Last updated: June 21, 2023 crystal with
If you recently moved or have a new cat and are looking for a veterinarian to take you to for checkups or medical emergencies, determine if that veterinarian is a good fit for you and your cat. There are several ways to be sure.
We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you find a new veterinarian.
Five steps to finding a cat-friendly veterinarian:
1. Find a veterinarian near you
Finding a veterinarian in your area is relatively easy, but determining if the veterinarian is cat friendly can be difficult. The first step is to find a veterinarian near you using a site or search engine. Once you have found one or more cats, you can decide which one is right for you and your cat by following these steps.
2. Know your veterinarian credentials
There are many things to consider when finding the perfect veterinarian. One of which is his veterinary qualification. When looking for a new veterinarian, certain cat-friendly certifications are important. You can usually find your credentials by calling your veterinarian or on their website.
The veterinarian cat friendly habits again cat friendly clinic, you can trust when dealing with cats. These veterinarians are known to take extra steps to ensure your cat’s safety, health and comfort. This is important because the American Feline Medical Association and the International Feline Medical Association are committed to being credible feline medical societies.
The Cat-Friendly Certificate is also an important credential and may be affected. Individuals within the practice may have this certification indicating that they have received additional training in working with cats in the veterinary practice.
Less commonly, more specialized veterinary nurses or veterinarians specialize in feline medicine through various veterinary professional groups, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Australian College of Veterinary Sciences, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. and Just to name a few.
3. Look around the clinic
The next step is to call and ask if you can take a tour to see if the facility is suitable for your cat. Please understand that many clinics are very busy and availability may be very limited. Please visit the website instead of the tour. In many cases, photos of facilities and staff are posted. Alternatively, go to the waiting area and see if there are dedicated facilities for cats away from other animals. Even better, there are examination rooms and days of the week just for cats. The best is a clinic that only sees cats.
4. Visit the website
Please visit our website. Is the information up-to-date? Will there be training classes for kittens and talks from staff on cat-related topics? Are the hours open to suit your schedule? It’s also an opportunity to deal with or see where your cat needs to go in an emergency.
5. Look for positive signs
A good veterinarian can be found if you have multiple good signs. Of course, not all veterinarians fit all of these, so while looking for the specific credentials above, look for a veterinarian who meets most of them in your area.
Signs you’ve found a good veterinarian for your cat:
Make sure the clinic is a positive place for your cat
If you’re scared, cats are probably scared too. Look at the staff and environment. Are the staff friendly and trying to calm the animals they see? Are there calming diffusers used for cat visitors? Is the waiting area quiet and spacious? Do you have a place to put your cat? These are just a few of the many questions you may be asked regarding which veterinarian to choose.
If it looks like a positive place overall, that’s a great sign. We are looking for friendly and welcoming staff who can provide you with places you want to take your cat.
separate waiting room
Not all veterinarians can handle this, but it’s important to ask about this when talking to your veterinarian. Some veterinarians have separate waiting areas for dogs and cats to keep cats calm during veterinary visits. If the waiting room is large enough to prevent pets from touching each other, that’s a good sign too.
Prioritize comfort and handle cats well
When you take your cat to your veterinarian of choice, watch how the veterinarian examines it. People who are used to working with cats often work slowly and quietly and pay attention to their needs. Take care of your cat and make sure you are doing your best to make her feel comfortable.
Hygiene
Hygiene is paramount in the veterinarian’s office. With sick animals coming in every day, keeping the space clean is essential. If you notice dirt, odors, or filthy areas on your floors, it’s a worrying sign. Keeping all animals healthy requires constant efforts to keep the area sanitary.
Conclusion
Finding a new veterinarian can be difficult. There are a lot of things to consider, but this list will help you put it all together in one step-by-step guide. When looking for the best veterinarian for your cat, key items such as qualifications, a sanitary area, a large or separate waiting area for your cat, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff are important.
Overall, your cat’s health is paramount, and it’s very important to make sure she sees the right veterinarian.
A veterinarian is an important part of a cat’s life, and it’s your job to ensure that the veterinarian’s visit is as positive and beneficial to your cat’s health as possible.
Featured image credit: Alice Rodnova, Shutterstock
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything from cat biology, behavior and unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of