Advice From a Vet: Taking Your Cat to the Vet

Cats are expert at hiding their symptoms so be very vigilant in detecting abnormal behaviours and signs. Presume that ‘less is more’ and don’t delay going to the vet!

Invest in a very secure cat carrier with washable surfaces. Ideally it should open at the top, which makes it easier to lift the cat in and out.

If your cat resists, wrap them in a blanket or towel and put both cat and towel into the carrier.

Don’t keep your cat’s pet carrier in storage and produce it just before a visit to the vet. Your cat will hide away as soon as it appears!

Leave the carrier out with bedding in it and encourage your cat to sleep in it, eat in it and be at ease with it.

Spray it with cat pheromone spray 15 minutes before use. Also wipe around your cat’s face with a cloth and then wipe inside the carrier with the same cloth.  Familiar smells are very comforting for cats.

Have a large towel or blanket which smells of home ready to cover the cat carrier in the car and in the waiting room.

Secure the pet carrier in the foot-well or by using a seat belt.

Cover the carrier with a blanket to reduce visual stressors.

Place some padding underneath to protect the car seat and to keep the carrier level.

Drive carefully and avoid sudden movements.

In a ‘cat only’ clinic or consult time you can confidently bring the carrier straight in to the waiting area.

If there is a risk of dogs being present you may need to leave your cat in the car until your name is called.

Keep the carrier off the ground on a shelf or bench provided, as cats feel more secure at a height.

Cover the carrier with your towel, which will block any eye contact with other cats.

Leave your cat in the carrier on the consulting table with the lid opened so that the cat can jump out in her own time.

The vet will talk to you and take the history of the illness while the cat adjusts to her surroundings.

Minimal handling and restraint should be used to examine the cat.

Use a blanket from home on the consult table so your cat can get a grip on it to avoid slipping and also to comfort her with its familiar smells.

If your cat needs to be hospitalised ask the vet to use her own blanket or bedding in the kennel for comfort.

Let your cat settle back into its own environment, ideally in one room initially, leaving her free to go and hide away in familiar, safe spaces.

If she approaches you give her plenty of gentle petting and reassurance, for as long as she seeks it. Avoid too much attention from family members.

If you have other cats make sure to supervise them when re –introduced to the sick cat, as she may smell differently to them. Rub them around the head and exchange their natural scents so that they feel at ease with each other.