There is a little saying amongst veterinarians; ‘a cat is not just a small dog’. It sounds a bit silly, but what it boils down to is that cats don’t respond to the same handling, environment or even medical treatments as their doggy friends.
Just think about it – bringing your cat to the vet takes a whole lot more than strapping on the leash, jumping in the car and away you go!
Bringing your feline friend to the vet needn’t be a ‘cat-astrophe’ – here are my top tips for making your feline vet visit smooth sailing!
Tip One: Introducing the Carrier
Teach your cat the carrier isn’t a scary tomb reserved only for vet visits. Leave the carrier out, sprinkle some of cats most favourite snacks in there, and they will start seeing it as a comfy hidey-hole instead of the box of terror!
Tip Two: Choose your Carrier Carefully
Ok, so now you’re at the vet with your cat – you open the carrier door and Puss won’t come out? I have seen many cats ‘tipped’ out of their carriers when it’s time to see the vet, and it’s a top stressor. The carrier is safe, the vet is scary – forcible extraction is traumatic for your cat. So most importantly, make sure your cat’s carrier has a removable top. This way we can whip the top off the carrier, and examine your cat whilst they sit comfortably in the bottom half.
Make sure your cat’s carrier is big enough that they can comfortably lie down and turn around – big cats need big carriers!
Croaker absolutely loves coming to the vet –
his family pays extra special attention to make sure he’s comfortable
Tip Three: Practice Gentle Restraint and Handling
Let your cat get used to being handled. All cats have different personalities, and some cats are more happy to be close to their humans than others. However, all cats can learn to have their ears examined, claws trimmed and teeth checked. Remember, always train at home where your cat is most relaxed, use lots of snacks, and never punish or tell off.
Tip Four: Planning is Key
Plan your visit around your cat’s usual routine so that you can easily persuade them into the carrier. If you are stressed about making the appointment on time, and chasing your cat who is hiding under the bed – it’s best to reschedule and try again tomorrow.
Tip Five: The Nose Knows!
Bring familiar blankies and bedding in the carrier. Scents from home will help to give your cat a sense of security and familiarity.
If only all cats could be as chill at the vet clinic as Muma Cat!
Tip Six: Team Up with Us
If you know your cat can be spicy when it comes to veterinary visits, well heck – you’re not alone! Spicy cats are scared cats – and forcible exposure to fearful environments is traumatising for your cat. If this resonates with you, let us know before your visit so that we can arrange some gentle anxiety relief and sedatives prior to your journey.
Tip Seven
The trickiest, but most rewarding on the list – train your cat to enter the carrier voluntarily. This takes a lot of time, and just as much patience, and – quite frankly – deserves a separate “how to”. If you’re interested – please let me know and I’ll put together something for you all.
I hope you enjoyed reading my top tips as much as I enjoyed writing them!
All the very best to you feline fur families, Dr. Anne
