How to vet a vet

Not all docs are created equal

Hi, friends of Clowder,

This special mini-issue comes at you inspired by a question submitted by our dear friend and loyal reader, Lorien. How do you find a good, cat-literate veterinarian?

Vets all have their passions and special interests, and while they're all qualified to treat cats, not all are cat-focused in their practice. And ye gods: we all know it's already stressful AF most of the time to get our feline critters to the doc in the best of times, so finding a cat-friendly vet with a cat-friendly practice can not only ensure our kitties are getting the best care, but also that they get that care in an environment that will be tuned to cat-needs.

Of course, the single best way to find a good cat doc is to ask friends and family for referrals to who they've seen and liked (and whom they, uh, haven't liked). If you have cat-fam having online friends, ask them, too. And if you get a referral for a vet that is too far from you, you can 100% call the practice and ask them if they have any referrals for vets in your area. Good cat vets usually have a decent network of colleagues.

If this isn't possible or leads turn up empty, you can look for two specific kinds of certifications that veterinarians and vet practices can attain: as an ISFM Practice or an AAFP Cat Friendly Clinic.

ISFM stands for the International Society of Feline Medicine. Their certification program includes pretty stringent requirements for environment and equipment inside the veterinary office, as well as ongoing continuing education requirements on feline health for docs.

They have a searchable list of accredited clinics at https://catfriendlyclinic.org/cat-owners/find-a-clinic/ (ISFM is international, and includes vets from all over the world).

AAFP is the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and they launched their certification program a little more than a decade ago. Their certification program goes even deeper than ISFM's, recommending that clinics take need cat-needs into the very design of the clinic, such as having cat-only entrances, waiting rooms, and exam rooms. They also have certification programs designed especially for veterinary technicians and office staff, which is pretty cool (conflict of interest statement is prob needed here: I plan on taking the Cat Friendly Veterinary Advocate certification here really soon).

They, too, have a searchable list of certified clinics at https://catfriendly.com/find-a-veterinary-professional/.

(If you’re curious, and want to know where Robert and Paul get their care, we recommend Spring Glen in South King County. We love them. Tell them the boys sent ya)

Speaking of docs…drum roll for my usual reminder: I'm not a medical professional. As always, you know your cat best. Follow your common sense and consult with your veterinarian. If you need low-cost veterinary services, the Humane Society has some options, but you can always call 211 for your area (in the US) to find out about clinics near you.

In good health,

R, R, & P