A Low-Stress Guide to Bringing Your Cat to the Vet

Did you know that there are more cats in US homes than dogs? Yet cats are far less likely to receive regular veterinary care. Some of the traits we love about cats, their independence, intelligence and craftiness, can collectively make it very challenging to bring them to the vet. Annual veterinary visits are key to keeping your cat healthy, and seniors often need to be seen even more regularly. However, many cats and their owners find that these visits can be extremely stressful. We've put together a couple tips to help minimize the stress involved for both you and your cat when it's time to bring them to the vet.

Choosing a Carrier:

• Choose a carrier that is the appropriate size for your cat. It can be quite challenging to fit a large cat into a small carrier.
  
• Carriers that open from the front and the top can make it easier to place your cat in their carrier.

Plan Ahead:

• Bring the carrier out a few days before their appointment. Put it in a place where your cat can feel comfortable exploring it, and leave the door open so they can go in and out as they like.
• Make the carrier a cozy place. Place soft blankets or towels in the carrier to help your cat feel more comfortable.
  
• Try bribing your cat with treats or kibble in the carrier. This can help your cat associate their carrier with positive things.
• Consider spritzing the carrier with a synthetic feline calming pheromone spray (such as Feliway)  30 minutes prior to the time you need to put them in the carrier.

Putting Your Cat in the Carrier:

• Plan on leaving for your appointment 10 minutes earlier than when you normally would.
• If the carrier opens from the top this will probably be the easiest way to put your cat in their carrier. However, if the it only opens from the front, tip the carrier so that the opening is facing towards the ceiling.
  
• Try placing your cat into the carrier rear-end first. This will help them feel less like they are being forced into a place where they don't have a way to escape.
  
• If needed, try wrapping your cat like a burrito in a towel and then placing them in the carrier. This can help keep you both safe if your cat is struggling.
  

Minimize Stress in the Carrier:

• Covering the carrier with a towel or blanket can help your cat feel hidden and safe.
• In the car, place the carrier in a location where it will remain as steady as possible. Minimizing the carrier's movement will help your cat feel more secure.

Regular visits to the vet are extremely important for your cat's long-term health. However, if you try these tips and find that your cat is still extremely stressed by their carrier, the car ride or their visit at the vet consider asking your veterinarian about other options.