Going to the vet’s office isn’t much different than seeing your doctor. You want to make the most of your time with minimal distractions. Your veterinarian also wants to use their time effectively to help you and your animal with the problem at hand. After all, taking your cat to the clinic is not easy. Cats are often stressed out throughout the vet visit process, so being as efficient as possible and being prepared for your trip can make a big difference.
Cats don’t always make it easy for their owners. They are experts at hiding the signs of being unwell which often means that cats are actually sick by the time their owners realize there is a problem. We’ve put together some tips to keep your vet visit as smooth and efficient as possible so you get the information you need and your cat gets the treatment they need.
The 11 Tips for Being Successful at the Vet’s Office
1. Not Everything Warrants a Physical Trip to the Vet
Throughout your cat’s life, they should visit the vet for an annual exam to update vaccinations and do any necessary health checks. A personal visit is essential for this. However, every cat owner understands the stress that their feline companions experience when going to the clinic. So, it helps to know that not all trips warrant a physical trip to the vet. Fortunately, teletriage sites like PangoVet exist, where you can schedule an online meeting with a veterinarian. This can be very useful when you have small questions about, for example, your cat’s behavior, but it can also be useful in deciding whether your cat’s problem requires a personal visit to vet or not.
It is worth noting that online virtual tests are not a substitute for a personal visit, but in some cases they are very useful. If your cat needs hospitalization or surgery, is experiencing a medical emergency or needs tests, you will need to take them to your veterinarian (or an emergency clinic), but for basic questions about your animal, sites like PangoVet can be very helpful. Note that in most countries and states, your animal needs to be “under the care” of a veterinarian in order for them to be given medications. This means that your pet must have been seen by a veterinarian, in person, within the last 6 months. However, virtual exams can offer a practical option for veterinary advice in some cases.
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2. Make a List of Your Cat’s Signs
Your veterinarian uses your observations of your cat to help signpost what may be going on. Your vet is at a disadvantage when you bring your pet to the clinic because your cat will undoubtedly behave differently away from home. They are too stressed. Therefore, the information you can provide your veterinarian is critical. Many signs are nonspecific, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, but they help your veterinarian begin to develop a clinical picture with important details.
Also, you know what is normal and abnormal for your cat. Write down your concerns to give your vet as much information as possible. This will save the vet time and ensure you don’t miss any of the details. Having all the details from the start will help your veterinarian determine the diagnosis and treat your pet more quickly.
3. Anticipate Questions Your Vet May Have
Appetite, activity level, and litter box habits are things your vet will undoubtedly ask you to detail. Make their work better by preparing answers. Expect other questions based on the complaint. If your cat vomits, note how often and the consistency. If your cat has lost its appetite, note how long it has been and whether they are eating or only favorite foods.
4. Write Your Questions
No doubt you have questions and concerns. Do yourself a favor and write them down so you don’t forget anything important. Remember that you have your veterinarian’s full attention during your appointment. Make the most of your time. No question is stupid. It’s better to get all the facts so you can understand what’s wrong with your cat and plan to make things better.
5. Gather Any Necessary Medical Records and Medications
Your vet needs the complete picture to understand what’s going on. Make sure you have a record of your cat’s vaccinations, and if your cat takes any medication, make sure you know which medication, how much and how often they take it. If this is your first visit to a new vet, it’s worth calling the practice before your appointment to make sure they’ve received your cat’s medical history from your previous vet’s office.
6. Get Your Cat Used to the Carrier Before Going to Your Appointment
You will need to bring your cat to the veterinary clinic in a carrier. As a general rule, cats are very suspicious of cat carriers, and the best way to reduce this suspicion is by getting your cat used to the carrier before it is needed. Place your cat carrier in the living room so your kitty can sniff and investigate it on their own time. Feed your cat treats in the carrier on a normal day so they begin to find the carrier less stressful. When you plan to put your cat in the carrier to take them to the vet clinic, we suggest putting something with your cat’s smell, like a favorite blanket or towel inside it to make it more familiar. There are even pheromone sprays that can help your kitten relax more easily.
7. Buy a Good Quality Cat Carrier
Cat carriers come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure you have a cat carrier that is big enough for your cat and made of hard plastic, as they are more secure. Carriers with removable covers are ideal so that your cat can be examined while remaining in the comfort of their box. The ability to remove the cover also means that a frightened cat does not have to be dragged out of the carrier door for their examination.
8. Allow Your Cat to Use the Litter Box Before You Leave
Give your cat time to use the litter box before your appointment. Your cat can soil the carrier, making it unpleasant and time-consuming for everyone. Remember that cats are clean animals, so sitting in a dirty carrier is undoubtedly uncomfortable and distressing for them. Giving your cat time to use the litter tray before they enter the cat carrier can help prevent this situation.
9. Consider Using a Pheromone Spray
Cats generally don’t like to be out of their routine, and they certainly don’t like to ride in a car. The noise, the smell and the unpredictability of the situation make a cat very unsettled. One study found that using a synthetic feline facial pheromone product can reduce stress during transportation. This may mean that your cat arrives at the vet’s practice in a more relaxed state, which in turn will help your vet perform a useful clinical examination. Cats that come to the veterinary practice in a stressed state can be more difficult to manage.
10. Complete Any Online Forms Early
If your vet has an app or online system, check the site for any forms you may need to complete before your visit. Some clinics ask clients to fill out forms before the annual exam to make sure their records are up to date. You can save a lot of time by completing these before your appointment and preparing hard copies if necessary. Administrative staff will appreciate your efficiency.
11. Arrive Early for Your Pet’s Appointment
Administrative staff try to schedule appointments with sufficient time based on the issue. That can mean a little bit of a window between time slots. Make the most of your allotted time by arriving a few minutes early for your appointment. This will allow your cat to acclimatize a bit before their consultation begins. If there’s time, vets often like to give cats time alone in an exam room to settle in after a ride to the clinic, so take advantage of it.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared before a trip to the vet can really improve efficiency and allow your vet to do their job to the best of their ability. While you can’t completely eliminate distraction and discomfort from your cat, you can make the process as quick and efficient as possible with simple steps. Some optimize your vet’s time by providing information and anticipating questions. Others prepare your cat for testing. Everyone makes the best of an unpleasant situation.
Featured Image Credit: Stock-Asso, Shutterstock
