The Cat Clinic

Full service feline only veterinary hospital

How to Choose your Veterinarian?

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Veterinarian
Veterinarian examining a cat

I was going to title this blog “Why are you mad at your veterinarian?”

Sometimes as a veterinarian during my examination of a cat, I start to give some options for dealing with some of the everyday problems that the cat parent has brought to my attention for instance, occasional vomiting, bad breath, itchy skin, etc. Every once in a while, a cat parent becomes quite agitated with my suggestions. Their face clenches, their words get clipped, the voice is raised and I am not sure why. Why are they mad at me? Maybe they feel I am suggesting that they do the impossible. Maybe they feel they can’t afford some of the recommendations. Maybe they feel that the problem isn’t actually a problem. I really don’t know because the conversation becomes almost impossible to navigate because of the agitation level.

I always feel terrible when this does happen because I feel that I felt short of doing my job which is to be a health advocate for the little cat that is my patient. And I think if everyone who is interested in the best care for their pets would pick the right veterinarian for them, we could avoid this unpleasantness altogether.

Choosing your veterinarian

Now I believe that all veterinarians are kind hearted people who were called to this profession because of their love and commitment to animals. Believe me. No one chose this job because they were in it for the money, hours, lack of stress, emotional or physical comfort, etc. We work long hard hours to make sure your pet is well cared for while we miss dinner with the family every night. We drive our old cars so we can pay our student loans. We cry after we euthanize your pet.

So beyond making sure that your veterinarian is a qualified, up to date, skilled practitioner of veterinary medicine, make sure you like this person. You should feel able to ask questions of this person, learn from this person and communicate easily with this person. Most pet parents eventually have an emotional and difficult conversation with their pet’s veterinarian. So make sure before that happens that the discussions about at home dental care, flea control and diets aren’t difficult. Everyone communicates differently and has different personalities. That’s why there is more than one veterinarian. Make sure you pick the best one for you!

Check out some of the testimonials from clients of the Cat Clinic of Plymouth.

By Cassandra Kelley DVM, veterinarian and owner Cat Clinic of Plymouth

Compassionate Veterinary Care of Cats

The Cat Clinic of Plymouth, MA is dedicated to the loving and compassionate veterinary care of cats. Services include preventive care and complete medical, diagnostic, dental & surgical care. From wellness examinations to advanced diagnostics including ultrasound imaging, we pride ourselves on offering veterinary services specific to the needs of your feline family member. Our staff strives to provide a quiet, friendly animal hospital specifically with our feline patients and their families in mind.

  • Cat Clinic Plymouth Ma

Cat Clinic Client Testimonials
I'm so happy we found the Cat Clinic! You can see how much the people who work there love their kitty-clients and we were so happy that our 17 yr old cat Suboo who was so sick, received such great personal care and attention. We thank them for saving our Suboo and helping us to not only to bring her back home but to show us how to make her as well as she can be. For that we are so grateful.Review by Carin S
I cannot recommend these people highly enough. Our beloved old cat struggled with multiple health issues, which worsened over the last few months. Dr. Kelley and Dr. Duckett and the entire staff simply could not have been more helpful. They patiently, kindly, and expertly helped us to diagnose the issues - not always an easy or straightforward thing - and through a combination of medications and procedures was able to give us several more months of good quality time with our dear little friend. Special thanks also to super vet tech Jessica, who went over and above on many occasions and in so many ways. When the time finally came to say goodbye - yesterday morning - they were, again, as kind, compassionate, patient, and gentle as anyone could possibly have been. We recommend these fine folks without hesitation. When our hearts have healed enough to allow it, I know we'll be trusting them again with our next feline family member.Review by Steve D.
I just want to say how amazing the cat clinic is!!! We discovered the clinic when our 16 year old cat was extremely ill and our other vet couldn't see her!! They took us right in and did everything they could do for us unfortunately we had to put her down:( my husband and I were both a mess anyway they were wonderful caring people and I would recommend them to everyone!!!Review by Lindsay F 
Prior to adopting my Skeeter, he was seen at the Cat Clinic and though I knew this I choose to original go to the same vet my parents bring their dogs. After my initial visit I realized my parents loved them because they are amazing with dogs, but with cats not so much so I decided to give the Cat Clinic a try. Even though I changed Skeeter's name (it was Jeeter) they remembered him coming in with a stomach issue and that he had been adopted and returned prior to me adopting him. Bringing him in for his physical, nail trim, and most recently dental with extractions is very anxiety provoking for him. The whole staff is so understanding of him and have been extremely gentle, sweet, kind, loving, and caring even when he gives them his 'I don't want to be here" attitude. I would whole heartedly recommend the Cat Clinic to all cat parents and I am sure Skeeter would too. We both love the Cat Clinic and staff and can not thank them enough for all they do for Skeeter.Review by Katie M
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