The Student Room Group

Taking my cat to a vet for the first time

I'm a student and I have 2 cats. I've never been to the vets before and I don't know how anything works and I need proper guidance. Like how do you go to the vets? I mean do you need to book like how we do for ourselves through phone or just pop in. Also I tried searching for the prices before hand but I just can't understand. If it's my pers first time visit how much would they charge and how could I ask the vets beforehand. There's so many pet plans, do I need one? If there's more stuff I need to be aware of please don't hesitate to let me know!

- trying to be a better pet mom
Original post by Riba232
I'm a student and I have 2 cats. I've never been to the vets before and I don't know how anything works and I need proper guidance. Like how do you go to the vets? I mean do you need to book like how we do for ourselves through phone or just pop in. Also I tried searching for the prices before hand but I just can't understand. If it's my pers first time visit how much would they charge and how could I ask the vets beforehand. There's so many pet plans, do I need one? If there's more stuff I need to be aware of please don't hesitate to let me know!

- trying to be a better pet mom

You will need to make an appointment with your vet - you can't just show up.

There's a good write-up of what to expect at https://www.myfamilyvets.co.uk/kittens-first-visit-to-the-vet. However, it's not clear whether your cats are kittens who need their first vaccinations etc., or whether they're older cats that just need a general health check. Or perhaps there's a particular health issue they have?

In terms of costs, that very much depends on what the vet will be doing. For a general check-up, budget £30-£60, and perhaps £55-£75 for a standard set of kitten vaccinations. You could always ask for an estimated cost when you book.

Reply 2

Original post by Riba232
I'm a student and I have 2 cats. I've never been to the vets before and I don't know how anything works and I need proper guidance. Like how do you go to the vets? I mean do you need to book like how we do for ourselves through phone or just pop in. Also I tried searching for the prices before hand but I just can't understand. If it's my pers first time visit how much would they charge and how could I ask the vets beforehand. There's so many pet plans, do I need one? If there's more stuff I need to be aware of please don't hesitate to let me know!
- trying to be a better pet mom

you need a pet carrier. and yeah you defo need to book an appointment beforehand. a standard checkup is usually just under a £100. how old are your cats? if they're kittens, they'll need their initial vaccines, microchips and spaying which can all be be pretty costly, like at least a few hundred per cat. if they're adult cats... they will still push you to vaccine them, but don't bother if they're indoor cats.
oh, also, i don't reccomend vets4pets. literally all they care about is money. they put my old dog through hell.

Reply 3

It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed before your first vet visit! Usually, it’s best to call ahead and book an appointment, though some clinics accept walk-ins. As for costs, prices can vary, so don’t hesitate to ask the clinic directly. Many vets offer pet plans that cover regular checkups and vaccinations, which can be a good option for long-term care. Also, while you’re learning about cat care, you might wonder Is mayonnaise safe for cats?, it’s little things like this that help keep your feline friend healthy. Good luck with your visit, and your cats are lucky to have such a caring owner!
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

Original post by Ciel.
you need a pet carrier. and yeah you defo need to book an appointment beforehand. a standard checkup is usually just under a £100. how old are your cats? if they're kittens, they'll need their initial vaccines, microchips and spaying which can all be be pretty costly, like at least a few hundred per cat. if they're adult cats... they will still push you to vaccine them, but don't bother if they're indoor cats.
oh, also, i don't reccomend vets4pets. literally all they care about is money. they put my old dog through hell.


my cats are outdoor cats (bloody rascals keep running away!) so I would definitely need them vaccinated, microchipped and spayed, they are both 1 year old but haven't had been to vets as kittens. Why don't you recommend vets4pets, id love to hear more. what should I look for in veterinary surgeries that tell me its good and affordable?

Reply 5

Original post by sworth678
It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed before your first vet visit! Usually, it’s best to call ahead and book an appointment, though some clinics accept walk-ins. As for costs, prices can vary, so don’t hesitate to ask the clinic directly. Many vets offer pet plans that cover regular checkups and vaccinations, which can be a good option for long-term care. Also, while you’re learning about cat care, you might wonder Is mayonnaise safe for cats?, it’s little things like this that help keep your feline friend healthy. Good luck with your visit, and your cats are lucky to have such a caring owner!

the thing is I tried phoning a few surgeries but they were so condescending when I told them that I haven't been to a vet before. I had issues previously but now im in a place where im able to look after my babies better. I want to ask them the prices but I feel ashamed to, is it not normal to ask beforehand?
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

Original post by Riba232
my cats are outdoor cats (bloody rascals keep running away!) so I would definitely need them vaccinated, microchipped and spayed, they are both 1 year old but haven't had been to vets as kittens. Why don't you recommend vets4pets, id love to hear more. what should I look for in veterinary surgeries that tell me its good and affordable?

had some bad experiences with them. they're such a typical big corporation, all they care about is money, and profit not the animal's wellbeing. i think independent vets are better

Quick Reply