migrating with old kitties

[bmccasland]

I've had a long talk with my kitty's vet, and they're going to prepare me for the trip - special food, IV fluids, nausea meds. The clinic here is 24 hr, so I can call for help if I need it. But once I land there, I may need a vet soon. So does anyone have a vet to recommend? I have a month to prepare, but am trying to cover bases.

I have two 16-yr old cats, one is insulin dependant diabetic, and the other is hyperthyroid and on daily meds. Oh, and a healthy 3 yr old cat, that will just be unhappy.

[Trek420]

Are the kitties flying coach or first class? Or are they navigating the car?

[PamNY]

Good luck. I moved hither and yon with older cats and it's anxiety-provoking, for sure. The cats did fine. I needed a tranquilizer.

[NbyNW]

Do have a rough idea what part of town you'll be living/working? Sounds like convenience could be a factor.

[KnottedYet]

I've got a really nice vet office about 5 minutes from my house. (there are 2 more also within 5 minutes, one is closer, but I really like mine and have been going to them for about 6 years) They cover emergencies, also.

There are two 24-hour vet hospitals within 15 minute drives from where I live. Both are very good.

[bmccasland]

Are the kitties flying coach or first class? Or are they navigating the car?

Kitties will be navigating the car, and closely monitoring the books-on-CD. We're hoping to all arrive with some form of sanity intact.

I'm thinking of getting an extended stay hotel near SeaTac area - three or four possibilities (Tukwila, Kent, & Renton). New Office is near Boeing (E Marginal Way). I also have friends that live in Port Orchard that have offered landing space, but I'm not sure I'll drop in on them just yet.

[Eden]

I have a teammate who is a vet who will be starting a new job in Renton soon. She says the clinic is owner operated (she's been working for a chain) and she likes them a lot. I can find out exactly where if you would like.

They aren't a regular clinic, but I can't say enough good things about Animal Critical Care for emergencies. http://www.criticalcarevets.com/ I've only been to the Lake City location, but they apparently have a Renton location now too (maybe that's where my teammate is going....) They tend to be a little more expensive than a regular clinic, but the care is top, top notch and there are little extras - like both times my kitty was in for fus they did an ultrasound of his bladder at no charge.

Renton/Tukwila (depending on where in Tukwila, though I think I know where) to Marginal Way is a nice easy flat bike ride if you want to commute! Most of it can be done on trail too. Of course where exactly on Marginal... Boeing has a lot of buildings out there....

[Biciclista]

Kitties will be navigating the car, and closely monitoring the books-on-CD. We're hoping to all arrive with some form of sanity intact.

I'm thinking of getting an extended stay hotel near SeaTac area - three or four possibilities (Tukwila, Kent, & Renton). New Office is near Boeing (E Marginal Way). I also have friends that live in Port Orchard that have offered landing space, but I'm not sure I'll drop in on them just yet.

I work on East Marginal Way!

[XMcShiftersonX]

Kitties will be navigating the car, and closely monitoring the books-on-CD. We're hoping to all arrive with some form of sanity intact.

I'm thinking of getting an extended stay hotel near SeaTac area - three or four possibilities (Tukwila, Kent, & Renton). New Office is near Boeing (E Marginal Way). I also have friends that live in Port Orchard that have offered landing space, but I'm not sure I'll drop in on them just yet.

I live in Renton and I go to Spring Glen Vet for all my animals - 3 cats and 1 Great Dane. Their address and number is: 17604 110th Avenue Southeast, Renton, WA 98055-6555 (425) 228-1002‎. It's a wonderful place. We started going there about 4 years ago after we felt we were getting ripped off by the Animal Health Care Center on Rainier who were ordering all sorts of unnecessary annuals tests on our cats, giving us positive results (later we found out that this particular test is high in false positives and that it's not recommended unless the animal is having symptoms, which they weren't), charging us money for all these meds, the retests would come back positive, etc. We've never had any problems with this new vet, and feel that they are reasonably priced, knowledgable, and friendly.

If you choose Renton, I think you'll be impressed by the amount of cycling opportunities. There are great trails, and a lot of rural roads to ride on within a reasonable distance. I think of it as the central hub between Seattle and the south end! It's a good place to be.

Good Luck!
Jessica

[Biciclista]

and I can finally meet you... for lunch!!

[schnitzle]

They aren't a regular clinic, but I can't say enough good things about Animal Critical Care for emergencies. http://www.criticalcarevets.com/ I've only been to the Lake City location, but they apparently have a Renton location now too (maybe that's where my teammate is going....) They tend to be a little more expensive than a regular clinic, but the care is top, top notch and there are little extras - like both times my kitty was in for fus they did an ultrasound of his bladder at no charge.

I second the recommendation for Critical Care Vets. They've helped both my dogs and cat and have always been great.

How awesome that you are moving here

[KnottedYet]

They aren't a regular clinic, but I can't say enough good things about Animal Critical Care for emergencies. http://www.criticalcarevets.com/ I've only been to the Lake City location,

That's the one near me. They are very good.

[jesvetmed]

I know a few classmates in the general area -- Cats Exclusive is a little north of where you will be: http://www.catsexclusive.com/index.php, and Dr. Richard Lester is so great, and quite a kitty guy! The clinic is also the site of the Thyroid center (the original in the state to be doing I131 Radiation for hyperthyroidism in older kitties). So they know their kitty stuff!
Annie Thiessen in Lakewood is also really amazing, but may be too far south for you.
Annie Raftis, at Elliot Bay is so great, but I think she is still on "sabbatical".
OK -- that's my list so far. There are amazing ER / Specialty clinics everywhere -- consider Veterinary Specialty Center in Lynnwood (a VCA corporation entitiy, but the specialty center is truly amazing), and the Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland, if you ever need specialty / referral care. I refer to both of these routinely, some are old school mates, and have been extremely pleased with them all.

Good luck with your travels. That is one long kitty trip -- keep them cool (icepacks under the crates if they are in them, or cool air blowing in their hair). Give them a place to hide (or they will find it under your seats). Lots of loving kitty time once in the hotel room.
Jes

[bmccasland]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I'll add the info to my growing "Seattle" file.

Kitties are currently mad because a realtor came by last night. At least this one is kitty friendly and wasn't offended by the litter box, or toys on the floor. Was more offended that one of the kitties wouldn't come to her! Still it took an hour for my diabetic kitty to come out from hiding after she left. I think he knows he doesn't get around as well as he used to, and is much more skittish than he used to be. They got extra treats and loving when things settled down.