Many pets get anxious at vet visits. The unfamiliar environment, strange people, and unpleasant prodding are overwhelming, especially for cats. While fear or aggression is understandable, it often makes for a more challenging experience. Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital provides a wide range of veterinary services in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Here, we offer advice on how to keep your pet calm for a smoother cat wellness exam.
Acclimate to the Carrier
For a cat, riding in the carrier can be just as scary as the annual exam itself. While carrier rides may never be pleasant, preparation can make the experience much easier for you and for your furry friend.
The first step is to choose an appropriate carrier. The carrier should have a rigid floor, which helps your cat feel secure, and should be large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around. It should also be warm enough to be comfortable. Plastic carriers are often ideal for their easy maintenance, but they are often chilly. If you use a plastic carrier, soften it with removable blankets and pillows.
Once you have selected your carrier, it’s time to build familiarity. Get the carrier out a few days before the vet visit so your cat can sniff it and explore. Favorite bedding items or toys make the carrier smell more like home, while treats help to create a positive association.
Get Ready for Handling
Just like you acclimate your cat to the carrier, you can also prepare them for handling. Gently touch and manipulate sensitive areas of your cat, such as the legs, paws, belly, ears, or mouth. Do this in a comfortable environment and provide lots of pets and treats as you do. This can help your cat get used to different kinds of touch while showing them that there’s nothing to be scared of.
The best time to initiate this is while your cat is a young kitten, as positive habits created during infancy can stick through the rest of your cat’s life. It’s never too late to start, however, and even adult cats may benefit from practicing different types of handling.
Prepare for the Car Ride
Some cats are comfortable in cars. If yours isn’t, however, then the trip to the vet may be a frightening experience. Fortunately, cats can be acclimated to car rides. Use the same methods you would with the carrier or handling. Start small by familiarizing your cat with a vehicle without motion. Then, take it on short drives with plenty of positive reinforcement.
Getting used to the car does not happen overnight, of course. In the meantime, here are some ways you can make car rides less overwhelming for your cat:
- Place the carrier on the car floor for stability
- Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or starts
- Play soothing music, especially classical music
- Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket
- Use a pheromone spray in the carrier
Motion sickness may also be a concern. Just like humans, some cats get sick after a long car ride. Nausea and vomiting only add to the stress of a vet visit, not to mention leaving you with a mess to clean up afterward. You can’t give your cat motion sickness medications. What you can do, however, is avoid feeding them a large meal before your trip.
Stay Calm
One of the most important things you can do to keep your cat calm is to stay calm yourself. Pets pick up emotional cues from their owners, and they are more sensitive than you might realize. If you act nervously before or during the vet visit, then your cat might assume there is something to be nervous about. This will only make your kitty feel more anxious.
Instead, try to stay as upbeat as possible. Speak to your cat in a calm, positive tone to reassure them that there is nothing to worry about. By staying relaxed, you in turn create a relaxing environment that may relieve some stress for your pet.
Give Your Vet Pointers
Vet visits are unpleasant, even for pets who are used to being handled. This is unavoidable. Veterinarians don’t want to cause any more discomfort than necessary, however. The accredited professionals at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital love animals and take measures to ensure their well-being, including:
- Luxurious facilities
- Affinity suites with plenty of space
- Vet techs who stay overnight with pets
- 24/7 calls to check in on your pet
If you have any pointers, therefore, it may help to tip off the staff when you arrive. If your cat does not like its mouth touched, for example, then our veterinarians will be extra careful during their oral examination. This insight may also provide clues into things that might be bothering your cat. A sensitive mouth may indicate cavities or other dental concerns. By tipping off your veterinarian, you may help us identify and address your pet’s needs more effectively.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Finally, give your pet plenty of positive interaction throughout your visit. Treats, pets, and brushing help your pet feel better, and they create a pleasant association that may make future vet trips easier. Similarly, a favorite toy provides a distraction.
Don’t stop the positive reinforcement when the visit ends, either. Reward your cat with treats, cuddles, and playtime after you get home. This cements the positive association while helping your cat overcome lingering stress from the trip. Your cat will be able to relax and play the rest of the day with any vet-related fears long behind it.
Schedule Your Cat Wellness Exam Today
Cat wellness exams are an important part of your pet’s well-being. By preparing appropriately, you can make them easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Schedule your visit to Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital. We provide preventive care and other veterinary services for pet lovers throughout the Tri-State area. Contact us today to learn more about cat stress relief or to schedule an appointment.