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Not just anyone to 'Doctor' my cats.Jan 14 '02 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line If your cat is part of your family, then this is just as important a decision, as choosing a Family Doctor.
I learned a very hard lesson about 11 years ago. We had just purchased a restaurant and were working every hour possible. We had just moved into a new home and life was so hectic. So what has this to do with How to Choose a Cat Veterinarian? Not only did we move into the new home, but also a cat from our old neighborhood. It was one of about a dozen, living in bad conditions. The owners had asked us to take it as it was always in our yard. I have been a cat owner all my life and this put the icing on the cake for me. Within a few days we realized we had a problem. The cat would run up the 'bird cage' netting around our pool area. The second time of having to put a chair at the 6 foot end of the pool, to try to get him down, was enough for my husband. We chatted to several customers in the restaurant and they suggested a local vet. I am a total coward so off Len went to have his claws removed. The whole morning I was a nervous wreck. At 3pm we could go and pick him up. Len suggested I go home early around 1pm. I thought it strange but agreed. He came home before the restaurant was closed, sat with me, and told me that the cat had not come through the surgery. I was devastated. I cried so hard that he took me straight to the S.P.C.A., and we adopted Q.T. So what does this say about choosing a vet. Don't just phone one like we did, without checking them out first. I still feel sick to my stomach when I realize what we did. We killed our cat because we didn't take the time to do our homework. You may say that we went to him by word of mouth. This is true, but also for the convenience of being on our doorstep. Did we learn by our mistake. You bet we did. Q.T. had not been neutered so we asked the S.P.C.A. who they would recommend. They gave us several to look into. The first one was about 5 miles south of us. This was more of a clinic and seemed less personal that I wanted. The next vet on the list was only a mile from home. The moment we stepped into 'The Animal Hospital', I felt at home. The lady at the desk introduced herself and spoke extremely highly of the veterinarian. We sat and waited until he came to speak with us. First impressions are so important. He explained that he ran the practice and that my cats would only be seen my him. He had a warm genuine smile and a really soft voice. I took to him immediately. Both my cats have been with him for 10 years. When he is on vacation he has another vet come in, but my boys always wait to see this gentle man. Okay, so I have given you a personal view as to how and why we chose our vet. Things to remember. Never get a vet from the phone directory. The nearest one may not be the best. The one you choose may be a little more expensive but does he/she do a thorough examination. Do they get their shots each year. Does the place look clean and sterile. Do the staff stay. How many years has the vet been at the same practice. Final thoughts. My cats get birthday and Christmas cards from their vet. When I phone up and say either Q.T. or Y.T. needs something, I don't even have to give my name. Our vet has been there for 20 years. The same staff are still there from the day we visited over 10 years ago. Make choosing your vet as important as choosing your own medical needs. After all they are your children. Thank you for reading. ~Susan~  |
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