How to make the visit pleasant for the cat to the veterinary? A visit to the veterinarian is not an enjoyable affair for the cat.
The new environment and many strangers represent a robust psychological burden. Not infrequently, the appointment ends with stress for both animals and humans.
It means that a significant stress factor for our cats can be ourselves.
Often we humans are already excited before the appointment because we are still frightened by the procedure of the last vet visit or would prefer to spare our cat all that.
The more confident and more relaxed we are, the less stressful it will be for the cat. A tremendous help to this is a planned approach.
See Also: How To Clean Cat’s Ears?
Planning A Pleasant Visit For The Cat To The Veterinary
1. Visit Time To The Veterinary
There are two essential tips to have in mind about the time of day.
First, the danger of a long wait – possibly with many other animals that may frighten the cat – is not so great with appointments at the beginning of the consultation hour.
On the other hand, you should also not come home in a hurry and load your cat. Here applies quite clearly: in the rest lies the strength.
2. Choosing The Right Transport Basket
Not every basket is equally well suited for its purpose.
The best are baskets that we can open from the front and the top—a net in front of the openings or grids so wide that a paw can fit through it.
Because many cats scrape their paws on problematic gaps that are too narrow, it is also good if there is a possibility that you can reach out to your cat in the basket through a zipper or wide grid gaps.
Cats have a sixth sense; they sense your tension, and accordingly, they are afraid.
That is why it becomes a mad rush in many households to catch the cat and maneuver it into the transport basket.
We should avoid that in any case. It helps to put the basket – if it is stowed somewhere – days before as another piece of cat furniture in the room.
Feeding or playing in the same creates an open relationship of the cat to this basket. If possible, the basket should be integrated into the daily routine as a resting place.
When departure is approaching, it is advisable to calmly lure the cat into the basket with toys or treats.
It is essential, especially for anxious cats. Cats will experience enough stress at the vet and do not need that at home in their territory.
The more relaxed you are, the more playfully you will get the cat into the basket.
3. Trip To The Veterinary
Most cats mew more or less loudly on the ride to the vet. Talk to her, reassure your velvet paw, and show understanding for her fear without encouraging you in it.
4. Talk To The Veterinary For Fearing Cats.
As mentioned before, almost every cat is scared when the vet.
However, quite a few cats experience above-average anxiety and stress. Several conventional and alternative remedies can lower your cat’s stress level.
Please talk to the doctor or a veterinary practitioner. Before visiting the vet, use such a remedy and get advice on which one is best for your cat.
5. At The Veterinary
If your cat belongs to the fear cats, we must inform your veterinarian about it before the visit.
It is best to discuss with him beforehand why you are coming and ask him how he wants to arrange the examination with your cat.
The advantage of a transport box that we can open from the top becomes clear.
For many cats, it is more comfortable if they can stay in the box and do not have to sit on the presentation plate while the vet gets a first impression of the cat.
There is no more pulling and tugging on the cat through what is usually a much too small opening in the side of the transport box.
You can also consult with the vet before purchasing transport for your cat. In most practices, boxes like the pet caddy are preferred.
6. Home Visit Of The Mobile Veterinary
Meanwhile, another alternative is the mobile veterinary.
These doctors come to your home and can perform many exams, treatments, and even minor surgeries at your location.
Most cats respond very positively to not having to travel, and however, they are instead the exception.
One exception, however, is susceptible cats who lose the feeling of safety in their territory because of this visit to the vet.
Note: Sometimes a house visit is also not pleasant.
Some owner renounces the next veterinary surgeon’s attendance to expose the cat only, not again to such an ordeal.
However, such a well-intentioned sparing will backfire at some point: The control visit to the doctor is inevitable.
Even if you incur a home visit’s expense, the situation will not improve: the animal sees the doctor as an intruder in familiar territory and becomes just as anxious as in the doctor’s office.
7. Tips For Transport
There are several general conditions to consider to make the vet visit as comfortable as possible: Do not feed the cat for a few hours before the appointment; this is easy on its stomach.
Ideally, the animal is already getting accustomed to a transport box. With a pleasantly soft blanket, toys, and treats, you make the compartment already at home a cozy environment.
In any case, do not show the cat that you feel sorry for her: She will feel vindicated and whine all the more.
If necessary, wait outside after the appointment until your turn; a waiting room full of whining patients is not reassuring to an agitated cat.
For more information, you can check our article “9 Tips For Transporting Cats In Cars – Moving Long Distance With Cats” for more information.
8. When In Doubt, Sedate With Medication
When it arrives at the doctor’s office, how a cat behaves is very much related to its temperament: Many a house cat remains surprisingly calm.
Other cats, like humans, have a genuine phobia of doctors. If you have accustomed your animal from an early age to having its paws, ears, and face touched, the vet will also have an easy time.
For extreme cases, the vet can prescribe sedatives that you administer in the food before the doctor’s appointment.
FAQ
What To Do If The Cat Is Stressed?
A stressed, oppressed cat can seem very calm, but a closer look shows that they regularly watch the other cats. Therefore, providing enough food bowls, litter boxes, and resting places is essential.
What Calms Anxious Cats?
We humans often try to lure them out of their hiding place with treats and nice words. But with this behavior, you stress a scared cat even more. Leave your cat alone; often, it will come out of its hiding place after some time.
When Do Cats Have To Go To The Vet For The First Time?
The first examination of the young cat should take place for eight weeks. It is essential to make an appointment with good waiting and examination time here.
What Do Pheromones Do To Cats?
Pheromones are messenger substances, which on the one hand, serve the communication between cats and, on the other hand, help the animal to mark out its territory. If the cat perceives the scent of the pheromones again later, it gives him a feeling of security and safety.
What Is Calming Cats?
Rosemary, for example, is effective for nocturnal cats, while lavender calms aggressive animals. “Melissa” also has a strong calming effect, and “Neroli” and “Roman chamomile” are even said to contain jealous cats. Anise oil is found pleasant by many cats.
Why Are Cats Afraid Of The Vet?
Vet visits are associated with considerable stress and anxiety for many cats. They cannot avoid the examination and have to endure it willy-nilly.
How To Keep A Cat At The Vet?
Cats perceive visual contact as aggressive, so we should do the exam from behind. This way, the cat does not have to look at the veterinarian. If we must restrain animals, such as blood draws or medication administration, we should use little force.
How Expensive Is The First Visit To The Vet With A Cat?
The veterinary costs for dogs and cats depend on the animal’s healthiness. If it is a routine checkup, cat owners pay between $9 and $30, and dog owners pay between $15 and $50.
How Do I Calm My Cat Before A Visit To The Vet?
During your waiting time at the vet, the cat should stay in the basket. To calm her down, you can talk to her calmly. Avoid restlessness and hectic movements. As long as the cat is in the basket, it would help if you covered it to provide privacy for the cat.
Conclusion
If your cat is showing increasingly unusual symptoms and you are unsure what it could be, please do not wait too long to visit the vet.
Often owners want to spare their pet the visit because they don’t want to see their pet suffer. But always remember that these examinations are essential.
It is best to note the disease, symptoms, and possibly other previous examinations.
Be honest with your veterinarian and tell them if you have already attempted your treatment.
It will ultimately benefit your cat and help find an immediate cause for the ailment and subsequent recovery.
See Also:
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- Can Cats and Dogs Live Together In The Same House?
- Buying A Birdcage: 10 Best Essential Tips To Consider!
- Can cats eat eggs? Eggs for cat nutrition – What to pay attention to?
Last Updated on 17/03/2022 by Buzz This Viral
