Avoid Your Kitty's 'Pre-Vet Scaries' Ahead of 'National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day' with These Tricks

As a devoted cat mom to three fur babies, I have two who have no trouble with vet visits. In fact, they treat it like a fun outing, eagerly soaking up attention, scratches, and treats.

However, my third cat despises every part of the vet visit, from being placed in the carrier and the short drive to the clinic, to the unfamiliar sounds and smells of the waiting room, to hearing dogs barking in examination rooms,  and finally, the exam itself. This poor baby is very vocal about how unhappy he is to be there.

Well, in honor of ‘National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day’ on Aug. 22, Royal Canin, a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in pet health nutrition, is sharing tips to help combat these “pre-vet scaries” while reminding cat owners about the importance of annual visits, no matter how difficult getting there may be.

There are more than 90 million cats in U.S. households, yet less than half receive a yearly veterinary exam. 60% of cat owners say that they don't take their cat to the vet unless they notice something is wrong. However, cats often hide signs of pain and illness which makes it difficult to see when they need help. Although cats can seem healthy, they need regular veterinarian visits to keep their health in check and it’s up to pet parents to be their advocates.

Royal Canin understands that going to the vet might not be the easiest task. Whether the “scaries” include the unfamiliar cat carrier, the car ride that feels more like a never-ending road trip or the noisy waiting room, the process can be daunting from start to finish. Royal Canin offers helpful tips to help prevent these “pre-vet scaries”:

A familiar carrier is key

Using a cat carrier on the journey to the vet is the best way to ensure your cat feels most secure. While your cat’s carrier may not be their best friend, it’s important to familiarize them with their carrier before the vet visit. Keeping the carrier in your living space where your cat feels comfortable exploring it regularly is a great way to ease them into the idea of travel.

Feline pheromones are your friends

Try spraying pheromone spray in your cat's carrier, on a favorite blanket and in the car around 30 minutes before leaving for the vet appointment. Pheromone smells can help calm nervous cats because the spray mimics natural calming pheromones. Just remember to let the carrier dry before the cat goes in.

Practice makes perfect

The more your cat practices traveling, the more familiar it will become. Take practice drives to show them the car isn’t a scary place. Prepare the car by adjusting the temperature, depending on the weather. Listening to soothing music on the drives will make the ride more enjoyable – also, packing their favorite treats and toys won’t hurt either!

*Ed. note, the above video shows my Maine Coon Meatball. When we arrive at the vet we usually take him out of his carrier and let him look out the window and get some affection before his appointment which usually makes him calmer and happier before we enter the office.

Schedule during slower hours or consider a cat-friendly vet

Vet offices can be busy, so it’s best to schedule an appointment during slower hours to keep the waiting room as empty as possible. If the waiting room is busy, let the veterinarian office know in advance you’d like to wait in the car with your cat until the appointment starts.

Keep calm and carry on

When you feel stressed, cats can sense negative energy, too. Leave for the vet appointment with plenty of time to spare to avoid the rush. Have patience and speak to your cat in a calm, soothing voice to help deescalate their mood. This will make for a better trip for both you and your cat.

“As we live our purpose to make ‘A Better World for Pets’, Royal Canin is reminding cat owners that, while your cat may seem healthy, they do a great job of hiding illnesses as a protection instinct,” said Racquel White, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin North America. “Cats need us just as much as we need them, which is why we honor ‘National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day’ annually to encourage all cat owners to schedule their annual appointment.”

To learn more about Royal Canin's initiative to promote annual vet visits and to download a guided checklist for an upcoming vet appointment visit their website here .