Appointment Checklist

A cat with its owner visiting a cat hospital

Are you coming in to see us soon?

We want to make your visit as seamless and stress-free as possible for both you and your cat.

We understand that veterinary visits can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can navigate this experience with confidence.

To help you get ready, we’ve compiled a checklist of important steps to follow.

This will ensure you have everything in place for a smooth visit. Here’s what you need to know and do.

“Preparing information before your visit helps us assess your cat’s condition more effectively.”

The Cat Specialist Services Pre-Visit Checklist

  • If you are a new client, please complete our pre-consultation history form.
  • Please ensure your veterinarian has sent us a history of your cat’s previous care.
  • Do not feed your cat after midnight the night before your consultation. Ensure they have ready access to water. Only food should be withheld.
  • Cover the cat carrier with a towel in the car to help reduce stress. Make sure you secure the carrier onto the seat using a seatbelt to ensure it is stable. Your cat won’t appreciate falling all over the place on the way in.
  • When you arrive at reception, please take your cat directly to the cat waiting area on the left side. Your cat can safely remain in their carrier while you check in at the front desk.
  • If your cat is likely to stay overnight in the hospital, please bring a small amount of their favourite food. This can help them feel more comfortable and encourage them to eat in an unfamiliar environment.
  • If you’d like to bring a familiar item from home, we encourage it! However, please note that items can occasionally get lost in the laundry, and while we do our best to keep track of them, we can’t guarantee their return. So, please avoid bringing family heirlooms!

“Bringing medical records and medications can assist the consultation process.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to prepare before bringing my cat to your hospital?

Before your visit, we ask new clients to complete our pre-consultation history form so we can better understand your cat’s medical background. It is also helpful if your regular veterinarian sends us your cat’s previous medical records. Preparing this information allows us to assess your cat’s condition more effectively during the consultation.

Should my cat fast before the appointment?

Yes. We ask that you do not feed your cat after midnight the night before the consultation. Your cat should still have access to water at all times, as only food needs to be withheld.

How should I transport my cat to the hospital?

Your cat should travel in a secure cat carrier to reduce stress and prevent escapes. We recommend covering the carrier with a towel during the journey to help your cat feel more secure. The carrier should also be secured in the car with a seatbelt so it remains stable during travel.

What should I do when I arrive at the hospital?

When you arrive, please take your cat directly to the cat waiting area on the left side of reception. Your cat can remain safely in their carrier while you check in at the front desk. Our team will then prepare for your consultation.

Should I bring anything with my cat to the appointment?

If your cat may need to stay overnight, bringing a small amount of their favourite food can help encourage them to eat in an unfamiliar environment. You are also welcome to bring a familiar item from home for comfort. Just make sure any items are clearly labelled, as things can occasionally get misplaced.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

Kitty, a lymphoma survivor

We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass

Poppi finds her feet again

Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected

Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey

Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.

Lando’s long game with cryptococcus

Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.

Popeye coughs up the culprit

Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.

Key Takeaways

Preparing for your appointment helps ensure the consultation runs smoothly.

Your veterinarian may send referral information or medical history before the visit.

Bringing test results, medications and relevant records can assist the consultation.

Cat Specialist Services Reviews on

Tanya Bell

6 months ago

We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.

Melinda Cox

A month ago

So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.

Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.

It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.

At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.

We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.

NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.

Lesley Rosekrans

A month ago

Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.

Madison McEwan

A month ago

I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.

Astrid El Gamal

6 months ago

Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.

Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!

Deeba M

3 months ago

Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!

Judith Dionysius

A month ago

My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.

Janelle Wieden

5 months ago

We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services

Georgia Carter

5 months ago

My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.

I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.

Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.

I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.

Lauren Woodward

A year ago

My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed

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