Saturday 7 July 2018

Top tips for taking your cat to the vets

Whether your cat is a frequent visitor to the vets or only requires their yearly booster, using a cat carrier is often a source of stress for cat and owners alike.  

Why is this an important issue to target?
Some cats may not receive the treatment they need as owners cannot physically get them to the vets.  Also some cats are so stressed when they reach the vets that their behaviour makes it difficult for vets to assess them or carry out procedures and tests they need to. 

What type of carrier? 

  • Large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around - think about how big your cat is, they are all individuals
  • Front door for the cat to enter
  • Top door for the cat to be accessed and removed from the carrier
  • Top half of the carrier should be able to be removed completely
  • Slats in the sides allow some vision and for treats or toys to be posted into the carrier
  • Alternatively wire mesh carriers that open at the top can also be useful, providing they are covered when travelling and in the waiting room
Examples of ideal cat carriers
N.B. the wire carrier would need to be covered with a blanket

Sources: resetera.com /  thepurrcompany.com

No top door but Taz feeling pretty happy!
Source: author
Ideally the carrier should be part of the furniture so the cat does not just associate it with negative experience but can build a positive relationship with it.  

The best way to achieve compliance from your cat is to invest some time into training them to feel comfortable in the carrier.  This is a long term approach but should reduce your cat's stress levels when they need to travel either to the vets or indeed a boarding cattery.  



The following video is from the International Cat Care YouTube channel playlist for cat owners and shows a step by step guide on how to achieve this.  




Placing the cat into the carrier 
Firstly ensure the carrier contains comfortable and familiar bedding.  Using Feliway spray at least 15 minutes before can help your cat feel more at ease.  Make sure you are prepared with the carrier lid or door open before you pick up your cat.  

How you handle your cat to put them into the carrier is the next key factor and this video also from International Cat Care has some great tips - Putting your cat in a cat carrier  



Travelling
When carrying the carrier by the handle use the other hand to steady it so the cat has a comfortable experience and the carrier is not swinging.  Most cats benefit from the carrier being covered to minimise the effects of stressful stimuli and to help them feel more safe.  

This video looks in some depth into each sensation involved with travel, which can be explored once the cat is happy and comfortable in the carrier. 




In the waiting room
Are you registered at a Cat Friendly Clinic?  If so there should be a cat only waiting area with places for your carrier to sit above ground level, covers for your carrier and less or no contact with dogs.  To find out more about Cat Friendly Clinics and to find your nearest accredited veterinary practice please see their website

If there is not a cat only waiting area put your carrier on a spare chair or your lap, ensure it is covered and try to move away from dog owners and the busy reception desk.  

At the appointment
The cat will often now be reluctant to leave the carrier but never pull them from the carrier, do not tip the basket up and do not grasp them by the scruff of the neck as this will be very stressful for them.  Be patient and chat to the vet initially about the reason for the appointment, giving the cat a chance to come out on their own.  The cat may be enticed with some tasty treats or a toy. 

If the cat would rather stay in the carrier then remove the top half slowly and carefully, allowing the cat to sit in the base for examination by the vet.  The blanket used to cover your carrier for travelling could then be used to provide some cover for the now exposed cat, whilst allowing the vet to access them.  Talk softly and handle the cat slowly and gently.  

If you cannot remove the top of the carrier, slide a hand slowly into the carrier and around the back of the cat.  Use the other hand to slide the bedding out, with the hand inside the carrier gently scooping the cat forwards and out of the carrier. 

The following video is designed for vets and nurses but shows the techniques described above:



Alternatively, could your vet or nurse come to your home to carry out the appointment?  This may result in extra charges, particularly for vet visits, but avoiding the stress of the carrier and travelling may be very beneficial to some cats. 


Source: cats.org.uk/veterinary-guides


For more information on the importance of vet care for your cat please read our Cats Protection booklet You and Your Vet