VET VISIT STRESS — YOUR CAT
We know visits to the practice can be stressful for both you and your cat. But there are ways to make the whole experience easier for you, your cat, and ultimately, your vet.The calmer your cat, the easier it is to examine them. For example, an important part of our clinical examination is to palpate (feel) your cat’s abdomen. Anxious cats tense their muscles making this more difficult.
There are a few ways to help your cat feel less anxious:
Leave your cat’s basket in the house during the days before your appointment. Your cat will become familiar with the smell and may even venture inside for a nap!
Try spraying the basket and the inside of your car with a feline-friendly pheromone.
Your cat may find it less stressful going into their basket bottom first, or by you taking the lid off.
Cover your cat basket with a large towel to help your cat feel more secure.
Use the cat-only waiting area to minimise contact with noisy dogs. If that’s not possible, ask to wait in your car or in a quiet room.
Don’t rush to get your cat out of their basket. Most vets prefer to talk to you about your cat before coaxing them out gently.
Check if your vet’s is part of the ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) cat-friendly practice scheme. Member practices demonstrate their commitment to low-stress cat handling and have extra facilities to make their cat patients feel at ease. If your practice isn’t accredited, it doesn’t mean they’re not cat friendly. But it’s a useful guide, especially if you move to a new area and need to select a practice.