Rick if it's a choice between the antibiotics and putting the cat down. Give her to a shelter if you're that blase. If you want to keep her,  figure she's part of the family.

 HI ALL

 My cat had cystitis which was treated by antibiotics, six months later she caught it again.

 She now a couple of months down the road showing signs of it.

 The last time she had it the vet said stress may bring it on and she was being hassled in the garden by another cat but that has now stopped.

 My vet is abit reluctant to operate as my cat is at least 13 years old if not more.

 My question is, is it fair to keep her on antibiotics ? surely as time goes by she will get used to them and they will not be effective.

 I don't know...

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 THANKS
 RICK

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 HI ALL

 My cat had cystitis which was treated by antibiotics, six months later she caught it again.

 She now a couple of months down the road showing signs of it.

 The last time she had it the vet said stress may bring it on and she was being hassled in the garden by another cat but that has now stopped.

 My vet is abit reluctant to operate as my cat is at least 13 years old if not more.

 My question is, is it fair to keep her on antibiotics ? surely as time goes by she will get used to them and they will not be effective.

 I don't know...

 --
 ---
 THANKS
 RICK

 Hi Rick,

 Tiggypuss, an ex cat of mine had cystitis and severe urinary infection.  At one point he was passing blood in his urine and was clearly distressed.  He was 18/19 yrs of age at the time, but otherwise in good health.  My vet agreed to operate.  Tiggypuss came through the operation without any problems and continued to thrive.  After 2-3 yrs, though, he began to have similar problems and was finally put to sleep (aged 22) with kidney failure.  Certainly, the outcome was devastating, but Tiggypuss and I enjoyed every minute of those nearly 3 yrs between operation and demise.

 In your position with a cat of  roughly 13 yrs , I would want to give my cat a better chance at life and, if there are no respiratory complications,  would want my cat to receive remedial surgery.   There is always some risk with surgery,  but I can only say that I felt it was well worth the risk.  Have another chat with your vet and ask about prognosis after surgery and, indeed, without it.  If your vet is still doubtful/unhelpful, seek a second opinion.  If the worst that can happen is putting your cat to sleep, at least let that sleep be during remedial surgery which *may* extend your cat's life.

 As to your question about antibiotics, I have no doubt that any patient can become resistant to one long-term antibiotic.   However, there are so many different antibiotics that your vet may envisage changing the prescription periodically to overcome this problem.  This is something you would have to discuss with the vet.  To my mind, the more important issue with long-term antibiotics is whether or not your cat is stressed when taking pills.  

 You seem devoted to your cat and I'm sure you'll make the right decision, but I know how hard it is just now.  Give your kitty lots of love, and have another chat with the vet.  Hope all goes well.

 Spider