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Low Stress Vet Visits
We understand that Vet visits can be quite stressful for your cat. There are a number of ways to improve your cat's experience at the clinic.
Appointment Time
Many cats experience significant stress in the Vet clinic environment. Loud noises can be a major contributing factor. If you would prefer to book during a quiet time of day, please let us know when you call us and we can advise on a suitable time for your cat's appointment.
Preparing The Carrier
When purchasing a carrier for your cat it is important to consider the size and accessibility. We recommend a carrier with a detachable lid, that is large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in.
Many cats will associate their carrier with negative experiences such as Vet visits or relocation. Allowing them to have free access to their carrier in their day-to-day life at home can help them familiarise themselves with the carrier and ease this negative association. Additionally, placing your cat's favourite bedding or toys in their carrier can help them to become better accustomed to it.
To avoid swinging your cat when transporting them, hold the carrier from underneath, rather than the handle.
Treats
If your cat is typically food motivated, but are unwilling to take treats during their appointment, this is a good indicator that they are experiencing significant stress. We have a variety of different types of treats we can offer your cat, but we still encourage you to bring their favourite snacks.
Feliway
When content, cats mark their territory by rubbing their face against objects and people, releasing the feline facial pheromone. Feliway is a product that replicates this pheromone. Spraying Feliway on a blanket for their carrier can help your cat to feel reassured during stressful situations. Feliway spray should be applied 15 minutes prior to use and never sprayed directly onto the cat. We also have Feliway diffusing in our cat consultation room at all times.
Music
Classical music has been suggested to have a calming effect on cats. Playing music, such as Mozart, at home, prior to your appointment, and in the car can help to reduce your cat's anxiety.
Waiting Room
Our cat waiting area is equipped with towels that have been sprayed with Feliway. You are welcome to use these towels to drape over your cat's carrier to block visual stressors. There are tables in the cat waiting area to place your carrier on, as cats prefer to be on an elevated surface. Please let us know if waiting away from other animals, or in the car would be beneficial for your cat. Simply give us a call upon your arrival if you would prefer to wait in the car.
Minimal Stress Handling
We practice minimal stress handling at Karrinyup Small Animal Hospital. Our Vets are happy to give guidance on how best to hold your cat during their examination and our Nurses are also available to assist.
Physical Examination
While the Vet is asking questions regarding your cat's health, this is a good opportunity for your cat to explore the consultation room, if they wish to, and become familiar with the new environment. For cats that are highly anxious at the clinic it is important to establish your primary concern and prioritise certain aspects of the physical examination. This helps us to achieve the objective of the appointment without causing unnecessary stress for your cat.
Medication
For cats that are highly stressed, medications that have anti-anxiety or calming effects may be recommended prior to Vet visits. Please be aware that some cats that are very anxious may break through the medication (i.e. significantly reduce the efficacy of the drug), in which case dose adjustments or medication changes may be required. We suggest giving an anti-anxiety medication well before your cat is exposed to potential stressors.