What cat owner has never sighed when it’s time for a vet appointment? For many, a visit to the veterinarian is synonymous with difficulty getting the cat into its transport crate, stress, unwanted meows… So, how can you better prepare your cat for a visit to the veterinarian?
Better understand your cat
It’s well known that cats hate going to the vet. Unfortunately, a regular visit to this professional is essential to ensure the health of your cat. So how to proceed?
The cat is an animal that hates change. He doesn’t like to be moved, even less under duress. Finding himself locked in a transport crate is therefore a huge source of stress for him. Once he arrives at the veterinary office, unknown people come towards him and handle him. New smells amplify the discomfort he may feel (other cats, dogs, medical products, etc.), as do noises he is not used to (meows, barking, medical devices, etc.)
In short, just like you don’t like going to your doctor, your cat doesn’t like his visits to the veterinarian.
Get your cat used to its transport box
In general, the carrier is associated with bad memories at the veterinarian. To prevent your cat from running away at the sight of it, you can get him used to entering it and improve his comfort when traveling.
Start by choosing a crate large enough for your cat to stand, lie down or sit. Preferably opt for a model that also opens from above, to allow the cat to be examined without forcing it out.
Then, you can gradually accustom your cat to its transport crate, in order to avoid last minute battles when going to the veterinarian. To do this, you can leave the crate freely accessible, in a quiet corner of the house, with a blanket or soft fabric to encourage him to sleep there, and possibly a few toys. The goal is for your cat to feel comfortable and safe there. When leaving for the vet appointment, your cat will be more reassured.
Odors: use an anti-stress spray
Cats are very sensitive to odors. These can relax them, reassure them or, on the contrary, stress them out. There are sprays containing soothing pheromones or plants that can act on the stress of our felines. They can be used before and during the consultation.
For example, you can spray this type of spray into the transport crate regularly during the familiarization phase with the object. And on the day of the appointment, 30 minutes before, spray the inside of the box. Sometimes it is necessary to test several sprays before finding the right product that suits your cat. Once the appointment has passed, don’t forget to clean the transport cage thoroughly, to remove all odors associated with the veterinarian’s office.
Better understand the waiting room
If you have to wait in the waiting room, in order to reduce the anxiety of your already stressed cat, consider placing the transport box high up: on your lap, or on a special display. Do not hesitate, if necessary, to spread a towel or light fabric over the cage (be careful of the heat, however). Above all, do not take the cat out of its crate, despite its insistent meows.
Try following these few tips and you will survive visits to the veterinarian for your cat. Also, to prevent your cat from becoming paralyzed at the idea of going to the veterinarian, you can also accustom him to going there when he is still a kitten: the more he is accustomed to the consultation room, the better he will live. the next meetings.
