Eight ways to make vet visits less stressful for your cat

Vet visits can be stressful for a pet and its owner and Cats Protection has issued advice to help make the experience less challenging for all.

1. Book the appointment for a quiet time

If your cat finds the vet waiting room stressful, ask to wait in the car park until the vet is ready to see you.

2. The carrier

If your cat is wary of the carrier, leave it out (not just before the appointment) so they can explore it on their own terms. It should be well ventilated and ideally top opening. Place unwashed bedding into the carrier so it smells familiar or place a blanket inside and spray it with a pheromone spray like Feliway at least 15 minutes before your cat is due to go in it. Cover the carrier with a sheet or towel, while making sure there is enough ventilation, to help keep your cat calm.

3. Don’t feed your cat just before

Limit the amount of food they eat for a couple of hours before the journey, unless you’ve been told otherwise by the vet. Take spare bedding in case of accidents.

4. Stay calm

If you’re driving, keep music or talking low and drive smoothly. If you’re walking or getting public transport, try to avoid busy, noisy areas.

5. Keep it cool

Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day if you can. Temperatures inside a car can get dangerously high on hot days, but keep windows shut just in case your cat manages to escape from their carrier.

6. Meeting the vet

Leave your cat inside the carrier until the vet is ready to examine them. You might need to chat to the vet first. When it’s time for your cat to be examined, allow them to come out in their own time and don’t attempt to tip them out of the carrier. Top-opening carriers are ideal as you will be able to gently lift your cat out.

7. Prepare a list of questions

To help keep the amount of time your cat needs to be at the vets to a minimum, prepare a list of concerns and questions. Put the most important points at the top. If your cat becomes extremely stressed, consider speaking to your vet over the phone instead.

8. Let your cat relax when they get home

Once home, let your cat exit the carrier at their own pace, and leave them alone to calm down. For the rest of the day try to avoid anything that might stress them, such as noise or having lots of people over, as this will build on any stress they’ve experienced.

Your vet might suggest a pet behaviourist to help reduce stress. Cats Protection has tips on how to find a good behaviourist, plus advice to try at home: https://www.cats.org. uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/ finding-a-behaviourist. Watch this video about recognising stress in cats: https://youtu.be/g2DyHuEEidg