Picking a vet is usually treated as a logistics decision — whoever's closest, whoever's cheapest — when it's really a relationship decision you'll be relying on for well over a decade if things go well.
Cat-friendly practice, not just any practice
Look specifically for a Cat Friendly Practice designation or a fear-free certified clinic if one's available in your area. These aren't just marketing labels — they reflect real differences in handling technique, exam room setup (separate cat and dog waiting areas matter more than owners expect, since a waiting room full of barking dogs is genuinely stressful for a cat), and willingness to use low-stress handling methods instead of scruffing or forceful restraint.
Ask how they handle a fractious cat
This is a genuinely revealing question. A good answer involves gabapentin or other pre-visit sedation options, patience, and a willingness to reschedule or try again rather than forcing a stressed cat through an exam. A concerning answer involves multiple technicians and a towel burrito as the default first move rather than the last resort.
Continuity matters more than credentials alone
A vet who's seen your cat for three years and knows their normal baseline weight, normal bloodwork values, and normal behavior will catch subtle changes that a rotating cast of unfamiliar vets won't. If a practice has high vet turnover, or if you're consistently seeing a different doctor every visit, that continuity advantage is lost even at an otherwise excellent clinic.
Emergency access, planned in advance
Ask directly: what happens if my cat has an emergency at 2am? A good practice has a clear answer — either their own after-hours line, or a specific emergency clinic they refer to and share records with. Don't wait until an actual emergency to find out your vet's practice has no answer for this.
A vet who explains rather than just prescribes
You want a vet who tells you why a treatment is recommended, what the alternatives are, and what happens if you decline or wait — not one who hands you a treatment plan without context. This matters most when you're facing a genuinely difficult decision, like weighing an expensive diagnostic workup against a more conservative wait-and-see approach.
It's fine to switch
If a relationship isn't working — rushed appointments, a vet who won't answer questions, a practice that feels transactional — switching vets is a completely normal, reasonable thing to do. Your cat's medical records can be transferred, and a bad fit with your current vet doesn't obligate you to stay.