How to Reduce Stress With Your Cat at the Vet

It’s time to take your cat to the vet. You struggle to get them into the carrier, they meow and cry the entire ride over, and then they hiss and growl throughout the exam.

If this sounds familiar, then we’ve got good news for you! It doesn’t have to be that way. There are thankfully several steps you can take to reduce stress with your cat at the vet – things you can do both beforehand and during the visit to make the experience more positive for everyone. Read on to learn more.

Why Do Cats Hate the Vet?

So many people have the notion that their cat hates the vet. Though it may seem that way, the truth is that it’s typically not the cat and veterinarian that is the concern. It’s everything leading up to the vet visit.

Think about it from your cat’s perspective: getting shoved in a carrier, being jostled around in the car, and then being brought into an unfamiliar environment with strange people, smells, sights, and sounds. It’s overwhelming, especially for a cat who is not prepared for these experiences.

The good news? There are several ways that you can make veterinary visits for cats more positive and easier to manage. After all, regular vet visits are essential for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Whether you’re visiting for a health or behavioral issue, your vet is there to support you both every step of the way.

Create Calm for Your Cat’s Vet Visit Through Preparation

Because cats are creatures of habit, they often don’t do well with changes of scenery or with new experiences. But with a little patience and practice, you can help your cat feel more comfortable with everything a vet visit entails.

The best place to start is with carrier training. If the only time your cat sees the inside of their carrier is on the occasional vet visit, then of course, they’re not going to like it. They will only associate it with the negative travel experience.

You can change that by turning the carrier into a place of comfort and safety. Leave it out around your home, and make it enticing for your cat with cozy blankets and maybe even some catnip. Toss in some treats, and feed meals inside from time to time. You can incorporate it into your cat’s playtime as well. Little by little, your cat will start associating the carrier with positive experiences.

You can do the same thing with car rides. Take your cat out to the car and let them explore it. Place them in their carrier and take short car rides at first. Use treats, pets, and praise to reward them throughout the experience.

You can also consider scheduling “happy cat vet visits.” These are simple, low-pressure trips with your cat at your AHHA-accredited veterinarian’s office allowing your cat to meet the staff, explore the space, and enjoy a few treats—no exam, just positive experiences. Most vets are happy to accommodate these visits, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check.

As you’ve probably gathered, all this preparation and training is not going to happen overnight. For your cat to truly create those positive associations and get used to their carrier, car travel, and the environment and people at the vet’s office, you will need to spend multiple days and even multiple weeks practicing these skills.

And remember—this preparation isn’t just for your cat; it’s for you too. Every bit of practice helps you feel more confident and calm, and that peace of mind makes a world of difference for your cat. They are deeply in tune with our emotions, and your calm presence can be the comfort they need.

How to Get a Scared Cat to the Vet

Even with preparation and training, vet visits can still be challenging for some cats. If your cat is feeling scared or anxious, don’t worry—you’re not alone. If you’re wondering how to get a scared cat to the vet, there are things you can do to make the experience more manageable for both of you.

1. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve got this.
2. If your vet has recommended calming supplements or medication, be sure to administer those at the right time. Talk to your veterinarian about prescription options like gabapentin, which is often used to reduce stress during vet visits.
3. Line your cat’s carrier with a blanket or t-shirt so they are surrounded with the familiar scents of home.
4. Spray the inside of your cat’s carrier with a pheromone calming spray before they get inside.
5. Keep your cat in their carrier during the car ride, even if they cry or meow. As hard as it may be to resist, it’s too dangerous to have a cat loose in the car. Plus, having them loose could lead to even more stress if they hide or get stuck under a seat.
6. Use positive reinforcement (i.e. treats, petting, brushing, play, whatever your cat values most) to reward your cat before, during, and after the ride.

Reducing Stress During Veterinary Visits for Cats

For many cats, the real stress begins when you walk through the doors of the vet’s office, simply because of the new environment, new smells, new people, and other new animals. But don’t worry—you’re doing the right thing by bringing your cat in for the care they need. You will just need to take some additional steps to reduce your cat’s stress during the visit.

First of all, you’ll want to be sure to arrive early so you aren’t rushed and stressed yourself. Remember, your own stress levels will affect your cat’s. Give yourself time to breathe and focus on staying calm.

Once you arrive and check in at the front desk, ask if it’s okay for you and your cat to wait in the car until their appointment. Avoiding the waiting area minimizes interactions with other animals and strangers, eliminating one of the biggest potential stressors.

While you’re waiting, give your cat plenty of pets, praise, and treats to help maintain a positive environment and to strengthen the positive associations you’re working to create with vet visits.

Once you’ve been called in, carry your cat’s carrier with both hands – one hand on the carrier handle and one underneath to keep it stable and steady. Allow your cat to remain in their carrier until they need to come out for their exam. Just having that familiar space can help them feel safe and secure.

If your cat is still scared, be sure to communicate that to your vet when they come in. Share a treat or two with your vet so they can make friends with your kitty and provide some reassurance. This allows your cat and the vet to start building trust before the exam even begins. You can both provide a treat or two during the exam as well.

And finally, once you’re home, treat your cat and yourself to something special! You both have a victory to celebrate!

While visits with your cat at the vet have the potential to be stressful, they are an important part of pet ownership. The best thing you can do for yourself and for your cat is to practice and prepare for them ahead of time. More practice = less stress. Though your cat may never love riding in the car or spending time at the vet’s office, they can adjust and learn to be more accepting of the experience.

If you are worried about how your cat will respond to their visits, contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian to discuss your concerns and make a plan with your cat in mind.