Taking a cat to the veterinarian: Making veterinary visits easy for a cat

Simple steps can be taken to make veterinary visits less frightening for cats.
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Though cats actually outnumber dogs as pets in the United States, cats are seen less frequently at veterinary hospitals than their canine counterparts. Part of the reason for this discrepancy is the fact that taking a cat to the vet can be a stressful situation for both cat and cat owner. However, a few simple steps can help make the veterinary visit much less traumatic for all parties involved.

Secure carriers should be used for transporting the cat to the veterinarian

Many different types of carriers are available and appropriate for cats. These range from plastic crates to collapsible carriers made from fabric materials to cardboard pet carriers. Even a cardboard box with the lid firmly attached to prevent the cat from escaping can be used in an emergency to transport the cat to the veterinarian. As long as the carrier is secure enough to prevent the escape of the cat, it will work to transport the cat.

Under no circumstances should cats be transported without some type of carrier or box to confine them. Cats can become frightened easily and even a friendly and outgoing cat may become terrified enough by an unfamiliar situation to injure its owner and escape, placing both cat and owner in a dangerous position.

Acclimate the cat to the carrier before the veterinary visit

Cats should not view the carrier used for transportation as a frightening object or as a form of punishment. Allowing the cat to become familiar with the carrier prior to having to use the carrier for taking the cat to the vet can make the process simpler and less frightening for the cat.

Cat owners should place the carrier in a central location in the household where the cat will encounter it frequently. Placing comfortable blankets or towels inside of the carrier can encourage the cat to view the carrier as a safe and comfortable resting place.

Placing food and water inside the carrier can also encourage the cat to visit the carrier. The carrier should be left open so that the cat can enter and exit at will while at home.

Once used to spending time in the carrier, the cat will be able to view the carrier as a safe retreat and will feel less threatened when confined in the carrier as the time for the veterinary visit approaches.

Use cat pheromones (Feliway®) to calm the cat during the visit to the vet

Feliway® is a pheromone which has a calming effect on cats. Feliway® can be sprayed in the carrier prior to placing the cat in the carrier and proceeding to the veterinary office. This will help keep the cat calm and comforted on the way to the hospital and during the veterinary visit.

Keep the cat separated from unfamiliar animals and people while waiting to see the veterinarian

Waiting rooms in veterinary hospitals can be a frightening place for many cats. Other animals, particularly dogs, may scare the cat and add to the stress associated with the visit. If possible, separate the cat from other pets in waiting room. In the event that this is not possible, placing a towel or blanket over the cat's carrier may screen the cat's view of the waiting room and help keep him calm.

Avoid reinforcing the cat's impression of danger in the veterinary hospital

Pet owners should refrain from offering excessive shows of comfort to their cats under these circumstances. Though this may seem counter-intuitive, excessive attempts to comfort the cat may actually reinforce to the cat that the pet owner believes the situation to be dangerous and/or frightening, leading to more stress and increased terror for the cat. By remaining calm and treating the cat normally, the pet owner can help convince the cat that he has nothing to fear.

Choosing the right veterinarian for your cat

Choosing a veterinarian who actually enjoys working with cats and knows how to handle them properly can also help make a cat's visit to the veterinarian easier to manage. Talk with other cat owners and ask which veterinarian cares for their cat. Ask specifically about the interaction between the cat and the veterinarian and veterinary staff.

Making the veterinary visit less stressful for the cat will also make the visit easier for the cat owner

By doing what can be done to keep the cat calm and comfortable before, during and after the veterinary visit, some of the hassle can be taken out of taking a cat to see the veterinarian. A little advance planning, together with some simple precautions, can help make the veterinary visit easy and free of stress for all parties.

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