Bringing Your Cat To The Vet: A Guide To Keeping Stressed Cats Calm
A trip to the vet can unfortunately be an extremely stressful experience for both you and your cat. However, it is an essential part of cat ownership, and there are plenty of things that you can do to improve the experience. Everything from the way you talk to your cat to how familiar and comfortable they are with their carrier can make the world of difference. Make sure they are familiar with their carrier and provide blankets or towels that smell like home to make your cat feel safer and try not to jostle the carrier too much on your way to the vet. If you find taking your cat to the vet stressful, look at this guide on how to calm down your stressed-out cats and get them to the vet safely and hassle-free.
Stay calm
Although a trip to the vet is stressful for your cat, it can often be just as stressful for owners. Knowing that your cat might freak out and get upset can be extremely distressing. However, the best way to reduce your cat’s stress is by staying as calm as you can. Animals can sense when someone is angry or upset, so even if you are feeling stressed out or frustrated try your best to talk to your cat in a quiet and calm voice. Leave time in the journey to give your cat affection and reward them for good behaviour. This will not only calm them down but is likely to reduce your stress too.
Planning is also a great way to keep your stress levels down. Prepare your cat’s carrier and layout all the documents you will need in advance, and make sure you keep your insurance policy up to date. A good cat insurance policy will put your mind at ease and eliminate the fear of any unexpected costs that may be causing you excess stress.
The carrier is important
Cats are often scared of their carriers because they only ever use them when going to the vet. Reduce the struggle and panic of the carrier by leaving it open at home and encouraging your cat to sleep or eat in there on a regular basis so that they are used to it and comfortable there. Putting bedding or a cloth with your cat’s scent around the inside of the carrier could also be enough to make your cat more at ease with the carrier.
It is also important that the carrier you have for your cat is big enough for your cat to stand up and turn around to ensure maximum comfort. Make it warm and comfortable and opt for a plastic carrier if you worry that your cat may make a mess inside. A carrier with both a top and a side door is also extra useful for getting your cat in and out.
Make your cat feel safe
If your cat is prone to panic when you try to place them in a carrier, try wrapping them in a big blanket and put them both in the carrier. Covering the carrier with a blanket or towel that smells like home can help keep your cat calm once they are inside the carrier.
Transport them carefully by hand or car, and try not to swing the carrier around or bash it.
Keeping your cat safe and comfortable for a trip to the vet is essential to make the experience less stressful for both you and your pet. Make sure they are comfortable, and that you stay as calm as you can to put your cat at ease, and you’ll be having successful vet trips in no time.
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