My cat is scared of going to the vet

Although it is not uncommon for cats to feel anxious when visiting the vet, some simple precautionary measures can be taken to prevent your pet panicking. We have put together a few tips to make your next visit to the vet a more stress-free experience.

To take a cat safely to the vet, the use of a carrying box is recommended. This should, however, not be suddenly brought out of storage an hour before the appointment .If your cat has a timid nature, it is best to make use of the box all year round or at least at regular intervals: use the box as an additional place for your cat to snuggle up in. Equip it with a blanket and toys and hide a treat in it from time to time. Leave the lid or door of the box open so that your cat can go in and out whenever it pleases and gradually become accustomed to it.

Especially with kittens, it is well worth getting them used to the box right from the start. It should become a familiar item of furniture with which your cat has positive associations. You should therefore always praise your pet when it goes inside voluntarily. This is also the ideal time to close the flap every now and then. At first only for a few seconds, then for an increasingly longer amount of time. If this works, the next step is to carry your cat around your home in the closed box. Do not forget to give your pet a reward and gradually increase the length of time.

Some cats do not like to be touched by the vet at all. This is partly because the person is a stranger, but also because of the unfamiliar nature of the physical contact. The vet will want to look into your cat’s mouth and ears, and perhaps to feel its tummy or lift up its tail. Your pet will not be used to any of this. It is therefore advisable to occasionally rehearse this with your cat and to then give it a reward. This will certainly be appreciated by the vet.

Vets will usually be happy for you to take your cat for a trial visit and to sit in the waiting room for ten minutes or so. Perhaps there will even be time for you to take your pet into the consulting room for a few minutes. Anything that a cat has already experienced and does not immediately associate with something negative can be a great advantage for a future visit to the vet.

You should also never underestimate the influence that you yourself have on your cat. If you drive to the vet in a disorganised and hurried way, then you should not be surprised if your cat takes on your own tense mood. It is therefore important to prepare everything well in advance. Have your cat’s vaccination certificate and any other necessary documents ready, have plenty of treats at hand, get the carrying box ready and do not set off at the last minute. Do everything calmly and allow plenty of time for everything. Remain relaxed and do not show any visible sympathy for your cat because of the upcoming visit. Sensitive cats may well become nervous as a result of any excessive affection. Try to avoid making a big deal out of visiting the vet.

If you know that your cat is anxious about going to the vet, then avoid open surgery sessions and make a fixed appointment. The best time for this is first thing in the morning. The advantage is that the waiting room will still be empty and will not be filled with the many smells that accumulate during the day. In addition, it is more likely that you will not have to wait long. If, however, there are already other pet owners in the waiting room, choose a spot that is as secluded as possible and do not place the carrying box on the floor, but on a chair next to you or on your lap.

For visits to the vet, it is best not to use a wicker basket, but a plastic carrying box that can be opened at the front and top. It may even be possible for the cat to stay in the box during the examination, and it will be easier for you to take out your cat if necessary. Should your pet jump off the table and hide in a corner, you should not attempt to get hold of it as quickly as possible. Try to do this calmly, to avoid the level of stress becoming so severe that any further examination is impossible. Perhaps the vet will be able to examine your cat on your lap. However, this does not always work, so it is important to get your pet used to as many situations as possible associated with a visit to the vet.