If you struggle to take your cat to the vet, here are five things you can do to help make it less stressful for your cat, including the right way to put them in a carrier.
1. Pick the right kind of cat carrier
Picking the right cat carrier is important to ensure you have one that your cat can feel safe inside. One that is too open will mean the cat feels exposed, and one without many entry points can cause struggles when it’s time for your cat to go in. Pick the one which
• Has holes in the side to allow for circulation of air and for you to put treats through, but is not too see-through so your cat can still feel secure
• Has a detachable lid that means the vet can remove the top and examine the cat in the base of the carrier
2. Train your cat to use their carrier
It’s a great idea to train your cat to go in their carrier. If you don’t have time for this before your next vet visit, don’t panic. There are some tips for getting your cat in the carrier later in the post.
3. Put your cat’s bedding in the carrier
Smell is very important to cats. Scent marking is one of the ways cats communicate. When your cat rubs her head on something, she is depositing pheromones from scent glands in her face. Pheromones are chemical signals, and although we are still learning about them, when cats facial rub on each other, it is believed they are creating a group scent. You can also take a towel to cover the carrier while you are waiting at the vet, so that if you have to wait in the waiting room, other animals won’t be visible and your cat will feel hidden.
4. Train your cat to be handled
Remember to make sure it is a positive experience. Pick a time when the kitten is receptive to being handled, be very gentle with them, and include some petting in the areas where cats like to be stroked (around the head and face).
5. Know how to get your cat in their carrier
The best way to pick up your cat under normal circumstances is to spread your hand under his chest, and as you lift, slide your other hand and forearm under his hind end to support his weight. Then pull him against your chest for more support. Holding your cat this way makes him feel less vulnerable. Your grip should be loose, but with enough contact to feel any tension.
How easily take a cat to the vet?
If you struggle to take your cat to the vet, here are five things you can do to help make it less stressful for your cat, including the right way to put them in a carrier.
1. Pick the right kind of cat carrier
Picking the right cat carrier is important to ensure you have one that your cat can feel safe inside. One that is too open will mean the cat feels exposed, and one without many entry points can cause struggles when it’s time for your cat to go in. Pick the one which
• Has holes in the side to allow for circulation of air and for you to put treats through, but is not too see-through so your cat can still feel secure
• Has a detachable lid that means the vet can remove the top and examine the cat in the base of the carrier
2. Train your cat to use their carrier
It’s a great idea to train your cat to go in their carrier. If you don’t have time for this before your next vet visit, don’t panic. There are some tips for getting your cat in the carrier later in the post.
3. Put your cat’s bedding in the carrier
Smell is very important to cats. Scent marking is one of the ways cats communicate. When your cat rubs her head on something, she is depositing pheromones from scent glands in her face. Pheromones are chemical signals, and although we are still learning about them, when cats facial rub on each other, it is believed they are creating a group scent. You can also take a towel to cover the carrier while you are waiting at the vet, so that if you have to wait in the waiting room, other animals won’t be visible and your cat will feel hidden.
4. Train your cat to be handled
Remember to make sure it is a positive experience. Pick a time when the kitten is receptive to being handled, be very gentle with them, and include some petting in the areas where cats like to be stroked (around the head and face).
5. Know how to get your cat in their carrier
The best way to pick up your cat under normal circumstances is to spread your hand under his chest, and as you lift, slide your other hand and forearm under his hind end to support his weight. Then pull him against your chest for more support. Holding your cat this way makes him feel less vulnerable. Your grip should be loose, but with enough contact to feel any tension.