Beautiful office, great vets and office staff. My...

Beautiful office, great vets and office staff. My issue is that I have a cat with health problems that has had us at the office several times since the beginning of the year. Used to be I could call in the morning and get in later that day. I try not to call for an appt unless it's really needed, but within the last month I always get the standard answer "sorry we are short one vet" or the vet who covers evenings "isn't here today". Do I have to wIt a day or 2 to get in, go to emergency vet (not really an option, their prices r outrageous). Or find a different vet (I did). Unfortunately my cats health has gone downhill to the point I know the end isn't too far off. Sad to feel like they don't have the time to see sick pets.