Which veterinarian you choose for your cat is an important decision and one that should be made before you bring your cat home for the first time. When you become a cat parent it’s wise to already have the veterinary clinic chosen based on careful evaluation done before you even bring kitty there for the first time.
Beginning the Search for Your Cat’s New Veterinarian
Look for a Fear-Free Certified practice by putting your zip code into their online directory. Fear-Free provides on-line education on low-stress handling and cooperative care to veterinarians, technicians and staff for reducing fear and stress in patients.
You can also search for AAFP-Cat Friendly practices by using their online directory. The Cat Friendly Practice program from the American Association of Feline Practitioners, is a global initiative designed to elevate care for cats by reducing stress for the patient, cat parent and veterinary professionals.
Ask friends, neighbors, nearby relatives and co-workers which veterinarians they use and WHY. Only ask people who take good care of their pets. Personal referrals are very valuable.
Visit the websites of clinics to see what services they offer, accreditations, and to read staff biographies. If they have a social media presence, check out their profiles to see the quality of the content they post.
If in the United States or Canada, make sure the clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. To pursue accreditation, clinics are evaluated on all aspects of veterinary medicine and are continuously updated.
Check online review sites.
Do You Have Preferences Regarding the Type of Clinic?
Would you prefer a large multi-doctor practice or a smaller one-doctor clinic?
Is there a cats-only clinic in your area?
In a mixed practice, would you prefer they have a separate cat waiting room and exam room?
Do you need a clinic with later hours or a 24/hour clinic based on your work schedule?
Do you want a clinic that is also a boarding facility?
A house call or mobile clinic?
Does the clinic have emergency services or is there an emergency clinic nearby?
How far are you willing to travel?
When you call the practice the first time to get more information, if it’s a large practice or a mixed one, ask if there is a doctor who has a special interest in feline medicine.
Visit the Veterinary Clinic
If you want to spend a few minutes talking with the veterinarian and touring the facility, call ahead of time to schedule a short appointment. It’s not fair to expect the veterinarian to see you unannounced.
Upon driving up to the clinic, what is your first impression?
How does the waiting room look?
Does it have an odor or does it smell clean?
Does it look clean and well-maintained?
Pay attention to the receptionist – are they friendly and knowledgeable?
Are phone calls answered quickly and professionally?
Determine What Services are Important to You When it Comes to the Care of Your Cat
- Emergency services
- House calls
- Extensive in-house laboratory testing
- In-house diagnostic testing (such as endoscopy, ultrasound, etc)
- Nutrition Counseling
- Grooming
- Boarding
- Behavior counseling
Veterinary Fees
Everyone wants the best possible medical care for their pets but make sure the veterinarian you choose is within your budget. Another option is to find out if the veterinary clinic offers payment plans. Some clinics have exam packages such as kitten, wellness, and senior, which can save on overall expenses.
The Importance of the Veterinarian/Client Relationship
So many factors go into whether you give your veterinarian high marks or not. This is a relationship and it’s important that you feel comfortable talking with your veterinarian and also feel confident in their abilities.
You and your veterinarian must work as a team to ensure the good health of your cat. As a cat parent you have a responsibility to communicate to the veterinarian and comply with instructions. Your veterinarian must also be good at communicating with you and have a bedside manner that conveys compassion.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat care, cat behavior, and training, refer to the best-selling books by 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 regarding your cat’s health, please contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care.