Questions To Ask To A Veterinarian

Before you go, consider what you want from the vet. If you have a neutered or altered cat that rarely goes out, you will probably have to visit the vet only once a year for the booster inoculations, so enquire about policy for routine check ups.

If your plan is to show or breed from your cat, you will need to think more seriously about locating a vet who is perhaps interested in breeding, and knowledgeable about pedigreed breeds and showing.

This is usually easier in a city than in a rural region. Once you have found a practice that is cat friendly, it is worth going through a mental checklist of what you need to know.

Check opening hours. Is an appointment needed, or does the practice run on an open surgery basis whereby you turn up unannounced between specified hours? Both can operate well in an efficient practice, but if you are working, you may need a combination of both options for maximum flexibility.

You will also need to make sure that there are weekend and occasional evening surgeries. Check that there are arrangements for emergencies around the clock.

If so, will your cat be treated by one of the practice vets or a separate emergency staff? This may be significant if you have a pedigreed animal that requires special attention. Also, what is the policy regarding home visits?

This may be important if you are intending to breed from your cat, in case you need help at the birth. Is the practice a veterinary hospital or does it specializes in feline medicine and surgery?

If it is a member of a national advisory organization such as the feline advisory bureau, it will be well up to date with all the latest health care information. Ask about the attitude towards alternative or complementary treatments, such as homeopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture.

Look for a positive, holistic approach, as the benefits of these treatments, especially for older cats, can be substantial. A kitten has its first check at about nine weeks. This will coincide with the first inoculations, and with pedigreed animals, will probably take place before they leave the home where they were bred.