Bringing your feline friend to the vets can be a stressful time for both you and your cat! To help make your visit to us as relaxed as possible, here are some of our feline-friendly top-tips:
Getting to the clinic
- Make sure you keep your cat indoors the night before the appointment, to prevent any last-minute escapes!
- Always bring your cat to see us in a cat carrier, as this will make them feel safe and protected.
- Line the carrier with their favourite blanket or a piece of clothing from someone they adore.
- Spray their carrier with Feliway® (this a calming pheromone) at least 15 minutes before you want to set off. We stock this product in the surgery.
- Make sure you place your cat securely in the foot well of your car or on the back seat and use a seatbelt to ensure they will not move around on the trip.
- Pack a towel or a blanket that you can use to cover them; this can make them feel more secure during the journey.
- Never travel with your feline friend free in the car; always use a cat carrier for your safety and your cat’s!
Waiting to see the vet
- Pick a quiet spot away from dogs if this is available. If sitting near a dog is unavoidable, face your cat’s carrier away from them.
- Covering your cat’s carrier with a towel or a blanket will shield them from other animals and make them feel safer.
- If you feel your cat is getting too stressed, feel free to wait with them in the car – just let our reception team know and we will come and get you when it’s time for your appointment.
In the consulting room
- Using a cat carrier that has ‘roof access’ or where the lid can be easily removed, means we can gently lift your cat out or tuck them back in with minimum stress.
- If you don’t feel comfortable holding your feline friend during the consultation, then feel free to let us know and we will get one of our gentle nurses or assistants to step in to help.
- If your cat needs any medicine and you’re not sure how to give it, just let us know and we can demonstrate for you.
We hope that these tips are helpful and we look forward to seeing you and your cat in the surgery.