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Even though cats are traditionally independent creatures, you are the most important person in your cat’s world. Next to you, the second most important person in a cat’s life is the veterinarian. These animal doctors have two major goals: to keep animals healthy for as long as they can and to care for them when they become ill. Pretty simple, right?
Keeping your cat healthy requires exercise, proper nutrition, and consistent medical care. Your veterinarian can help you with all three components of your cat’s healthy lifestyle. Since you and your cat will make many trips to the veterinary hospital over the years, it is best to start preparing your kitty for these visits as soon as possible.
To keep both you and your cat safe for the trip to the animal hospital, always place your kitty in a cat carrier. Select a carrier that can be opened from the top or from the front. Ideally, you should be able to remove the top half to allow easy access to your cat while maintaining his sense of safety in the bottom half. For cat owners who live within walking distance of the veterinary clinic, there are clever cat strollers with ventilated kitty carriers built in that make transportation easy and fun.
Cats like snuggly confined areas, so they learn to tolerate carriers easily when introduced properly. Cats prefer a carrier that smells familiar and reassuring. It is best to have the carrier out at all times so it becomes a place where your cat can sleep and eat on a regular basis. Line the carrier with a soft towel or your cat’s favorite blanket. Offer your cat yummy treats or toys in the carrier at home regularly to help your cat become more comfortable with the carrier.
>"It is best to have the carrier out at all times so it becomes a place where your cat can sleep and eat on a regular basis."
If your cat is still hesitant to breach the carrier’s door, gently nudge him inside from behind. If he resists, remove the top of the carrier, lie him down on the towel, and replace the top. Keep calm if your cat panics at the sight of the carrier, as he will detect your stress. Keep the carrier close, but out of your cat’s sight and wrap your cat in a thick towel or blanket that smells familiar. Put your cat and the towel into the carrier quickly but gently. You can spray this towel or blanket as well as your car with a calming synthetic pheromone (Feliway®) 15 minutes before your cat goes inside the carrier to help minimize stress.
When you schedule your appointment, ask your veterinarian or veterinary team about calming supplements or medications that can help your cat be more relaxed during the visit. Gabapentin is a commonly used medication and is proven to reduce stress levels in cats that visit the vet clinic. Even cats that appear calm can be internally anxious and, if not addressed, anxiety can increase with each visit, leading to your cat becoming aggressive as a means to escape, or your cat developing vomiting or diarrhea. These medications and supplements have minimal to no adverse effects and can result in a better experience for your cat.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 4, 2022.
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2801 Keele St. Unit #101 Downsview, ON M3M 2G6
Phone: 416- 633-2255
Fax: 416-633-2305
E-Mail: downsviewveterinary@bellnet.ca
Monday: 8:00am-6:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am-6:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am-6:00pm Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm Sunday/Long Weekends/Holidays: Closed
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