Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
Your cat depends on the care you give at home and also the care provided by your veterinarian. Every time you visit the veterinary clinic becomes an opportunity for you and the veterinarian to work together to ensure your cat’s continued good health. Since the time spent in the veterinarian’s exam room is relatively short, it’s important to make the most out of it. Here are some tips to help you to be an ideal veterinary client:
1. Put Your Cell Phone Down
while in the exam room, don’t take phone calls or text. Focus your full attention on your cat. In addition to it being very rude, you stand a good chance of missing important information your veterinarian may be trying to convey.
2. Prepare Ahead of Time
Write down any questions you have for the veterinarian. It’s easy to forget something once you get inside the exam room. If you have a question about a particular behavior or problem your cat is having, it might be very helpful for your veterinarian to actually see it so if possible, capture the behavior on your phone.
3. Be on Time
Respect the veterinarian’s time and the time of other clients. Your veterinarian may be running late due to an unexpected animal emergency so be tolerant of delays in their schedule. Do your part by showing up on time.
4. Transport Your Cat in a Carrier
A carrier, whether it’s a hard plastic kennel-type or a soft-sided luggage type will greatly reduce your cat’s stress and ensure their safety. Unrestrained animals in a vehicle pose a serious danger to the driver. Unrestrained animals in the clinic become very stressed and add to the anxiety of other animals around them. The safest way for your cat to be transported to the clinic is in a carrier. If you use the kennel carrier, much of the examination may even be able to be done while your cat remains inside with just the lid removed.
5. Don’t Complain About how Much Services Cost
Animals are living longer because of advancements in veterinary care but that comes with a price. The latest technology and medication cost more. If you can’t afford veterinary care, talk to your veterinarian about a payment plan. If you think you’re being taken advantage of, discuss it with the clinic manager and the veterinarian. if you’re still unsatisfied then start looking for another clinic. Veterinarians aren’t getting rich off their clients. Advanced technology costs the veterinary clinic lots of money in order to stay up to date. You have a right to question fees but do so in the same way you’d like to be addressed. Standing at the front desk and loudly complaining makes it unpleasant for everyone in the clinic.
6. Take Notes
If you’re being told a list of instructions from the veterinarian, ask for written directions, write a note yourself, or record it on your phone.
7. Comply with the Veterinarian’s Instructions
Compliance is a huge factor in whether your cat responds to home care. Whether it has to do with specific feeding instructions, physical exercise, cage rest, behavior, or medicating, comply with your veterinarian’s instructions. If you’ve been instructed to give 14 days’ worth of medication, don’t stop at 10 days because your cat is feeling better.
8. Communicate
If you’re unhappy with service, talk with the veterinarian to give them a chance to correct the problem. Your veterinarian may be unaware of something going on in the clinic in terms of how your cat was treated or how a staff member interacted with you. On the other hand, it’s also important to let the veterinarian know when you’re pleased with service. If a staff member in the clinic has gone above and beyond, be sure you let that person and veterinarian know how much their thoughtfulness is valued.
Need More Information?
For more specific information on cat behavior and cat training, refer to any of the books by best-selling author Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included links to Amazon here on our website.
If you have a question about your cat’s behavior or health, contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a medical diagnosis nor is it a replacement for your cat’s regular veterinary care. This article is for general information purposes only.
