The experience of a vet consultation for cats begins with the carrier. Let’s see together 10 tips for better use of the carrier to ensure our cat a ‘pleasant’ experience
Choosing the right pet carrier and using it correctly will improve the visit experience,
- for the cat,
- for the owner,
- and for the veterinarian and veterinary assistant (!!).
Most of the time, the cat sees the carrier appear only before a veterinary visit; he is often chased, captured and forced to enter that narrow place, which will teleport him directly to his doctor’s table.
No one would like this kind of teleport..
This experience causes a great deal of stress for the cat, who will thus arrive at the time of the visit in a state of anxiety and fear.
That’s why I decided to write this article, enclosing 10 simple tips for better use of the carrier, making it a friend of the cat and ally of the owner and the veterinarian.
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Cat-friendly carrier usage: 10 simple tips
1.Choose a sturdy and resistant plastic carrier, with front opening, from above and with a removable top. Carrier with these characteristics allows you to visit fearful cats leaving them inside and also the plastic reduces noise in case of bumps.
2.At home, the pet carrier must be left open and accessible, so that the cat considers it part of the furniture or better still a kennel where they can rest undisturbed. To attract the cat and make the carrier more interesting, place a blanket, games or tasty treats inside.
3.When it’s time for the vet visit, empty the carrier and make it more comfortable by spraying in it, 30 minutes before letting the cat in, with Feliway ™ (synthetic pheromone sprays, which simulate feline facial pheromones that instil a state of calm in the cat and well-being)
Visit Feliway. com to find out more
4.If the cat does not want to spontaneously enter the carrier, take it gently (one hand under the armpits and the other to support the bottom – not by the scruff) and lower it from the upper opening; if your pet carrier does not have one, place it vertically and lower the cat through the front opening.
In case neither of these techniques is successful, gently wrap the cat in a blanket full of its scent or Feliway ™, remove the top of the carrier, put the bundle on the bottom and store the top avoiding loud noises.
5.In the car, prevent the carrier from being hit, fasten it perfectly with the belt or wedge it on the floor between the seats. In the cockpit, avoid loud music, reassure the cat by speaking softly.
Most cats prefer not to see outside during the journey, so cover the pet carrier. NEVER TRAVEL WITH THE CAT FREE BY CAR !!!
6.On the way from the car to the waiting room, avoid sudden movements. Hold the carrier by the base with both hands and try to rock the carrier as little as possible.
7.Some veterinary facilities are equipped with a waiting room dedicated to cats or areas in which to place the carrier.
In practices where there is no dedicated area, it is good practice to keep the pet carrier covered and with the front opening towards you, to avoid the prying eyes and noses of other waiting animals.
8.For the return journey, take the same precautions mentioned above.
Avoid giving food or treats to the cat if it suffers from the car. Stress and movement could cause vomiting or regurgitation.
Make sure you wait until you get home to reward your cat and give him lots of cuddles.
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9.Upon returning home, leave the cat in the carrier for a few minutes, if you have other cats, give them time to get used to it and only when everyone is quiet open the carrier and let the cat come out when it feels like it. If there is tension between the cats, separates the cats as soon as he returns home for 24 hours, putting her in a room, this will allow her to regain her familiar smell.
10.Before putting the carrier back in its place and filling it with blankets, games and treats, take care to wash it with a neutral soap, to eliminate the traces of the alert pheromones, which the cat releases from the paws in stressful situations, let it dry and spray us with synthetic pheromones.
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Conclusion
These are 10 tips for better use of the carrier, and they will be really useful to make the vet visit less stressful, but not only can they be applied for any trip.
If your cat is a particularly fearful subject, let him present to the vet and his staff, so they can apply some precautions to welcome you in the best possible way.
So, wich is the best pet carrier?
Here are some of the cat carriers recommended by Monia and Assistente.vet
Click on the image to find out more and purchase the pet carriers through the affiliate link.
Rigid carrier with front and easy top opening
Soft carrier with front and top zip opening, foldable with comfortable cushion
Feliway and Pet Remedy
Sull’Autore: Monia
Monia, veterinary technician graduated from the University of Udine in 2017. In the same year, shortly after graduation, she began working at the veterinary clinic where she did part of her university internship, where she still works. Every year she participates in various refresher courses, aimed at enriching her knowledge and improving her skills. She is particularly passionate about feline behavior, an animal that requires special attention in a veterinary facility. In addition, she is interested in everything related to the management of the veterinary facility, and will soon participate in the master vet “Practice Management” offered by Boehringer Ingelheim.
She states:
“I firmly believe that the figure of the Veterinary Technician is a point of reference in the relationship between veterinarian, client and patient. This is why I strive every day to make the experience of the owner and the animal the best possible.”
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