How to Take Your Cat to the Vet (the Stress Free Way!) - Cat Health Vet Advice

[@OurPetsHealth]

What's your cat like going to the vet? Do you do anything to help them cope better?

[@greenbeans123]

howdy

[@yvecruz2938]

Question: I have an 8 yr old feral cat who I rescued from the streets of Los Angeles when she was 18 months old. Its quite a challenge and frustration to catch her to get her to her annual dental appts. I have tried so many strategies but she is quite smart and hides under the bed which then I have to cancel her appts. :( I have tried TNR'ing her, no luck, I lure her with Churu treats, Temptation treats and even sprinkle Cat Nip in the carrier, she's not having it. Please suggest other methods of catching her to take her to her annual visits to the Vet.

[@Kentama]

A few thing's that I've found helpful for making it easier to get a cat into a carrier: + Get a carrier that has a door on the top, so that you can lower the cat into the carrier + Swaddle your cat in two towels (one snugly around it's front and back below the neck, and then one draped loosely over the head) and then gently place your entire cat "burrito" into the carrier. I've found that cats are much more open to being wrapped in towels and won't struggle when they can't see where they're going (they can get scared when they see they're being forced into a small enclosed area like a cat carrier), and it can make the whole ordeal a LOT easier and safer for everyone.

[@OurPetsHealth]

I definitely find the top opening cages easier to get cats into and out of as well. They are a good option if you are not going to feed your cat in their cage as a way of getting them used to it. You could instead try and make their top-opening cage into their bed so they are happy to jump into it any time. A cat burrito is also a good way to help medicate a cat - I'm planning a vid on this soon. Thanks for sharing!

[@Cenycee]

My kitty became aggressive towards me and I tried to take her to the vet. She scratched and spit at me. I had to cancel the appointment. I asked if they could give her medication, I was told they had to examine her first. I just cried. I'm going to try again this week. I may have to take the anxiety medication!

[@yvecruz2938]

Find a different Vet. I had the same problem with my cat Bella, she is very difficult to catch for her visit to the Vet, my Vet gave me a Rx to sedate her prior to her appts., the medication is called Gabapentin, give the night before and morning of the Vet visit, I understand your plight, its not only stressful for the cat but more so for the cat owner as we try many strategies in getting our cats to the Vet to maintain good health without being bitten and scratched.

[@orinocowomble]

@@yvecruz2938 Finding a different vet ... easier said than done. There's often not much choice, finding a vet who is sensitive to anxious pets. On the contrary: I often felt treated by vets like an idiot who does not get anything right. They didn't even try to help me solve my problems. Just vanilla treatment ... "Next!".

[@coolcat6708]

The day we got our cat carrier we put a blanket and some treats in there and our cat loved it, later on he was just willingly going in the carrier and taking a nap

[@OurPetsHealth]

great job!

[@pinkiepiiieee]

man I'm so happy my cat likes her cage like i just pick it up tap on the cage and she comes it, we got her when she was just 3 months old and i usually pick her up while she's in boxes so i think that helped her trust me, shes such a good kitty

[@szabina.a.m-k]

Thank you! I found 3 tips really useful! I don’t have a car so we used to walk to the veterinarian . She never wanted to eat in the carrier doesn’t matter what kind of carrier was it… but as I said the other tips was really useful! 😊

[@massagebroad]

My cat is good ANYWHERE but at the Vet's office. He's great in the car, I can even let him out of his carrier on longer car rides but when he gets in the office itself and handled by the Vet he loses it.

[@twokars]

Thanks for the tips! I am taking both of my kittens to get spayed tomorrow So, This helps a lot thanks!

[@Langkowski]

My mother adopted an adult stray cat about eight months ago, and I have no idea how to get it to the vet. He is terrified just seeing someone carrying a purse, an indoor watering can or a bag. It doesn't take much to scare him, even if it is not as bad as when he first moved in, when he was scared of pretty much everything and everyone. Seeing a stranger for the first time still makes him run away. Even using a thick bubble jacket because it is cold outside instead of the usual and lot thinner jacket makes him nervous. So getting him used to a cage, a car and the vet will take a long time and a lot of effort, which is probably why my mother will continue to procrastinating it for as long as possible. It would have been a lot easier if vets did home visits, but sadly they don't (at least not where I live).

