Taking your cat to an emergency vet can be stressful, especially if you’ve never been to one before. You may not know what to bring, how long you’ll wait, or what to expect when it comes to testing and costs.
I recently took my cat Violet to VEG ER for Pets after she stopped eating.
Unfortunately, Violet didn’t come home with me. However, I learned some things during our visit that may help other cat owners who need to take their pets to an emergency vet.
Bring Your Cat’s Medical Information
I wasn’t expecting to take her to an emergency vet and was not organized in advance for a “just in case” situation.
I didn’t have a list of Violet’s recent medications and dosages. She had been taking steroids for a while, and I had to do my best to remember the details.
Also, because of the stress of the situation, I had a hard time remembering the date of when she had dental surgery and had a super bad tooth removed.
Before leaving for the emergency vet, gather whatever medical information you have available, including:
- Current medications and dosages
- Dates of recent surgeries or procedures
- Recent symptoms and changes in behavior
- Any recent test results you have
If you don’t have all this information available, don’t let that stop you from seeking emergency care when your cat needs it. Share what you know as best you can.
Call Ahead
If you can, call the emergency vet before leaving home.
When I needed to take Violet to the ER, I initially called an urgent care clinic. They were closing soon and recommended that I go to an emergency vet instead.
I called the emergency vet, and they texted me a link to register Violet, which I did before leaving home.
Calling ahead also gives you the chance to ask about the clinic’s process and find out about expected wait times. If they are dealing with a lot of emergencies, you may want to call around to other ER Vets to get your cat seen sooner.
Be Prepared for Emergency Vet Costs
Emergency veterinary care can be expensive, so it’s helpful to understand the costs before testing and treatment begin.
During our visit, I was given an estimate, and I had to pay before they proceeded with the planned testing.
Of course, the total cost of an emergency visit depends on your pet’s condition, the tests needed, and the treatment recommended. Just be aware that it’s going to cost more than a regular vet or an urgent care vet.
Payment policies vary between emergency veterinary clinics, so if cost is an issue, you may want to learn what their payment process is like before going.
Critical Pets are Seen First
An emergency vet doesn’t necessarily see patients in the order they arrive.
During our visit, the staff explained that pets with more critical conditions would be treated first. Even if Violet was already being evaluated, another pet with a more serious emergency could take priority.
This means your wait may be longer than expected, especially if other emergencies arrive while you’re there.
If you’re concerned about your cat while waiting, let the veterinary staff know about any changes in their condition.
The Wait May Be Long
One thing I learned is that an emergency vet visit can take several hours.
During Violet’s visit, we spent a lot of time waiting for testing and results. There was also a staff shift change because the clinic operated 24 hours a day.
The clinic had snacks and pop available, which helped me stay alert for the drive home. Not every ER vet has snacks.
You may also find it helpful to have someone you can text or call while you wait.
Ask If You Can Stay with Your Cat During Testing
One thing I really appreciated about VEG was that I could stay with Violet throughout the visit.
When it was time for her X-rays, the staff told me I could accompany her into the X-ray room if I wanted to.
I decided not to go with her because I didn’t want to watch them take her blood or see the X-rays being done.
I appreciated having the choice. Not every ER vet may have this option, so be sure to ask how they handle things.
Knowing what to expect can help you and your cat feel more comfortable during an unfamiliar experience.
Ask Questions About Test Results
Emergency vets may recommend several tests to help determine what’s wrong with your cat.
During Violet’s visit, the vet recommended blood work and X-rays.
If your cat needs testing, ask questions if you don’t understand something. You can ask what a test is intended to find, when results might be available, and what the possible next steps are.
You can also ask whether X-rays will be reviewed by a radiologist and whether additional testing is available if the initial results don’t provide a clear answer.
Ask for Copies of Test results
If your cat receives testing at an emergency vet, ask how you can obtain copies of the results and if they can be sent to your cat’s regular veterinarian.
The staff explained that when a pet has passed away, some owners may not want copies of the test results. Because of this, it’s worth telling the clinic what you would like to receive.
You can ask for copies of available records, such as:
- X-rays
- Blood work results
- Other test results
- A summary of the visit and treatment
You may want these records for your regular veterinarian, especially if you need to follow up about your pet’s condition.
If you want copies of everything, make sure you ask.
End-of-Life Arrangements
If your cat is seriously ill, you may be faced with difficult decisions about their care.
I wasn’t expecting to need an end-of-life room when I took Violet to the emergency vet.
Unfortunately, after the radiologist identified the mass in her neck, we made the decision to have her euthanized.
If you’re facing a similar situation, you can ask the staff what arrangements are available and whether you can have private time with your pet before saying goodbye.
You can also ask whether they offer memorial items, such as paw prints or nose prints.
Final Thoughts
My experience at VEG ER for Pets was positive overall, even though the outcome was heartbreaking.
The staff were attentive, and what they told me would happen was consistent with what happened during our visit.
I especially appreciated being able to stay with Violet and having a private room where I could say goodbye.
The visit was expensive, and the waiting room was open, so I could hear what was happening with other pets. At the location, there wasn’t much privacy unless the pet was put into a private room.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to have your cat’s medical information available if possible. When you’re worried about your pet, remembering medication names, dosages, and previous medical issues can be difficult.
I also recommend asking questions about costs, testing, and how to obtain copies of medical records.
You can’t prepare for every situation, but knowing a little about what to expect may make an emergency vet visit less overwhelming.
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Heidi Bender is the writer and founder of the Joy of Cats. She enjoys sharing cat information and providing helpful cat tips. She considers herself a cat lady and currently cares for seven cats.