Making vet visits less stressful for your cat
Most cats only see their carrier when something bad is about to happen. Changing that is the single biggest thing you can do.
6 min read · Dr Jane C. Doe ·
General information only. If you're worried about your pet, call us.
Make friends with the carrier
Choose a sturdy carrier with a top opening and a removable lid. It means we can often examine your cat without them ever leaving it.
Keep it out in a room your cat likes, with bedding that smells of home. Drop the odd treat inside.
The journey
Put the carrier on the footwell or strapped in on a seat, not on a slippery surface. Drive gently, play quiet music and keep it covered.
Spraying a feline pheromone on the blanket 15 minutes before you leave can help some cats.
At the clinic
We have a separate cat waiting area away from dogs, and shelves to put carriers on so cats can feel higher up and safer. Every room has a towel ready.
Let us know if your cat has been very frightened before. We can plan a calmer visit, and in some cases prescribe a mild pre-visit medicine.