Hardly a routine trip to the vet! But Dexter and I are working on some techniques to conquer his phobia and make his vet visits go more smoothly.
Retain your Zen-ness
Cats are very sensitive and intuitive, with long memories. Your cat knows when you’re about to head out the door, or when you’re planning to hunt him down. Act as normally as possible, for as long as you can.
Try not to traumatize your cat as you track its manoeuvres. (Dexter tends to traumatize me, but that’s another story!)
The dreaded cat carrier
Don’t hide the carrier in a closet, bringing it out only when it’s time to go to the vet. The carrier then becomes associated with a negative experience. Leave the carrier out in the open. Your cat will be used to seeing it around the house, and even come to think of it as a safe haven where he can retreat for a little peace and quiet. (I’ve discovered Dexter curled up in his little den at various times of the day!)
Place a blanket or old T-shirt – anything that smells like home – in the carrier to relax your cat.
Cats appear to relax when they think they’re hiding, and appreciate the darkness. Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket while in the car and at the vet clinic. This also helps buffer any unfamiliar noises or odours that may be stressful.
Put a few toys, maybe a treat or two, in the carrier.
Bar the escape hatch
Try to cut off your cat’s escape routes by cornering him in a small room with few hiding spaces. Avoid rooms where he can hide behind, or under, furniture, making his capture almost impossible.
Here kitty, kitty
Coax your cat to enter his carrier on his own initiative. It’s challenging but this way your cat won’t feel forcibly confined. Close the door calmly and gently.
Final destination achieved
You’ve arrived at the clinic. Sit away from dogs – especially the more active ones. If the office seems busy, ask if there’s another room where you can wait.
Foiled again
Oh no! Dexter just spied the carrier. I’ve searched high and low, but he’s vanished into thin air. Time to cancel another appointment – remember… I did say we were working on it.