love1336x Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 I baby sit for a family everysingle weekend. I make about ten dollars an hour. The little girl is 2. I feed,bathe, and play with her. Its fun and Ilove it. They have cat... recently he was neutered. They put that cone around his neck so he wouldn't lick his wounds.I... like an idiot, touched it. He was laying down being all sickie, after aweek of his surgery. He felt hot, he wasn’t moving. So I FELT BAD. I've had 3 cats in my life, my mom had six, and all castrate or spay, and within couple of days they are BEING SILLY! I honestly thought my cat was going to reopen his stiches because heacted NORMAL jumping onto things. After about 5 minutes I put back the cone. After leaving the house, the father the same night texted me at midnight, "We have problem.... The cat was licking his wounds I don’t knowhow bad it is" I texted back in the morning and ask if the cat was okay... "Yea just a little blood." Later on he called me telling me the cat caught infection, and he had to take him to vet and ended up paying 2500 dollars Now here the kicker... he WANTS me to PAID or baby sit for free. I can understand because I did touch the cone,and I might have not put it back on correctly, but how does a pet catch infection less than 24 hours? I left the house at 7. He found the cat at 9. HOW MUCH DAMAGE could have the cat done? I personally believed the cat already had the infection because of the way he was behaving. I don't mind baby sitting for free, but for 2500 dollar worth, when the cat might have had been sick already... HELL NO! 2
Art_Critic Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 A couple of things.. first off it sounds like the cat had the infection BEFORE you took the cone off. It's their cat, not yours.. they pay the vet bills for their cat. it was their cats surgery and vet that caused the infection. While you should not have taken the cone off, the cat should have been on an antibiotic from the surgery. The infection and cost to fix it isn't your responsibility. Don't baby sit for free... Tell them to go pack it... 2.5 k for an infection that was brewing before you took the cone off is out of this world... The cat was obviously sicker than they are willing to give credit to and looking for you to pay or give them free baby sitting.. 11
sdrawkcaB ssA Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 Crap! I think he is hoodwinking you by guilt and his sorry excuse for not looking after the cat properly. My two cats were spayed and neutered at an early age, so they bounced back fairly early without need of a cone. The vet will tell the owner what to look for during care. Usually the animal won't bother with stitches but the cone is a precaution. 5 days after surgery should have closed up the wound enough for some licking not to cause infection. If anything the cat was licking because the infection was bothering him more than the stitches. You can contact a vet to tell them what has happened to you, and get better info about your issue. Their advice may help with your battle with the baby's parents . 5
kjohn Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 I have mixed feelings on this one. I have two cats myself. When I had one of my cats neutered, he went absolutely bat-crap crazy with his cone on. He hated that thing! He was like a fish out of water, flopping all over the place trying to get it off. I wound up worrying that he would do more damage with the cone on, than with it off, so I took it off. He wound up licking his wounds and getting an infection, so back to the vet we went. I don't know where you live in the world, but if you are talking $2500 American Dollars….these people need to find a new vet! That is absolutely absurd!! Have you asked to see a copy of the bill? When I took my cat back to be treated for the infection, it was maybe $75-$100 for the vet's time and an antibiotic shot. That was it. I didn't even get any medication to dispense at home. One shot and the infection healed up pretty quickly. That being said, if you came into my home and took my cat's cone off without asking me, I would be pretty upset at you. That was not your place to do. Not really sure what to suggest that you do at this point, other than to ask for a copy of the bill and maybe bring it to your own vet for a second opinion. 4
Gloria25 Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 I don't know about cats, but there are people who get staph infections from simple cuts and in a matter of hours/days it spreads to throughout their bodies. I mean, there's a girl in Georgia who had to have limbs cut off and it was from a simple cut when zip lining.
Author love1336x Posted October 2, 2014 Author Posted October 2, 2014 I have mixed feelings on this one. I have two cats myself. When I had one of my cats neutered, he went absolutely bat-crap crazy with his cone on. He hated that thing! He was like a fish out of water, flopping all over the place trying to get it off. I wound up worrying that he would do more damage with the cone on, than with it off, so I took it off. He wound up licking his wounds and getting an infection, so back to the vet we went. I don't know where you live in the world, but if you are talking $2500 American Dollars….these people need to find a new vet! That is absolutely absurd!! Have you asked to see a copy of the bill? When I took my cat back to be treated for the infection, it was maybe $75-$100 for the vet's time and an antibiotic shot. That was it. I didn't even get any medication to dispense at home. One shot and the infection healed up pretty quickly. That being said, if you came into my home and took my cat's cone off without asking me, I would be pretty upset at you. That was not your place to do. Not really sure what to suggest that you do at this point, other than to ask for a copy of the bill and maybe bring it to your own vet for a second opinion. I have not seen this bill yet. We only talked through the phone. How long was it before the infection? Was in it in hours, or a week thing after you took off the cone? Also, i know I did wrong taking off the cone, my mom yelled at me so hard. Lol, telling me she thought she taught me better not to touch what isn't mine. He told me the bill is so high because he had to take him to the Emergency vet that's how bad the infection had gotten over night.
