Is your cat scared of the vet? Follow these tips to make vet visits stress free for both you and your cat.
(Q) I took my timid cat to the vet for her booster and a worming tablet. Following this, she slept all night and day on my bed and had nothing to eat or drink before running off and hiding. I have had her for a year and she was just getting used to strangers, but now we're back to square one. Can you help?
Behaviourist Francesca Ricommini advises: Visiting the vet can be a stressful experience for both owners and pets, and it's not all the vet's fault.
The dreaded carrier, the journey, and ultimately the jab and worming tablet can all leave a bad taste in a cat's mouth (pardon the pun).
I feel your cat may have had the standard reaction that most cats have to the annual vaccination - being a little quiet and off their food for a day or so - and this has caused her to return to her antisocial ways.
If food was previously the main reason for her overcoming her fears and bonding with you then use this to help socialize with her again. Use tasty treats to encourage her to spend time playing with you.