Veterinary visits can be very stressful for cats and their owners. Here are 7 tips for helping your your cat get through those taxing vet visits.
Learn techniques to help keep your cat calm and make veterinary visits go more smoothly:
Bring Your Cat In A Carrier – The cat carrier or pet taxi will keep your cat safely confined during the drive and in the veterinary office. Many cats become frightened by the sights, sounds, and other animals that are in the veterinary office and, if not in a carrier, scratch or bite their owners while trying to escape. Cats generally do not like cat carriers and it can be a struggle to get them in the box but it tends to be the easiest way to transport them.
Use Familiar Bedding In The Carrier – Placing a blanket or old tee-shirt in the carrier will help relax your cat; anything that smells like home will work. When frightened, cats may urinate or defecate in the carrier; so it is a good idea to bring extra bedding in case it is needed for the ride home.
Drive Slowly and With No Music – Loud music and noise will only scare or stress your cat further. Also, making sharp turns and braking hard may make the carrier tumble or move on the car seat which may frighten the cat.
Keep The Carrie Covered – Use a towel or blanket to cover the carrier while in the car and in the veterinary office. Cats like to hide and will appreciate the darkness while in a strange place. Many veterinary personal use towels to hold cats so that the head and face can be covered during most of the exam. Cats seem more relaxed when they think they are hiding.
Sit Away From The Dogs – Once in the veterinary lobby try to sit away from the dogs, especially the more hyper ones. If the office seems busy or stressed ask if there is another room you and your cat can wait in. Many veterinary personal are understanding of the special needs of cats and will be obliging of your request.
Ask For Staff Members Who Are Good With Cats – Most offices will have a “cat whisperer” on staff. Don't be afraid to ask for someone who likes cats or has special skills when it comes to handling cats to help with your appointment. Veterinary staff members are there because they like animals but not everybody likes cats (there are dog people out there after all) and having someone good with cats will make a difference in your cats experience. This tip is especially important if you know you have a “difficult cat”.
Let A Staff Member Hold Your Cat During The Appointment – Veterinary staff members are trained to handle all kinds of animals and know how to hold without getting bit or scratched. Upset cats will strike out and bite unsuspecting fingers; including those that belong to their owners. Letting staff members hold also keeps you from being the bad guy.
These tips will help veterinary visits go more smoothly. Contact your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist for additional ideas.
The copyright of the article Taking Your Cat To The Vet in Pet Care is owned by Charla Dawson. Permission to republish Taking Your Cat To The Vet in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
