Contributing writer

By Ingrid King*

Most cats hate going to the vet. What’s to like? They’ll get stuck in a carrier, then they’ll get poked and prodded and stuck with needles. Taking a cat to the vet can also be stressful for the owner — none of us want our kitties to be scared and upset.

Phoenix in her cat stroller. Click on the picture to buy this product at Amazon.com for $59.99. (Daniela Caride photo)

The ideal solution is a vet who makes house calls (to find one in your area, visit the American Association of Housecall and Mobile Veterinarians). If that’s not an option, make sure that the vet you take your cat to is cat friendly.

You can try to make the trip to the vet’s office less stressful by following these tips:

• Make sure the carrier is big enough for your cat. He has to be able to stand up and turn around. Double-door carriers that allow access from the front and the top make getting your cat in and out of it easier than carriers that only open in the front.

• Get your cat used to the carrier. Keep the carrier out and open in a place where your cat can easily access it. Some cats will actually like to use it as a sleeping place.

• Get your cat used to car travel. If feasible, take your cat on short rides in the car and offer rewards after the trip. This may help create a positive association with travel and, that way, your cat won’t expect a vet visit at the end of each trip.

• Use a calming/pheromone spray such as Comfort Zone with Feliway in the carrier on a regular basis and prior to placing kitty in it for transport.

• Withhold food prior to transport. This may help prevent motion sickness and make cats more receptive to treats at the vet’s office, thus creating a more positive association.

• Put a piece of clothing with your scent in the carrier before going to the vet. The familiar scent may help comfort your cat.

• Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel while in the car. This may make your cat feel safer during transport.

Unfortunately, unless you have a very mellow cat, he may still hold a grudge for a little while after returning from one of these outings. Thankfully, our cats do forgive us quickly and all is forgotten — until the next vet visit!

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* Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager turned writer. She publishes the e-zine “News for You and Your Pet,” covering topics ranging from conscious living to holistic and alternative health, and runs a blog called The Conscious Cat. She lives in Northern Virginia with her tortoiseshell cat, Amber.

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