Herschel visits the vet
Our cats do not like visiting the vet. We have had cats in the past who have relished it, but Herschel and Jellicoe are averse. They make a lot of noise, but don’t follow it with any action.
Anyway, on Thursday it was Herschel’s turn to be checked over. It was raining and the cat basket is made of mesh, allowing the ingress of the nasty wet stuff. We haven’t got a custom-made cover so have to improvise with bin liners.
Herschel yowled all the way to the car and continued making piteous noises until Barry realised the poor cat couldn’t see him and lifted the cover. Herschel then settled in the car.
He was found to have a heart murmur, which is very common in cats, affecting about 40% of them. Herschel’s is quite a soft murmur, but as he is now thirteen years old and so considered elderly, it will be checked regularly to determine whether further steps need to be taken.
The vet said that ticks and fleas are making a much earlier appearance this year. Normally, they are seen from March onwards, but have been seen since January in 2026.
My Susie enjoys going to the vet. She's an inside cat and I think she enjoys the whole experience. Herschel is very handsome!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that heart murmurs are common in cats. I don't think Lola has one. She will be 18 in July and I am noticing signs that she is slowing down. Eating less and reluctant to jump up unless it is onto the bed where the covers allow her to grab.
ReplyDeleteAging is no fun all the best to Herschel. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteNo body enjoys going to the vet! I had one cat, the only one of many, refused to go , no way! Never had kitten shots or anything else in his long life- he outlived all of the others - going to the vet will shorten lives , they reckoned.
ReplyDeleteThat is a most reproachful look you are getting!
ReplyDeleteI will have a cat blog tomorrow, not pictures this time.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting - I did not know heart murmurs were common in cats. My eldest two are 11 & 12 now so are considered "senior cats". I truly hate taking them to the Vet (or anywhere) that might involve a cat carrier - I bring it out & they hide instantly!
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