Your Cat's First Veterinary Hospital Visit
What do you need to know about your cat's first veterinary hospital visit? Before you leave for the appointment, take a look at the steps that can make this trip easier for everyone involved.
Choose a Comfortable Carrier
While it's tempting to let your cat roam free in the car, a loose cat is a dangerous one. The cat could climb into the driver's side seat, hide under your legs, or in some other way interfere with your ability to drive. This level of distraction puts you, your cat, and everyone on the road at risk.
Your cat's carrier should:
- Have multiple entrances. The more entrance ways a carrier has, the easier it is for you to get your cat in. These could include a front, back, or top entrance.
- Have a secure lock. Keep your cat safe, during the drive and as you wait for the vet visit with a secure carrier. Make sure the cat can't push or force the door open themselves with a test run at home.
- Have plenty of ventilation. Choose a carrier that has front, rear, and side ventilation. Your pet needs plenty of air flow and breathing room while in transit.
- Have enough space. Can your cat stand and turn around? If not, the carrier is too small.
It's normal for a cat to resist a carrier ride. Turn this into a positive experience and make the carrier an enjoyable place for your cat to stay. Open the carrier a few days before the vet visit, place toys inside, and let your furry friend get used to the space.
Take a Practice Ride
Is your cat new to the car? Don't wait until the day of the appointment for your pet's first ride. Reduce your pet's stress level with a pre-visit practice ride. Put your cat in their carrier and take them for a ride around the block. Gradually expand the duration of your pre-visit drives until you get to the full trip time.
Organize the Paperwork
Does your cat have existing adoption, vaccination, or other records? If so, organize these before you leave for the visit. A before-the-visit organizational strategy helps to streamline the appointment. With an organized folder or binder of documents in hand, you'll have more time during the visit to devote your cat.
Regular visits to the veterinarian hospital are necessary, for your cat to enjoy good health. Reduce stress, for both you and your cat, with a comfortable carrier choice, practice ride, and plenty of paperwork prep. For more tips on how to help your pet have the greatest possible experience, contact a resource like Sepulveda Animal Hospital.