so I don't want to bring him in case they find out and fine us. </p> <p>Thanks for the replies! Our vet doesn't do boarding, and I'm not sure I would be able to find a place so last minute during a holiday week. Plus, with UTIs they say to keep the cat stress-free, and I think boarding him in a strange place would be stressful. I'm going to see if I can find another pet sitter who is comfortable administering medication, but I'm not getting my hopes up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831285 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:04:38 +0000 rpparker 2831285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Board it at the vet!</p> <p>I had this come up last summer before a beach trip. Our sweet lab had to have a small tumor cut out and was going to be in stitches longer than I had anticipated. She was supposed to go to to the beach as well but she obviously couldn't swim with stitches and I knew it would be hard/impossible to keep her out of the water. I had never boarded her at the vet and hated doing it but it was that or risk infection, pulled stitches, etc. I felt terribly guilty but it worked best for everyone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831282 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:00:13 +0000 Ajsmommy 2831282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So sorry you had this happen!! I agree with others though in that I'd try to make the trip. </p> <p>I had a sick cat for a long time that needed daily injections (2x's a day). I used a pet sitter and they were fine doing it. </p> <p>So I'd either ask your current set up if they'd be willing to do it or as others suggested board him at the vet so a professional can take care of him while you're away. I know it's tough bc fur babies are like your kids too but that's what I would do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831280 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:57:34 +0000 psw27 2831280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't' cancel my trip in this instance. UTIs are pretty common. I would ask the vet (or a vet tech who works at the vet) to watch/board/pet sit. I know a lot of vet techs will come to your house since they aren't paid very well and clearly like animals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831277 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:49:50 +0000 snowjewelz 2831277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with others to board at the vet or at a boarding facility where workers have experience administering medicine to reluctant pets. </p> <p>I have a dog and love my dog, but for a UTI that just needs meds, I don't think I would have sacrificed a family vacation. We usually put our dog either with my parents in-laws and would have just asked them to give her the meds. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831276 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:39:52 +0000 avivoca 2831276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the others, I would board the cat with the vet and then go on my trip. We did that when my dog had to have surgery once right before a trip and it was nice knowing that the doctors were right there if anything happened. We sprung for extra playtime too so she would get lots of cuddles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831274 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:37:23 +0000 Sams Mom 2831274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would board the cat with the vet. I know you want to be able to take care of your pet, but that kind of family trip probably doesn't happen very often. </p> <p>I had to board my cat with the vet while out of town, and it happened to be right after her spay and she was a little sick. It was nice knowing that the vet and the techs were the ones taking care of her and getting her her medicine.</p> <p>She was also such a hambone that the techs had her out at the desk almost all day to baby on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831272 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:35:05 +0000 superkate 2831272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd try and board the cat at the vet, that way they can watch/administer medication. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831271 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:34:59 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2831271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry about your cat. In a way the timing is good (assuming you WOH) because you already have the time off and can be with her the entire day while she’s on the mend.</p> <p>You can still do fun things with your LO on the Fourth like going to your towns parade or finding a local Splash ground onomatopoeia takes one parent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831268 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:26:11 +0000 DesertDreams88 2831268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would just pay the pet sitter more or ask around for a pet-sitter that is more ok with that level of care. I wouldn't sacrifice a family vacation. That being said, I don't own pets nor do I want to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831266 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:19:47 +0000 Lahela017 2831266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry to hear this.</p> <p>Personally, I would still try to make the trip work. Either board him with a vet or bring him with you? If you are renting a cabin, any way you can bring him along and just keep him in one room? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831259 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:09:54 +0000 Mamaof2 2831259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry about your cat =(</p> <p>Would the vet be able to board him while your away? That way you have a professional watching him and maybe you wont worry as much? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canceling-trip-for-sick-pet#post-2831255 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:58:55 +0000 cat620 2831255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband, two kids and I are supposed to leave tomorrow to stay in a mountain cabin with my in-laws for a week. I'm a planner, so I had already planned out what we would do each day and purchased tickets to things like the local theme park and a dinner show. I was looking forward to getting away for a week and spending time with family.</p> <p>Last night, I noticed blood in the urine of my cat, so I took him to the emergency vet thinking it could be something serious. They said he has a UTI, and he's in a lot of pain, so they gave me pain meds to administer to him every 12 hours as well as a liquid antibiotic to give him every 12 hours for two weeks. He's a large cat, and he can be feisty, so squirting a syringe of liquid medication down his throat is no easy task. Plus, I'm supposed to watch him to make sure his condition doesn't get worse. While we went on the trip, we planned for a pet sitter to come to the house to care for my cat and other pets, but I don't feel comfortable asking her to medicate my cat (who could bite or scratch her). I would also worry about him while I was away, especially since he would be alone most of the day. </p> <p>We decided the best thing to do would be for me to stay home with my youngest son who is two, and my husband and oldest son can go to the cabin with my in-laws. That way the whole vacation isn't ruined, and my husband and older son can spend some quality time together. However, I'm still feeling sad and disappointed that I'll be missing out on the trip. It's such bad timing for my cat to get sick! I wish I could go on the trip, and I worry I'll be lonely, especially being by myself on 4th of July. I know my younger son will be with me, but it's not the same as having the whole family together. Has anyone else had to cancel a trip for a sick pet? Any advice for me to make it not suck so bad? </p>