But we still have a long way to go health care-wise, which is why you need to pay attention to certain details to improve your cat's veterinary experience:
The noise factor. Is your animal clinic of choice super loud? Hospitals that offer boarding can be especially noisy — and a high volume of patients is typically not a factor in your cat’s favor.
Separate but equal. Is there a dog-free zone for you to wait with your cat, as well as a separate feline ward?
Sensitivity to feline needs. Your vet’s explanations may include details about your cat’s reaction to certain stimuli, indicating a kitty-centric outlook. Your vet may not even want to hospitalize your cat or perform a procedure on that day because of a barker in the back.
In-room procedures. Blood draws and other restraint-requiring procedures are often best performed in the exam room, so there’s minimal stressful translocation of the freaked-out feline.
Low-stress handling. Does your vet have a light touch? Do her technicians? Scruffing (grasping by the loose skin at the nape of the neck), in particular, can be extra stressful for some cats. A hospital that handles each cat like an individual — softer holds for cats who clearly need it — is an especially desirable trait.
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