Taking your cat to the vet
At some point in her life, your cat will make the trip the
vet. While this is usually a stressful event, there are a
number of things you can do to make it easier for you both.
When transporting your cat anywhere outside the house, use a
cat carrier, even if she usually likes to be held. Your cat can
easily become frightened while in an unfamiliar place or
surrounded by unfamiliar people. Even a friendly cat may bite,
scratch or try to escape.
Your cat may also urinate or defecate when she becomes
frightened. A carrier will make sure this mess doesn't end up
on you or on the waiting room floor. Line your cat carrier with
familiar and comforting bedding - use something she usually
sleeps on or an old piece of clothing that has your scent.
Covering the cat carrier with a blanket or towel may also help
keep your cat relaxed. Cats like to hide when they're
frightened or uncertain and the darkness and covering provided
by the blanket will make her feel safe and secure.
Familiarise
Cats don't tend to like trips to the vet, where they are
examined and surrounded by strange sights, smells, people and
animals. If the only time your cat ever sees the carrier is
immediately before it is used to take them to the vet, she will
understandably develop a strong aversion to it.
She may hide every time the carrier appears or fight tooth
and nail not to be put into it. You can help prevent this
behaviour by leaving the cat carrier out all the time. Make
sure it's a familiar part of your cat's surroundings. You may
want to give your cat treats in the carrier every once in a
while just so she thinks of it as a 'good place'.
If your cat has developed a strong aversion to the carrier
it may be difficult to coax her inside. Try persuading her into
the carrier with treats or ask someone to hold the carrier
upright while you place the cat inside. If your cat is
determined not to enter, don't force her, just put the carrier
away. Let your cat relax a while then wrap her in a blanket or
towel and quickly place her in the carrier.
Once you are at the vet's clinic keep the carrier covered.
This will continue to make your cat feel safe. If you can't
avoid sitting near other animals, then at least try to keep
away from the loud or boisterous ones.
Ask to help
When it's time for the consultation, ask your vet if you can
help to hold her. Remember though, that your vet and the
veterinary nurses will be very experienced at holding
uncomfortable or frightened animals and know how to avoid
getting hurt or hurting your cat.
So don't worry, your cat is in good hands. The vet may cover
your cat's head with a towel, again this is to give her the
impression she is hiding.
Veterinary clinics can be very busy places. If you want
extra time to talk to your vet about your cat, plan ahead. Book
a longer appointment if you can or don't come during peak
hours. Veterinary clinics are usually at their busiest in the
early morning or in the evening when people aren't at work.
Take your cat to the vet regularly. Not only will this allow
her to get used to the experience, but will also give the vet a
chance to get used to your cat! The more a veterinarian sees
your cat the better the vet will be able to address her
needs.