Preparing for the veterinarian

Cats are truly creatures of comfort. They are most secure in their known environment. It is very upsetting to a cat to leave her own territory to visit the veterinary hospital. At the veterinarian's, she will encounter strange people, unusual odors, and a clinical setting. She will hear barking dogs and meowing cats. She will be handled by a stranger, which, for most cats, is unnerving. Your attitude and how you prepare your cat for that first visit is critical.

If your cat's first visit is due to a severe illness or an accident, she will already be under quite a lot of stress, and so will you. It is important that you be happy, calm, and unconcerned. Your feelings will be transmitted to your cat. If you are acting uneasy or upset, your cat will perceive this as a signal for concern.

Accustom your cat to traveling in a carrying case whether you are going to the veterinary hospital or not. If you use the carrying case only for trips to see the veterinarian, your cat will soon learn to hide under the bed when you get out the carrying case.

Choose carefully a veterinarian who is good with cats and will let you just visit the first time so that your cat will feel comfortable in this strange place. After you arrive, take her out of her carrying case, place her on the table, and let the veterinarian handle her. Give her lots of praise, a good food treat, and then take her back home. A good veterinarian will understand your need to make this first visit a pleasurable one wherein everyone is relaxed and happy.

If you do not have a carrying case, tightly wrap your cat in a large bath towel with only her head showing, and have someone drive you to the veterinarian's. Keep the towel firmly wrapped around her until time for the examination.

There are veterinarians who will come to your home. Some even practice as mobile veterinarians. A home call will lessen your cat's anxiety and will be appropriate for most problems.

If your cat is reluctant to get in a carrier or to be wrapped in a towel, you might ask your veterinarian for a mild tranquilizer administered before making the trip to the veterinary hospital or clinic.

Most importantly, your sense of tranquillity anytime a veterinarian is examining your cat is essential. Your cat will judge the seriousness of the matter by your expression of emotions.