A visit to the vet can be stressful for cats, and therefore stressful for you too!
You will need a sturdy cat carrier to get your cat from your home to the vet practice. Make sure it has strong handles and fastens securely. A cat carrier will be an unfamiliar environment for your cat, so try to make it welcoming with some treats and toys, you could also use a pheromone spray to calm and help your cat feel at ease. Encourage them to get in and out of it of their own free will in the lead up to the appointment. That way it will be less daunting for them when you close the door for the journey.
Try not to show any anxiety or nerves as your cat will pick up on these. Check to see if your veterinary practice is registered as “Cat Friendly” which means it should have a dedicated cat waiting area and other measures to keep you and your cat at ease.
At present, the practice has additional measures in place due to Covid-19. Follow directions for the safety of you, your pet, and the practice staff. Be sure to wear a face-covering and use hand sanitiser. When using hand sanitiser, please ensure it has dried on your hands before touching your feline friend as they may not like the smell of it.
The vet will examine your cat thoroughly. Next steps will depend on the reason you’re here – either for a routine examination or for the investigation of a problem. It’s important to get your cat checked out at least annually even if they seem in good health. This will enable us to pick up on subtle changes which might not be noticeable at home such as weight loss and allowing us to intervene early in any disease process
If you have any questions, feel free to ask the vet or the nurse. They’re here to help, and make sure you fully understand what’s going on. Whether it’s about terminology, medication, or even costs, they want to make sure you’re fully informed throughout the appointment.
If your cat is showing signs of stress after their appointment, be sure to give them plenty of fuss and cuddles when you get home – if they want to, of course! We all know that cats can be strong-minded and very independent, so don’t force them if they don’t want to.