[@OurPetsHealth]

Start working on these steps very slowly now. Also something like gabapentin may make a huge difference. Certainly something to talk to your vet about. Some areas have vets that do nothing but home visits so worth asking if there is one in your area. Good luck

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

IT HONESTLY SOUNDS AS IF, HE PERHAPS, AS WAS MINE AS A POOR HELPLESS BABY KITTEN, WAS TORTURED!? MINE WAS, BY DRUGGIES BUT, NOW SHE'S LIVING HIGH ON THE HOG IF YOU WILL BUT, ASK YOUR VET FOR, "GABAPENTIN", AND MAKE DARN CERTAIN, YOU GIVE IT TO HIM/HER, AT LEAST, 2 HOURS B4 YOU ATTEMPT THIS BCUZ REMEMBER, THEY'LL BITE ANY HAND AND, WHEN THEY'RE DRUGGED, IT'S AS IF THEY'RE INJURED THUS, THEY'RE FAR MORE DANGEROUS SO, WEAR GOOD WORK GLOVES!! MARK MY WORDS, THE POOR THING MAY'VE BEEN TEASED, TORTURED BY IDIOTS, IT'S A FABULOUS WORLD JUST A FEW LOSERS IN IT!! MAY GOD BLESS YOU N YOUR KITTY✌️♥️🗽🇺🇸😻🙏🤷🏼‍♂️

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

@@OurPetsHealth GABAPENTIN, DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR MINE BUT BTW, WAS GIVEN TO ME FOR ECRUCIATING NECK, SPINE N LOW BACK PAIN BUT, HONESTLY, WAS OF NO USE, "IN MY PARTICULAR CASE", ALTHOUGH I'M CERTAIN IT IS FOR MANY OTHER AND, I WAS MAXING OUT DOSAGE, UNDER DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION SO, CEASED THAT N FINALLY THANK GOD, DISCOVERED I'VE A DISEASE, INHERITED IN MY GENES SOOI, THEY STOPPED SAYING I WAS A, HYPOCHONDRIAC AND, FELT REALLY TERRIBLY BAD BCUZ, I WAVY LYING N THEY WEREN'T LOOKING HARD ENOUGH!!! ANYWAY, IF THESE CATS ARE THIS BAD, WHY HAVEN'T LIKE SAY, KANSAS STATE, A FABULOUS COLLEGIATE SCHOOL FOR VETERINARIANS, FIGURED OUT, A SIMPLER, EASIER WAY, FOR US CAT PARENTS, AND I ASK WITH ALL DUE DIGNITY AND RESPECT BUT, "HELP"!!!!??🐈‍⬛🐈😿✌️❤🗽🇺🇸🙏

[@KMART_ENTHUSIAST]

I had a black cat come by and she might have fleas and my parents were thinking about taking her to the vet

[@am-cw3rt]

I'm planning to bring my 1 yr old stray cat to the vet too because she's not eating very well and peeing small amounts. Can i ask if it is ok to put her in the cage with a harness/leash? It's her first time going outside I'm worried that she'll breakout from the cage because I'll be commuting on the way to the vet. Please help me

[@johnmiller6624]

Very informative!

[@Pakasorn_-bff]

I love cat

[@user-ph8id4rh4n]

It’s pretty easy to get my cat in the carrier cause she just goes right in And sleeps there but since she has never been to the vet before I just practice picking her up In the carrier But when i close the carrier And puck it up To see how she will react she starts Scratching The carrier and trying to get her way out And starts crying very loud and I need to know what i can do to fix that cause i’m going to get her Groomed Soon.

[@debbieshomes6984]

I would pur a towel over the carrier, it reduces the stress

[@4yl1nn15]

Thats my problem too 20 min ago I took my cat to the vet my cat was super stressed they even got the doctor that my cat didn't let them do her nail so ill try doing her nails at home i hope I dont get killed by him

[@greenbeans123]

My family has never taken my cat to the vet before. (we got her from other people, she had shots before she came) Since there is covid, people cant go inside the building. i hope my cat is a good sport

[@OurPetsHealth]

I hope she copes OK

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

STILL NEED FOLLOW UP VACCINES DOWN THE ROAD!!

[@greenbeans123]

@@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842 she hasnt gotten autism or died so there you go

[@danitae9704]

My cat sometimes sleeps in.her carrier and it has been like this for 3 years but this time I will take her to the vet for the first time since 3 years. so to take her to the vet, I bought a new carrier to use. But now after your video I realize that I should take her in the carrier that she loves, right? Cause she is not used and even doesn't know the new one. Right?

