How to make visits to the veterinarian less stressful for you and your cat
1. It starts at home.
Your carrier should be out in your living room or kitchen several days, if not weeks before your scheduled appointment. During this time, you can leave treats and toys in the carrier for your cat to get acclimatized to it and not associate it only with going to the vet. Feeding your cat next to the carrier can also help. A special blanket with his scent or your scent can provide comfort. Also, a pheromone spray called Feliway can appease your cat very effectively. Spray Feliway in your carrier 20 minutes before your cat will be transported in it for the best result.
2. The car ride.
The trip in the car itself is often enough to stress your feline friend.
Try to make the trip the most pleasant possible. Studies have shown that most pets enjoy classical music- so re-acquaintance yourself with Bach and Beethoven. Your cat will feel most secure in a carrier and this is also safer than letting her roam loose. If it is very warm outside, start your car several minutes before leaving and turn on the air conditioner . The same goes for the winters- if it is very cold, warm up your car before placing your beloved friend in a cold, unpleasant vehicle.
3. Feeding your cat.
If at all possible, try not to feed your cat prior to her appointment.
Bring her food with you or better yet, if there is a tasty treat or some leftovers from your table that she enjoys, bring them with you for the appointment. Most cats that are hungry and have good food presented to them will eagerly eat during their veterinary visits, making the experience more pleasant for all involved.
4. Transporting your cat.
When carrying your cat in her carrier, it is best to hold the carrier steadily with both arms on the bottom of it instead of using the handles and swinging it back and fourth. Also, draping a towel over the carrier helps many cats relax and feel more secure.
5. The waiting game.
If there are other pets in the waiting room, ask the receptionist to move to a private waiting area where you can be alone with your cat away from noise. This will help reduce her anxiety.
6. Reducing stress and anxiety.
If you and your cat have had previously negative experiences at the hospital or during transport and you are concerned about your scheduled appointment, please do not hesitate to call us to discuss your concerns. In some instances, the veterinarian will prescribe sedatives for you to administer to your cat at home which are effective in reducing stress in your cat and can make her experience a more pleasant one.
7. At the hospital.
We will reduce anxiety for your pet in several ways:
We have Feliway pheromone sprays and plug ins placed in the hospital to appease your kitty
We use mats on the examination room tables so the surface is not cold or slippery
We have a separate waiting room available for privacy for you and your kitty
We have a variety of treats for her to enjoy
We utilize minimal restraint during the examination process
We hope that the above guidelines will make your experience at our hospital a purr-fect one !