If you've switched to a new vet and your cat is about to have his or her first appointment with them, here are some tips to follow.
Give the vet tips regarding how to hold your cat
Regardless of the reason your cat is having this appointment, the vet will probably have to do a physical examination of them. As your cat might be nervous about being in this new setting and will be unfamiliar with this vet, they may be more likely to get aggressive or anxious if the vet does not handle them the way they prefer.
Whilst the vet will make every effort to be gentle and careful when examining them, they won't know your cat's idiosyncrasies in the way that you would and so it's worth talking to them about this (particularly if you won't be allowed to be in the examination room with your cat during this process and won't, therefore, be able to interrupt and offer the vet any handling-related suggestions if your cat gets aggressive at any point). For example, if your cat dislikes being petted on or near their spine, ensuring that the new vet is aware of this will not only make it easier for this professional to do the physical examination easily but will also make this experience less upsetting for your cat.
Tell them about your cat's most important medical information
The previous vet clinic you used to take your cat to for medical treatment can send the new vet clinic your cat's medical records. However, even if the old clinic confirms that they have done this, it's best to ensure that at this first appointment, you tell the new vet about your cat's most important medical information (such as any medications they're severely allergic to or any major health conditions they have).
The reason for this is that if, for example, an error occurs when the records are sent from the old clinic to the new one and as a result of this, some vital piece of information is missing from the records, it could be very helpful for you to verbally relay the most vital aspects of your cat's medical history. Doing this would ensure that if, for example, the vet decides that they need to prescribe your cat some medication during this appointment, they'll know to avoid the ones that your cat is allergic to, even if this information happens to have been omitted from the records they received from the old clinic.
