Ben--

It's true. I think the environment of the vet's office has something to do with how pleasant a cat's experience there will be.

At my cat doctor's office, the waiting area is pretty nice. The lighting isn't harsh, and the walls have a dark wallpaper, I think. There are soft, cushy seats, too. The examining room is kind of small, which has its advantages since kitty can't hide. It has some nice wallpaper and a couple of framed prints with a cat theme. There are two chairs, and then the examining table, plus the counter with medical items the doctor might use. The room isn't as comfy as the waiting area, but in a way I guess it shouldn't be. There aren't toys or soft cushions or anything like that. They probably need to keep the room as uncluttered and as easy-to-clean as possible.

My cats are okay while they're there. They stay in their carriers until the doctor is ready to see them. They can be relatively calm, although they are always anxious to get out of their carriers and explore. When I let them out in the examining room, that's exactly what they do. They sniff around and check the room out. The only time they get upset is when it's time for the doctor to actually examine them. They don't like that part! But that's only to be expected.

--Margaret