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Taking your cat to the vet can be an anxiety-inducing experience for you both. Cats are creatures of habit, and being taken out of their comfort zone can trigger stress and fear. However, regular vet check-ups are essential for your cat’s health, so avoiding them is not an option. However, there are several strategies you can implement to make the experience smoother, less stressful, and even pleasant for your pet.
Read on for some advice from the experts when it comes to keeping your cat calm at the vet.
1. Get your cat comfortable with their cat carrier
The journey to the vet often starts with the dreaded cat carrier. For many cats, the sight of a carrier alone is enough to send them into hiding. To reduce this fear, it’s crucial to desensitise your cat to the carrier well before any vet appointments.
The experts at Creature Comforts, who have vet clinics across London, recommend making the carrier a regular feature in your cat’s environment:
“Leave the carrier out in your home so that it becomes a familiar object. Place your cat’s bedding, toys, or even some treats inside to encourage them to explore and rest in it voluntarily.”
This helps to break the association between the carrier and the vet, turning it into a more neutral or even positive space.
2. Cover the carrier
Many cats feel safer in dark, enclosed spaces. Covering the carrier with a blanket or towel during transport can help block out the visual stimuli of the outside world, making the journey less overwhelming.
Blocking out external distractions allows the cat to feel more secure. They can retreat into the safety of the darkness, which mimics their natural instincts.
3. Use feline pheromone products
Synthetic feline pheromones can work wonders in calming a stressed cat. These products mimic the natural calming pheromones that cats produce when they feel safe in their environment. Spraying a pheromone product like Feliway into the carrier or onto a blanket can help create a calming environment for your cat during travel and whilst you are in the vet’s waiting room.
Veterinary behaviourist Dr. Rachel Geller explains, “Synthetic pheromones are especially helpful for those times where everything is completely new for your cat. These products can be used on unfamiliar objects to help a cat feel more safe and secure with them.”
Alternatively, you could bring a familiar item from home, like a soft toy, which will also offer familiar and comforting smells and associations.
4. Get your cat used to handling
Cats are naturally independent creatures and don’t always enjoy being handled, especially by strangers. However, getting your cat accustomed to gentle handling at home can make vet visits less of a shock. Regularly touch and hold your cat’s paws, ears, and mouth, and reward them with treats to create positive associations. This way, the vet's examination will be less of a foreign experience, and your cat may be more tolerant of being handled.
5. Practice regular vet visits
The less familiar the experience, the more stressful it is. Routine trips to the vet for minor things like weigh-ins or general health checks (if offered by your vet) can help your cat get used to the environment without always associating it with unpleasant experiences.
Veterinary nurse Laura Smith advises, “A lot of cats only go to the vet when something is wrong, which means they associate the clinic with discomfort. By scheduling occasional non-stressful visits, you can help your cat realise that not every trip to the vet is scary.”
6. Take your time
Rushing through the process of getting your cat into the carrier and to the vet’s office can increase their stress. Try to allow extra time for each step of the journey, from getting into the carrier to arriving at the clinic. The less rushed you are, the calmer your cat is likely to be.
7. Keep calm and stay positive
Cats are incredibly intuitive and can easily pick up on their owners’ emotions. If you’re anxious about the visit, your cat may mirror that stress. The key is to remain as calm and composed as possible throughout the entire process. Speak softly to your cat and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could exacerbate their anxiety.
In addition to staying calm, try associating the vet trip with something positive. Offer treats and praise before and after the visit to reinforce the idea that the vet trip isn't all bad.
8. Consider timing your appointments strategically
If your cat is particularly nervous, try to schedule vet appointments at times when the clinic is less busy. First thing in the morning or late afternoon might mean fewer pets in the waiting room, reducing the overall stress for your cat. Check with your vet in advance to find out their quietest times.
If your cat is especially sensitive, ask your vet if you can wait in the car with your cat until they’re ready to see you. This way, your cat can avoid the busy waiting room entirely.
Some vets also offer “cat-friendly” hours or waiting rooms, where dogs and other pets are kept separate, helping to reduce additional stress from noisy, unfamiliar animals.
The Creature Comforts team adds, “If your cat seems particularly distressed, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about your concerns. They may be able to expedite the appointment or take additional steps to keep the environment calm.”
9. Reward your cat after the visit
After a successful vet visit, make sure to reward your cat with something they love—whether it’s a favourite treat, some extra playtime, or a cosy cuddle session. This can help your cat associate the end of a vet trip with positive experiences, making future visits slightly less daunting.
10. Consider sedation or anti-anxiety medication (if necessary)
In cases where a cat experiences extreme anxiety at the vet, it might be worth discussing sedatives or anti-anxiety medication with your vet. While this should be a last resort, it can make a huge difference for highly stressed cats.
If your cat becomes extremely distressed despite all your efforts, a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your vet could help them cope with the visit without undue stress. This option ensures their health checks are performed without trauma.
Visiting the vet is a necessary part of keeping your cat healthy, but it doesn’t have to be a complete nightmare. With a little preparation, you can help reduce your cat’s stress and anxiety during these visits. Remember, every cat is different, so take the time to find what works best for your particular feline friend. By employing some of the strategies above and keeping your vet in the loop about your concerns, you can ensure a calm and more peaceful visit to the clinic for both you and your cat.