So if you had a urinary tract infection, you wouldn't go to the doctor and
get something for it?  Then why wouldn't you do the same for your cat?  She
could be in pain.

<< No.  I don't believe in Vets until I have no other choice. >>

sigh...  Gary, with all respect, please find that cat a good home.

Why are you resisting the Vet suggestions?

That is great to hear! (not that she has an infection but that you took her
in).  You may want to have a blood profile done to see how her kidneys are
doing later.  I have a kitty that was diagnosed with kidney disease at 9 and
she is still doing well at 13.

Thanks for being open-minded and "teachable".

Most vets go to school and become one because they love animals.  Sure, there
may be some ruthless ones, but more often than not, they just want to help
your pet and of course that comes at a price.  They have to make a living.
There are good docs and bad docs, just get a good one.

I don't know what to say about this.  But when we get our pets, we make a
promise to them to take care of them as well as we can.  If they are sick, it
is our responsibility to try and make them better.   Yes, animals at the
shelters will die if our pets live to ripe old ages, but is it fair to put
down our pets if they aren't very sick just to make room for others.  I
understand where you're coming from though.

Which is why you took care of her, cause you love the little thing.

What would help even more is if everyone would spay/neuter their pets, then
there would be less animals being put down at the shelters.  There's so many
cats and dogs being born and not enough homes for them.  Very sad.

If you want to save a cat/kitten from a shelter then go do it, but not at
the expense of your own cat. I am amazed at your comments. Since cats don't
speak english, they can't tell you when they are ill or in your cat's case,
peeing crystals (which is like peeing razor blades from what I've heard from
humans who've had crystals in their urine). The only way cats can
communicate their illness is through BEHAVIOR. So, yes, she was BEHAVING
differently, but because she had a MEDICAL problem.

Your distrust of vets perplexes me. I realize not every single professional
out there is competent but to deny your ailing cat medical attention because
of your generalization about all vets is abusive. You denied your cat
medical attention and she suffered because of that. Try to imagine if you
had a bladder infection, felt awful, and whenever you urinated it felt like
your were peeing razor blades, and your wife refused to take you to the
doctor because she felt all doctors were money-grubbing idiots. If your wife
then decided that she would let you die because she wanted a new husband,
she would be arrested and charged with murder. Why do you place so little
value on your cat? Is it because she's "just" a cat to you? You said she's
loving, then how could you say such callous things about her.... that her
issue was behavioral not medical, that you didn't want to take her to the
vet because you don't trust vets, that you'd let her die so you could save a
kitten from being put down in a shelter. Shame on you.

If you don't like the fact that shelters put animals down just because they
don't get adopted, then do something about it. But don't create an "opening"
for a new pet in your home by neglecting your own cat until she dies. Once
you took in your cat, you took on the responsibility for her care, including
healthcare and costs. Based on your comments and actions, I am really
concerned for your cat's safety. I hope that as she grows older and becomes
ill again, which is likely, that you will be more compassionate.

I commend you on finally taking her to the vet. I think everyone who's read
your message hopes you continue to take care of your cat, and will be
quicker to take her to the vet next time should any new illnesses or
injuries occur rather than begrudgingly see that as an opportunity to save a
"poor little kitten" from being destroyed.