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Getting your cat to the vet, with as less stress as possible!

7/17/2017

22 Comments

 
Bringing your cat to the vet can be stressful, not only for kitty, but for you as well. Here are a few tips to help the trip go as smoothly as possible. 

Step 1: Choosing a carrier
   A properly designed carrier can make all the difference when you are transporting your cat. When selecting a carrier, be sure it is large enough so that your cat can turn around inside. 
   Top loading carriers are often a favorite because they allow you to gently lower your cat into them. It can also be helpful to find a carrier that has a removable top. This is especially helpful at the veterinary clinic; if your cat is too scared to come out of his carrier, the veterinarian can remove the top and examine him while he is still huddled in the bottom half of the carrier.
   Soft-sided carriers, while they do look nice, are often more difficult to maneuver when you're trying to get your cat inside because the sides can collapse. These are not recommended. 
    If you're still having difficulty with carriers, clear Rubbermaid tubs can make great make-shift carriers. Just make sure you poke air holes and secure the lid tightly.

Step 2: Getting your cat into the carrier
  
It's important to get your cat used to the carrier. Keep it in a common area of your home. Make sure to secure the door open so it doesn't snap shut suddenly and scare him. Put treats into the carrier to encourage your cat to go inside. Also, spraying the carrier with a pheromone spray like Feliway may help to calm your cat. You want him to recognize the carrier as a safe place.
   Top loading carriers are the most convenient, but if your carrier does not open from the top, you may tilt the carrier onto its back side so that you can gently lower your cat (back feet first) into the front opening. Some cats like to go spread eagle as soon as they see the carrier, which makes it difficult to fit them through the opening. It may help to wrap them in a towel.

Step 3: Riding in the car
   The carrier is the safest place for a cat to be while riding in the car. Please do not allow your cat to roam freely- this is a hazard to both you and your cat.
   If you want your cat to become more accustomed to car rides, it may help to take him to places other than the veterinarian. Start with short rides at first, and then slowly increase the duration of the drive. After each successful trip, reward your cat with affection and kitty treats. 
   Many cats are prone to car sickness, so it's a good idea for them to travel on an empty stomach. 

Step 4: Visiting the vet
   The carrier is the safest place for your cat to be when he comes to see the vet. It will help him to feel more secure when he comes into an unfamiliar environment. 
   It may help to do practice vet visits at home with your cat before bringing him to his appointment. Get him used to you touching his face, ears, feet, and tail. This may help him not to feel threatened when the veterinary staff come into contact with him in a similar manner. 
​
   Be sure to praise and reward your cat with treats for his good behavior!
22 Comments
Taylor Hicken link
3/2/2021 11:51:59 pm

You made a good point when you shared that it is important to make sure that your cat is used to the carrier when planning to take it to a vet. My sister just mentioned the other day that she is thinking of taking her cat to a pet care service since it has been infected with lice when it was playing outside a few days ago. I will suggest to her looking for a reliable pet care service in the area and make sure to get a carrier for it.

Reply
dog vomiting link
4/22/2021 02:26:55 am

Thank you very much, I have been looking for it and it was very helpful to me.<a href="https://www.dhohoo.com/blogs/news/understanding-separation-anxiety-in-dogs">anxiety in dogs</a>

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
4/25/2021 01:29:40 pm

Thank you for reminding us that when we are transporting our pets in a carrier, it is important for us to ensure that they are comfortable in the carrier to prevent them from feeling anxious. My wife mentioned that she needs to send our dog to the veterinarian next weekend. I will remind her to use the carrier that our dog is comfortable in.

Reply
Adam Golightly link
4/29/2021 03:16:37 pm

My brother just got a calico cat, and he wants to make sure that she is healthy. Taking her to a professional vet could be really useful for her. I liked what you said about how he should keep her in a carrier while they are in the car.

Reply
Erika Brady link
4/30/2021 01:18:12 pm

Your advice to choose a pet carrier that has a removable top so that the vet can get to your pet even if they don't want to come out is a good idea. This will be very helpful for my cousin who just bought a Ragdoll this past week. I was planning on going shopping with her this weekend, so maybe we can visit a pet store to help her get a carrier and other items that will make visits to the vet easier so she can keep her cat healthy and happy.

Reply
Chris Pederson link
5/20/2021 12:20:34 pm

I'll try my best to take my cat to more places than the veterinarian so they end up liking car rides. Right now it is impossible to get her into a carrier, let alone the car. We'll try baby steps before she needs a check-up.

