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tarte tatin · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 247 Location: Istanbul

I know there are some animal lovers on the forum so I wondered whether anyone had any experience with Turkish vets.

I have recently moved into an apartment with large terrace and garden. The garden is home to six lovely cats. I am treading a careful line trying to improve their lives without making them over dependent on me.

Another neighbour also puts out food and fresh water as I do. They are absolutley fantastic characters and are probably the best thing in my life in Istanbul. One female tabby seems to have some problems eating, and recurring eye problems plus many flea bites. I bathe her eye and it helps but she doesn't appreciate it!

I feel I ought to take her to the vet to make sure she has not got dental problems, or worse, cat flu. I wonder how stressful this would be for her, whether Turkish vets are likely to speak English, and how much they charge. Can I also purchase a product like Frontline to control fleas? I have tried flea spray but it is stressful for the animals and not that effective.

For other people interested in feeding feral cats, I buy cat biscuits but also supplement with other protein foods. The one with feeding problems seems to like yoghurt, scrambled egg, fish of course and boiled chicken. I try not to feed them their whole daily ration as I don't want them to suffer when I leave eventually or go on holiday.

burdik · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 33 Location: izmir

I cant say anything about the vet being able to speak english or not, but I've had a couple of experiences with cats (alley cats that is). I tried this with two different vets and it always worked. What I did was, since the cats in question (they were either sick, needed an operation, etc...) were alley cats - and you could easily tell they were - I told the vet that they were alley cats and I was simply doing it because I didn't want them to suffer and that since I was a teacher (and a Turkish one) I wasnt getting paid handsomely. Everytime they gave me a reasonable discount. And once, it was winter, a cat - most probably in an effort to warm itself - had got into the trunk of the car (I'm not sure if it is called trunk - the part where the engine is) I was late for work that morning and had to drive. I didn't know the cat was in there and when I started the engine I heard a terrible scream ): The was not dead but he was in a very bad condition. I took him to the vet told him the situation and also told him that I wouldn't be able to afford the operation, so he charged me only the expenses (that is to say tranquilizers, and what ever medicine and stuff that was needed) And I was able to pay some and get the rest from other people in my neighbourhood that loved animals. To make a long story shorter (I know I am too late for that now) if you tell the vet the situation, you might be likely to get a nice discount.

ps. the cat is fine. he has problems walking but he survived,he is no longer in pain and somebody has taken him into his flat and he's being looked after pretty well.

hobo · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 91

If anyone needs a cat putting down, Baba Alex does it for free. As long as you carry it up the eight flights of stairs, he'll do the rest.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

did baba mention if it involved bricks and the Bosphorous?

You didn't mention which part of town you were in Tartin. There are a couple of English speaking vets in Cihangir. There is actually a vet and cat and dog home on my street in Baltalimani... no idea if they speak English though.... the vets that is.

hobo · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 91

samuraiwriter · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 41

Frontline is avail. here at any vet over the counter. Around 18.00 per month. You can also buy cheap de-parasite meds. That is a god send to these animals. Lots of vets come to you for like 25, worth it.

Good luck, if you need further help please PM me.

tarte tatin · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 247 Location: Istanbul

Thanks to those people who gave good advice. I know not everyone likes cats, that's up to them.

I am keeping an eye on the cat in question. I tracked down some parasite control (the type that you place on the back of the neck) today, I bought some and will give it a try.

I have also located a couple of vets and I think I will pop in and talk before transporting the cat there.