Catty1
01-17-2009, 11:09 AM
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/pets-cats/blog/thinklikeacat/33/four-ways-to-de-stress-trips-to-the-vet
Four ways to de-stress trips to the vet
Posted Wed, Jan 09, 2008
Does your cat turn from Sweet Kitty to Psycho Cat when his annual vaccination day rolls around? Well fear not -- there are things you can do to make the experience less traumatic. You may not get the Happy Dance at the sight of the vet's, but any way you can reduce anxiety will help.
So try these tips:
AVOID BUSY TIMES. The longer your cat sits in the waiting room, the more anxious he'll become. So if possible, schedule your appointment when the clinic is not as busy.
MAXIMIZE CARRIER COMFORT. Your cat will probably feel more secure if he can remain in his familiar carrier. So choose the kennel-type carrier, where the top and bottom disconnect -- that way the veterinarian can remove the top and your cat can remain seated in the base. This type of carrier will also reduce anxiety because the veterinarian won't have to reach inside to extract your panicky cat. Also be sure to line the carrier with a towel from home.
PROVIDE PEACE AND QUIET. If the waiting room is filled with animals and noise, your cat might prefer remaining with you in your vehicle (just make sure never to leave the cat in the car alone!). If you have a cell phone, tell the receptionist you're waiting in the parking lot and will come in as soon as she calls.
If you don't drive a car, try bringing a towel to place over the carrier so kitty will feel hidden. And if a barking dog is fearful to your cat, check around for a cats-only clinic, or one that has separate waiting areas for canines and felines.
ENLIST PHEROMONE HELP. Feliway contains synthetic feline facial pheromones, which are scent chemicals that cats release from facial scent glands. These help calm the cat and create a sense of familiarity. Just spray a squirt of Feliway in the inside corner of the carrier 20 minutes before placing your cat inside.
One final tip: If you stay calm, you'll help kitty stay calm!
Four ways to de-stress trips to the vet
Posted Wed, Jan 09, 2008
Does your cat turn from Sweet Kitty to Psycho Cat when his annual vaccination day rolls around? Well fear not -- there are things you can do to make the experience less traumatic. You may not get the Happy Dance at the sight of the vet's, but any way you can reduce anxiety will help.
So try these tips:
AVOID BUSY TIMES. The longer your cat sits in the waiting room, the more anxious he'll become. So if possible, schedule your appointment when the clinic is not as busy.
MAXIMIZE CARRIER COMFORT. Your cat will probably feel more secure if he can remain in his familiar carrier. So choose the kennel-type carrier, where the top and bottom disconnect -- that way the veterinarian can remove the top and your cat can remain seated in the base. This type of carrier will also reduce anxiety because the veterinarian won't have to reach inside to extract your panicky cat. Also be sure to line the carrier with a towel from home.
PROVIDE PEACE AND QUIET. If the waiting room is filled with animals and noise, your cat might prefer remaining with you in your vehicle (just make sure never to leave the cat in the car alone!). If you have a cell phone, tell the receptionist you're waiting in the parking lot and will come in as soon as she calls.
If you don't drive a car, try bringing a towel to place over the carrier so kitty will feel hidden. And if a barking dog is fearful to your cat, check around for a cats-only clinic, or one that has separate waiting areas for canines and felines.
ENLIST PHEROMONE HELP. Feliway contains synthetic feline facial pheromones, which are scent chemicals that cats release from facial scent glands. These help calm the cat and create a sense of familiarity. Just spray a squirt of Feliway in the inside corner of the carrier 20 minutes before placing your cat inside.
One final tip: If you stay calm, you'll help kitty stay calm!