Tips for a Successful Visit to the Vet

Comfort

Line your carrier with soft bedding, extra points for a pee pad layered on top! You can also spray the carrier with a comforting pheromone called Feliway (available at all pet stores and online).

Familiarity

Give your cat access to their carrier all the time, or even just a few days prior to your appointment. It will help get them acclimated and they won't be as suspicious when it comes time to load up.

Loading up

To avoid needing your own trip to the doctor, we recommend a low stress method of loading your cat into their carrier. Stand the carrier on its end with the gate open (toward the ceiling). Pick up your cat, holding their back feet together, then gently lower them into the carrier. They don't see what is happening because they are essentially backing in to the carrier.

"Happy Drugs"

Some of our patients like to show their bravery by demonstrating how fierce they are. That is a perfectly natural response to an unfamiliar situation and we know these ferocious felines are still good kitties. In these cases, we may ask you to give a medication at home prior to the appointment to make sure we are able to do a thorough exam.