Coming to the Hospital

Cats thrive on routine and familiar surroundings, so veterinary visits can be quite stressful for them.

To help ease their anxiety, consider these tips:

• Cat carriers are essential for safely transporting cats and minimising the risk of escape. To help your cat become comfortable with the carrier, place it in a visible location at home and leave treats inside to make it a more inviting space. Additionally, practice taking your cat on short car rides to reduce the association of car travel solely with veterinary visits.
• Ideally, use a top-opening carrier, as they make it easier to place your cat inside. Carriers that open both at the side and the top are also highly recommended. Good quality, affordable options are available online.
• The carrier should be secured in the car with a seatbelt to prevent it from sliding around.
• Cover the carrier with a towel to reduce your cat’s visibility of the outside world and help them feel more secure.
• Feliway spray has been shown to help reduce anxiety in some cats, and we use it throughout the hospital in both spray and diffuser forms. Spraying the inside of the carrier 30 to 60 minutes before travel may also help. Feliway is available at most pet shops.
• If your cat has been prescribed gabapentin to reduce anxiety, it should be given two hours before travel. Remember that this medication is a sedative, so your cat may be quieter than usual and a bit groggy. Zylkene is a non-drowsy alternative.
• Please explore our videos on recommended carriers and tips for placing your cat inside one.