How we care for CATS

Things we do daily to help make your cats visit less stressful

It is a well known statistic that cats visit the veterinary clinic much less often than dogs. This reduction in veterinary care can be especially detrimental to cats, who instinctively hide their diseases for as long as possible. For example, senior cats are predisposed to chronic, insidious diseases like hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease which may not show overt signs until they are quite advanced. A good basic exam is an excellent way to catch small changes that may mean big problems. An examination is recommended twice a year for seniors (usually defined as cats over 11 years of age) and once a year for everyone else.

When surveyed as to WHY owners take their cats to the vet less often, one of the top responses was the stress associated with doing so. With this in mind, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some tips and tricks to make your cat’s vet visit a little easier.

What to Know Before You Go

·         Use a cat carrier...

Any cat, but especially a stressed cat can be hard to handle. Literally, we mean they can be hard to keep ahold of! Utilizing a carrier to transport them to and from the clinic can make this easier on everyone, your cat included. If used properly, the carrier can be a reassuring space for your cat which allows easy transport and sense of security for them.

·         ...and help your cat love it!

Where most people go wrong is either not using a carrier at all or not familiarizing their cat with the carrier before visits. We can make the carrier a positive space for your cat by making it familiar and building positive associations (a process called “desensitizing”).

 How does that work, you might ask? At a minimum, bring the carrier out a few days before your cat’s visit so they get used to seeing/smelling it. If your carrier is dirty, clean it at least one day before use so the chemical residues and smells have time to dissipate. You can build positive associations with your cat and the carrier by feeding him or her their meals or treats in the carrier. Check out this short video for more tips!

·         Desensitize your cat to car rides.

Another common issue is the car ride. Step one of an easy car ride with your cat is to use a carrier (are we a broken record yet?). Step two is to get them used to car rides, if possible. Running to the store or doing another short errand? Up for taking a quick “Sunday drive”? Take your cat with you, so they learn that being in the car is nothing to be scared of.

·         Consider the use of pheromone sprays.

We use and recommend Feliway pheromone sprays such as Feliway Classic, which is a feline “happy” pheromone. Pheromones are chemical messages put off by the body and although this may sound like “snake oil” they really do work! You know how cats rub their faces/whiskers on things? They’re transferring pheromones.

 For stressed cats traveling or in the clinic, Feliway Classic is our go-to. There are also several other Feliway sprays for various purposes, and even some for dogs! You can learn more about their products and how to purchase them by visiting https://www.feliway.com/us. We also carry Feliway Classic in clinic. It can be used to spray the cat carrier or blankets in the carrier prior to transport to help ease a cat’s anxiety. You may see us use it in clinic as well - spraying towels, surfaces, and even ourselves!

·         Consider use of prescription medications.

Sometimes, we can do everything right and it still is just not enough. In these instances, prescription medications may be necessary to help ease the stress of transport and/or veterinary visits for a cat. This is ok! We have safe options available for use which make it possible for your cat to receive the care he or she needs without causing undue stress to them or others. If you have questions about this, please do not hesitate to call!

“But what about in the clinic? My cat is a terror!”

 So you’ve made it to the clinic without any fireworks, but as your cat sits growling in the carrier you’re thinking, “Good luck.” These situations happen, and we want you to know foremost that it’s ok! We still want to see your cat! We handle stressed and grumpy animals on a daily basis. We have staff members trained in low-stress handling techniques to help with cats especially. We also have a variety of safety aids, special techniques, and products like Feliway to help. Worst case scenario, we can talk about options such as sedation or prescription meds as discussed above. We’re here to help!

 Any other options?

 Yes! Finally, we have the option of coming to you! That’s right, we do house calls, which can be especially helpful for cats. You can call to arrange this any time of year. There is an added fee for us to come to you, which depends on distance. Every June, we also have “Cat Day”, where one of our doctors spend all day doing nothing but house calls for cats. Last year, we saw cats from Helmville to Anaconda. Call to get your feline friend on the schedule!

Remember, cats need veterinary care just like dogs - sometimes even more so! As always, don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.