So your family includes a loveable feline, and trips to the vet can be a wild ride. Most cats detest carriers and car rides, and can be extremely vocal about it. Because vet visits can be such a stressful event for both pet and owner alike, often cats don’t receive the preventative care they need. But there are some simple steps to help calm your frantic feline, and help make regular check-ups a painless experience.
FIRST, help your cat become accustomed to
being in a carrier. This is one of the biggest hurdles for many cat parents.
There’s nothing quite like the strength of a cat determined not to go inside a
carrier.
TIPS: Try leaving the carrier out around the house, giving your cat a chance to smell, investigate, and perhaps even nap inside of it. Try leaving some savory treats inside, such as Evanger’s Nothing But Natural Freeze Dried Beef Hearts. Seeing and interacting with the carrier on a regular basis will help disassociate it with “scary events”.
TIPS: Try leaving the carrier out around the house, giving your cat a chance to smell, investigate, and perhaps even nap inside of it. Try leaving some savory treats inside, such as Evanger’s Nothing But Natural Freeze Dried Beef Hearts. Seeing and interacting with the carrier on a regular basis will help disassociate it with “scary events”.
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| Photo of Oscar and George submitted by Jenn Nourse |
SECOND, On the day of the vet visit, give your cat praise and more
cat treats after closing the door to the carrier. Placing a familiar toy or
shirt with your scent on it will help her relax a bit. Once at the veterinarian
office, try to find a quiet corner away from anxious canines.
Your cat needs preventative care every
bit as much as a dog (or yourself!). Older cats, especially, are prone to many
diseases that can be avoided with regular check-ups. Remember that cats will
react to your energy, so remain calm and carry on!
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