7 More Questions
to Ask Your Vet

We continue our discussion with...

7 More Questions to Ask Your Vet

on the importance of communicating with your vet.

The original list of questions came out of emails that I had received from readers. It was obvious to me that based on the questions I was getting, that many cat owners do not get the answers they want from their vets.

The reason had to be that they were not asking good questions! And so, as a further aid to communication, I decided to publish my original 7 Questions to Ask Your Vet.

Now, I've added 7 more, and that list is now expanded with... 7 More Questions to Ask Your Vet.

Here they are...

1. What is the procedure if I need your help with my cat and you are on vacation?
   You should know how this works ahead of time, just in case.

2. What is your position on feeding raw meat diets or non-commercial cat food diets?
   Without the proper mix of nutrients, your cat can go blind, or worse. Controversy surrounds raw meat diets, with some claiming they are dangerous. In addition, it would be virtually impossible to duplicate the AAFCO nutrition requirements of commercial cat foods at home.

3. What are my options when it comes to vaccinations?
   You may know that your cat needs to be vaccinated, especially against rabies. What you may not know is that you have options. The type, frequency, and injection site may vary depending upon your vet's preferences. Other variables are whether your cat is indoor or outdoor, and your cat's medical history.

4. What is a normal weight for my cat?
   Obesity is linked to a number of health conditions in cats, including diabetes. In an older cat, weight loss can be a sign of disease. Find out from your vet what your cat's ideal weight should be, and weigh your cat on a regular basis.

5. What do you recommend for cat litter?
   Clay, pine, or other? There are many types and brands of cat litter. This is a whole sub-industry of cat care, with many players trying to drive sales with advertising. Let your vet tell you what she recommends for your situation.

6. What do you recommend for cat litter boxes?
   Covered, uncovered, small to large, how many, and where to put them... the list goes on. Be sure to get your vet's opinion on this important item.

7. What do we do when I need veterinary services that you are not equipped to handle?
   If your cat health issues go beyond what your vet normally deals with, it may be time to call in a specialist. Behavioral issues, or specific diseases and conditions that require specialized care may require a referral. Some people do not feel comfortable taking their cat to a new vet. You should discuss this with your vet now so that you are prepared if the time comes.

Use the above list of questions to ask your vet as part of a cooperative effort to give your cat the best care possible.

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