Educational Resources
Keeping Veterinary Care Affordable
Encountering unexpected veterinary expenses can be overwhelming. Not only are you worried about your cat's health, but budget constraints can sometimes mean difficult decisions about tests and treatments. Our veterinarians' strongest desire is to help achieve health and happiness for your cat, and careful consideration of the costs you may incur is an important part of what we do. Here's our advice for keeping your cat care costs within your budget:
Let your veterinarian know upfront about financial concerns
We strive to provide multiple options for diagnostics and therapy, and perhaps your cat's health condition can be managed to utilize a less costly treatment. The recommendations may also be done in stages for some cases.
Watch for periodic discounts offered at Cats Exclusive
We usually offer a medical special in our quarterly Mewsletter. These specials are offered to increase awareness of certain feline disorders and to underscore the importance of good preventative care.
Utilize our everyday discounts
Ask about our discounts for dental procedures. If you are a senior client (62 & older), let us know so you can get a 10% discount on many medical services. If you have more than one cat, take advantage of our multiple cat discount for annual exams and you'll save 10% on each additional cat's examination when brought in at the same time. For new kittens, our well kitten package will save you a lot of money.
Don't delay annual physicals of your cat
The nature of cats' behavior may hide symptoms until an illness becomes severe and more costly to treat. Even if your cat is healthy, these appointments are an opportunity to discuss the prevention of common disorders.
Avoid over-vaccination
Newer protocols advocated by feline specialists mean fewer boosters over a lifetime, especially for indoor-only cats. Vaccine clinics that provide multiple yearly injections may actually be costing you more.
Consider an insurance plan for your cat
There are a variety of plans available through companies such as Trupanion, Healthy Paws or Petplan. Coverage is especially helpful for those unexpected illnesses.
Buy supplies in larger quantities
Medications are less expensive for larger quantities and we are more than happy to fill ongoing prescriptions for several months at a time. Take advantage of our mix and match discount on any 24 cans of well-care canned foods in our store.
Price shop at pharmacies (many clients use Costco) for human medications that your cat takes
Amlodipine, Leukeran, Enalapril, and Metronidazole are a few examples for which it pays to shop around as prices can vary.
Reduce the immediate impact of larger veterinary expenses by applying for Care Credit
A no interest (if paid off within 6 months) medical credit card, accepted at Cats Exclusive.
Keep your cats indoors
Indoor cats are more budget-friendly than those that go outdoors. Treatment of just one outdoor-associated skin wound can double the annual cost of veterinary care for an otherwise healthy cat.
Come prepared for your cat's examination
Have a clear idea of your cat's symptoms or other observations so that testing or treatment can be more specific. If we have not seen your cat before, provide complete medical records to avoid unnecessary repetition of treatments and/or tests.
This article is from Cats Exclusive's Fall 2012 Mewsletter
