Regular visits to the veterinarian are beneficial to your cat’s health and well-being. Taking your cat to the vet, on the other hand, can be a traumatic experience. Nerves and anxiety can overtake her when she needs a routine checkup, a minor surgical procedure, or a lengthy stay. If it’s time to take the kitty to the vet, there are a few things you can do to reduce stress and make a potentially terrible experience pleasurable.
Get yourself a cat carrier
Get yourself one of these cat carriers. Using a Cat Carrier is a great way to keep your cat safe. Both hard and soft cat carriers will safely transport your cat to and from the veterinarian. The harder ones are excellent for transporting vehicles. It could take a few hours or a few weeks to train your cat to enter the Carrier. Obtain a carrier 1-4 weeks before the visit to have enough time to test it out before using it.
- If you already have a carrier, double-check that he can fit inside.
- If you don’t already have a crate, you can get one at a pet store, a department store, or online.
- Alternatively, you might borrow a carrier from a friend or look for one at a thrift store, but make sure to clean and dry it properly before using it. Odors can be removed with a mixture of vinegar, light soap, and water.
Make sure the Carrier is the right size
Carriers should be big enough for your cat to turn around completely. If you decide to buy a carrier online, do it well in advance of the appointment so that you have enough time to acclimate your cat to it.
Your cat should be taught to enter the Carrier. When your cat sees the Carrier, she will likely flee, so don’t take it out of storage just before you leave for the appointment. This could bring up memories of the last time you went to the vet, especially if it was a traumatic event.
- Make sure your cat take naps and have playtime/fun in the Carrier. This will aid in the removal of any negative associations your cat may have with the Carrier.
- To reacquaint your cat with the Carrier, line it with shredded newspapers and a couple of tiny towels or wide strips of cloth with a scent he recognizes.
- Place cat snacks inside the Carrier and around it to entice her inside. Your cat may take some time to enter the Carrier, so provide fresh goodies as needed.
Place your cat in the Carrier
You can put her in the Carrier once she seems at ease in and around it. Close the carrier door quietly and speak softly to her.
When putting your cat in the Carrier, be gentle. If she continues to refuse, don’t push her in. Give her extra time to grow used to it instead.
Carry out a “dry run”
Taking your cat for brief rides about the neighborhood once inside the Carrier may assist in alleviating your cat’s anxiousness.
- Carry your cat gently to your car, the train, the subway, or the bus stop. When on public transit, cover the Carrier with a thick cloth to keep your cat calm.
- Set the Carrier down on a seat. If you’re driving, make sure the Carrier is securely fastened.
- While driving, speak soothingly to your cat or listen to peaceful music.
- Extend the journey each time until the appointment day.
- Pack plastic bags, disinfectant wipes, and tiny towels in case she has an accident while travelling.
Transporting Your Cat to the Vet
Make sure your cat is ready for his visit. Ensure your kitty is prepared before you leave. Brush his fur and, if necessary, cut his front claws to prevent him from scratching you or the vet.
Bring everything you’ll need. Prepare yourself to assist your cat keep clean and comfy.
- Bring garbage bags, as well as light disinfectant wipes and tiny towels for cleanup.
- Bring a thick towel to cover the Carrier if you’re in a crowded area or a waiting room.
- Bring some of your cat’s favorite treats and toys with you. You may even put one inside the Carrier to make him feel more secure.
- If you’re driving to the veterinarian’s office, follow all traffic regulations, drive safely, and avoid sharp corners.
- If the journey is long, make sure she has a place to relieve herself inside. When you’re on the road, the shredded newspapers perform great as trash. An extra newspaper should be brought.
Bring out your cat into the vet clinic office with care upon arrival
Once you’re in the waiting room, cover the Carrier with a towel or keep it protected.
- Only remove your cat from its Carrier if it needs to be cleaned. Other animals in the waiting room may provoke your cat to scratch or pounce on them.
- If your cat appears to be content without the towel, don’t use it; nonetheless, keep it on hand just in case.
Ensure that your cat is at ease during your stay
Once your cat has made it through the waiting room and is called in to see the vet, you must continue to calm her down.
- Keep talking to her in a calming tone, especially if the Carrier is covered. She must be aware that you are close.
- Consult your veterinarian for the best method of removing your cat from the Carrier. She might be just as terrified to get out as she was to get in once she’s inside.
Take the cat out of the Carrier
Reach inside the Carrier and carefully remove your cat while speaking soothingly. If you’ve been told to, place her on the table.
- Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on how to care for your cat. If you’re ordered to hold him down firmly, do it gently. If you’re not sure how to do it, seek assistance from the veterinarian or her assistant (if one is available).
Bringing Your Cat Back Home
Get ready to return home. Taking your cat home from the vet, depending on the type of appointment he had or whether you’re returning to the doctor after leaving him there for surgery or observation, can be a stressful event for him.
- Before leaving, make sure the Carrier is clean. If required, clean it by replacing the newspaper and towels.
Show your cat how pleased you are with her excellent conduct by giving her a treat. Before putting your cat back into the Carrier, reward her with a treat and some attention for being such a good patient. Ensure when she has to return for a checkup or follow-up visit before you leave the office.
Make your way to your car, station, or bus stop. If your cat appears nervous, cover the Carrier with the huge towel once more. Set the Carrier in place with care. If you’re returning by automobile, re-buckle the Carrier.
On the drive home, try to avoid making any unnecessary stops. Your cat will be ready to return to its familiar surroundings.
- When you get home, place the Carrier on the floor and carefully open the door.
- Please do not force your cat to leave; she will go when she is ready.
Place the Carrier in a safe place
Clean and dry the Carrier entirely before storing it somewhere that won’t be damaged (or return to the person from whom it was borrowed). Many carriers are suitable for aircraft travel, errands, and visits to friends and relatives.
- Towels and newspapers that are clean and dry can be stored in the Carrier for further use.
- If you use the Carrier regularly, your cat will become accustomed to it.
