How to get your cat to the vet safely

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Getting your cat into its carrier and safely to the vets is often a stressful experience for both cat and owner. However, as cats require at least one annual check up, and may have to visit more frequently due to illness, it can be helpful to try out some tips and tricks to make the experience more positive for all involved.

Why does my cat dislike going to the vet?

There are many reasons why a vet visit can be stressful for cats, and therefore their owners. Understanding the reasons why your cat becomes agitated is the first step in being able to make changes to improve matters.

Here are some common problems:

  1. Illness, pain, discomfort


    Hopefully, your cat will only visit the vets for routine appointments, but if they are feeling unwell or in pain this tends to make any stress or anxieties worse.
  2. Changes to routine

    –cats are creatures of habit and love their routines. Often a vet visit may involve a change to how they live at home. For example, they may not be allowed outside, or be fed at their normal feeding times, which can be confusing for your pet.
  3. Travel

    – cats are territorial, so being taken away from their home range is stressful for them. The motion of the car can also be unpleasant for some cats, who may feel nauseous or even be physically sick.
  4. Lack of escape route

    – many cats will prefer to use the ‘flight’ option to run away when scared, but a vet visit prevents this as they are put into a cat carrier. Cats also like to be up high, so being stuck in a basket placed on the floor can be alarming for them.
  5. Unfamiliar senses

    – cats are sensitive to smells, and to unfamiliar touch, both of which they may well experience at the vets.
  6. Previous experiences

    – some cats will remember previous trips to the vets, which may create a negative association.
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What can I do to make it easier?

Vet appointments are important, and it is essential that these are carried out, so making the experience as easy as possible is worthwhile.

If you can plan your visit in advance, try timing your visit so that your cat’s routine doesn’t need to be hugely altered.

For example, pick a time slightly after their usual mealtime, so that you can be confident your cat will be in at that time and can be placed in the basket and taken straight to the vets. Obviously, if your cat is unwell and needs an urgent appointment, this may not be possible.

Use a good carrier

It is not safe to transport a cat loose in a car or in your arms to a vet – even if they are sick or are used to a harness.

Finding a cat basket which is both easy to use and sturdy is important for safe pet travel. Choose one which is sturdy (cardboard can easily be defeated by a cat!), opens at the top for easy lifting in and out, and is easy to clean.

Getting them into the carrier

It will be easier to get your cat into the carrier if the carrier doesn’t only come out just before a trip. Ideally, the basket should be a normal part of the house and furniture, so that it smells and looks familiar. Bonus points if your cat chooses to sleep or feed in it!

Placing your cat’s usual bedding, or an article of clothing that belongs to a bonded owner, into the carrier can help reassure your cat, or rubbing a soft cloth over your cat’s face and then onto the carrier to spread natural pheromones can also help to calm them.

Spraying the carrier with a synthetic pheromone, using natural calmers or prescription calming medications are also options if needed – talk to your vet for details.

The journey

Once your cat is safely in the carrier, cover it with a towel or blanket to make it darker in there, which can help keep your cat calm. Place the carrier securely in the car – either wedged into a footwell or fastened with a seatbelt. Try and make sure the carrier is level, not tilted. Drive carefully and slowly to the clinic.

The waiting room

All vet clinics are different, in their space, layout and organisation. There are certain clinics who manage to make their spaces and staff extra friendly to cats – look up cat friendly clinics to find one. Ideally there should be a separate waiting area for cats. Try and place your cat carrier up on a shelf, rather than on the floor, and keep it covered with that towel or blanket so that your cat cannot see other animals.

My cat goes crazy when it sees the carrier, help!

Don’t panic, this is a common problem! If your cat is resisting transport, and you don’t have time to let them get used to the carrier, there are still ways to make it less of a fight and avoid any injury! Keep the basket close behind you, so that it is within reach but the cat cannot see it. Get a thick blanket or towel, preferably one that smells familiar to your cat, and wrap the cat quickly but gently in it. Immediately place the cat and towel into the carrier behind you and close the door. A top-opening basket makes it much easier to use this method.

Having a cat who travels calmly and easily to the vets can be a huge relief and reduce stress at what can be a worrying time. Try to remain calm even if the process is stressful and frustrating, as this will help keep your cat calm and safe as well.