How to Ease Your Cat's Pre-Vet Stress

Are vet visits a challenge for your feline? If in-office appointments make your cat anxious, take a look at some simple steps you can take to reduce your pet's stress.

Reduce Carrier Anxiety

Does your pet's vet visit anxiety start before they reach the car? If the car carrier is a stress factor, you can make this part of the pre-appointment routine easier. To ease the cat-to-carrier transition:

• Find the right carrier for your cat . Not all carriers are equal. Some cats prefer the soft surface of a bag-like pet carrier, while others need the security of a hard model. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your pet to turn around in and has plenty of ventilation.
• Give your cat time to explore . What is this strange new space? If your pet has never experienced a carrier, let them explore the item in the comfort of their own home. Leave the door open and let them enter the carrier on their own terms.
• Try the carrier multiple times . Don't surprise your cat with a sudden carrier ride. Allow them to try out the carrier several different times before the vet visit day.

If your cat refuses to explore the carrier, entice them with a treat or favorite toy. Place the treat or toy in the carrier and let them make the first move.

Enjoy the Ride

Now that your cat is ready to ride in the carrier, it's time to put them into the car. But what happens if your typically docile pet suddenly howls and hisses when they're in the car? To minimize the pre-visit car ride stress:

• Have a dress rehearsal . After your cat feels comfortable in their carrier, take them on a pre-vet visit car ride run through. Instead of a full trip to the vet's, drive around the block or down the street.
• Bring a blanket . Give your cat the peaceful smell of home — in the car. Add a favorite blanket or bedding item to the carrier in the car.
• Give your cat a treat . Give your cat a treat (or a meal) in the car before the vet visit. Every time you try a dress rehearsal, treat your cat to their favorite savory snack. This breeds positive feelings for the car instead of fear.

Even though it's tempting to take your stressed cat out of the carrier for the ride to the vet, this isn't a safe strategy. Your cat could climb under your feet or in some other way interfere with your ability to drive.

Stay in the Car

Does your cat's anxiety escalate when you enter the office environment? The strange setting has new faces, sounds, and smells. While the other animals in the waiting room may not bother you, your cat could feel differently. If your cat tenses when you enter the office, wait in the car and:

• Ask the vet office's staff to call or get you when it's your pet's turn . If possible, have the office staff call or text your cell phone when they're ready to take your cat into the exam room.
• Keep your cat comfortable . Use the heater or air conditioner to keep the in-car environment fit for your cat.
• Wait with your pet . Never leave your cat alone in the car. Not only can this add to your pet's stress, but it could also put your cat in physical danger — especially on a hot day.
• Roll down the window . Weather permitting, roll down the window to allow fresh air into the car.

Again, you may feel tempted to let your cat out of the carrier in the car. Even though the vehicle is parked, this could allow your pet to make a hasty escape. Beyond the safety risks, your cat may struggle when you need to put them back in the carrier again. This can add to their stress and add to the pre-visit challenges.

Does your cat need a check-up? Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information.