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