Cat Friendly Practice

Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian

Reducing the Stress of Veterinary Visits for You and Your Cat

Helping Your Cat Become Comfortable with the Carrier

  • Make the carrier a familiar place at home by leaving it in a room where your cat spends most of its time.
  • Place familiar soft bedding inside the carrier.
  • Place treats, catnip or toys inside the carrier to encourage the cat to enter at home.
  • It may take days or weeks before your cat starts to trust the carrier. Remain calm, patient and reward desired behaviors.

Getting an Unwilling Cat into the Carrier

  • Start by putting the carrier in a small room with few hiding places. Bring the cat into the room and close the door. Move slowly and calmly. Do not chase the cat to get it into the carrier. Encourage the cat with treats or toys to walk into the carrier.
  • If your cat will not walk into the carrier, and your carrier has an opening on the top, gently cradle your cat and lower it into the carrier. Another option is to remove the top half, and then calmly replace the top.
  • Use familiar bedding inside the carrier. Consider use of synthetic feline facial pheromone (Feliway) analog spray in the carrier at least 30 minutes prior to transport to help calm the cat.

For more information regarding cat care and tips, visit www.catvets.com

New clients receive $20 OFF their first visit

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