August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day. Fluffy, of course, would probably insist that it is actually Take Your Dog To The Vet Day, but we checked. We know that most of our patients would rather nap than visit us, and we’re working hard to change that. In fact, we are committed to doing everything we can to make appointments comfortable and easy for your animal companion. That’s why we’ve become a Fear Free practice! However, there are also some things you can do to keep your pet comfortable for appointments. A local Matthews, NC vet lists some of them below.

The Carrier

Many cats only see their carriers before going on car rides, so it’s no wonder they get so nervous about them. Kitties are generally homebodies, who don’t like to leave their domains. One thing that can help is to make the carrier more comfortable. Add some soft bedding and toys, and leave it out between appointments. It’s also important to choose a carrier that is comfortable for Fluffy. Ones that open from the top are often easier to manage.

Getting Ready

Even the calmest kitty may get stressed on the way to the doctor. Offer Fluffy extra cuddles and attention before and after her trip. You may also want to try cat-calming products, such as treats or sprays. These can be very helpful at soothing nervous pets!

The Car Ride

For many of our feline patients, it’s actually the car ride that upsets them. It may be well worth your while to take Fluffy on a few drives, just to get her used to the idea. Start by just going around the block, and then gradually increase the length of the drive. Offer toys and treats before and after to help your kitty form a more ‘pawsitive’ association with car rides. (Note: hopefully this goes without saying, but you should never leave your cat unattended in a car. Also, always keep her in a carrier for travel.)

Driving

When driving, choose a route without a lot of bumps or potholes, if possible. You’ll also want to avoid stopping or starting suddenly. Keep a radio playing softly as well: music can help soothe nervous furballs. Please contact us, your local Matthews, NC vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are proud to offer great veterinary care!