for those of you who never take your animal to the vet.....and let your cat run?

I treat my animals as family too.

I treat for fleas, worms, and especially ticks.

My animals are outside together and they come in to visit sometimes, they watch TV with us-one or two at a time-and most 'ask' to go back outside when they get bored. They love it outside. We feed a treat when they come in and another when they go out. Sometimes they want to come in and then go right back out immediately! That means they just wanted the snack. (No coming in and out several times, though, gotta pick one--they are like kids!) They have a huge area where they play and hunt. The cats are supposed to go out to the barn and hunt mice, but usually are too lazy and well fed. The dogs chase rabbits and squirrels and sometimes a deer just about every day, in good weather, twice a day. Don't catch many, but we have well-exercised wildlife and canines!

I seldom go to the doctor and my animals go to the vet when necessary, but not regularly. I regularly give shots, medicines and do much of the doctoring stuff. My niece is a vet tech and helps me to know what to do and when to go to the vet.

Death is a part of life, I still feel guilty for the dog that died at the vets'. He died alone, when he should have been home.

I know others feel differently, but I grew up a farm girl, Dad never took a pet to the vet at all, and I do, just when it's important.

You are right though, people need to take responsibilty for the animals or not have them at all. Many get pets without real planning, like they would buy a toy. A pet is NOT a toy and not to be thrown away when you are done playing. They are part of the family.

P.S. My husband is outside about 12 or more hours a day and seldom goes to the doctor--am I mistreating him? LOL

Live well and do good

I totally agree many people thinks that feeding a pet is enough but having a pet involves much more responsibility is like a baby need shots and regular visits to the doctor specially if they socialice with us, there are many deceases that many people ignore and should be aware, hope one day people understand animals also feel and get sick just like any living being

first I'll say that I COMPLETELY AGREE with you about how cruel (and illegal) it is to allow your pet to go without the proper vet care (flea/tick/worm preventatives and regular vaccinations for rabies and such) and I disagree with allowing any pet to roam free (there are other alternatives for outdoor pets, including cats and dogs; such as kennels, or indoor activities which prevent boredom, or leash training an indoor pet so they may enjoy the outside under supervision-my kitten has many interactive toys and is leash trained so he can walk to the park everyday)

HOWEVER, I must also note my second point:

this is a q&a forum-they do have animal rights forums as well as general pet chat forums which may be more suited for you to express your opinions and rant your frustrations in because (as much as I agree with your opinions) I still don't feel that this is the appropriate place to voice them

I have owned cats...when they want to get out, they get out...and if they don't want to get caught, they don't get caught. While I was very careful and tried not to let them out sometimes they were just 'slick' enough to get right by me. Cats will be cats.

Give them the preventative care they need...take them to the vet when emergencies happen and then its not so bad if they get out once and a while.

ya i don't get it either!!! it drives me nuts when ppl do it!