{"id":639542,"date":"2024-09-16T11:20:46","date_gmt":"2024-09-16T15:20:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=639542"},"modified":"2024-09-16T11:20:46","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T15:20:46","slug":"how-to-save-time-at-the-vet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-health-care\/how-to-save-time-at-the-vet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Time at the Vet? 11 Vet Approved Tips for Being Efficient at the Vet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Going to the vet\u2019s office isn\u2019t much different than seeing your doctor. You want to make the most out of your time with minimal hassle. Your veterinarian also wants to use their time effectively to help you and your animal with the problem at hand.\u00a0 After all, taking your cat to the clinic is never easy. Cats often find the whole process of visiting the vet very stressful, so being as efficient as you can and being prepared for your trip can make a big difference.<\/p>\n

Cats don\u2019t always make it easy for their owners. They are masters at hiding signs of being unwell which often means that cats are really quite sick by the time their owners realize there is a problem.\u00a0 We\u2019ve put together some tips for keeping your vet visit as smooth and efficient as possible so that you get the information you need and your cat gets the treatment they need.<\/p>\n

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The 11 Tips for Being Efficient at the Vet\u2019s Office<\/h2>\n

1. Not Everything Warrants a Physical Trip to the Vet<\/h3>\n

Throughout your cat\u2019s life, they should visit the vet for an annual exam to update vaccinations and do any necessary health tests. An in-person visit is essential for this. However, every cat owner understands the stress their feline companions experience when going to the clinic. So, it\u2019s helpful to know that not all trips warrant a physical trip to the vet. Thankfully, teletriage sites like PangoVet<\/a> exist, where you can schedule an online meeting with a veterinarian. This can be extremely helpful when you have minor questions about, for example, your cat\u2019s behavior, but it can also be useful in deciding if your cat\u2019s problem warrants an in-person vet visit or not.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that online virtual exams aren\u2019t a substitute for an in-person visit, but in some cases they are very useful. If your cat requires hospitalization or surgery, is experiencing a medical emergency or requires tests, you will need to take them to your vet (or an emergency clinic), but for basic questions about your animal, sites such as PangoVet can be extremely useful.\u00a0 Remember that in most countries and states, your animal will have to be \u201cunder the care\u201d of a veterinarian for them to be prescribed medications.\u00a0 This means your pet has to have been seen by the vet, in person, within the last 6 months.\u00a0 Nevertheless, virtual exams can offer a viable option for veterinary advice in some cases.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc9b \ud83d\ude3a Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!<\/div>
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If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet<\/b><\/a>. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online<\/b> and get the personalized advice you need for your pet \u2014 all at an affordable price!\r\n<\/p>\r\n

Click to Speak With a Vet<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
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2. Make a List of Your Cat’s Signs<\/h3>\n

Your vet uses your observations of your cat to help signpost what might be going on. Your veterinarian is at a disadvantage when you bring your pet to the clinic because your cat undoubtedly acts differently away from home. Their stress is in overdrive. Therefore, the information you can provide your vet is critical. Many signs are non-specific, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, but they help your vet begin to build up a clinical picture with valuable details.<\/p>\n

Besides, you know what\u2019s normal and abnormal for your kitty. Write your concerns down to give your vet as much info as possible. It will save time at the vet and will ensure you don\u2019t miss any of the details.\u00a0 Having all the details from the start will help your vet reach a diagnosis and treat your pet faster.<\/p>\n

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3. Anticipate the Questions Your Vet May Have<\/h3>\n

Appetite, activity level, and litter box habits are things your vet will undoubtedly ask you to detail. Make their job more efficient by having the answers ready. Anticipate other questions based on the complaint. If your cat is vomiting, note how often and the consistency. If your cat loses their appetite, notice how long it\u2019s been going on and whether they eat at all or just their favorite foods.<\/p>\n

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4. Write Down Your Questions<\/h3>\n

You undoubtedly have questions and concerns. Do yourself a favor and write them down so that you don\u2019t forget anything important. Remember that you have your vet\u2019s undivided attention during your appointment. Get the most out of your time. No question is silly. It\u2019s better to get all the facts so that you understand what is wrong with your cat and the plan to make things better.<\/p>\n

