AITA for wanting to change vets after a rude nurse talked down to me?

AITA for firing my vet after a nurse's rude behavior? A cat mom stands up for her furry friend amidst unprofessional treatment at the vet's office.

Holly

Published in Interesting
29 Sep 2025

AITA for wanting to change vets after a rude nurse talked down to me?

Are you the jerk for firing your vet after a nurse's behavior? Picture this: you're at the vet with your cat, waiting to check in, and the nurse drops a rude comment about the staff being out for lunch.

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You inquire about rescheduling, but she shuts you down, saying it's not your concern. Feeling belittled, you express worry about leaving your anxious pet alone.

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The nurse brushes you off, even gossiping about you with colleagues as you hear her mocking you. Feeling disrespected and concerned for your fur baby's well-being, you refuse to leave your cat in their care and request to speak to a manager.

However, the receptionist gives you the vet's number instead, leading to more frustration. As you discover the staff's unprofessionalism and deceit, you decide to find a new vet for your pet.

But the question remains, were your actions justified or over the top? Reddit users weigh in, with many supporting your decision to switch vets due to the mishandling of the situation.

They point out the multiple instances of unprofessional behavior and lack of transparency from the clinic staff. Some even suggest filing a formal complaint to address the issue properly.

The consensus seems to be that you were looking out for your pet's best interests and deserve better treatment from a veterinary clinic.

Original Post

I'm a 31-year-old woman. I pay $35 each month for my cat's (3F) insurance.

This covers a health check every half year. Her check-up was due today at midday.

I was waiting to sign her in. It was me, a guy before me, and the receptionist.

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A nurse walked out from the back. She told the receptionist, "just so you know, everyone's out for lunch." My cat gets scared easily.

When I made her appointment, they promised quick in & out. So I asked, "If no one is here, should I return later with my cat?" The nurse gave me a hard look.

She said, "this talk doesn't involve you." I was taken aback. I didn't think my question was out of line.

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I said, "I'm just wondering if it's better to leave her at home than in a room alone." The nurse replied, "we were talking about something else. Your cat will be fine." I suffer from anxiety, too.

I didn't want to fight. I just wanted to stand up for my cat.

So I quietly said "ok" and thought that was the end of it. But then, the nurse looked me up and down.

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She turned away and went back inside. Before the door closed, I could hear her mocking me to her co-workers.

She was laughing and saying, "There's this *nuts* lady at the front with her cat—" And then the door shut. Here's where I might be the bad guy.

I told the receptionist I didn't want my cat to go back there. Not unless that nurse wasn't there, or if I could go with my cat.

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If she talks to me like that, how can I trust her with my cat who can't speak for herself? I also said I wanted to complain.

I asked for a manager's contact. The receptionist gave me a card.

I dialed the number... it was the receptionist's phone that rang.

She put it on hold, looking guilty. I asked her if this was the manager's number, or the vet's.

She confessed it was the vet's. By then, my cat was crying in her carrier.

We'd traveled far, and she was upset. So, thinking about the wasted effort, I said I'd stay if I could be with her during the check-up.

The receptionist finally admitted, "there's no one here, they're at lunch, so it would be at least an hour." So the nurse had lied about my cat being looked after. I didn't want to fight anymore.

I asked for a new appointment when I could be with my cat. She set me up for next week.

Later, I talked to my mom. She said I shouldn't go back, but also shouldn't have threatened to complain.

So I plan to call this week to cancel my appointment and insurance, and go to a different vet. I feel like I was defending my fur baby.

But maybe I'm just a crazy cat mom making problems when I could've just left... so AITA?

Edit: Here's a picture of my cat. Edit 2: Wow, this post got a lot of attention.

Thanks everyone for your kind words about my cat, and the helpful advice! I won't be going back to that vet, and I'll file a complaint on Monday.

I'll try to answer any questions in the comments. Thanks again, I feel less "crazy" now.

I'll have a talk with my mom about her comment... not cool, mom!

Other than that, she's an awesome mom, and my cat's second biggest fan (after me).