Vet Scam

[pilot]

I've recently noticed something with my vet that seems suspiciously like a scam.

It all started when I took one of my cats to the vet back in January. They were pushing to have all these additional tests done for "senior" cats. The problem is not only that these tests are very expensive, not only are they extremely intrusive to your cat (you have to leave the cat alone at the vet's office, where presumably they are poked and prodded for hours), but they also define as "senior", any cat that is six years or older.

But that's not all.

A few months later I took another cat to the same vet. The vet flagged him as being "overweight". Now, I know kitty could probably stand to lose a few pounds (can't we all!), but he is not grossly overweight. He's a little chunky. But not only have I been pressured to put him on a diet, but they keep wanting me to bring him in for "follow-up" appointments. Of course, these additional appointments cost money.

I want to do my best for the cats, but is all this really necessary? Or is this just the latest scam to "guilt-trip" pet owners into spending more money?

Also, how serious a problem is it if your cat is slightly overweight? What is the reduction in life expectancy? A few months? A few years? Kitties' lives are so much shorter than ours are, anyway.

[IHDU]

Originally Posted by pilot

I've recently noticed something with my vet that seems suspiciously like a scam.

It all started when I took one of my cats to the vet back in January. They were pushing to have all these additional tests done for "senior" cats. The problem is not only that these tests are very expensive, not only are they extremely intrusive to your cat (you have to leave the cat alone at the vet's office, where presumably they are poked and prodded for hours), but they also define as "senior", any cat that is six years or older.

But that's not all.

A few months later I took another cat to the same vet. The vet flagged him as being "overweight". Now, I know kitty could probably stand to lose a few pounds (can't we all!), but he is not grossly overweight. He's a little chunky. But not only have I been pressured to put him on a diet, but they keep wanting me to bring him in for "follow-up" appointments. Of course, these additional appointments cost money.

I want to do my best for the cats, but is all this really necessary? Or is this just the latest scam to "guilt-trip" pet owners into spending more money?

Also, how serious a problem is it if your cat is slightly overweight? What is the reduction in life expectancy? A few months? A few years? Kitties' lives are so much shorter than ours are, anyway.

This is no different than taking your car to any service facility; ie Jiffy Lube. They tell you that you need this and that, but in reality all you really need is an oil change, which is why we primarily bring our cars there. Its just plain buisness.

Maybe the vet is planning the annual trip to Cancun? Maybe one of their kids got married, and needs an extra 100K for wedding expenses? It might also be the family Beamer is two years old and getting ready to get traded in? Who knows?

I am sure Fuffy will be fine if you just watch her diet.

[Sharon (Premo)]

Originally Posted by pilot

I want to do my best for the cats, but is all this really necessary? Or is this just the latest scam to "guilt-trip" pet owners into spending more money?

Vets are a business just like anywhere else. If they get you in the door they make money. If they sell you pills they make money. If they convince you to get lab work or testing done they make money. If they clean your pets teeth they make a whole lotta money. :cha ching: $$$

Animal nutties have taken over so don't fall for the "bad" pet owner crap. If your animal is sick take them to the doc but be very wary of expensive tests and treatment. Do some research after the visit and before you open your wallet to see if your pet really needs what they are selling. If it's not life threatening then a couple days won't matter.

Only if your animal is seriously injured/wounded will you really have to decide the treatment on the spot.

Put your cat on a diet...it won't be long before some fool opens up a Jenny Craig for animals and stupid people will flock to it.

Hmmm...maybe I should try that. :lightbulb: All I gotta do is starve a couple pets...seemingly low overhead and make a profit.

[vraiblonde]

Originally Posted by Sharon

Put your cat on a diet...it won't be long before some fool opens up a Jenny Craig for animals and stupid people will flock to it.

Hmmm...maybe I should try that. :lightbulb: All I gotta do is starve a couple pets...seemingly low overhead and make a profit.

See? Now you're thinking like an entrepreneur If people are going to be stupid, why shouldn't someone make money from it?

You put together commercials and start a website showing tubby doggie "then" and slim doggie "now", complete with a veterinary "expert" testimonial. Package up individual portions of "special" food, including "low calorie" treats, in a fancy 1-weeks-worth box, and charge a fortune for it.

Once you're established with mail order, then you talk to Petco or PetSmart and get one of them to carry your product in their stores and on their website. Give them an "exclusive", possibly a co-brand, and charge them a fee as well. Sit back and watch the money roll in.

People will buy anything - it's all in the marketing. If an idiot like Joe Francis can get rich marketing videos of women flashing their boobs, anyone can do it.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Sharon

Animal nutties

You need to define "animal nutties."

[vraiblonde]

Originally Posted by cattitude

You need to define "animal nutties."

If spend more time planning your pet's meal than you do your own.....you might be an animal nutty.

If you rush your dog to the vet for an injured dewclaw, but ignore those chest pains you've been having for 6 weeks...you might be an animal nutty.

If you know and celebrate your hamster's birthday...you might be an animal nutty.

If your pet has better health insurance than you do...you might be an animal nutty.

If you are watching an action movie where people are being killed left and right, and you only go, "Oh no!" when the dog gets it...you might be an animal nutty.

[vraiblonde]

If you think your beta fish has a favorite TV program...you might be an animal nutty.

[cattitude (Premo)]

But "you people" tend to use a broad brush when describing animal nutties.

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by vraiblonde

If spend more time planning your pet's meal than you do your own.....you might be an animal nutty.

If you rush your dog to the vet for an injured dewclaw, but ignore those chest pains you've been having for 6 weeks...you might be an animal nutty.

If you know and celebrate your hamster's birthday...you might be an animal nutty.

If your pet has better health insurance than you do...you might be an animal nutty.

If you are watching an action movie where people are being killed left and right, and you only go, "Oh no!" when the dog gets it...you might be an animal nutty.

What if I only do the last one?

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by desertrat

What if I only do the last one?

Then you're normal and a nice person because you realize that animals are better than most people.