It's similar to choosing a doctor for yourself.Solid care for your animal can only be provided by a competent vet.You and your cat need to be comfortable with the vet.The vet's personality and style isn't the only thing that matters.You need to be comfortable with the entire clinic.You can begin your search with a list if you get recommendations from friends and family.You can visit the clinic with the cat to help you make a decision.
Step 1: Ask for recommendations.
Asking people you know for recommendations is a good way to start looking for a vet.You should stick to people who think of pet care the same way you do.Ask someone who has the same viewpoint if you prefer home remedies.If you want to find out more about your cat's breed, you can go to a local club.If you're moving to a different city, ask your current vet for a recommendation.They might be able to recommend someone.
Step 2: You can search on your own.
You can start by looking online or in the phone book.You may be able to find reviews of the vet if you look online.Even if you can't find reviews, the vet's website can give you an idea of what to expect, with photos and information about the services and pricing.You can find veterinarians in your area by using databases.Think about where you are.If you don't want to drive a long way, look at vets close to you.
Step 3: There are vets that are professionally accredited.
If you want your cat to get a high standard of care, you should try to find a vet that is a member of 1 or more professional organizations.There are vets in the US that are accredited by the AAHA.The locator tool at aaha.org can be used to find accredited vets in your area.You may want to look for a vet who is also a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.A directory of member vets and Cat Friendly Practices can be found at catvets.com.
Step 4: Determine what you need from the vet.
You might want to go to a small clinic where you know everyone.You might want to go to a hospital where you can get everything done.Maybe your cat needs a specialist.When narrowing your choices, take into account all of these needs.If you need to board your cat from time to time, look at veterinarians with boarding facilities.
Step 5: You should check for emergency services.
If you're looking for a vet with emergency services, focus on that instead of using it as a search term.If you need emergency services, you'll need a bigger clinic or hospital.You can take your cat to a separate place with emergency services if you need to, but you should keep in mind that you can have an animal doctor at a smaller clinic.When you call, you can ask about emergency services.If the vet doesn't offer emergency services, you should ask if you need to go to a specific place.
Step 6: Consider the price.
The price is also a factor.Smaller clinics might be cheaper than larger ones.Hospitals that are all-inclusive are more expensive.Ask the clinic for a list of basic prices so you can compare them.Check the payment options.If they offer payment plans for large bills, be sure to check if they accept credit cards.
Step 7: Pick a vet before your cat needs it.
You may think you have time to find a doctor.If your cat has a health problem, you want to have someone who knows about it call you.Just like you have a primary doctor, choose a vet to be your cat's primary vet.
Step 8: Set up a meeting by calling in advance.
It's time to meet with the vet or at least talk to them on the phone after you've narrowed your choices.You can schedule an appointment by calling.Make it clear that you want to meet the vet without your pet so you can ask questions and decide if that clinic is the right place for you and your cat.The majority of veterinarians are willing to meet prospective clients.A fee is charged by many vets for this type of visit.Ask about the vet's policies prior to the interview.
Step 9: Prepare questions.
Write out your questions before you go in.The vet may have scheduled a short appointment for you, but you should be able to ask the staff questions even if the vet needs to move on to their next appointment.You could ask about office hours.What are your costs?Do you offer payment plans?What types of services do you offer?Do you offer boarding services?Do you take after-hours patients?Is there any kind of sedation services you have?How do you deal with cats who are not comfortable with the vet?If your cat is not comfortable going to the vet, it may need to be snoozing.Are you a member of a professional organization?
Step 10: See if you like the staff and vet.
You should like the people who work at the clinic when you visit.You don't need to be friends with the doctor.You should feel comfortable with the vet, their staff, and the overall environment of the clinic or hospital if you can speak up and ask questions.
Step 11: There is a facility around it.
Make sure to check out the facility while you are there.It should look clean and orderly, and it shouldn't smell bad.There are other customers and pets there.Do the animals seem well cared for?Some pets will be sick, but don't be afraid to talk to other customers about their experience there.Let the office staff know if you want to see the non-public areas of the hospital.They will need to schedule your visit so that it doesn't interrupt any procedures.
Step 12: The carrier should be comfortable.
To get your cat in a carrier, you need to make it a happy place ahead of time.Leave the door open so the cat can see it.There should be toys added to it.You can put a blanket inside or a shirt that smells like you.Your cat will explore the carrier on its own.It's a good idea to put the carrier out weeks in advance to get your cat used to it.Put some treats inside the carrier to get the cat in.
Step 13: You can use a spray.
Sometimes a synthetic spray can help a cat.30 minutes before you need the cat to be in the carrier you should spray it inside.The cat will be calmer when using the spray.The smell that cats use to mark their faces and paws is mimicked by this spray.It shows that the territory is already marked, which makes them feel safer.
Step 14: Try to go to practice visits.
Bring your cat to the veterinarians office for a practice run before you go for an official visit.If your cat is used to it, you could even do it once or twice a week.Give the cat treats to associate the vet with good things.The vet's office is a good place to get your cat used to the environment.You can see how your cat will react to other animals.
Step 15: As a vet, you should handle your cat.
The vet will want to examine your cat's torso, paws, teeth, and ears after it goes to the vet.The vet may need to clean the cat's neck if it gets aggressive during an exam.If you want to try these techniques out at home, you can touch your cat's paws, or gently grab the scruff of its neck.Work up to a bit longer if you start out with short periods.
Step 16: You can schedule a well-cat visit.
You would go to the doctor for a checkup if you visited a well-cat visit.Your cat is established as a patient.Make an appointment to see the vet for your cat.If your cat has never been to a vet, the first appointment may be longer.That will allow the cat and the vet to get to know each other.The vet examines your cat.In order to calm the cat during the exam, the vet should talk to it in a calm voice.The vet is paying attention to the cat.A certified low-stress handling veterinary hospital is a good choice.