At Paws for a Cause Vet Care, we recommend that your cat(s) be brought in for annual wellness exams. The exams allow us to verify they are healthy. Cats are great at hiding their pain, illnesses, and diseases, such as dental disease. Unfortunately, cats are less likely than dogs to have an annual wellness exam. We believe their veterinary experience can be or is stressful and traumatic, but bringing them in for wellness exams allows us to catch pain, illness, or diseases early. Decreasing your cat’s stress, fear, and trauma starts with you at home.
Here are veterinarian-recommended steps to help make your cat’s visit as calm and stress-free as possible.
Start by selecting an appropriate carrier. The recommendation is a hard-sided carrier that allows access to the cat through the front and top.
Ideally, with a removable top for additional access to your cat. Placing a blanket of theirs in the carrier can provide a safe space. Make sure the top and front door are closed securely. Hold the patient by the handle on top with a hand under the carrier for extra support. We don’t want our loved one to be swinging around. Remember to clean the carrier before and after each visit.
We do not recommend soft-sided carriers. They tend to collapse in on the patient, making it easier for the cat to escape by chewing through the fabric or forcing the zipper open.
We do not recommend backpack carriers for similar reasons as the soft-sided carriers. Additionally, they provide little space for the patient to move around. The ventilation is poor. The cat is more exposed with a decreased ability to hide. In most cases, backpack carriers are very unstable. Cats don’t like bumpy rides and being swung around.
After selecting an appropriate kennel, please introduce your cat to it. Leave the kennel out regularly so they can explore on their own. You can offer them their food or special treats in the carrier to encourage them to go in on their own.
The use of Feliway, an artificial hormone, can help keep your cat calm prior to leaving the home and during transport. See the pheromone link for more information.
Once your cat is in their carrier and in the car, make sure the music is at an appropriate level. Remember, their ears are more sensitive than ours. If you have a dog, please leave them at home. Your cat deserves to be your sole focus. If you have multiple cats. We recommend keeping your appointments to 2 at a time if you can.
When you are at the veterinary hospital, ask the front desk if you can be put in a room with your cat(s) while filling out paperwork. Waiting in a lobby with dogs or even unknown people can increase their stress. Once in the room, please leave your cat in their carrier. The veterinary staff will get them out for you. Once they are out of their carrier, avoid quick movements and speak with a soft, supportive, and quiet voice.
If these techniques do not resolve your cat’s stress. Your veterinarian may offer sedatives for you to administer to your cat before leaving your home for their appointment. The sedative most commonly used is called Gabapentin. Most cats respond well, with few side effects beyond sedation.
To schedule your cat’s wellness exam, please contact us at 630-961-8000.
Here are additional resources for further reading and guidance for the best experience for your cat:
Carrier recommendations:
https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-taking-your-cat-to-the-veterinary-clinic-.pdf
Feline Behavior:
https://catvets.com/resource/setting-up-for-success/
Pheromones:
https://www.fearfree.com/2021/09/feline-pheromones-the-science-behind-them/
Gabapentin:
https://www.fearfree.com/2022/04/gabapentin-reduces-stress-in-feline-patients-study-shows/
Additional information provided by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1098612X221128760