amaysngrace Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 I have not seen this bill yet. We only talked through the phone. How long was it before the infection? Was in it in hours, or a week thing after you took off the cone? Also, i know I did wrong taking off the cone, my mom yelled at me so hard. Lol, telling me she thought she taught me better not to touch what isn't mine. He told me the bill is so high because he had to take him to the Emergency vet that's how bad the infection had gotten over night. An emergency vet visit for an antibiotic is $500 at the very most. It sounds like the dad is giving you the surgical bill, and even that is very high for a neuter. 4
cerridwen Posted October 2, 2014 Posted October 2, 2014 I paid $1700 last time at an Emergency vet for non-traumatic care. That was for blood work and stabilization too. Maybe they ran tests and that's what's behind the price. Regardless, that seems like an awfully short turn-around time for a new infection. I suppose the strain matters. Find out a bit more, but should the details not add up, stick to your guns and tell him to eff off. 4
almond Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 Send a text simply stating that you are not responsible for the vet fees, and that if he would like to take things further, it will need to go to court. Advise him to stop contacting you. Keep it short and sweet...don't send any other details at all. Do not have any further contact with this guy unless he wants to go the legal route, and he likely has no leg to stand on. Sounds like a giant ahole. Cut contact, and don't stress about it. 4
kjohn Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 How long was it before the infection? Was in it in hours, or a week thing after you took off the cone? For me, it was not a matter of hours. It was maybe 3 days later that I went back to the vet. Also, my cat was not acting lazy….laying around like there was something wrong with him. He was acting perfectly normal. I only took him back to the vet because I was watching the wound very closely and it didn't look right to me. If this cat was acting lazy and not normal before you ever touched the cone then it is likely something was wrong to begin with. You probably did them a favor by taking off the cone and forcing them to take their sick cat to the vet…but you'll likely never convince them of that. And it was their choice to take the cat to the emergency vet, but if you get a copy of the bill and have your vet review it, you can be told by a professional whether or not that was warranted. At this point I would just gather all of the information you need to "defend" yourself. They could take you to small claims court over this. You never know. 3
LoneIsland Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 It is your fault for messing with the cone. Tell them you will get them a new cat. You can get one for free from one of those stray cat places. Ask them what colour they want. 3
Ninjainpajamas Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 I don't know why you would take this situation into your own responsibility by taking off the cone for someone else's cat...if the vet gave the cat a cone to put around his head it's not just for fun, it's because he REALLY probably does not want the cat to touch it even for a second...so it's very poor judgment on your part. At least call the owners and tell them about the situation if you feel very concerned about the situation, give them a call and if they tell you to take it off then they take responsibility or you even tell them that they need to come take the cat to the vet. However, the bill and infection seem to be inflated. I wouldn't say that vets are cheap by any stretch, I know for a fact from someone who works in that field that it gets incredibly expensive very fast and easily...but I'd suggest if you're going to consider taking any responsibility (which may or may not be necessarily your role here, it's open to debate) that you see the details and information regarding the details and assessing whether this could have actually happened from the time you took it off and the time they got the wound checked...because it sounds like there's a high chance the cat was already suffering an infection. Be careful about what you do, because if you do babysit for free or whatnot you're taking partial responsibility for it...and if the cat dies or ends up costing more they might irrationally be more upset with you looking for someone to blame..the cat could have been sick and in need the entire time, your actions couldn't have had anything at all to do with the situation, but at the same time you could have either perpetuated and already bad situation or unnecessarily taken responsibility into your own hands...and for that, you may be liable for to some degree, but it's better you resolve this amicably rather than breaking out the lawyer talk, maybe there's a compromise here that can be made...but if they try and push you too hard and aggressively then I wouldn't involve yourself anymore with them at all. I would tell them that you felt the cat was very sick, it seemed already in a bad state, it was very hot...could have even had a fever by that time due to the infection, and what does the actual vet think was the cause...because it sounds like the cat already was suffering from the infection.
