Your Cat’s Appointment at MISCA
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your cat’s consultation with the veterinary specialists at MISCA begins before you step into our hospital. A specialized referral coordinator will gather information from you and your cat’s medical records. Please provide a thorough list of all veterinary service providers that have seen your cat, not just your cat’s referring doctor. This will allow our team to make sure that a consultation at MISCA is appropriate for your cat, that your cat sees the right specialist and that your cat’s specialist is well informed of the medical history.
ONCE YOUR APPOINTMENT IS BOOKED
A referral coordinator will gather all pertinent records from your cat’s medical history, including information on past procedures and results of previous diagnostic tests. Your cat’s specialist will be familiar with this information which will allow the consultation to be more efficient and informative.
We request that you fill out our new client form prior to your appointment to help expedite your check in process. These forms can be found under the client section of our website.
PREPARATION PRIOR TO YOUR CAT’S APPOINTMENT
- Withhold food the morning of the appointment. If your pet is taking insulin, please call prior to your visit for specific instructions. Water can be provided at all times.
- Bring your cat in a secure carrier.
- If your cat experiences severe anxiety prior to veterinary visits, ask your doctor about premedication with an anti-anxiety drug that can be given at home prior to the visit.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
- All medications that your cat is currently receiving
- Any pertinent medical records
- A list of allergies or sensitivities to medications or foods
- A list of questions you may have about your cat’s condition
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE
- You may call the clinic from your car or come into the lobby to check in for your cat’s appointment.
- You and your cat will be ushered to a private examination room.
- Your cat may be scared and act differently than at home.
- Your specialty doctor(s) will examine your cat.
- Your cat will wait safely in the carrier while the doctors speak with you about a diagnostic and/or treatment plan.
- Procedures are not typically performed the same day as the appointment to allow proper evaluation and preparation for the procedure. If you are ready, you may schedule your pet’s procedure before you leave.
Common diagnostic procedures performed at MISCA include bloodwork, x-rays and ultrasound. Your cat may be taken into MISCA’s treatment area for gentle restraint and the described work-up. A sedative may be recommended to assist with restraint and comfort of your cat.
Your cat may behave differently after the stress of the appointment. Your cat may exhibit lethargy, a decreased appetite or may hide or act more fearful. Your cat’s normal behavior should resume the following day.
Call MISCA or your local emergency hospital if your cat vomits more than two times or if you have any concerns following the procedure.
ANESTHESIA AND MONITORING
Your cat may be placed under anesthesia during his or her treatment. For more information about anesthesia and monitoring for cats at MISCA, please visit our anesthesia and monitoring page.
