For your cat
Easing the Stress of vet visits
We love caring for cats, though we understand that coming to the clinic can be stressful for them.
They don’t like their leisurely day interrupted to be put in a carrier, suffer a car ride and then be handled by strangers. None of it is cat friendly. Starting a reduced stress visit for your cat starts at home. (Your Cat’s Vet Visit Begins at Home | Fear Free Happy Homes)
- Choose a carrier with a slide out base, or one that the top can be removed easily (clips not the ones with all the nuts and screws). These allow us to do most of their exam in the carrier base which is less stressful for them
- Get the carrier out days ahead of time (or leave it out all the time)
- Feed your cat treats in the carrier to make it less of a scary place- It can take days to weeks for them to feel comfortable in it- repetition is key! Other recommendations available here: Teach Your Cat To Go Into A Carrier—Without A Struggle | Fear Free Happy Homes
- Limit feeding your cat the day of their appointment to make them more likely to engage with treats during their appointment
- Spray a soft blanket with Feliway hours before travel and put it in the carrier
- Play calming music: cats often like classical music composed with softer melodies such as: Bach, Debussy, and Satie
- Bring any favorite treats or toys with them to the vet
- Secure the carrier in the car with a seatbelt. This prevents the carrier from sliding around and increasing fear during travel
- Carry the carrier with two hands. Try not to jostle the carrier around, banging it on everything. A video from the cat’s perspective is shown above.
- When possible, set the carrier on a higher surface; confident cats tend to be higher in the room, and timid, fearful cats on the floor. Give them a boost of confidence!
- Is your cat still stressed? Ask us about pre-visit anxiety relief medication
