Answer: Whenever there is a real emergency it s always preferable to make a telephone
call before taking your cat to the vet’s premises, particularly when it occurs outside
normally surgery hours. This is because the practice hospital can make arrangement to
received a treat that cat as soon as possible(may be even at home)as will as offering
advice on how to proceed in the meantime.
Of course, a telephone call will also enable you to enquire about consultation times or
to arrange an appointments, as well as checking on the arrangements for, and costs of,
such routine procedures as vaccinations and spay operations.
However most vets are unwilling to spend a long time on the telephone whilst
you relate what has happed to a cat which may never have attended and to be
asked question about what should be done. Even if the animal has been before, the
veterinarian will not usually have the cat’s notes to hand to refer to. And of course, it
will not be possible to examine the animal to establish a diagnosis, or to hand out drug
or a prescription for a treatment. Since it is also unlikely that the vet will be able to
recall the detail of the conversation later, it is usually better to make an appointment for
a proper consultation at the outset. Telephone calls like this can block the line for a long
time preventing other more urgent calls from being received. And perhaps you should
not be surprised if your vet appears reluctant to give out advice for nothing; after all, he
also has a living to make.
It is of course different matter if, whilst the animals is on a course of treatment,
it develops signs which you find worrying; often telephone call will then establish
whether there is in fact anything to be concerned about. Indeed, often you may be
asked to telephone and report the cat’s progress. Also, if your cat’s is hospitalized, it
is reasonable that you should telephone and enquire about his condition. However,
if you have been asked to telephone at a particular time, it always much appreciated
if you can keep to that arrangement. It may that the vet dealing with your cat knows
that he will only be available at that time and wishes to speak to you personally about
what is happening. Co-operation is always also appreciated and helps to cement good
relationship to ensure the best possible treatment for your animal.
