Offering Some General Advice On Making Your Cat’s Veterinarian Visits As Stress Free As Possible
Routine veterinarian appointments are essential for any pet. However, for some pets, this can be a truly terrifying experience. This is especially true for most cats. Most cats like to have structure in their lives and breaking their daily routine can be very stressful. This article will offer some general advice on how to make your cat’s veterinarian visits as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
Leave Out The Carrier
One of the best things you can do to make vet visits less stressful for your cat is carrier acclimation. Leave your cat carrier out in your house with the door open. This will allow your cat to familiarize themselves with it and possibly even sleep in it. Once they become more familiar with the carrier, they will become more comfortable with it.
Most pet owners only introduce a pet carrier when it’s time to go to the vet. This is a bad move because it forces your pet to have a negative relationship with the pet carrier. Being forced into a pet carrier that they’re not familiar with sets up a stressful experience before you even leave the house. You want your cat to have a positive association with the pet carrier. You can even go so far as putting some treats and toys in the carrier when it is in the house.
Bring A Familiar Item
Familiarity goes a long way when it comes to being comfortable. We suggest bringing one of your cat’s favorite blankets, cat bed, pillow, or toy with you to vet visits. By having this familiar item in the carrier with them, your cat will be reminded of home and the comfort that they associate with home. Avoid putting a freshly washed blanket in their carrier, but instead bring one that is already covered in their fur and scent. Even bringing a t-shirt with your scent on it can help keep your cat calm and more relaxed.
Stay Calm & Collected
Cats are overall very perceptive animals. They can often sense when something is wrong even when we don’t. This is why it’s so important for you to stay calm, cool, and collected during vet visits. The calmer you are, the calmer your cat will most likely be. If your cat notices you are nervous or upset, they will also become nervous and/or upset. Having a positive mindset and appearance can make all the difference when it comes to stress free vet visits.
Secure Transportation
Whether your veterinarian office is 1 mile away or 20 miles away, we suggest making the ride as smooth and comfortable as possible. Make sure the pet carrier is securely fastened either with seat belts or straps. The last thing you want is to have the carrier sliding all over the place. Again, you want this whole experience to be as relaxing as possible from beginning to end.
We also suggest maintaining good climate control within the vehicle. This includes a comfortable temperature and calming music. Make the inside of the vehicle as comfortable as possible before you even bring the carrier into the vehicle. Additionally, try to drive as safely and responsibly as possible. High speeds and sudden turns can make for an unpleasant experience for your cat. Keep it slow and keep it safe.
Use Quality Treats
The key to any pet’s heart is through their stomach! When going to the veterinarian office, we suggest bringing some of your cat’s favorite treats. Ideally, you should use high quality treats that are high in protein and low in carbs. Having something to snack on can help distract your cat from the situation and remind them that they are in good caring hands. For a more comprehensive list of the healthiest cat treats on the market, check out TheSprucePets.com.
Calming Medications
Lastly, if your cat suffers from severe anxiety, consider using calming medication. As always, consult with your veterinarian first before giving your cat any medication or supplements. Even over-the-counter supplements such as CBD oil can have a calming and relaxing effect on your cat. There are even some cat treats that are infused with calming supplements such as CBD, thiamine (vitamin B12), and L-theanine. For a more comprehensive list of the best calming cat treats on the market, go to ILoveVeterinary.com
Hire A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker Today!
We hope you enjoyed this article and that some of the aforementioned tips will make your next veterinarian visit less stressful for your cat. If you or someone you know is looking for pet sitting or dog walking services, then look no further than Paws & Claws Pet Sitting and Dog Walking! We service the Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and West San Jose areas. Click here to contact us or give us a call at 408-752-2997. We hope to hear from you soon!
