Most cats who dread the clinic aren’t afraid of us. They’re afraid of the carrier, the car and the unfamiliar smells, in that order. The good news is that all three can be practiced at home.
Make the carrier part of the furniture
Leave the carrier out in a room your cat already likes, door open, with a worn t-shirt inside. Toss treats into it a few times a day. Within two or three weeks most cats nap in it on their own.
Practice short, boring car rides
- Start with five minutes around the block, then home and a treat.
- Cover the carrier with a light towel so the world feels smaller.
- Keep the radio low and the windows closed.
Our cat Pepper used to hide for a day after every visit. After a month of carrier practice she walked out and sniffed the nurse.
Leah, with Pepper
Tell us what worries your cat
When you book, mention anything that sets your cat off: being held, other animals, loud voices. We’ll use the quiet cat room, skip the waiting area and plan the exam around what your cat can handle that day.
