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We know that getting your cat to the veterinarian can be the most stressful part of the visit, but it doesn’t have to be!

Check out this helpful video; ‘Cats and carriers: friends not foes’

Buying a Carrier

  • Top-loading carriers make it easier to place your cat inside
  • Carriers with a top and side opening have additional versatility
  • If your carrier has a removable top, your cat may feel more secure remaining inside throughout the exam
  • You can purchase carriers that double as beds
  • If you have multiple cats each should have their own carrier for travel (do not put multiple cats in one carrier as this can compromise their safety during travel)
  • Leave the carrier out for several days before the appointment so your cat gets used to it
  • Put treats, toys, blankets and a favorite person’s clothes in the carrier for a comfortable and familiar environment
  • Reinforce your cat’s positive associations with the carrier using calm praise
  • Never dump your cat out of the carrier as this creates stress – either let her walk out or gently remove her from the carrier
  • Always put your cat in a carrier when traveling in the car – it’s safer for you and your cat
  • A synthetic feline pheromone, such as Feliway®, in the carrier may help your cat stay calm during transit
  • Drape a blanket or towel over the carrier to reduce motion sickness
  • Take your cat for a few short car rides to build familiarity
  • Do not feed your cat for several hours before traveling to reduce motion sickness
  • After each successful car trip, reward your pet with positive attention and treats
  • Practice regular care such as brushing, nail trimming and teeth brushing at home
  • Touch your cat’s face, ears, feet and tail at home so she will be used to similar procedures at the clinic
  • Go to the veterinarian for visits that don’t involve exams or procedures (such as weighing the cat) to create positive associations
  • Ahead of time, ask the clinic staff if you can take your kitty directly to an exam room upon arrival
  • Speak softly, because if you remain calm, chances are your cat will too!

Practice at Home

  • Leave the carrier out for several days before the appointment so your cat gets used to it
  • Put treats, toys, blankets and a favorite person’s clothes in the carrier for a comfortable and familiar environment
  • Reinforce your cat’s positive associations with the carrier using calm praise
  • Never dump your cat out of the carrier as this creates stress – either let her walk out or gently remove her from the carrier

Car Rides

  • Always put your cat in a carrier when traveling in the car – it’s safer for you and your cat
  • A synthetic feline pheromone, such as Feliway®, in the carrier may help your cat stay calm during transit
  • Drape a blanket or towel over the carrier to reduce motion sickness
  • Take your cat for a few short car rides to build familiarity
  • Do not feed your cat for several hours before traveling to reduce motion sickness
  • After each successful car trip, reward your pet with positive attention and treats

At the Clinic

  • Practice regular care such as brushing, nail trimming and teeth brushing at home
  • Touch your cat’s face, ears, feet and tail at home so she will be used to similar procedures at the clinic
  • Go to the veterinarian for visits that don’t involve exams or procedures (such as weighing the cat) to create positive associations
  • Ahead of time, ask the clinic staff if you can take your kitty directly to an exam room upon arrival
  • Speak softly, because if you remain calm, chances are your cat will too!