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Tut, tut, Freddy!


According to the vet, it's most likely that Freddy is the instigator of the fights he's been getting into.  Based on the scratches on his head and chin, that is.

I took him to the vet today to get his FIV vaccine.  He didn't have it when I adopted him, as he was going to be an indoor cat, but now that he's been out a few times - firstly by escaping, and lately by my allowing him out - he needs to have his FIV vax.  As he's already  been in some scrapes, and been scratched and punctured a few times, he was also tested to see if he had already contracted the virus.  Preliminary tests look like he's OK, and I'll find out in about 3 months for sure.

The vet had to check Fred for a fever, but Fred kept clamping down on the themometer whenever the vet tried to insert it!  I really don't blame him; surely they can take a temperature some other way?!?  But no fever, which indicates he doesn't have any infections going on.  I have to keep an eye on his injuries, but the vet tells me that he's probably going to retain his Tom Cat (not TomKat) tendencies, as he was desexed well into adulthood.  He has lost some of his cheek bulk, but still struts his stuff as though he's got all his bits intact!

Funnily enough, after making a fuss about having his temperature taken, Fred sat very quietly while a bit of his chest was shaved in order for the vet to take a blood sample.  Liz the vet nurse also cleaned up some of his scabs, and says he's healing well.

I also have to check his poo (!!) to check his tapeworm medicatation has taken.  He's lost a lot of weight recently.  I put it down to his being out and about, climbing fences and jumping on roofs, but need to just rule out a worm problem.  The vet nurse (Lisa, this time!) says that if he was having a tapeworm problem, he'd start to look ratty, and as he's still glossy and devastatingly handsome, she thinks it's just a result of him being more active.

All the nurses and the vet agree that I just have to let Fred do his thing, and try not to worry about him.  He's vaccinated, microchipped, registered, has an ID tag and does come home of  his own accord.  He's much, much happier and much more relaxed being allowed out, even if it's not every day, so I think it's worth a little bit of my own stress to ensure he has a fulfilling existence.

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