How To Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Your Cat
Cats are scared of veterinary visits.The strange sights and smells, the presence of other animals and the way a vet handles your cat can all create a negative experience.Many cats become frightened at the sight of a cat carrier or after being put in a car because of these experiences.It's not possible to guarantee a stress-free visit to your vet, but with proper planning and preparation, you can make the trip as pleasant as possible for your feline friend.
Step 1: Provide your pet with regular check-ups.
If the only place your cat gets handled is the vet's office, you're going to have a panic.It's possible to make vet visits a little easier by regularly handling your cat at home.Get your cat used to having its paws touched.Holding your cat in your lap, hold each paw and press on each individual toe.The cat has ribs, belly, and neck.Over time, your cat will realize that you're not causing it any harm.
Step 2: The carrier is comfortable for your cat.
Being in the carrier means going to the vet.Some cats may be frightened by the sight of a cat carrier, because of the stress and confusion of being in the vet's office.If you can condition your cat to be comfortable with its carrier, it can make visits less anxious.If you have to store your cat carrier until you visit, keep it in an easily accessible area.Your cat will be able to go in as often as it pleases if the door is left open.Leave your cat's food in the carrier.It will have to venture inside in order to associate the carrier with the comforts of home.Consider buying a cat carrier with a lid.The carrier can feel less confined and easier to get into and out of.
Step 3: It's a good idea to take your cat on car trips.
In addition to cat carriers, car trips may be one of the most stressed parts of a vet visit.If you don't take your cat to nice places in your car, it will be associated with going to the vet's office.You can take your cat for short car rides.A loose cat can cause a traffic accident if it's left in a car.You can increase your cat's time in the car by taking it to nice places.If you drive with your cat to a friend or relative's house, you can let your pet go.When you take your cat for a ride, give it lots of treats and praise.It can help make car trips more comfortable.
Step 4: You can find a cat friendly vet.
Not all vets go out of their way to make their offices cat friendly.Ask your friends with cats where to find cat-friendly veterinarians.There are separate waiting rooms and exam rooms for cats in some veterinary offices.Cats won't see or hear barking dogs, which can make them less stressed.Some vets will use sprays in their exam rooms.Your vet is conducting an exam or procedure and this can help calm your cat.Before the exam, a good vet should try to comfort your cat.If your vet restrains your pet before you know what's going on, you should look for a new vet.If you're considering a new vet, make sure to ask if they can make accommodations for anxious cats.
Step 5: You can play with your cat.
Petting and playing with your cat can calm him down.This level of calm can make the transition to the vet's office easier for your pet.Start about an hour before your appointment.This will give your cat enough time to calm down before going to the vet.
Step 6: Don't eat your cat's pre-visit meal.
When they're anxious, many animals experience stomach problems.It is possible to reduce the chance of this happening by skipping a meal.If you're going to the vet's office between meals, skip breakfast.It is possible to increase your cat's appetite by skipping a meal.This increases the chance that your cat will want treats at the vet, which you can use to calm your pet.
Step 7: Administer medication.
You can give your cat anti-anxiety medication before a vet visit if your vet prescribed it before.It can take a little while for this type of medication to affect your cat, so you may want to give it about 30 to 60 minutes before your visit.Do not give your cat medication if it has been prescribed by your vet.Make sure the medication won't affect your visit by checking with your vet.
Step 8: Synthetic pheromones can be sprayed.
The smells inside a vet's office can be overwhelming for pets.Cats can easily get frightened or confused when there are so many animals in a day.You can reduce this by spraying the carrier with synthetic pheromones.Use a towel to line your carrier after spraying the pheromones.A sprayed towel can be draped over your cat's carrier.Take more of the pheromones with you to the vet.You can apply it to your carrier.You can buy synthetic cat pheromones online or ask your vet where to get them.
Step 9: Put your pet carrier down.
Your cat may be frightened by the sight of a dog.The cat won't see the other animals in the waiting room if you cover the carrier with a blanket or towel.If you use a blanket or towel to cover your cat's carrier, make sure to spray synthetic cat pheromones on it.
Step 10: Speak in a whisper.
Humans can be easily detected by animals.If your cat is afraid of vet visits, it would be helpful to speak in a soft, calming voice around you while you are at the vet's office and on the drive there.
Step 11: Treat your cat well.
A good way to calm a pet is with treats.Your vet will allow you to give your cat tasty treats before and during the procedure.During the exam or procedure, you should pet your cat and give it praise to help it remain calm.Give your cat something it doesn't get on a regular basis.Many cats find tuna to be delicious.When you get to the vet's office, make sure your cat has something to eat.If you skip your cat's meal before going to the vet, you can encourage this.
Step 12: Discuss anti-anxiety medication with your vet.
If your cat lashes out when frightened and is prone to severe anxiety, you may need to give it medication.A variety of different types of medicine can be prescribed to your cat.Tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline and Clomipramine are some of the commonly-prescribed medications.
Step 13: You might be able to wait outside.
If your vet doesn't have a cat-friendly waiting room, you may want to see if you can wait outside.Ask the receptionist at the vet's office if you can wait in the parking lot or in your car until the doctor shows up.
Step 14: Let your cat get used to it.
Your cat may still be frightened when you enter the exam room.It will make this anxiety worse if you reach into the carrier and grab your pet.If you want to let your cat out on its own, open the carrier door and take the roof off.For the bulk of your visit, your cat may want to stay inside the carrier.If this is the case, you should consider buying a carrier that has aremovable top so your vet can conduct a check-up without having to take your cat out.