January 23, 2011

My $2200.00 Cat

I am interrupting my regularly scheduled DIY programming to introduce you to Billie and Martin.
Billie did not cost $2200.00 that is what it cost to keep her alive, I will get to that in a minute.


Billie is a Ragdoll cat, if you are not familiar with the breed, they are called Ragdolls because of their easy going nature.   When you pick them up they go limp like ragdolls.  They are often called puppy cats, as they act more like puppies, following you around, greeting people at the door, and having no fear of anything.


As cute as she is, she is a chewer and that is what got her in trouble 5 years ago when she was just a little over a year old.  She was not eating and vomiting, 3 trips to the vet, lab tests, IV's, antibiotics,


Now we are into the 4th of July weekend and had to go to the emergency vet $$$$$$ only to discover she had something blocking her intestines.
She had surgery and the vet came out after and said "I usually have no idea what they have eaten, but by looking at the red nose this is a plastic mouse"


Yes, this is the plastic body and head of a toy mouse that came out of her intestines....Now. how in the world did she swallow that !!!  So, I did not start out to spend that kind of money, but my rule of thumb is, if my pets can be fixed and live full, happy lives, then I gotta do, what I gotta do to make them well.

My other love is Martin

Martin was rescued from the pound when he was 2, he is much smarter then Billie, but kind of a scardy cat around everyone but me.


Even though they are both fixed Martin loves Billie, sometimes a little to much, if you know what I mean! LOL


            

  Wishing you a PUUURRFECT Day!     

                       Carol
Next blog post, back to our regularly scheduled   DIY, Shabby, Rose, programming.

46 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

OH Carol, I love Billie and Martin. What a fantastic story, so glad Billie could be all well and good after surgery. I agree with your thoughts, and funny how we would not blink and eye either over it. They are love bugs...and hey they have feelings too...so let em be love bugs:) Thanks for joining, I am having a blast!

Savannah Granny said...

So love Billie and Martin. I know what you mean about the vet bills. It doesn't matter. These babies are family. I lost my last kitty "BABY" when she was 19 years old. We have a wonderful life together. I know you are enjoying these sweeties, they are adorable. Hugs, Ginger
I am your newest follower. I read your interests and your blog seems neat. You may want to visit and follow me as well.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

They are both beautiful cats and you sound just like my mom. She would have sold her house if she had to to keep her dog alive a little while longer when he got old and sickly. This is why I have pet insurance!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Martin & Billy...how sweet! They can be expensive, but I can't imagine life without them...can you! Precious!

Vicki said...

LOL about Martin "loving" on Billie. I'm sure that has created a few awkward moments during Sunday dinner! So nice to meet a fellow Floridian. Following you and off to explore your beautiful blog. Where is your booth? I'm sure I'll find out in a few clicks but excited to know.

Olive said...

They are gorgeous cats. My cat is very dog like also and follows me and greets me at the door too. I am glad you had the surgery done. Very brave of you. ♥O

Infatuated with Homes and Gardens said...

Thankyou for your lovley post ,our pets are alike maybe that is why they get on together ,I loved your saying about the sharpest knife ,in Australia we say "a couple of sheep short in the top paddock" ,I did not think this would translate so well.
If it was real life we would both have one super model living with Bill Gates :)

La said...

They are both so sweet. How special that they snuggle up together.

Have a great week, Carol! La

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
Oh that Billie is such a model. I just love her! And, Martin is so handome. They are both so sweet together. My two fur babies keep their distance. Gabby is two years older than Gizzie and just tolerates her. They will never be caught snuggling like Billie and Martin.

I cannot believe what they removed from her tummy. Maybe I should think twice about letting mine have toys!

I say your table will sell this week!

hugs
Sissie

Erin said...

Beautiful cats! We had a dog like that, miss him to pieces even though he was full of mischief! That table is gorgeous by the way:)

Jo said...

What pretty cats! I love the picture of Billie. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my puppy, Isabella

Unknown said...

Hey there Carol, thanks for coming to visit, I am now one of your follower thank yo for the kind works your baby's are just beautiful. I know what you mean but Free to 2000.00 dollars. been there

XO
Pattie

Melissa Miller said...

