When it comes to veterinarian visits, if your cat suffers from anxiety know that they are certainly not alone. Bringing your cat to the vet can be stressful for even the calmest cat. Being in a carrier, loud noises, unfamiliar smells, and more all have the potential to cause stress for any kitty. The good news is that you can make the experience less intimidating by doing a few things.
Tip #1: Try to Accustom the Cat to Touch
The first suggestion on our list of tips for taking a cat to a vet is to get them used to being handled. One of the first things any of our doctors at Longwood will do is perform a routine physical exam. A vet and vet staff will handle your pet quite a bit, and if your pet is used to being touched and picked up, it will be more likely to tolerate it.
Tip #2: Get the Kitty Comfortable with the Cat Carrier
Your cat may feel stressed when placed in a carrier. To get them more comfortable, allow your cat to thoroughly examine the carrier several days before your visit. This strange object will likely pique your cat’s curiosity, and they’ll want to sniff and explore it.
Having a familiarity with the carrier will make it less frightening, and your cat will be less stressed when placed in it. Another one of our tips for taking a cat to a vet: put one of your cat’s favorite blankets in the carrier too!
Tip #3: Go for a Test Drive
Take your cat for a practice run in the carrier if your cat is nervous about car rides or has never been in a car. After a few loops around the block, return home and let your pet out of the carrier.
Similar to acclimating your cat to their carrier, showing them that travel isn’t dangerous can greatly reduce their stress. You might have noticed the common theme with all our tips for taking a cat to a vet is to take unfamiliarity out of the situation!
Longwood Veterinary Center is a Certified Cat-Friendly Practice
If you notice your cat is anxious all the time, not just when visiting the vet, schedule an appointment with us at Longwood Veterinary Center. We are a certified Cat-Friendly Practice by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and any of our veterinarians would be happy to examine your furry friend and see why they might be stressed. If you follow these tips for taking a cat to a vet, then getting them here should be less stressful for the kitty and for you!
