Carriers: There are many types of carriers. The best ones for your cat are a soft carrier that has multiple openings on both the sides and the top, or a hard carrier must that can be taken apart if needed. Both should be large enough to provide a comfortable space for your cat.
Safety: The best place to place your cat’s carrier when you’re in the car is on the floor of the vehicle behind the driver or passenger seat. If this is not an option, you can simply buckle the carrier in one of the seats in the back of the car.
Time: It will take time for your cat to get accustomed to the carrier. Have the carrier out for a few days before you have to make your vet visit. This will allow your cat to be able to explore the carrier without being forced inside and then taken somewhere new.
Preparation: Always have a blanket or towel inside the carrier to make it comfortable and cozy, especially in the colder months. If you have Feliway spray, you can spray this around your cat 15 minutes before leaving, and apply several pumps to the carrier and blanket. This spray is a “Happy Pheromone” which helps ease anxious or scared cats. You can buy this at your local Veterinary clinic and or pet supply store. It is best to not bring the carrier out too close to your travel time; this is stressful. You want the carrier to be a safe environment, and not have it relate to vet visits or car rides. This is why it is important to keep the carrier out for a few days beforehand.
Solutions: You can place the carrier around in areas of your home where your cat tends to spend a lot of time. Add treats or food to the carrier to get them more familiar with it. This can take some time so be patient with the process. Who knows, this could be your cat’s favourite place to hang out!
Stress-free Veterinary Visit: Upon arrival, you can always walk into the clinic without your cat at first and check to see if a room is available. This will help with the visit process by avoiding a waiting room with potential barking dogs or a busy environment that may scare your cat. Once in the exam room open/unzip the door(s) and wait for your cat to walk out on his or her own, try not to force them. Make sure when carrying the carrier you hold it against yourself and not by the handle. This will keep it more secure, and there will be no chance of it swinging or bumping into anything.
Written by Laura Critch, VA
