Taking Your Cat to the Vet: How to Make It a Stress-Free Experience

August 6th, 2021

August 22nd is the National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, a perfect reminder to schedule your feline friend’s routine checkup. We understand that vet visits are often nerve-racking to our furry patients and their owners, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s all you need to know about making your visits to the vet a safe and stress-free experience.

Consider Visiting a Cat-Friendly Practice

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) established the Cat-Friendly Practice Program to reduce the stress associated with vet visits and to improve the quality of feline care. All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer a cat-friendly facility to address our four-legged patients’ unique needs. Our cat veterinarians are committed to providing a positive, stress-free environment for both you and your furry friend.

Introduce the Cat Carrier

Most pet parents pull out their cat carriers only when it’s time to head out on a dreaded car trip. It will help you and your cuddly friend so much if you use it as a safe space that’s readily available at all times. You may want to add a blanket, a toy, or some treats to acclimate your kitty to the carrier.

Take Your Cat on Car Rides

Cat rides probably don’t happen a lot, and when they do, they are usually for vet visits. It’s always a good idea to take your cats on short car rides to acclimate them to the feeling. While most cats will never love car rides, desensitizing them can reduce their distress.

Minimize Waiting Time

When scheduling a visit to the vet, try to choose a quiet time to lessen your cat’s anxiety. Better yet, you may want to stay in your car and head straight for the examination room rather than having to wait in the reception area. That will help reduce the stress your fur-ever friend experiences before the examination.

Offer Treats and Plenty of Praise

It’s important to build positive associations with all aspects of your vet visit, from getting into the carrier, tolerating the car ride, and getting through an exam. The best way to do that is by offering your furry friend treats and plenty of praise throughout your journey.

Use a Calming Spray or Medication

If your cat is particularly prone to anxiety and stress, talk to your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital. Depending on your furry companion’s unique needs, we may recommend a calming spray or medication to relax your cat and ensure the vet visit is free of stress.

Need More Tips?

Contact All About Cats Veterinary Hospital to learn more about making your feline friends’ vet visits as stress-free as possible. Our Cat-Friendly Practice strives to provide quality services to promote healthy, happy lives. You can always count on us for purr-fectly compassionate care because, after all, we are all about cats!