Can I get a same-day appointment for my cat?
Usually, yes. We hold same-day appointments at Bushey and run extended weekday and weekend hours so you can avoid out-of-hours fees. The fastest route is to message us on WhatsApp. Our clinical team replies within minutes, and if your cat needs to be seen we will book them in and already have the background before you arrive.
How much does a cat vet appointment cost?
A vet consultation for a cat is a flat £65 at Hello Vet Bushey. That fee covers the full examination. Anything beyond it, such as tests, medication or treatment, is quoted to you as a written estimate before we go ahead. Our full price list is published on the website, and WhatsApp advice from our clinical team is free.
How often should my cat have a health check?
Once a year suits most healthy adult cats, usually alongside their booster. Kittens need a course of visits in their first few months. From around seven years we would rather see them twice a year, because cats are very good at hiding illness, and the things that creep up on them are far easier to catch at six-month intervals than twelve: weight loss, dental disease, kidney changes, an overactive thyroid, high blood pressure.
What vaccinations does my cat need, and how often?
The core UK vaccinations protect against cat flu, caused by feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia, also called feline infectious enteritis. Feline leukaemia virus is added for cats who go outside or live with other cats, and can sometimes be left out for a cat who genuinely never leaves the house. Kittens need two injections three to four weeks apart, commonly at around nine and twelve weeks, then a booster at about a year old. After that your cat needs an annual appointment, though not every component is given every year. Rabies is only needed for travel abroad, and most catteries will ask to see an up-to-date vaccination record.
When should I neuter my cat?
Most cats are neutered while they are still young, before they can start roaming, spraying or having litters. The right timing still depends on your individual cat, whether they go outside and whether there are other cats in the house, so book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp and we will talk it through. You will get a written cost estimate before you commit either way.
My cat gets uncomfortable at the vets. What do you do differently?
Our clinics holds Silver Cat Friendly Clinic status from ISFM, which means the building is designed with cats in mind. There is a separate waiting area away from dogs, a quiet room for anxious pets, and calming pheromones in the consult rooms. We can book you a quieter time of day, allow a longer appointment so nothing is rushed. We are also the first practice in the UK to let you stay with your cat while they are sedated and as they come round.
Is my cat legally required to be microchipped?
Yes, if you are in England. Since 10 June 2024, under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, pet cats must be microchipped before they reach twenty weeks old and registered on a compliant database, with your contact details kept up to date. Indoor-only cats are included; genuinely unowned cats such as feral and community cats are not. We can chip your cat, scan an existing chip to check it still reads, and help you update your registered details if you have moved.
How do I move my cat to Hello Vet from another practice?
Register online in a couple of minutes, and tell us who your previous vet was. With your permission we request your cat's clinical history directly from them, so you do not have to chase anything. Registration is free and there is no joining fee. Bring your vaccination record and any current medication to the first appointment if you have them, but do not delay booking if you cannot find them.
What should I do if my cat needs a vet in the middle of the night?
Hello Vet is not a 24-hour hospital. Our extended weekday and weekend hours mean most things can be seen in normal hours at normal prices. If your cat needs urgent help when we are closed, please call us and we will redirect you to our out-of-hours care provider.
