“How to Make Your Cat’s Vet Visit Fear Free”
We’ve all been there before. You have your vet visit scheduled for your cat, Fluffy. Maybe it’s a simple routine vet visit. Maybe there’s something wrong he needs to be seen for. Either way there’s anxiety leading up to the visit. When the time comes to get ready for the appointment you get your cat carrier out and suddenly Fluffy is nowhere to be seen. He’s hiding under the couch and hissing when you try to reach for him. Now you’re in the car and he’s yowling the entire way to the clinic. By the time you reach your destination you and Fluffy are both at wits end. It doesn’t have to be this hard. Here are some steps you can take to make your vet visit easier and more peaceful for Fluffy and you.
Relax - It’s natural to feel anxious before your vet visit, especially if there’s something wrong. However, cats can be sensitive creatures and they pick up on more than you think. If you’re anxious, Fluffy is more likely to feed off of that and feel anxious too. The more calm you are, the more calm Fluffy will be.
Ask your vet about calming medications - It can be helpful to give your cat some anti anxiety medications the night before and morning of your vet appointment. Try asking your vet about medications such as Gabapentin prior to your appointment. This can really help to take the edge off for Fluffy.
Leave your cat carrier out all the time - If you only utilize your cat carrier for stressful events like taking Fluffy to the vet, then that’s what Fluffy is going to associate the carrier with. If you leave the carrier out all the time, it can help desensitize your cat to it and make them more compliant and calm when it comes time to pack Fluffy up. You can even try feeding your cat in the carrier and placing treats in there from time to time tor create a more positive association.
Utilize pheromones - Feliway is a spray that mimics common cat pheromones and can help to create a sense of reassurance and reduce stress. Spritzing a small amount of Feliway in your carrier or on a towel and covering the carrier can be helpful in easing Fluffy’s stress
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Have treats on hand - Utilizing treats such as Churu or Lickables during Fluffy’s vet visit can be helpful in creating positive reinforcement for the experience, as well as give Fluffy something else to think about.
Get Fluffy used to car rides - The car ride to your vet clinic is a common stressor that can add to Fluffy’s anxiety. Try practicing taking Fluffy on short car rides around the block and back home to help desensitize him to the experience.
Try scheduling “Happy Visits” - Cats associate vet visits with stress because generally something not so fun happens to them while they’re there. Try taking Fluffy into the vet sometimes just to receive treats and positive attention to help create a more positive and comfortable association with the clinic setting and the staff.
Taking your cat to the vet is never a fun experience. It can create a lot of anxiety for both you and Fluffy. If not handled appropriately it can become a stressful event for you, Fluffy and your vet staff. However, if you follow these tips it can make everyone’s experience a lot easier.
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