Preparing Your Cat for a Trip to the Veterinarian

Keeping your cat healthy requires exercise, proper nutrition, and regular medical care. Your veterinarian can help you with all three components of your cat’s healthy lifestyle.

Since you and your cat will make many trips to the veterinary hospital over the years, it is best to start preparing your cat for these visits as soon as possible. 

What type of carrier is best?

To keep both you and your cat safe for the trip to the animal hospital, always place your cat in a cat carrier. Select a carrier that can be opened from the top or the front. Ideally, you should be able to remove the top half of the carrier to allow easy access to your cat while maintaining his sense of safety in the bottom half. 

For cat owners who live within walking distance of the veterinary clinic, there are cat strollers with built-in, ventilated kitty carriers that make transportation easy and fun. 

How do I get my cat used to the carrier?

Cats like snuggly, confined areas, so they can easily learn to tolerate carriers when introduced properly. Cats prefer a carrier that smells familiar and reassuring. It is best to always leave the carrier out at home so it becomes a place where your cat can sleep and eat every day. Line the carrier with a soft towel or your cat’s favorite blanket. Regularly offer treats or toys in the carrier at home to help your cat become more comfortable with the carrier. 

What if my cat still doesn’t want to go inside the carrier?

If your cat is still hesitant to go through the carrier’s door, gently nudge him inside from behind. If he resists, remove the top of the carrier, lie him down on the blanket, and replace the top. 

If your cat panics at the sight of the carrier, keep calm, as he will detect your stress. Keep the carrier close, but out of your cat’s sight and wrap your cat in a thick towel or blanket that smells familiar. Put your cat and the towel into the carrier quickly but gently.

You can spray this towel or blanket, as well as your car, with a calming synthetic pheromone (Feliway®) 15 minutes before your cat goes inside the carrier to help minimize stress. 

How can I help my cat be calm in the appointment? 

When you schedule your appointment, ask your veterinary team about calming supplements or medications that can help your cat be more relaxed during the visit. Gabapentin is a commonly used medication and is proven to reduce stress levels in cats that visit the vet clinic. 

Even cats that appear calm can be internally anxious and, if this anxiety is not addressed, it can increase with each visit, leading to your cat becoming aggressive, trying to escape, or developing vomiting or diarrhea. These calming medications and supplements have minimal to no adverse effects and can result in a better experience for your cat.