EverydayAdvanced
Taking a cat to the vet in English (advanced)
Advanced English for taking a cat to the vet. Key line: “Hi, is there any chance you could fit my cat in today?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, is there any chance you could fit my cat in today?
Them
Possibly—what seems to be going on, and is he acting normal?
Lin
Not really; he threw up twice, and now he's staging a hunger strike.
Them
Okay, we can squeeze him in this afternoon if you don't mind waiting.
Lin
That's perfect. He hates the carrier, so waiting may be the easier part.
Them
Fair enough. Has he eaten or drunk anything since this morning?
Lin
A little water, no food. He's also giving me that betrayed roommate look.
Them
Then let's check him out before he files a complaint about the carrier.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Same-day
✓ fit my cat in todayAsk for a same-day visit
fit ... in = find time for
Issue
✓ What seems to be going on?Ask what the problem is
Softer than 'What's wrong?'
Squeeze in
✓ squeeze him inFind time for him
Casual: make time
Hunger strike
✓ staging a hunger strikeLike refusing food
Joking: not eating anything
Quick answers
Same-day: what to say in English
Say “fit my cat in today” — ask for a same-day visit. fit ... in = find time for.
Issue: what to say in English
Say “What seems to be going on?” — ask what the problem is. Softer than 'What's wrong?'.
Squeeze in: what to say in English
Say “squeeze him in” — find time for him. Casual: make time.
Hunger strike: what to say in English
Say “staging a hunger strike” — like refusing food. Joking: not eating anything.