Cats are often very sensitive to their surroundings, and unfortunately sometimes a visit to the veterinary clinic can be a stressful time for our feline friends. The carrier, the car ride, the sounds and smells of other animals, and the unfamiliar environment can all make for a rather scary experience!

But with some training and preparation, you can reduce your cat’s stress and make vet visits more approachable. Here’s how.

Cat carrier training
Many cats only see their carrier when it’s brought out (normally dusty from a cupboard or the garage) in time for the cat to be unceremoniously pushed inside to be transported to the vet or to boarding. For obvious reasons, this quickly creates a negative association with the carrier!

Help your cat to see their carrier as a familiar, safe haven by making it another comfortable resting spot in the house. Carriers with a front opening (as well as a top opening – for easy access at the vet clinic!) work best for this, as you can place comfortable bedding inside the carrier, and leave it with its door open for your cat to wander in and out of. It can also help to intermittently place some of your cat’s favourite tasty treats into the carrier.

Cat carrier preparation
If a vet visit is required, spraying some calming feline scent hormone product into the carrier ten minutes prior to putting your cat inside can help them to feel less anxious.

It can also help to cover ¾ of the carrier with a light towel to give your cat a feeling of security, without limiting ventilation.

If you still feel like your cat is stressed during veterinary visits or transport, have a chat with our friendly team about the possibility of pre-emptive calming medications. We want to help give your cat the purr-fect veterinary visit experience!