Fear Free for our Felines

If you are stressed by just the thought of taking your cat to the vet, please know you are not alone! Less than half of America’s 74 million cats are receiving regular veterinary care. Most pet parents want to avoid a trip to the vet unless absolutely necessary. There is a stigma that our feline friends are self-sufficient and most believe cats are not at risk of disease in the safety of our homes. The truth however is that cats are skilled at hiding illness from us and are susceptible to diseases that compromise the years we have with them. If a zookeeper can train a tiger to willingly accept medical treatment then we can certainly do better for our feline friends! I want to share practical tips to prep your cat for the best vet visit possible. Our first hurdle is the previously dreaded cat carrier. It is important to make sure your carrier works well, your cat fits comfortably inside and has been properly acclimated to using it. We recommend using a top loading carrier with a lid that remove easily and quietly as possible. Please don’t zip tie the carrier lid shut and don’t hide the carrier away when not in use. Pet experts recommend leaving your cat’s carrier out in the home and giving them opportunities to interact with it freely and positively. Try turning it into a fun play structure or a safe hiding place and include soft blankets, toys, lots of treats and catnip. If your cat already has an aversion to the carrier, then start with the lid removed. Commit to short, frequent, and fun training sessions teaching your cat to enter and leave the carrier willingly. Keep in mind your feline will fill up on treats quickly and then may lose interest in training. Once your cat is comfortable with their carrier then you can start slowly increasing time spent with the door closed and then lifting the carrier with your cat inside to prepare them for this sensation. Day of a vet visit give yourselves plenty of time to arrive safe, sound and stress free. I highly recommend using a Feliway pheromone infused towel or blanket inside the carrier and one to hang over the carrier to shield your cat from outside stimuli. Bring your cat hungry and bring favorite treats to offer during the vet visit. Some cats with high stress can benefit from anxiety medications given prior to arrival so please communicate with your vet if you believe your cat qualifies for pre-visit pharmaceuticals. During transportation try to keep the carrier stable and smooth. Imagine your cat’s experience in there and make every effort possible to provide a safe and smooth ride. Please reach out if you need additional support creating a Fear Free Vet Visit for your feline. Cinema Veterinary Centre is located at 23460 Cinema Drive unit L in Valencia (661) 253-9300.