One of our responsibilities as cat owners is making sure our pets are kept healthy. Keeping up with vaccinations and vet check-ups are crucial to your pet’s well-being. Below is a checklist of what you might want to keep in mind when choosing and visiting your vet.
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First, find the right veterinarian, based on referrals from friends and family or online research.
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Call the vet’s office to make an appointment and to find out what the fees are for various procedures so you’re not shocked when the bill comes.
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Write down all your concerns so you’re ready when the vet asks if you have questions.
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Bring a fecal sample with you so the vet can examine it for worms.
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Make sure you have a secure carrier for your cat and ferry him to the vet’s office in it.
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Arrive on time for your appointment, because many vets’ offices are quite busy.
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If you have health and vaccination records, bring them with you and have the receptionist start your cat’s health file with them.
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During the appointment, let the vet handle your pet on her own – any physical interference by you can be a distraction. Take this time to ask your questions.
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When you’re satisfied with your visit and feel confident you can complete any actions the vet wants you to take, it’s time to wrap it up.
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Pay your bill and be sure to ask the vet when she thinks your pet’s next appointment should be. If you have a kitten, it may be as soon as a few weeks, but older cats may not need more than an annual check-up.
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Re-crate your cat and transport him home.
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When you get home, comfort kitty and let him relax after the experience.
Download this checklist as a printable pdf file.
Photo: TheoGeo
