4 Tips for Easier Feline Check-Ups 

More people own cats than dogs, but veterinarians see far fewer for routine care. Why? Sometimes it's because cats hide illness well and hardly show a sign until they are very sick. Often, however, owners don't bring their cats to the veterinarian because their pet simply hates to go. Here are a few ways to handle common feline fears to make a visit to veterinarian much easier:

Time to run! The dusty cat carrier just came up from the basement and was plunked down on the floor and now I am being chased and stuffed inside. Starting the trip to the veterinarian like this is sure to get the adrenaline going for even a mellow kitty. Take out the carrier days or weeks ahead of time. Place a nice, soft towel or blanket inside. Offer a daily treat inside the carrier and reward your cat with a treat each time he or she goes into the carrier on his/her own.  Once your cat has mastered this routine, start putting the carrier in the car and giving another treat before returning to the house. For advanced training, go for a ride around the block and offer another treat. Kittens will learn fast that the carrier is fun, but even adults can learn not to stress about it.

Help! I'm surrounded by strange smells and giant, furry, barking animals! Some cats, especially if they have a dog at home, will not even bat an eyelash at a barking dog. For many, however, dogs are scary. If your cat is afraid of dogs or you are not sure, let us know about your concerns before your appointment. You can request to go straight into a quiet exam room without waiting.

Oh no! Now strangers are touching me all over and looking at me and coming at me with needles! There are cats that prance out of their carrier and walk around the exam room as if they were in their own living room. Many cats, though, do get very nervous. We try to asses how a cat is feeling during the appointment. If the cat seems stressed, we will spritz a wonderful product called Feliway on a towel. This pheromone scent is calming to cats and actually lowers their stress hormone level. It is enough to really take the edge off of the appointment for many cats.

There's no way I'm letting strangers touch me. There are a handful of kitties out there that do not want to be touched or handled no matter what. If this is the case with your cat, we can use a very safe gas called sevoflurane. Your cat goes to sleep for the appointment and then wakes up moments later with no memory of getting an exam or shots.

Don't let fear of the appointment keep your cat away from much needed preventative medical care. Veterinarians and veterinary staff are trained professionals with loads of practice working with all different feline personalities. We enjoy working with your kitty to find ways to make the visit go smoothly.