Vet choice!

[GMPLAX23]

Hi Sphynx family!
As I get ready for my arrival, I am getting more and more things together. This will be my first kitten that is just mine and not a family pet. Now that ive moved out and am ready for the responsibility!
One thing still on my list is choosing a vet. I have a few choices but I'm stuck because I'm not sure how to choose.... breed specific experience and knowledge, location and price (everyones favorite, right?)
I'm lucky enough to have 3 great veterinarians to choose from and I was hoping y'all could give me your opinion.

1. Family vet- I've taken our family pets here. I like this vet because they are very down to earth and do not have me spend unnecessary money on extra procedures. They also have taken good care of my pup Lucie who is almost 12 since she came home (I just had to attach a photo) PROS by far the best price wise and I have history with them. CONS not sure if they have experience with the sphynx breed

2. The close vet- doing research I found this vet which is very close to where I live (less than 5 miles) and they get really great reviews. They are well liked by the community. I have also seen a few sphynx cats on their website and social media that they care for. But even after those great things... many people mention how expensive it is. PROS location and familiarity with breed CONS price

3. Cat vet- yup there is a cat only veterinarian. I also found that this place is well liked. I see that they are passionate about cats in general and give lots of info about caring for them on the website. PROS- I would assume they would know Spynx breed since they are cat specific CONS- seems pricey and is farther away than I wanted.

What would you do if you were me?
Thank you for your advice!

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I, would talk, with, your regular, family Vet.
Ask, if, he/she is, willing, to, do research, about, the Sphynx breed.
Because, there, is, so much, difference, in them.
Than, a regular cat. You, can share, what, you learn here.
The Vet, could, even join here.
See, how you feel, after, your talk.

My, next choice, would be, the one, with, Sphynx experience.
But, I, would find out, how much experience.
Because, if, they have, never, faced serious, illnesses, with a Sphynx,
they, might, not, be any better, than, your family Vet.
I think, you, can make, your, best choice, between these two.

The third one, you mentioned, just see's cat's.
That's, not much help, if, they, know nothing, about Sphynx.

 

[GoldHazel]

@GMPLAX23 thanks for sharing a cute doggie pic.

Third vet would be off my list too just like @Hairless Blessing mentioned above.

Initially, I was reading great things about your vet and feel that you should stay with someone you know for many years and trust (as well as money-wise too). But I kept reading your choices and it's nice that the second vet with sphynx patients had great reviews, but were the good reviews for well visits or any type of emergency and other visits? Makes me wonder.

I always say to educate yourself about the breed and then educate your vet about the breed. If a vet is willing to listen to you when you tell them things like, "NO Ketamine for anesthesia" and respect what you know, then that vet will be on the same page with you and be extra careful with your sphynx. Honestly, I'm not even sure if a vet that has sphynx patients is as knowledgeable as some of us members on the breed.

The final decision is yours, of course, but I'd pick the family vet's brain and see if he/she is willing to listen and learn about the breed and be extra careful in your kitten's care. There are some things that are so different with the breed, for another example: Clavamox antibiotic won't do much good in general for an URI in a sphynx, but it seems to work fine for an UTI. Most vets use Clavamox on cats like it's going out of style. Many sphynx breeders have vets that certainly have seen the breed many times and those vets usually don't know that last fact. So again, educate yourself, then educate your vet. Vet must be on the same page with you when you tell them breed specific things.

No doubt, you will make the right decision and it will all work out.

 

[admin]

I would stick with a vet you know.

 

[Kate]

I'd stick with the vet you know and trust!

 

[Yoda mom]

@GMPLAX23 , first , head kisses to sweet adorable Lucie from me

I personally would stick with your family vet you know and trust and have a great repoire.

Several of us have family vets that are not Sphynx specific yet go the extra mile to research or consult with colleagues if need be or refer out -