If you know that your cat tends to be anxious or even “spicy” for visits to the clinic, never fear – there are lots of things we can suggest to reduce everyone’s stress and facilitate the purr-fect veterinary visit.

The right carrier

While most owners know that their cat will feel more secure and safer in a carrier (as opposed to being carried in your arms), choosing the best carrier can make a real difference, too.

The ideal carrier should have a generously sized front or side opening door to ensure that your cat can go in and out easily, plus a removable/openable top for added convenience. This allows our team to perform some examination or treatments on your cat whilst they remain huddled down in their carrier, which can help them feel safer.

Getting your cat in the carrier

With many cats unfortunately associating the carrier with trips in the car, they can understandably be reluctant to go in!

We’d recommend leaving your cat’s carrier out all the time in a quiet spot of the house, and placing a comfortable bed or blanket inside, so that your cat can start to consider it as a safe resting space.

At least ten minutes before placing your cat in the carrier for car trips, we’d also advise spraying some calming feline scent hormone inside – ask our team about this if you’re unsure.

Lastly, it can be easier to place reluctant cats into the carrier bottom-first, as this tends to create less of a struggle!

Anti-anxiety medications

For more anxious or spicy cats, we recommend discussing with our vets the potential use of gabapentin, a calming anti-anxiety medication that can be administered 1-2 hours prior to veterinary visits. This medication is generally safe and well-tolerated and can really help to reduce your cat’s stress.

Home visits

Did you know that if your cat really hates the carrier, the car or the clinic, Mira Mar Vets can come to you?  On every second Wednesday, for only $10 extra our experienced vet, Dr Renae, can visit your pet in their home for any routine care items like vaccinations and health checks.  Please call the clinic on 98415422 if you would like to find out more.

And for any other help giving your cat a chill pill, ask our knowledgeable team!