Seven Rough Weeks, One Uncooperative Cat, and a Mobile Vet Savior
The last seven (7) weeks have been like a blur, a chaotic whirlwind of cat appointments, hissed threats, selling my mom’s house (while she still lives in it) and more anxiety than I thought a single feline could possibly inflict. My mission? To get Todd, my mom's fiercely loyal and exclusively bonded, unsocialized cat, vaccinated and ready for his move to her new apartment in her new assisted living community. What should have been a straightforward process turned into an emotional, physical, and mental marathon.
Todd, bless his hissy little heart, views the outside world (and most humans who aren't my mom) with deep suspicion. Car rides – never happen, and the mere sight of a carrier sends him into a hissing frenzy. Even though he’s never really seen one before. Multiple attempts to coax, lure, and even gently shove him into a travel crate resulted in a display of cat acrobatics and a profound sense of defeat. Each failed attempt ratcheted up my stress levels. My mom, still living in the house with Todd, because she is the ONLY ONE who can get him to eat his food needs to get a few doses of Gabapentin in his food. Yes. We doped him for 3 of the 4 appointments and 1 test run of the drug effects. My mom, also a trooper herself, was just as anxious to get Todd's moved with her, and the ticking clock of her move date came and went. Fortunately, she’s already paying for her new digs…. She’s just not living there yet. Oh. Why, you ask? Todd.
The traditional vet visit felt utterly impossible. I envisioned a scene of utter chaos: if I could EVEN get him doped up enough to get him there, a terrified Todd, a stressed-out vet staff, and me, desperately trying to attempt to hold onto a furry torpedo while simultaneously apologizing profusely or even crying more than usual. The thought alone was enough to send my blood pressure soaring.
So, I started my search and first three (3) appointments with The Vets Mobile Service who really tried to help, but all three (3) times failed. On the positive side, The Vets did get me the Gabapentin to help relax Todd for the next visit. That being said, each attempt left me more defeated, more emotional, Todd more agitated, mom more stressed and worried, and the move getting pushed out further and further. Recognizing my growing emotional distress and genuinely wanting to find a solution, The Vets Mobile Service, in a selfless act of compassion, recommended Tranquil Tabby. They saw my struggle and, despite not being able to help themselves, desperately wanted to connect me with someone who could. It was their way of saying, "We can't do this, but we know someone amazing who can."
Before The Vets even drove away from fail #3, I was online on my phone sitting in my mom’s front yard. Found it. Tranquil Tabby Mobile Cat Vet. The name itself was a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves and cloudy water-filled eyes. Could this be the answer to my prayers?
I immediately filled out the online form with my story of desperation, followed immediately by a voicemail, followed up with an email stating I filled out the form and sent an email. See. Desperate! And from my very first conversation with Lisa, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. She was calm, reassuring, understanding, empathetic, and genuinely cared about making the experience as stress-free as possible for Todd, my mom and me. She listened patiently as I recounted my tales of woe and assured me that Dr. Maher had extensive experience with even the most apprehensive of feline patients.
The day of their visit felt like a turning point. This is #4. Dr. Maher and Lisa arrived with a calm and gentle demeanor that immediately put me at ease. They didn't rush, they spoke softly, shared other stories of cats they’ve had to capture to vaccinate – just like Todd. I was speaking to two (2) women who completely understood and fearlessly told me everything will be great, and Todd will get to move to his new home with no problems.
I led them to the room I locked doped up Todd in. They went right in, ducking low to meet Todd with a quiet confidence that was truly remarkable. I did not go into the room. I told them they are the professionals, and I am going to stay out of their way.
Dr. Maher's expertise was evident. She handled Todd with a skill and patience I hadn't witnessed before. And then, it was done. Exam, weight, vaccinations, additional sedatives given for transporting. This is when they invited me back to the room to snuggle on Todd. Snuggle?? Todd won’t even let me SEE him let alone snuggle! There was barely an unhappy attempt to yowl from Todd - it was a world away from the stare-downs and herding attempts I'd endured the last seven (7) weeks. Yes. This is how long it’s taken to get this done. And Dr. Maher was kissing him all over, holding his paws, kissing his head, and doing what I would do with my cat – just never seen done like this with Todd.
I actually cried… before they came into the house and after. Relief, gratitude, and sheer exhaustion all bubbled to the surface.
The emotions didn't end there. Then Dr. Maher and Lisa helped prepare Todd for his journey to my mom's apartment by placing him into the carrier. After wrapping up the appointment, we all shared a heartfelt hug. It was a moment of shared triumph, a recognition of the emotional rollercoaster we'd just navigated.
And then, finally, the moment arrived. Todd, a lot wobbly and definitely feeling the effects of his sedative (a necessary evil for his safe transport), was delivered to my mom's new place. Even the other residents knew Todd had finally arrived! Seeing mom light up as I opened the door to her room was such a good feeling of accomplishment. Even in his heavily dazed state, it made every stressful moment worthwhile.
Now, since the dust has been settling, Todd has (slowly) adjusted to his new surroundings and listens to the familiar sounds of mom’s routine. My mom is overjoyed to have her furry companion by her side. As for me? I'm in desperate need of some serious decompression. A short work trip this week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday followed by taking Friday off for an extended weekend get-away to a house near the water with girlfriends and a pitcher of boozy blueberry & basil lemonade to celebrate the end of the chaos. Cheers! 🍹
My biggest regret in this whole ordeal? Not knowing about Tranquil Tabby sooner. Dr. Maher and Lisa are absolute lifesavers. Their compassionate approach and expertise transformed what felt like an impossible task into a manageable and ultimately successful one. If you have a nervous or unsocialized pet or just want the convenience of not having to load up mittens, skip the stress and call Tranquil Tabby. Trust me, you (and your pet) will be eternally grateful.
** I highly recommend this Mobile Kitty Cat Service!!! Don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Additionally, I also recommend The Vets Mobile Service if you want a vet to come to you - for those with “normal” pets. 😋
