Originally posted by sasha the cat
Re your Sophie who hates the Vet ... If this veterinarian can't handle your cat without medication to calm her first, then select a new veterinarian who specializes in treating cats only.
Unfortunately, I do take her to a cat-only veterinarian's office already! It's the only cat-only vet's office in my county. There are two vets there - she usually sees the male vet, so what I'm going to do is try the female vet next time and see if that goes any better, and see what her advice is.

Thank you all so much for your advice. I'm glad she doesn't have to go back again until her birthday in April.