Traveling to the veterinarian can be upsetting for you and your cat. There are several steps you can take to make it easier. First, if you’re able to prepare well ahead of the visit, you can make the carrier a positive experience. With the top removed you can make the carrier the place where your cat eats or if your cat has a favorite blanket or towel it sleeps on, you can put that in the carrier so that it becomes a favorite sleeping place. Once your cat is used to that, then add the carrier top. Once your cat is going in and out with top on then close the door and gradually increase the time spent in a closed carrier. Then proceed with picking up the carrier from the bottom to reduce movement and keep level.
The best carrier is a hard plastic one with an easily removable top with a large top opening. If you’re taking more than one cat they should be in separate carriers. The stress of travel may make them act differently towards each other than they would at home.
Having your cat regularly spend time in the carrier makes it much easier to get into the carrier when needed, especially in emergencies. If you are having difficulty getting your cat urgently into the carrier, you can cover the cat with an open pillow case and gently slip the opening under or roll your cat into the pillow case and twist the opening closed. You can then lower your cat in the pillow case into the top opening and close the top opening. There is no need to remove the pillow case as your cat can breathe just fine inside the pillow case and may be more comfortable “hiding” in the pillow case.
For some cats traveling to the veterinarian and at the veterinary hospital is still stressful. If this is the case, it is best to give medication to reduce stress before traveling. Gabapentin is a mild anti-anxiety medication that can be easily given by adding to a small amount of moist food 2 hours prior to travel. For some, additional anti-anxiety or sedative medication is needed and can be prescribed by your veterinarian depending on your cat’s needs. Some cats have motion sickness and medication can be given to prevent nausea.
Other good ideas are to cover the carrier with a blanket or thick towel to reduce sights and sounds. Safest secure location for the carrier in the car is on the floor or secured with bungee cords to the seat. Never open the carrier in the car. This can be dangerous to both you and your cat when driving and can result in escaping the car at your destination. Just speak to your cat in a quiet, calm voice.
When you get home from a veterinary visit, if you have other cats at home be aware that your cat may smell and look different to your other cats. This can result in all your cats being upset. Keep the returning cat in the carrier and monitor response from other cats. If there is hissing then keep the returning cat in a separate room with food, water and litter box, especially if your cat is returning from a sedative or anesthetic event. The next day, the returning cat will smell more familiar after sleeping/grooming in the home environment and will have had time to completely recover from any sedative or anesthetic event.
Avoiding veterinary visits to prevent stress can be harmful to your cat’s health. Stress can be reduced by preparing for the visit with choosing a good cat carrier and if needed acclimating your cat to the carrier. The stress of travel can again be reduced by covering the carrier with a blanket or thick towel before moving from your house to the car and by giving medications if needed. Lastly, anticipate and prepare for what may be needed after returning home if there is another cat at home.
Miramonte Veterinary Hospital is certified as a Cat Friendly Practice by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.
