Transporting Your Cat to the Vet

Transporting Your Cat to the Vet

Bringing your cat to the veterinary hospital can be a trying and stressful experience. A number of simple measures can make the whole process more tolerable for cats and owners alike!

The cat carrier

Always choose a robust carrier (cardboard, especially if it gets damp, is no match for a determined cat!) and never travel with the cat loose in the car. There are numerous cat carriers on the market and it can be difficult to know which is best. Here are some tips on baskets and travel: 

  • The basket needs to be easy to clean and not so large that the cat falls about in it. For getting cats in and out, a top opening basket is by far the easiest.
  • Ideally the box or basket should be regarded at home as ‘part of the furniture’ so that it doesn’t become a signal for a stressful journey.
  • Get the carrier to smell familiar and reassuring:
Put in some clothing that smells of the cat’s favourite person.
Spray the basket and contents with Feliway (a synthetic feline pheromone which helps cats to feel secure; available from us) at least half an hour before you go.
Wipe a soft cloth around the cat’s face to pick up his scent and put this in the basket. You can also rub it around the inside of the carrier, especially in the corners.
 
  • If your cat panics at the sight of the carrier try to get him in safely and gently at the first try. Have the carrier close by but out of sight. Wrap the cat in a thick towel (preferably one which smells familiar) and pop him (and the towel) in quickly so that he cannot grab the carrier and get into a struggle, escape and then not be caught again that day!
  • Keep the container covered with a cloth during the journey as this will help keep him calm.
  • Secure the carrier in the footwell behind the front seat or strap in using the seat belt.
  • Drive carefully so that the cat is not thrown around in the car. Refrain from loud alarming music!
  • Talk quietly and reassuringly and stay calm yourself – cats are great at picking up tension from their owners!
  • Some cats are sick and others may soil the carrier during the journey, so taking some spare bedding may be useful for the return journey.
  • Try to avoid rushing and bumping the carrier against your legs as you carry it into the surgery.

In the waiting room

Keep the carrier covered in the waiting room. We have separate cat waiting room areas at our Midland and Drovers Hospitals. Utilise the raised places to rest the carrier (cats prefer to be high up) rather than placing it on the ground. Avoid putting the cat face to face with another cat in a basket as this can be stressful too.

Inside the consulting room

The vet is ultimately responsible for everyone’s safety and welfare and may ask a nurse to assist with handling the cat, especially if you are nervous or unsure about how your cat will react.

If you are unsure how to administer tablets or apply skin ointments and eardrops, ask ask for a demonstration or advice. For some videos on how to pill a cat click here. And if it isn't mentioned, ask for advice about administering water or feeding straight after giving a tablet to prevent your cat developing oesophageal problems.

 Going home

As much care needs to be taken of any cat on the way home as on the outward journey, and all the same factors apply to travelling. With multi-cat households some consideration also needs to be given to bringing the cat home, especially if it has been at the surgery for some time. The strange smells of the surgery can make cats anxious and there can be aggression between them. Careful re-introductions can prevent re-bonding problems.

 

Adapted from www.fabcats.org  2013

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