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!