Taking our cats on short trips, whether to the vet, to Grandma’s for a day, or simply around town, can be a traumatic experience if your cat hasn’t travelled before or isn’t used to riding in a carrier. Fortunately, with some planning, exposure and the right approach, you can help make vet visits far less stressful. Continue reading for some tips on taking your cat to the vet and setting them up for future travel success.
Crate Training for Cats
Crate training doesn’t have to be difficult. The best way to get your cat used to the crate is also the easiest. Start by introducing the crate to everyday life and place it in the room where your cat sleeps or spends most of their time. You can leave the door open—or remove it entirely—so that your cat can see into the crate, sniff it, and explore it without fear. Adding a favorite blanket or kitty bed inside the crate can make the space feel more comforting and safe. Leave the area and let your cat become familiar with the crate on their own terms. Cats naturally love to hide in small, enclosed spaces, so they’ll likely walk into the crate when ready.
Be sure to keep the crate visible, and once your cat enters the crate on their own, you can slowly start testing out closing the door while they’re inside. If they appear anxious, sit in front of the crate and speak soothingly to help them relax. Remember, patience is key. Never force your cat into the crate, as that can make future crate use even more difficult. For outdoor cats, the same approach applies unless there is a feral cat on your property. In that case, you may need to borrow a humane trap from your vet.
Preparing for Short Trips around Town
Before heading out, make sure the cat carrier is spacious enough to fit your cat and a blanket or bed comfortably. Additionally, it may be beneficial to place old newspapers beneath the bedding to catch any accidents if your cat gets scared. If your cat is prone to carsickness or stress-induced diarrhea, consider putting a small litter box inside the carrier as well. A disposable option, like an aluminum pie tin or box top lined with foil, works well for short trips. Depending on your cat’s comfort level and needs with carriers, be sure to get one in the right size to fit your car and all their needs comfortably.
At the Veterinary Clinic
Once you arrive at the clinic, be sure to keep your cat in the kennel. Waiting rooms can be hectic and full of unfamiliar animals, people, smells and noises. The crate offers a sense of safety for your cat and prevents dangerous interactions or escapes. Once your cat is in the examination room and a veterinarian or technician is in the room, they can open the carrier and examine your cat. Veterinary staff are trained to handle cats gently and efficiently, often needing to remove and return your pet to her carrier multiple times. Let them take the lead, as their techniques reduce stress and help keep everyone safe. If samples like blood, urine, or feces are needed, your cat may be taken (in their carrier) to another room for collection. When the appointment is over, allow your vet or tech to return your cat to their carrier.
Helpful Tips to Consider for Your Vet Visit
To ensure a smooth trip, without hiccups and prolonging the time of the visit, we recommend the following. Bring your cat’s medical records. Especially if you are new to the vet, be sure to bring your cat’s previous medical records so the new clinic has your cat’s entire medical history. Call ahead if you aren’t sure what information to bring. Next, be sure to note behavioral changes. If you notice any changes in habits of drinking, eating, sleeping or going to the bathroom, be sure to tell your vet. These changes may indicate medical issues that require attention.
Additionally, be sure always to use a carrier to transport your cat to the vet. Transporting your cat outside a carrier risks their safety and your own. A loose, frightened cat in a car can be a major distraction and can cause a lot of excitement in the vet’s office. Lastly, let the vets and vet techs restrain your cat. Never try to restrain your cat during the exam. Vets and techs are trained to keep both pets and owners safe during procedures.
Helpful Sample Collection Tips
If your cat is going to the vet for some biological samples, here are a couple of tips to consider so you’re prepared for the vet visit. If the clinic needs a stool sample, collect your cat’s most recent stool if possible, ideally within 4 hours, and refrigerate it in a sealed plastic bag before the visit. For a urine sample, ask your vet for special plastic litter to collect it at home. Once your cat uses the box, draw the urine into a plastic syringe and bring it to the clinic.
Learning to Medicate at Home and Preparing Your Cat Before Surgery
If your cat requires medication, be sure to ask your vet or technician to teach you how to administer any medication. Medication for cats can come as pills, liquids, insulin, or subcutaneous fluids. Some medicines need to be administered in a specific manner, so be sure to listen to the vet to ensure smooth administration. Doing so reduces your pet’s stress, allows for familiar actions and routines, and can save on clinic costs by administering at home. If your cat is scheduled for surgery, withhold any solid food for at least 8 hours before the surgery. Ask the vet if they can still have water. Be sure to follow the vet’s instructions as these precautions prevent anesthesia-related complications.
When You’re Back Home Again
Once you return home, set the crate in a quiet room and open the door. Let your cat come out at their own pace. Once they realize it’s safe and sound, they will run out and go back to feeling like their feline self in no time.
These are just a few tips on taking your cat to the vet. Remember, every cat is different and may have different travel needs. Have patience and remember to keep your cat comfortable throughout the whole process.
Have questions about your next trip to the vet? Need help with another furry friend while you’re away? Contact VIP Pets today and let us know how we can help!