We understand that it can be stressful to bring your cat in for vet visits - on both of you! Hopefully these tips can help make it a more pleasant experience
1. Bring out the carrier a few days ahead so that your cat can become accustomed to it. Leave the door of the crate open so they can come & go as they please.
2. Spray the interior of your cat carrier with a synthetic feline pheromone product, such as Feliway. It has been shown to prevent and decrease stress in cats. So try spraying the inside of your cat carrier approximately 30 minutes before using it. You can also add familiar toys and small blanket - making it more inviting!
3. Use lots of treats. Put some of your cat’s favorite treats inside the carrier. This will help your cat associate the carrier with a positive experience. Avoid treats if your cat is being fasted for anesthesia or special diagnostics (we would let you know prior).
4. If these steps don’t help and your cat still becomes very stressed during their visit, call us to discuss if a sedative (given prior to the visit) to calm your cat might be helpful for future visits.
No one likes to go to the doctor and cats are no exception. However, we go to the doctor because we know these visits are important. Routine examinations are important because we can pick-up the early signs of disease, which is especially important in cats since they are very good at hiding illness. By following these tips when coming to see us - hopefully it will be less stressful and therefore easier to bring your cat in regularly
2. Spray the interior of your cat carrier with a synthetic feline pheromone product, such as Feliway. It has been shown to prevent and decrease stress in cats. So try spraying the inside of your cat carrier approximately 30 minutes before using it. You can also add familiar toys and small blanket - making it more inviting!
3. Use lots of treats. Put some of your cat’s favorite treats inside the carrier. This will help your cat associate the carrier with a positive experience. Avoid treats if your cat is being fasted for anesthesia or special diagnostics (we would let you know prior).
4. If these steps don’t help and your cat still becomes very stressed during their visit, call us to discuss if a sedative (given prior to the visit) to calm your cat might be helpful for future visits.
No one likes to go to the doctor and cats are no exception. However, we go to the doctor because we know these visits are important. Routine examinations are important because we can pick-up the early signs of disease, which is especially important in cats since they are very good at hiding illness. By following these tips when coming to see us - hopefully it will be less stressful and therefore easier to bring your cat in regularly
