| Our choice of veterinarian can be one of the | | | | stressed by dogs. |
| most important long-term decisions we can | | | | |
| make for our cats. Many people make the | | | | Veterinarians who specialize in cats often |
| decision based on cost. Others make it based | | | | have a better grasp of cat specific illnesses |
| on the office closest to their house. Cost | | | | simply because they only treat cats and are |
| and location are important consideration but | | | | more likely to be exposed to these illnesses. |
| there are other things to take into | | | | They can be a font of knowledge about some |
| consideration when placing your cat's life in | | | | of the more unusual cat breeds as well. |
| someone's hands. | | | | |
| | | | Whether or not your veterinarian specializes |
| 1. Accessibility. Location is part of | | | | only in cats is less important than whether |
| accessibility. While the best vet in the | | | | or not your veterinarian appreciates the bond |
| area may be "only" forty minutes away, what | | | | you have with your cat. They should |
| if you have an emergency? Do you want to | | | | understand that your cat is very important to |
| drive that far? If you are choosing a | | | | you. They should be able to honor that bond. |
| veterinarian closer to you, what is their | | | | |
| policy on emergencies? Can you get your cat | | | | 4. Costs. Cost is important. No matter how |
| in as soon as you need to or do they refer to | | | | wonderful or knowledgeable the veterinarian |
| another doctor? If they have multiple | | | | is, if you can't afford to see them, there's |
| doctors in their office, can you request that | | | | a problem. If you can't afford any |
| the doctor you regularly see treat your cat | | | | veterinarian, you might want to consider |
| once the life threatening emergency has | | | | delaying adopting a cat. Medical expenses |
| passed? | | | | happen. |
| | | | |
| When considering accessibility, you also want | | | | Some clinics are more expensive than others. |
| to consider how easy it is to reach the | | | | Some clinics also insist that owners always |
| veterinarian by phone. In many cases | | | | do thorough blood work and recommend |
| technicians are more than capable of | | | | expensive diagnostic tests and treatments |
| answering questions about your pet and | | | | without offering the owner any other more |
| setting up appointments if it goes beyond | | | | "cost effective" options. While the most |
| their knowledge, but what about when you have | | | | expensive may be the best way to go, it's |
| a specific question about blood work? Does | | | | important to know that if there are |
| your veterinarian return your calls promptly? | | | | alternatives, your veterinarian will tell you |
| | | | about them. |
| 2. Communication. This can be a big issue. | | | | |
| If you have questions about your cat's | | | | 5. Comfort. Are you comfortable in the |
| health, can your vet answer them so that you | | | | office? What about your cat? While going to |
| understand them? Do they talk at the level | | | | the vet is rarely a cat's favorite activity, |
| you understand? Many people have medical | | | | an office that makes you and your cat feel |
| backgrounds. They don't need a doctor telling | | | | more comfortable can ease a lot of stress. |
| them in simple general terms about what's | | | | Consider how you feel upon thinking about |
| going on with their pet's blood work, they | | | | going to the vet. If it's very stressful for |
| want to know the actual numbers. Other | | | | you, your cat will know. They'll be |
| people just want to know what those numbers | | | | stressed as well. Look for an office that |
| mean. Can your veterinarian talk to you? | | | | will make you feel more welcome and works on |
| | | | easing your fears and your cats fears. |
| 3. Specialization. Should you go to a | | | | |
| veterinarian who specializes in cats? Many | | | | There are many wonderful veterinarian offices |
| people choose to do this. They like an | | | | out there. No one office is the right |
| office where there are only cats. Their cats | | | | office for everyone. Communication styles |
| are not exposed to barking dogs and the | | | | differ. Different office décor can make |
| visits are less stressful. Other vets have | | | | some people comfortable but not others. |
| separate entrances for cats and for dogs, | | | | The most important thing is to find the vet |
| which can make it easier for cats who are | | | | that fits you and your cat. |