5 Steps to Finding A Cat-Friendly Veterinarian


If you've recently moved or adopted a cat and are looking for vets to take them to for checkups and medical situations, there are a few solid methods to tell if a vet is right for you and your kitty.

We've put together this step-by-step guide to assist you find a new veterinarian.

The 5 Steps to Finding a Cat-Friendly Veterinarian:

1. Look for a Vet Near You

It's quite simple to locate a veterinarian in your area, but it's more difficult to determine whether or not they are cat friendly. The first step is to use a website or search engine to discover a veterinarian near you. Once you've selected one or more, you can use the following steps to evaluate which one is best for you and your cat.

2. Determine the Vet's Credentials

When looking for the ideal veterinarian, there are numerous factors to consider. The vet's credentials are one of these. When looking for a new vet, look for feline-friendly certifications. You may typically check the vet's credentials by calling or visiting their website.

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Cat-Friendly Vets or Cat-Friendly Clinics are trustworthy when it comes to your cat. These veterinarians are known for going above and beyond to assure your cat's safety, well-being, and comfort. This is significant since both the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society for Feline Medicine work hard to establish themselves as legitimate feline medicine organizations.

The Cat-Friendly Certificate is another crucial certificate that may be considered. Individuals in the practice may hold this qualification, indicating that they have completed further training in working with cats in a veterinary practice.

Veterinary nurses or veterinarians who have specialized in feline medicine through various veterinary specialty groups, such as the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, the Australian College of Veterinary Science, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, to name a few, are less common but have even more expertise.

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3. Take a Look Around the Clinic

The next step is to call and ask for a tour of the facilities to confirm that it is suitable for your cat. Please keep in mind that many clinics are quite busy, thus availability may be extremely restricted. Instead of taking a tour, go to their website, which often has images of their facilities and staff. Visit the waiting room to see if there are separate facilities for cats away from other animals. Exam rooms or times of the week dedicated solely to felines are even better. Even better, a clinic that just treats cats.

4. Go to the Website

Go to their website. Is the information current? Do they do kitten training sessions or staff talks about feline topics? Are their hours convenient for your schedule? This also allows you to examine how they manage after-hours care and where your cat would need to go in an emergency.

5. Look for Signs of Success

Multiple positive indicators can point to a fantastic veterinarian. Of course, not every vet will be able to satisfy all of them, so look for a vet in your area who fulfills the majority of them while also meeting the specific credentials listed above.

Signs That You've Found a Good Cat Vet:

Ascertain that the clinic is a positive environment for your cat


If it appears frightening to you, it will undoubtedly be frightening to your cat. Examine the employees and the surroundings. Is the personnel friendly and tries to calm down any animals they come across? 

Are there any relaxing diffusers for cat visitors? Are the waiting rooms spacious and quiet? Is there somewhere for your cat? These are just a few of the many questions you may have when deciding on a veterinarian.

If it appears to be a positive environment, that's a good sign. You want a place where you can bring your cat that is pleasant and accepting.

There are separate waiting areas


While not all veterinarians can accommodate this, it is an important factor to consider when choosing a veterinarian. Some veterinarians will offer separate waiting rooms for cats and dogs in order to keep the animals calm during their visit. It's also a good sign if the waiting room is large enough for pets to be separated from one another.

Good cat handling, with comfort as the first priority


When you take your cat to the vet, pay close attention to how they work. People who are used to working with cats are frequently slow, quiet, and attentive to your cat's requirements. Ascertain that they are doing everything possible to care for your cat and that it is comfortable.

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Hygiene


When it comes to a vet's workplace, cleanliness is everything. Sick animals visit on a daily basis, therefore keeping the environment clean is critical. If you discover dirt on the floor, an unusual odor, or an unclean area, this is a red flag. To keep all animals healthy, there must be some effort made to keep the place clean.


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Conclusion

It can be difficult to find a new veterinarian. There are numerous factors to consider, but this list helps to organize them all into a logical sequence. When looking for the ideal vet for your cat, consider factors such as qualifications, hygienic environments, a large or separate waiting room for cats, and nice, knowledgeable personnel.

Overall, your cat's health comes first, and it is critical that they see a reputable veterinarian.

Vets are an important part of your cat’s life, and it’s your job to ensure that the visits are as positive as possible and helpful for your cat’s health .

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