Oh they are gorgeous! I can't belive she ate that mouse. I'm glad all was well. *Smiles*

Leo said...

They are adorable. My friend has two ragdolls - she loves the breed.

Decor To Adore said...

What purrrfectly adorable fur babies!

Melanie {The Tiny Tudor} said...

They are just adorable- how stylish Billie is!

Traci said...

I am so glad that you did what you had to do to keep Billie with you...they are both adorable!

Victoria said...

Your cats are so pretty! And I say that was a well spent $2200:) Worth every penny!

Susan said...

Billy and Martin are adorable! I am so glad Billie survived swallowing the red nose mouse!!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Oh! They are so lucky to have you! How in the world did she eat that, for sure! I once had a cat that swalled a needle that got lodged in her throat and the dr. had to get it out. He said it was quite common as they play with thread and sometimes get ahold of the needles attached to them. Billie looks like she has recouped just fine there! Martin is a cutie too! I love that pic of the two of them together in the cat bed...soo cute!

Anonymous said...

Your black and white kitty looks like the one we had for 21 years. And I know all about the vet bills. We had a dachshund that needed neck surgery, then 2 years later she swallowed an acorn that got caught in her instentine too. Sadly, she did not make it through her surgery, but I'm glad your cat did. We used to joke that this free dog my grandmother gave me was the most expensive pet we've ever had. I think in total, we spent over $4000 for her surgeries, but as you know when you love them and can afford to pay, you do what you can to save them.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Carol, They are the cutest little fur babies! I bet they add so much joy to your life.
Hugs,
Sherry

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Love your cats! I spent over $600 a little over a year ago on surgery for Charlie. He had a growth, thankfully it was a benign cyst but scary all the same.

Lizabeth said...

Beautiful cats! Billie looks like a lover! Glad you found out what was making her sick! I know what you mean about expensive pets! I had a cocker spaniel that ran me up a bill of $2500 in 2 years...for now I'm sticking with cats! I have a picture just like that with Billie and Martin with two of my cats! They love to snuggle!

Victoria said...

Hi! Thanx for your nice comment on my babies! I, too, once had a kitty eat a needle and thread {like your friend, the decorative dreamer}....I guess I've blocked out the amount of money that was!
I've always loved Persians, but I think a Ragdoll would be great! None of the persians I've ever had liked to be on laps!
Your babies are beautiful!

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Carol,
Billie is really a Sweetie. I love the photo with the feather boa and the shoes. That look so feminine like the cat itself. Who could refuse to spend the money which keeps your darling alive. What a pitty that she swallowed this plastic mouse. And Martin is a lovely cat, too. How nice, that they love each other. They look so relaxed lying togehter. Sissy and Wiski hated each other. That is not nice for the owner, too.
Have fun with your sweeties.
Greetings, Johanna

Elsina said...

I think it's wonderful you took and take so much of them. I spend a fortune too on some of my cats, two of them died despite the hefty vet bills and months of care, but at least I know I did everything in my power to help them. Beautiful cats you have!

Farah said...

Beautiful Cats... so lovely... Cats are the cutest furry babies Carol... they tempt you to hug, play and love...
Very thankful to Debb for such a great party...
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Jen T said...

Oh Carol! I can so relate to this post. I have one cat I call the 'Million Dollar Cat'..I didn't spent quite that much but it might as well have been! She looks like a little sweetheart..she just has a big mouth - she's lucky to have such a good mom (& a cute boyfriend)! JenT
PS-That table is beautiful!!!!

Susan Freeman said...

We spent $1800 once on surgery for our first Yorkie, Bitterman. He had a collapsed trachea and the vet said the surgery would give him maybe 2 more years. While he came through the surgery, he died from a heart attack a few hours later. We never regretted spending that $1800 on his because we would have done anything to have him with us. Our pets become our babies and I can see that's true of Billy and Martin too!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

the cape on the corner said...

oh my goodness, your sweet kitties! they look so happy together, and i am so glad both are doing ok. that toy mouse! my goodness. apparently my cat ate a rubber band the other day, silly thing. i called her "948" b/c she cost me that after a bladder surgery. i feel the same as you about the money. my cat is my baby, i can't NOT keep her well if i can! hope you'll come by and visit my sweet girl, Sunday.

