When it comes to bringing a feisty cat in for a checkup, a low stress vet visit isn’t always in the cards. That’s because, let’s face it, cats don’t like being contained in small spaces. Unfortunately, that’s really the only way you can get kitty in for an examination because most of them won’t walk on a leash in the same manner as dogs.
You can’t just place your cat in the car and head off to the animal hospital richmond va, without placing the animal into a carrier…and that’s where things can get kind of hairy and painful. Cats have claws and their initial instinct is to get them out when they feel threatened or frightened. Both of these things can be a major component of the preparatory process for a trip to the vet.
There are many pet owners who will end up canceling a much-needed veterinary appointment simply because they are unable to get their feisty cat into a pet carrier, not to mention the damage they’ve sustained from sharp claws. But that is doing a disservice to your pet and yourself as well, as cats do need to go in for checkups, vaccinations, and medical concerns from time to time.
Don’t let the method of transport stand in the way of keeping your cat healthy and keeping your vet bills to a minimum through preventive care. Believe it or not, there are steps you can take for making your cat feel comfortable about leaving the house and getting the care he or she needs.
The Right Pet Carrier
If your cat is resistant to being placed inside your pet carrier, chances are the size is the issue. Cats don’t like being placed into confined spaces and if the carrier you are using is too small for the animal, they won’t just feel cramped and unable to move freely, but the stress levels can get pretty high for your feline friend.
Sometimes the simplest solution to the problem is the most effective and, in the case of your cat’s carrier, you may need to get a bigger one. If the cat feels like they have room to move around and aren’t cooped up in a cramped container, you will have a much easier time of getting the cat into the device.
Acclimate to the Carrier
Another reason why your cat doesn’t want to go into the cat carrier is because your kitty has begun to associate its very presence with the stress of visiting the veterinarian’s office. So after you’ve purchased a larger carrier for the cat to feel comfortable in, leave it out for the cat to see and smell.
Don’t hide it away in a closet or toss it in the garage until you need to use it again, let it be a part of the cat’s everyday normal environment so he or she can see it all the time. If you leave it out in full view long enough you may even find that the cat has climbed into it and resting comfortably.