Maleficent Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 This is a sticky situation. If you tell him to shove off, you risk losing your babysitting gig. Chances are the infection was there and it was too late before you took the cone off, but there is no way of proving that at this point. I suggest you sit down with the father and make an arrangement. You shouldn't have to pay the whole vet bill. But you may have to pay a part of it if you want to keep your job. Welcome to the adult world...
Snakechammah Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 This is probably off topic but I just want to say I really, really salute all the pet owners who are not afraid to spend hundreds and thousands on your pet's health and vet bills. Truly noble. And your pet is so blessed to have such caring owners. And OP, please don't touch another cone, except ice cream ones. 2
Author love1336x Posted October 3, 2014 Author Posted October 3, 2014 This is probably off topic but I just want to say I really, really salute all the pet owners who are not afraid to spend hundreds and thousands on your pet's health and vet bills. Truly noble. And your pet is so blessed to have such caring owners. And OP, please don't touch another cone, except ice cream ones. Caring? Hell no. I told him about the cat behavior. How he felt hot and that wasn't normal the way he was acting. He simply said "naw hes fine" The litter wasn't clean at all. They never clean the litter. If anything I save that cat life because it brought it to the owner attention "hey my cat is sick!!!" 2
BetrayedH Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 Get your parents involved. Give up babysitting for the guy. 3
CrystalCastles Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 The litter wasn't clean at all. Yeeeah, there's your problem. I second the opinions of other people. If that cat was just lying there and looking very lethargic, absolutely something is wrong. I work at a wildlife rescue center, we get sick wildlife in all the time that are motionless and lethargic "looking lazy" because they are too sick to move. I also don't know any vet who would charge that much for an infection. Vet bills are usually in the hundreds range, no? I've never had to pay that much for my cat. 2
RonaldS Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 (edited) Screw that guy and his stupid cat. Tell him to eff himself. There's nothing a vet would do for a simple infection that would cost more than a couple hundred dollars. Some antibiotics maybe? Ha! This guy is a total prick for trying to fleece you. Tell him to bring all of his vet bills to court. $10/hr babysitting gigs are a dime a dozen. Who cares if you lose it? Edited October 3, 2014 by RonaldS 2
melodymatters Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 The cat was already sick, and the guy is a major jerk. My dog recently had surgery and I was told I could remove the cone whenever I wished as long as I was watching her. I can't BELIEVE the nerve of this guy. NO way pay him or baby sit for free. Get another job and tell him what you told us, that you basically were the one who realized the cat was sick and if anything he owes YOU. Tell them that you are so sad that their greed and or ignorance is depriving their two yr old daughter of a loving caregiver that I'm sure she will miss very much ! 1
RonaldS Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 Pro tip: if he's going to try to fleece you for $2500 bucks, tell him he better give YOU $2500 so you don't press sexual harassment charges on him. Watch how quickly he shuts up.
almond Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 Caring? Hell no. I told him about the cat behavior. How he felt hot and that wasn't normal the way he was acting. He simply said "naw hes fine" The litter wasn't clean at all. They never clean the litter. If anything I save that cat life because it brought it to the owner attention "hey my cat is sick!!!" Okay, now you're taking it a bit far. You didn't save the cat's life, and you most definitely did the wrong thing by removing the cone. Don't be silly. You were in the wrong, but this guy is also being unreasonable. As I advised, do not have any further contact, and do not engage with this man. If he wants to try and scam $2500 out of you, let him do it in court. He will not be able to prove you caused the infection, you won't end up paying, and he knows it. Cut contact and that's the end of it.
thefooloftheyear Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 You guys are too nice...$2500?? I would have told him to take the collar and stick it up his ass..!!... TFY 2
melodymatters Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 You guys are too nice...$2500?? I would have told him to take the collar and stick it up his ass..!!... TFY Yeah, I think you, me and Ronald S would be too busy laughing at this azzhat and plotting revenge to even manage a reply ! 3
Author love1336x Posted October 7, 2014 Author Posted October 7, 2014 I talk to the wife on Saturday, and she told me a completely different story. She told me the vet bill was 350, and she would only want meto do an overnight, and then we are even I am honestly was happy to see the cat running around, andbeing his cute playful self. The stiches did not get sewed back up because the vet didn't want to entrap the infection. He couldn't tell how if the infection was only onthe surface or deep inside of him. I told her about her husband price, and she said, "Yeah... I dunno about that..." I think one overnight for free isn't too bad.... What ya think?
Emilia Posted October 7, 2014 Posted October 7, 2014 I think one overnight for free isn't too bad.... What ya think? Depends how badly you need the job. Personally I'd tell them to shove it up their ***** and their ***** Ungrateful little ****s 3
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