How to Help your Cat Enjoy their Vet Visit!

Most feline patients are very sensitive to new sights, sounds, and smells. In a new environment this can feel threatening to your cat and may put him or her into a fearful state. If you or your cat has had a stressful visit in the past, please mention this to our receptionist at the time of scheduling your appointment. We can discuss a low stress plan to make your cat’s experience as smooth as possible.

Here is a list of some ways to help reduce anxiety in our feline patients and have a calmer visit:

1. See our handout titled “Transport Your Cat with Less Stress” for general information on getting your cat acclimated to the carrier.
2. Keep the carrier on a level and secure surface when transporting your cat in the car.
3. Cover the carrier with a towel to quiet the sights and sounds in the car.
4. Use Feliway®, a calming synthetic pheromone that can reduce anxiety in your cat. This product is available in a spray. Do not apply Feliway® directly to your cat. Instead, spritz a towel and cover the carrier. Use Feliway® at least 30 minutes prior to travel.
5. When you arrive at the clinic, our staff will place you and your cat in a cat-friendly room to minimize the sights and sounds from other animals in the clinic. These rooms are set up with soothing music by “Through a Dog’s Ear,” a Feliway® pheromone diffuser, and a blanket for your cat to cuddle on. If a cat-friendly room is unavailable, you have the option to:
   1. Wait in the lobby – We have a separate entrances and lobbies for cats and dogs. We can cover your cat’s carrier with a towel spritzed with Feliway.
   2. Wait in the car – You are more than welcome to call our office from the parking lot to ensure a cat-friendly room is ready for you. If there is going to be a wait and the lobby is busy, we have the option of letting you and your feline wait in the quiet car. Our technician will then notify you when a cat-friendly room is available.

For more information on how you can improve your pet’s vet appointment, visit Your Role in Preparing for the Veterinary Visit