Vet visits may be one of the most traumatic events for your cat but there are some things you can do to make this essential activity as stress-free as possible.
1. Get kitty comfortable with his carrier several days before the vet visit. Put the carrier out in plain sight. Put a soft towel or mat inside, leave the door open and toss a few toys in, the point being to encourage kitty to explore. Play with him around the carrier and put a treat or two inside so he will have to enter to get the treat. If you can get kitty more comfortable around the carrier, loading him in on vet visit day won’t be such a big deal.
2. Before kitty enters the carrier, spray it with Feliway, following package directions. Feliway is a spray that contains a replica of feline pheromones which help cats feel calm and relaxed.
3. When it’s time to put kitty in the carrier entice him into a small room (like a bathroom or bedroom) where you can close the door and where, ideally, there isn’t a place for him to hide (like under a bed). Have the carrier already there.
4. For the car trip, put a towel over the carrier to help kitty feel more secure and protected.
5. When transporting kitty to the car or into the vet office, cradle the carrier in your arms rather than swinging it over your shoulder or letting it bump back and forth against your legs.
6. If these approaches don’t relieve kitty’s stress ask your veterinarian about a mild sedative, like Gabapentin, which can be given an hour and a half before your visit.
7. Manage your own stress about getting kitty in the carrier. Don’t raise your voice, don’t rush around and definitely don’t chase kitty, all of which will likely further upset an already stressed kitty.
8. Find a vet practice which is Fear Free certified or which employs Fear Free techniques. Fear Free is an organization, founded by a veterinarian, which provides online education to veterinary professionals, animal welfare groups and pet owners; their mission is to “…prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.”
Fear Free practices include “cats only” waiting and exam rooms; Feliway diffusers in exam rooms; no picking up a cat by the scruff; use of treats and toys during visit; cradling carrier during transport; removing or opening carrier top to avoid dragging cat through the door of the carrier; performing as much of the exam as possible with the cat in the carrier (top off); doing work in the exam room, whenever possible, rather than taking cat to the back room.
Whatever you can do to minimize the stress of vet visits for kitty is worth doing. A less stressed kitty translates to a less stressed vet and a less stressed owner. Everyone has a much better experience and kitty is likely to get a more thorough examination.