Taking your cat to the vet isn't always the easiest task, but it's an important part of being a responsible pet parent. Whether it's for a vaccination or treatment, vet visits are a crucial hurdle that your cat needs to conquer.
Car journeys, unfamiliar environments, and encounters with new people and pets can be a scary combination for your feline friend, often triggering anxiety and unwanted behaviors like scratching or biting. However, things like pheromone sprays can make the experience much easier for everyone.
There are plenty of other ways you can help your cat feel more comfortable, which Dr Rebecca MacMillan has shared below. She's a qualified vet with more than a decade and a half of experience working with cats – here are her top five recommendations:
How to keep a cat calm at the vet
1. Training
According to Dr MacMillan, training is one of the best ways to help a cat who is scared of vet trips. While this might take a bit of practice – and more time than other methods – it will have excellent results in the long run and doesn't have to cost you a penny.
Dr MacMillan says, "Try practicing gentle examinations at home to desensitize them to the process. You can make it more realistic by performing it on a high table with a non-slip surface, slowly checking them all over. Just remember to praise and reward them throughout."
2. Make their carrier a safe space
Since cats are creatures of comfort, being restrained in an unfamiliar environment isn't their idea of fun. That's why it's recommended to leave the best cat carrier out all the time, so they can have a sniff and get used to it.
Dr MacMillan says, "Allowing them to become accustomed to their cat carrier can also help greatly. They will be less likely to be fearful if they are familiar with their carrier before a vet visit.
"When your cat travels in the carrier, always cover it with a blanket or towel as your cat will feel less vulnerable if they can stay hidden. I always recommend that owners invest in a top-opening cat carrier. Dragging a reluctant cat out of the small doorway of a front-loading carrier is stressful for everyone."
Here are some more tips on how to get a reluctant cat into a carrier and how to get a scared cat to the vet.
3. Synthetic pheromones
When it comes to calming a cat during periods of high anxiety, synthetic pheromones are a game-changer and approved by vets. You can buy these in a range of forms, like plug-in diffusers and collars, but we'd suggest a spray in this case for portability.
Dr MacMillan says, "Synthetic pheromone products can be helpful agents for calming stressed cats. Try spritzing this inside their cat carrier or on the blanket covering it.
"There are also a variety of supplements available on the market that may be useful for your cat, but it can be trial and error. Some include ingredients like milk proteins, which act on the calming centers of your cat’s brain, without sedation."
4. Make it a positive experience
This might go without saying, but try to make your cat's experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Everyone knows that the fastest way to a feline's heart is through the best cat treats, so make sure you have plenty on hand for the big day.
Dr MacMillan says, "You could also take some favorite treats or pieces of cooked chicken with you so that you can continue to praise your pet during their vet appointment, to make it a positive experience."
5. Prescription medication
Lastly, you might want to consider prescription medication if your cat is undergoing an invasive procedure or is struggling with anxiety. These medications need to be prescribed by a vet, of course, but can be super helpful if nothing else works.
Dr MacMillan says, "If your cat is particularly anxious when attending their appointments, then speak to your vet! Vets may prescribe medication for your cat to take ahead of their appointment, which can make the experience much more pleasant for everyone."
Want more expert advice? Read ways to destress your cat and how to be a good cat owner
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
