Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
GET IT IN WRITING
If you are dropping a cat off for a procedure, or if a veterinarian
recommends multiple treatments or procedures, ask for a written
price quote if you're not offered one.This will protect both you
and the veterinarian by ensuring that you both have the same
expectations.
At a vaccine clinic, you might wait in line while a veterinarian goes
down the row and injects animals without looking at them. Of course,
getting a vaccine in this manner is relatively inexpensive, because no
expertise or care is provided and there are no costs for maintaining a
veterinary hospital. However, your questions won't be answered, and
you could even be inadvertently hurting an animal who is not in good
health.Taking your cat to a vaccine clinic may also stress her more than
a regular veterinary visit, because she is not protected in a room by
herself without other animals around. In this type of situation, you are
getting what you pay for—not much.
Your Cat Is Unique
As I will describe in Chapter 8, the annual physical exam and consul-
tation you have with a veterinarian will greatly benefit your cat's
health and improve her longevity. These visits are certainly more
important than a rigid vaccination schedule.There is great value to the
information your veterinarian can provide when assessing your cat
individually. Aside from the physical exam, you have a chance to dis-
cuss your cat's behavior and nutrition. There is also value in the doc-
tor's observations of trends in your cat's weight, body condition and
general health.
Many clinics offer wellness plans for cats.These plans are tailored for
certain life stages. Wellness plans can provide a package of services at a
discounted price rather than paying for each service separately. The
plans are good deals if your cat can benefit from the included services
but not if there are unnecessary add-ons. If you choose a wellness plan
from a good veterinarian, you might be able to detect problems
with your kitty as they arise and begin treatment at an earlier and more
beneficial stage.
