How To: Keep Your Cat Calm for the Vet

We know better than most that all cats are different. But if there’s one thing that our feline friends seem to have in common, it’s an affinity for making every trip to the vet as difficult as possible. From fighting to get in the car to giving their owners the silent treatment post-visit, every cat handles a trip to the vet a little bit differently. Fortunately, there are some tried and true ways to keep your cat calm for the vet and make this process a whole lot less painful for you (and your pet!). 

Play Doctor

No, we aren’t suggesting you take matters into your own hands when it comes to your cat’s health, but it can be helpful to get your cat used to being handled in a similar way to how they are handled when at the vet. Regularly handling your cat and performing brief check-ups can make the process of going to the vet more familiar (and therefore less scary) for your cat. 

Get Out!

We know that cats make great housepets, but that’s no excuse to keep them cooped up all the time. If the only time your cat leaves the house is to visit the vet, they may begin to only associate their carrier and the car with a vet appointment. Simply taking your cat for a spin (even if it’s just around the neighborhood) can help them feel more comfortable in the car and their carrier, leading to a lot less protesting next time you visit the vet. 

Check Yourself

Does going to the vet stress you out? Your cat can probably tell! By keeping calm and talking to your cat in soft, reassuring words with gentle petting, your cat won’t absorb your stress and will likely remain calm throughout the visit. Have questions? Your highly experienced cat veterinarian already knows the proper method of soothing and handling your feline friend, so follow their lead and your kitty will stay calm cool and collected on their next visit. 

Are you still struggling to get your cat to the vet? Do you have other tips that help make the process easier? We want to know! Once you visit our practice, you are sure to find that the knowledgeable and caring staff at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill have years of experience in making anxious felines feel completely at ease!