So, I've recently taken/rescued what I would describe as a friendly feral kitty. She's currently pregnant, so I'm waiting till post-birth to bring her in for her first vet visit, but I do want to start figuring out how to handle said vet visit. She's sociable, and likes being petted and enjoys people. BUT she doesn't really like being held, and definitely does NOT like being restrained. Getting her into a cat carrier is a bit harrowing, at best.
I already have a vet, whom I've been taking my other two cats to for about a year, and whom I like. I called the office today, to ask them whether they are comfortable with semi-feral cats. The response I got from the girl at the desk was what *sounded* like a smothered laugh, directed at me or not, I do not know, and then "Uh, yeah" with no further elaboration. Caught completely off guard, I said thanks and hung up, but the more I'm thinking about it, the more uncomfortable I'm feeling. Am I wrong to feel like there ought to have been more explanation than that? I would have liked to know HOW they handle feral cats, and such, and for what procedures. Do they sedate them for all exams? (Is that common?) Do they hold them down? (I think she would literally harm herself if she was being physically restrained.)
I don't know whether I'm overreacting... are most vets comfortable handling ferals? Was my question really kind of ridiculous, and that's why I got what felt like a dismissive answer? Or should I call again and press for more details? What have other people's experiences been like in finding feral-friendly vets? I had always been under the impression that they were difficult to find. Do you think it's possible she simply didn't believe that I actually realistically assessing the cat's feral state?
... I do like my vet, but now I'm kind of concerned that they might not be the best choice for this cat ...
I already have a vet, whom I've been taking my other two cats to for about a year, and whom I like. I called the office today, to ask them whether they are comfortable with semi-feral cats. The response I got from the girl at the desk was what *sounded* like a smothered laugh, directed at me or not, I do not know, and then "Uh, yeah" with no further elaboration. Caught completely off guard, I said thanks and hung up, but the more I'm thinking about it, the more uncomfortable I'm feeling. Am I wrong to feel like there ought to have been more explanation than that? I would have liked to know HOW they handle feral cats, and such, and for what procedures. Do they sedate them for all exams? (Is that common?) Do they hold them down? (I think she would literally harm herself if she was being physically restrained.)
I don't know whether I'm overreacting... are most vets comfortable handling ferals? Was my question really kind of ridiculous, and that's why I got what felt like a dismissive answer? Or should I call again and press for more details? What have other people's experiences been like in finding feral-friendly vets? I had always been under the impression that they were difficult to find. Do you think it's possible she simply didn't believe that I actually realistically assessing the cat's feral state?
... I do like my vet, but now I'm kind of concerned that they might not be the best choice for this cat ...