Having Trouble Getting a Vet Appointment?

Because of the pandemic, many veterinarians are finding themselves overwhelmed with appointments. For us cat parents, it can currently take several weeks to a few months to get a vet appointment for non-emergency health issues or concerns.

So what can we do if we need to consult with a veterinarian? The good news is telehealth is not just for humans. There are now options to set telehealth appointments for our pets too!

Since the concept of telehealth is still new to many people, it’s worth explaining that telehealth is a virtual doctor’s appointment. Usually done through a video call, it can also be just over the phone. It provides access to healthcare and specialists remotely rather than in person.

You can even find an integrative/holistic telehealth vet to provide additional options for treating your cat’s issues more naturally.

Advantages of TeleHealth

To get the most out of a telehealth appointment, be sure to send any recent blood work and your cat’s medical history ahead of time. You can call your current vet’s office and have them share your cat’s records if you don’t have them on hand. Also write down any questions you have so you are prepared to make the most of the appointment time.

A big advantage to having a telehealth appointment is getting a second opinion on any chronic issues your cat is having. It also provides access to integrative and holistic vets that you may not be able to find locally – which is very convenient and less stressful for you and your cat!

The biggest downside to telehealth is you aren’t able to get testing done or have hands on exams. These will need to be done when you see your local vet. Just make sure to let them know that you’d like access to your cat’s record, so you can share them with your telehealth vet as needed.

When should TeleHealth not be done?

Emergencies. It should go without saying that if it’s an emergency – if your cat is showing any signs of trauma, acute illness, or pain – it’s time to go to the nearest emergency vet. Telehealth appointments can be very helpful for follow-up questions and protocols after an emergency – not during.

And who knows? Telehealth may become a normal part of cat healthcare for a lot of us moving forward. It saves time, travel, and stress while improving access to veterinarian care.