Earlysville Animal Hospital

Lower Stress Veterinary Visits for Your Cat

Starts with Training Them to a Great Carrier!

Teaching your cat to be comfortable in their carrier is one of the most important things you can do for your cat’s wellbeing.  Cats that come to their veterinary visit who are well adjusted to their carrier not only have a safer car ride but they are also less stressed and fearful at the animal hospital.

Qualities to look for in a great carrier are:

·         Sturdy, impact-resistant plastic or fiberglass commercial animal carriers are the ideal choice. They provide the cat privacy, good ventilation, can be positioned safely on the floor of the car, and can be cleaned easily.

·         Soft sided carriers that have ventilation on at least two sides are acceptable but do not offer impact protection and may be harder to clean.

·         Carriers that have both a top and a front opening for access are best. Top-loading carriers allow for minimal stress during the cat’s placement and removal from the carrier. An opening in the front allows the cat to come and go as it pleases which is very helpful when the cat is adjusting to the carrier.

·         Carriers that are made so the top half can be removed are ideal for veterinary visits. We remove the top and can examine many cats while they sit comfortably in the bottom half where they feel more secure and less anxious.

·         The carrier should have a leak proof bottom and be covered with plenty of absorbent material.

·         Label the carrier with your name and contact information as well as your cat’s name.

·         Havahart® type humane animal traps are acceptable for feral cats.

Helping your pet adjust to the carrier

·         The most important thing is to let your cat adjust to the carrier before they need to travel.

·         Leave the open carrier sitting out in your home so the cat can explore on his own.

·         Place catnip, toys, and treats in the carrier.

·         Its ideal to have the carrier always available as a bed for the cat.

·         Use synthetic feline hormone spray in the carrier routinely to minimize anxiety associated with the carrier (Feliway®- available from us or pet stores)

·         Once your cat is comfortable in the carrier, take the cat (with favorite treats or toys) for brief test drives. Make sure the ride is enjoyable. Repeat the ride periodically increasing the distance as his anxiety decreases.

·         Reward your cat verbally during travel.

What else you can do to make travel less stressful

·         Make sure the carrier is large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably in the carrier.

·         Each cat should travel in a separate carrier.

·         Avoid tranquilizers prior to the trip if possible.

·         Avoid feeding prior to travel.

·         Minimize noise – turn off the radio, close the windows, use a quiet voice.

·         Minimize motion sickness by keeping the carrier on the floorboard. As long as there is adequate ventilation, cover one or two sides to block outside scenery.

·         Avoid sudden starts and stops; avoid fast or sharp turns.

·         Use synthetic feline hormone spray in the carrier at least 30 minutes prior to travel (Feliway® - available from us or at the pet store).

·         Avoid dumping a cat out of its carrier

·         Bring favorite toys, treats, or familiar bedding.

·         Be sure to only put your cat in a clean carrier.

Other things that help keep your kitty safe

·         Keep the temperature of the car comfortable for your cat.

·         Position the carrier away from direct flow from air vents.

·         Never put a cat in a hot car.

·         Never leave a cat in a parked car.

·         Place absorbent pads of soft towels in the bottom of the carrier. Bring extra absorbent materials in the event the cat soils the carrier.

·         Avoid swinging the carrier when holding it.

·         Make sure the carrier is safe; that all edges are smooth, it is in good repair, the latch is secure and the top is securely attached to the bottom.

·         Make sure the carrier is sitting on a level surface at all times.

·         Never place the cat on the bed of a pickup truck or similar exterior surface.

Adapted from the American Association of Feline Practitioners Position Statement on Transport of Cats 2010.