We all know that vet appointments can be incredibly stressful for many cats – and their humans! Here are some of our tips to make the experience of visiting the vet smoother for your beloved feline, and for you too.
A few days before visiting the vet
Make the carrier familiar
- Leave the carrier out at home in one of your cat’s favourite rooms or spots. Leave it open, with a soft blanket inside.
- Every so often place treats, catnip or toys, or even feed your cat, inside it.
- This should help the carrier feel like a safe everyday spot for your cat, not a box that will lead to a bad time.
Add comforting and calming smells
- Put an item inside the carrier that smells like home (a t-shirt or something you’ve worn or their favourite blanket).
- You can also use a synthetic calming pheromone spray for cats like Feliway about 15 minutes before you leave.
Take some practice trips in the car
- Take short car trips with your cat in the carrier. After the trips, give them positive rewards and treats at home.
- This will help them not associate the car only with going to the vet.
The day of the appointment
Timing your visit
- If possible, schedule your vet appointment during quieter hours to avoid busy waiting rooms. This will help minimise your cat seeing lots of other people and pets, and hearing loud noises or barking.
Keep as calm as possible
- Cats pick up on your energy. If you’re tense, they will be too. Speak softly and move slowly when it’s time to get ready to go.
- If your cat’s anxiety is high, talk to your vet about appropriate medication to get them through the vet visit. Anti-anxiety medication or a mild, short-acting sedative may be a great help to your cat.
Getting your cat in the carrier
- Allow yourself a bit of time to get your cat into the carrier, just in case they don’t want to go in.
- If your cat is hesitant, place some treats in the carrier to entice them.
- If you need to place them in, try to do so bum first. If necessary, try wrapping them in a towel and then placing them in.
Cover the carrier
- Drape a small blanket or towel over the carrier during the car trip. This will help your cat feel safer and reduce visual stress.
At the vet clinic
Minimise time in the waiting room
- If the clinic allows, call them when you arrive but wait in your car until they’re ready to see your cat.
- If you wait inside the clinic, avoid letting the carrier sit on the floor – tables or laps feel safer to cats. If this isn’t possible, point the part of the carrier your cat can see out of toward you so they focus on you.
- Speak gently to your cat while you wait.
Getting out of the carrier
- Let the vet open the carrier and allow your cat to come out on their own, if possible.
- If your cat won’t come out, the vet may ask for your help or advice on what to do.
Treats and reassurance
- Offer your cat treats between the vet’s handling and exams.
- Gently pat them, and speak softly using their name during the exam to reassure them everything is OK.
After the vet appointment
Gentle return home
- Give your cat space and quiet time as soon as you get home. Let them come out of the carrier at their own pace.
- Once they seem a bit more relaxed again, give them treats, gentle play time, and as many snuggles as they want!