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5. Gather Any Necessary Medical Records and Medications<\/h3>\n

Your vet needs the complete picture to understand what is going on. Ensure you have your cat\u2019s vaccination record, and if your cat takes any medication, ensure that you know which medication, how much and how often they take it. If this is your first visit to a new vet, it is worth calling the practice ahead of your appointment to make sure they have received your cat\u2019s medical history from your previous vet\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

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6. Get Your Cat Used to the Carrier Before Going to Your Appointment<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll need to transport your cat to the veterinary clinic in a carrier.\u00a0 As a general rule, cats are highly suspicious of cat carriers, and the best way to reduce this suspicion is by getting your cat used to the carrier ahead of needing it.\u00a0 Have your cat carrier in the living room so that your kitty can sniff and investigate it on their own time. Feed your cat treats in the carrier on a normal day so that they start to find the carrier less stressful.\u00a0 When you are planning to put your cat into the carrier to transport them to the vet clinic, we suggest putting something that has your cat\u2019s scent on it, like a favorite blanket or towel inside it to make it seem more familiar. There are even pheromone sprays<\/a>\u00a0that can help your kitty relax more easily.<\/p>\n

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7. Purchase a Good Quality Cat Carrier<\/h3>\n

Cat carriers<\/a> come in all shapes and sizes.\u00a0 Ensure you have a cat carrier that is large enough for your cat and that is made of hard plastic, as these are much more secure.\u00a0 Carriers that have a removable lid are ideal so that your cat can be examined while remaining in the comfort of their box.\u00a0 Being able to remove the lid also means that a frightened cat doesn\u2019t have to be dragged out of the door of the carrier for their examination.<\/p>\n

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8. Allow Your Cat to Use the Litter Box Before You Go<\/h3>\n

Give your kitty time to use the litter box before your appointment. Your cat may soil the carrier, making it unpleasant and more time consuming for everyone. Remember that felines are clean animals, so sitting in a dirty carrier is undoubtedly uncomfortable and unsettling to them. Giving your cat time to use the litter tray before they go into the cat carrier can help avoid this situation.<\/p>\n

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9. Consider Using a Pheromone Spray<\/h3>\n

Cats in general don\u2019t like being out of their routine, and they certainly don\u2019t like going in a car.\u00a0 The noise, the smell and the unpredictability of the situation makes a cat very unsettled. One study<\/a> found that using a synthetic feline facial pheromone product<\/a> can reduce stress during transport. This can mean that your cat arrives at the vet\u2019s practice in a more relaxed state, which in turn can help your vet carry out a useful clinical examination.\u00a0 Cats that arrive at the vet\u2019s practice in an already stressed state can be much more difficult to handle.<\/p>\n

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10. Complete Any Online Forms Ahead of Time<\/h3>\n

If your vet has an app or online system, check out the site for any forms you may need to complete before your visit. Some clinics ask clients to fill out forms before annual exams to ensure their records are up to date. You can save a lot of time by completing them before your appointment and having hard copies ready if necessary. The administrative staff will appreciate your efficiency.<\/p>\n

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11. Arrive Early for Your Pet’s Appointment<\/h3>\n

The administrative staff strives to schedule appointments with enough time based on the issue. That may mean little leeway between time slots. Get the most out of your allotted time by arriving a few minutes early for your appointment. This will allow your cat to acclimatize a little before their consultation starts.\u00a0 If there is time, vets often like to give cats time alone in an exam room to settle down after the ride to the clinic, so take advantage of it.<\/p>\n

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Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

Being prepared before a vet trip can really improve efficiency and allow your vet to do their job as well as they can.\u00a0 While you can\u2019t remove the disruption and discomfort to your cat entirely, you can make the process go as quickly and efficiently as possible with simple measures. Some optimize your vet\u2019s time by providing information and anticipating questions. Others prepare your kitty for the ordeal. All make the best of an unpleasant situation.<\/p>\n

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