Vet visits are an essential part of maintaining your cat’s health, but many people report that taking their cat to the vet can be a daunting experience. In fact, according to the CATS Report 2024, 26% of owners find it so stressful that they do not visit the vets as often as they’d prefer.

A Cat’s dislike for the vet clinic is understandable, especially if we view the experience from their point of view. Cats are creatures of habit and can become easily stressed when faced with unfamiliar environments and experiences, and a trip to the vet is a heady combination of both.

• The journey alone, especially if it involves a car ride, can be stressful. The motion and sound of the car, combined with being confined within a carrier, can all contribute to a state of anxiety before you even arrive.
• The vet clinic, with its strange smells, sounds and sights, can be very unsettling for the average cat. It can trigger anxiety, making them more prone to stress-related behaviours such as hiding, meowing or even aggression. It is these responses that many owners find upsetting to witness.
• During examinations, cats often need to be handled and restrained, which can make them feel threatened and uncomfortable. Some vet procedures can be painful or uncomfortable, too, leading to negative associations with the vet.

So, what can be done to make the whole experience a more positive one?

1. Be calm

It’s worth remembering that cats are sensitive to their owners’ emotions. If you are anxious about the vet visit, your cat can pick up on this and start to become vigilant and stressed, sensing that something is about to happen. Try your best to act normally. Set yourselves up for a more positive experience by preparing for the trip beforehand as much as possible.

2. Find a cat-friendly vet

See if any local vets are signed up to the International Cat Care’s Cat Friendly Clinic scheme. These clinics are designed to make vet visits more cat-friendly. Within a Cat-Friendly Clinic, all staff, from receptionists to vets, are trained to understand the needs of cats.

3. Make the carrier their friend

Remove any fear of the carrier by leaving it out in your home with the door open so your cat can explore it at their own pace. Place treats, toys or bedding inside to make it a comfortable space. This helps your cat see the carrier as a safe place rather than a signal of an impending vet visit. On the day of the visit, covering the carrier with a towel can help your cat feel more secure by blocking out unfamiliar sights and stimuli. This can create a dark, quiet environment that feels safer for your cats,

To avoid your cat vomiting or toileting inside their cat carrier, limit the amount of food they eat for a couple of hours before the journey to the vets, unless you’ve been told otherwise by the vet. If they do have accidents, placing a blanket or towel inside the carrier will help soak up any mess. Take some spares with you so you can swap them over for the journey home. During the journey, speak to your cat in a soothing voice and avoid sudden movements that might startle them.

4. The waiting room

Make the waiting room a little less stressful by choosing a vet clinic with separate waiting areas for cats and dogs. The presence of barking dogs or other stressed animals can increase your cat’s anxiety. If possible, try to schedule your vet appointments during quieter times of the day to avoid long waits and a crowded clinic. Alternatively, call reception to let them know you’ll be waiting outside or in the car until the vet is ready to see your cat. Ask them to give you a call or to come and get you when it’s time to go in.

5. Take your time

Once inside the consulting room, don’t be in a rush to take your cat from their carrier. Wait until you have explained the reason for your visit to the vet and have answered any questions they may have. Once your vet is ready to examine your cat, open the carrier and allow your cat to come out in its own time. Don’t attempt to drag or tip it out. Top-opening carriers are ideal as you will be able to gently lift your cat out if necessary, or the vet may even be able to examine them while they stay in the bottom of the carrier.

Lead by example and stay calm and relaxed. Your cat can pick up on your emotions and looks to you for reassurance, so your calmness can help them feel more secure and help your cat feel at ease.

By understanding the reason behind your cat’s stress and implementing these strategies, you can help make vet visits a more positive experience for both you and your cat. With patience and preparation, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and secure during vet visits, ensuring their health and well-being are maintained with minimal stress.

Article taken from The Cat – Cats Protection magazine, Spring 2025.