Bambi's first vet visit on Koh Samui

Bambi is a seven-year-old mixed-breed cat who joined our family from a shelter last month. I had no idea how much he hated the car until we drove him to the clinic in Samui for his first check-up. He yowled the whole way, and I think the clinic staff heard him before they saw us.

The vet was patient. She checked his teeth, listened to his heart and gave him his vaccinations, and he only complained a little. The biggest surprise was that he was happy to be weighed as long as there was a treat waiting at the end.

If you're bringing home an adult cat, I'd suggest booking the vet early, asking for a travel carrier that opens from the top, and bringing a towel that smells like home. Bambi slept on my lap all evening, which is apparently a big deal for him.