. said...

Carol I love your babies!!!

My Bubba, we decided a long time ago, has to have ragdoll in him. He is the most easy going cat in the world! And other than having green eyes, he looks alot like a ragdoll.

I just spent $700 last week on Lucy our pug! But like you, I just couldn't NOT spend it...I mean, she's a wonderful dog and healthy for the most part. How can you say no when they need it.

Anyway, I've enjoyed meeting your babies!! :)

Margie said...

They are both really beautiful babies! They are worth every penny we spend on them to keep them well ... we spent megabucks on cancer treatments for our beloved doggie, but lost him anyway ... you do what you can, because you love them! Bet you didn't allow any more plastic mice in the house after that fiasco!

Shellyhectic said...

Hi Carol, I am your newest follower and I love your babies, they are both beautiful. I think my kitten must have some ragdoll in her because she is exactly how you explain your Billy and she has very similar markings on her face! I have been amazed at how tolerant she is my grandbabies carry her everywhere! Well, I love your blog, you should come visit mine too!!

DIYbyDesign said...

Billie and Martin are just gorgeous. So cute. My cat is more of a dog than a cat and sounds alot like Billie. Hope you come by and read about Sara. www.diybydesign.blogspot.com.

Pam Kessler said...

Such cute cats! I'm glad they "love" each other. At least it's not a inter-species sort of thing. Now I'm off to look at your table that won't sell. It looks a lot like a table I used to have.

Joyce said...

awww they are very cute! And I would buy that table if I wasnt in Australia!

Tee said...

Carol this post you wrote today proves what a great lady you are! Billie and Martin are very lucky to have you. (Marin Looks Like my cat Willie.
I have to watch those cat toys,they do not seem made that well at all. Swallowing that is unreal? Amazing..

Laurie Brown said...

We have one really expensive cat, too. He's had a series of unfortunate events, health wise, but as long as we can find the money, we're going to keep the furbabies well.

Char said...

I have to admit, we spent about $5000.00 on our dogs teeth. He had to have a root canal, two teeth capped and one pulled. It hurt, but it would have hurt us much more to have lost him....he is one of our babies......I feel for you and totally agree that you did the only thing you could have......don't we just love our pets???? Char

Shellyhectic said...

You won an award over on my blog I hope you will accept,

Rachel Wright {The Inspired House of Wright} said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your lil sweetie- I had a ragdoll too, he didn't make it through surgery. I am praying for you and that everything goes ok. Animals are expensive, but their love is priceless!!

xoxo rachel wright @
www.theinspiredhouse.org

Char said...

Carol, I just had to laugh when I read your comment about Nikki, (my dog) eating lots of sugar. It turns out it was the bones and the raw hides that broke his teeth. We had no idea they could cause such damage or were bad for our pets. The dentist told us that they should never be given anything that can't be bent. If you give them hard bones, it causes the teeth on the top to bow out as they chew, thus making them week. It was a hard and expensive lesson for us, but what could we do? Now we know and believe me, it will never happen again!!! HA
Love the stool on your post before this one, just beautiful, you did a perfect job and I can see why you are keeping it, Char

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

Carol I know exactly what you mean! I had a dog many years ago that had an blockage too and it took a lot of testing and money and finally exploratory surgery to find the problem. I used to play tug-of-war with an old sock and she swallow a piece of thread that wrapped itself around her intestine. A thread! Can you believe it! But, we love our pets and like you said, if we can save them and they can lead a healthy life, then we do! Great post.

Hugs,
Jacalyn

PEACHES said...

Oh those little love muffins! Too cute. I had a wonderful white ragdoll when I was a kid...he would let me out him in baby buggies and everything...how I miss him.

Thanks for sharing your fur-babies with all of us!

Pam said...

Aw, such sweet kitties. I know what you mean about having to spend what it takes to help the furkids. I feel the same way.