Reply
Eve Mitchell link
5/20/2021 12:21:25 pm

I liked that you mentioned that having a good carrier is important for vet visits. My cat has been having some stomach issues. I need to take him to a local vet to see what's going on.

Reply
kate hansen link
6/1/2021 02:13:16 pm

It's good to know that you should have a good carrier. My sister was telling me a couple of weeks ago about how she got a cat for her family and wanted to know some tips on taking her to the vet once they find one for her to see. I'll make sure to pass these tips along to her as she searches for a vet that her cat can see.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
6/2/2021 04:17:32 pm

I definitely agree with you that it is important for us to choose the right pet carrier when we are planning to own pets. In doing so, we will ensure their safety. Since I am looking to buy a cat, I will remember to choose the right carrier.

Reply
Braden Bills link
6/3/2021 08:08:42 am

My cat has been acting unhealthy, and I'm not sure how to help him. It makes sense that I would want to get him to a vet. I'll make sure that I get him used to the carrier so that it doesn't make him too panicked.

Reply
Tez link
7/29/2021 05:49:40 pm

I appreciate what you said about keeping your cat in the carrier. That is a good way to make sure your cat doesn't run around the hospital. I'll have to make sure that I have a carrier the next time I take my kitty to get her shots.

Reply
Thomas Clarence link
7/30/2021 01:20:18 pm

My wife and I need to take our cat to a veterinarian for her vaccinations. I'm glad you mentioned that the carrier is the safest for a cat to be while in a vehicle. These tips you shared will help us make sure that our cat gets to the veterinarian safely.

Reply
Beverly Minyard link
8/19/2021 01:20:06 pm

I like that you mentioned that top-loading carriers are a good option for cats. My wife just got a cat but neither of us has ever had one before. We will be sure to get a top-loading carrier for vet visits.

Reply
Eve Mitchell link
8/24/2021 04:52:26 pm

I like that you mentioned that it's important to get your cat used to a carrier. I would love to find a new vet for my cat. She needs lots of special attention.

Reply
Jesse Ford link
9/30/2021 05:34:15 pm

Thanks for the heads-up that cats can get car sick. My little kitten has her first vet appointment coming up and I want it to be as comfortable for her as possible. I'll be sure to take your advice so that she doesn't have a panic attack for being in an unfamiliar place.

Reply
Hailey Miller link
10/1/2021 09:08:21 pm

Thanks for pointing out that the carrier can help cats feel more secure when traveling to the vet. This is helpful because I want to take my Persian cat to an animal clinic on Monday. I am hoping to find a trusted expert who can vaccinate her with anti-rabies.

Reply
Mia Evans link
10/7/2021 09:32:12 pm

Thanks for pointing out that we need to get the cat used to a carrier to make it easier to bring the pet to an animal hospital. I will follow your advice now that I plan to get my cat vaccinated for the first time. So I will train my cat to ride the carrier until I find a clinic that I can trust.

Reply
John Carston link
10/20/2021 09:17:42 am

I like how you mentioned that make sure that your carrier is large enough so that your cat can turn around inside. My sister mentioned to me last night that she thinks that her cat is having pet allergies and asked me if I have any idea what is the best option to do as she lacks knowledge of treating allergies. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell her that it will be much better if she consults a trusted veterinarian in town as they can answer all her inquiries.

Reply
Millie Hue link
12/13/2021 09:23:31 pm

Thanks for pointing out that keeping the cat in the carrier will make it feel more secure when in an unfamiliar environment. I will keep that in mind now that I might take my cat to an ER vet clinic tonight. It's because it hasn't been eating for two days now, and it has blood on its vomit now.

Reply
Jeff Carbine link
1/5/2022 07:22:57 pm

I like it when you said that bringing your cat to the vet can be stressful, not only for the kitty but for you as well. It is really a hassle without a carrier. Thank you for the information about veterinary clinic.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
3/22/2022 10:59:50 am

It helped when you shared that you can practice vet visits at home by touching your cat's face, ears, feet, and tail. I am looking for a veterinarian near my place where I can bring my cat for a checkup. I will make sure to follow these tips when going for a vet visit.

Reply
Jesse Ford link
5/26/2022 10:48:22 am

Thanks for the tip to get a carrier that is big enough for the cat to turn around in. I just got a new cat and need to schedule a visit to a vet. I'll be sure to keep your tips in mind to make the visit less stressful for him.

Reply



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    At Mostly Cats, we are all about making connections with people and pets so that we can provide the best care possible. This blog is designed for education purposes and is not meant to treat or diagnose any diseases. Please contact your veterinarian for individualized care for your pet.

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