Going for a jaunt in the car is not what my cats consider a pleasant experience. While on the road, they "sing" great protestations to the unfortunate driver and passengers, who understand only too well the words to the arias that assault their ears.

Silent only when the monster car stops for a traffic light, my cats really express their anxiety loudly.

Routine veterinary examinations are part of my cats' health care, but I hate to stress them if it can be avoided. I decided that it would be prudent to seek an alternative to taking them to the veterinary clinic. How about locating a vet who would come to us?

I was extremely fortunate to discover a local veterinarian who made house calls in addition to having a full-service clinic where procedures that cannot be done at home are performed. An excellent practitioner, she uses both alternative and traditional methods in her treatment. Her visits are educational, as I learn more about my cats, and also highly enjoyable for me when she shares some of the fascinating stories about her "exotic" patients.

While my cats do really seem to like her, Trouble is not fond of doctors of any kind, so if he hears her voice when I greet her at the door, he is under the bed in a flash. But once she gets her hands on him and begins talking to him with her gentle voice, he relaxes quickly. My other cat, Hush Puppy (above), doesn't seem to mind being handled by his veterinarian and her assistant.

House call veterinarians do not replace the necessity of a full-service clinic, but for routine visits, they sure are the "cat's meow." Have you ever tried a vet who makes house calls? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of this option.