Cat friendly vet visits

Cats are typically very territorial, and can find new places, faces, and scents quite stressful. Being bundled into a carrier and then driven to the clinic can make them understandably anxious. Here are a few ideas for ways to make your pet cat’s visit less stressful.

Get them used to a carrier; and use a suitable carrier.

• Cats should not be roaming free in your car, to keep you and your cat safe. The best carriers have two openings, from the top and the front. A few weeks before your visit, leave your carrier in a quiet corner of your home, with the front door open, so that they can get used to going in or out, or taking a nap. Leaving a few treats scattered in there at different times of the day can help to encourage this behaviour.

Place a towel on top of the carrier

• By reducing what a cat can see of their surroundings, it helps to keep them calm.

Consider the use of feliway or calmex

• Feliway is a synthetic pheromone product which can reduce anxiety by mimicking the natural “feline facial pheromone” which is released when a cat rubs their face to mark something.

Medications

• There are several medications which your vet can prescribe to be given to your cat prior to their visit if they are very anxious.

If your cat is less stressed, it makes the examination and experience easier for the vet and for you.

Aorangi Vets now have “cat friendly” appointment times in our Highfield clinic.  No dogs are booked during these times so cat owners can come and have a less stressful experience for their cats.
Please be in touch if you are interested in discussing any of these options further.