Given how prone older cats are to kidney issues (and how sensitive cat livers are in general) I always opt for the bloodwork. I've known too many animals who were really sick and hid it
really well, that I'd want to know before we move forward with an expensive surgery. Like sweetpeasmommy said, I'd rather avoid the cascading medical and financial issues that could cause (not to mention losing a pet at the end of it
).
I'm 100% certain the vet is going to recommend a dental cleaning for my 15 year old cat this year (and though she is in fantastically good shape for her age, I'd like the bloodwork to confirm that) so I'm prepping my wallet now
A lot of vets do dental discount months for a percentage off the cleaning, which we have taken advantage of before