[@OurPetsHealth]

Absolutely right! Use the old carrier

[@danitae9704]

@@OurPetsHealth Thank you so much

[@kenzotenma3812]

I can't take my cat to the vet, I tried twice but failed because she got too scared to the point where she began uncontrollably shaking and fainted off inside the cage her mouth was drooling and her eyes were tearing too so I took her back home quickly and she recovered within a few mins. What can I do? I need to get her spayed but at this point I cannot.

[@OurPetsHealth]

talk to your vet about giving her something at home to help her relax before traveling

[@Rob-pz5lf]

@@OurPetsHealth Any advice on how to give the small pill to my kitty? I have the treats with the pocket, but won’t know if that will work for him until 3 hours before the appointment. I’m afraid he will notice the pill and then spit it out. Thanks so much!

[@adukecalleja154]

I have 2 kittens 7months old and I have already cancelled 2 vet appointments because I couldn't catch them. I tried to hide gabapentin in easy swallow treats and soft wet food and they sniffed it out and didn't eat it. is there anything (medicine) that could be given in food the night before. I am not trying to take the easy way out, but I really want to take them to the vet. they need their 2nd vaccine and we need to discuss their neutering procedure too. Please help

[@uhavemooface]

Not all cats are the same. We just took our cat to the vet this morning and she was just fine with everything all though going back home she cried a bit because of wanting out of the carrier. We need to buy a new carrier soon. The one we have sucks and is missing a couple of parts. Great video but I would say it depends on the cat.

[@OurPetsHealth]

Absolutely! If a cat is introduced to a car, travel, and their cage gradually and is reinforced with positive experiences then they can love a trip anywhere. And if they are relaxed when they arrive and are handled gently then they can love going to the vet clinic! Sounds like you've done a great job!

[@superduperboyx]

Thanks. What about them having to pee/poo? Should I be concerned to take them to the vet after they've relieved themselves? How do I know that they wouldn't need to go before I the cat into the carrier?

[@OurPetsHealth]

Great question! I'm afraid there is no way of really knowing if they need to go, and there is a chance they could toilet in the cage but your vet will be able to clean it so that the return trip is OK. Most cats will only toilet in their cage if they are scared though so by working through these steps you should hopefully reduce the risk of this

[@superduperboyx]

@@OurPetsHealth thanks. So i guess that saying.. if you gotta go, you gotta go.

[@debbieshomes6984]

@@OurPetsHealth I put a puppy pad in there and a nice soft towe to lay on, but did have trouble recently in taking my sick cat to the vet. My friend suggested put in butt first into a hard carrier. I didn't know exactly how to do this, till I just saw a video today. My cat & I were both stressed out. I wish now I had rescheduled my appt bc at the vet (during Covid, I cannot go into the waiting room.or exam room). My vet tried to get out urine for urinalysis but in doing so, my poor cat had labored breathing & needed oxygen. Vet saif he was better, then "progressively declined", then became unresponsive & comatose. I mean, he was sick, but not "That Sick" & my cat Summer passed away shorty after. Its 4 weeks today. Still cannot believe it. Vet found an abdominal mass & kidney were not right. "Summer" was good on the exam & blood test, but was stressing out in taking xrays & went downhill with extracting urine. Summer was only 5yr 8mos. Indoor only. Fed quality wet & dry food. More dry than wet, but still incorporate wet food abt 2 times a week. I dont know why he had the mass, nor abt his kidneys. Many unanswered questions. Would u by any chance know? Could the mass be from Pinesol poisoning? The first symptoms were a bad cough with no vomit. My cat would also be laying down resting & all of sudden start coughing. When he did this sounded like he couldn't breathe, was scary. He only coughed alittle bit. He was losing weight & wasnt eating much, then decided have to take him in to be checked out. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank u 😢😢😢

[@chris123chris82]

This cat is scared of everything and has never really been outdoors. What do I do to get him to a vet????? And what if he attacks the vet and I can’t get him back in the carrier...?

[@OurPetsHealth]

Don't worry about your vet, they will be able to handle your cat appropriately and will be able to put him back in the carrier for you. This video should help give you some strategies to help get him to the vet in the first place. You could also let your vet know ahead of time so they can better help you both

[@dunyadulaimi2061]

Today I took my 5 years old cat to the vet & she was really aggressive she attacked the doctor so 3 people were holding her to take the vaccine. She attacked him just by petting her , I have pills for adjusting behavior n I asked the veterinarian so he told I can give it to her before going there . Please recommend me any other solution because my cat is having some stress issues 😔😔😔

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

YOU'VE GOT TO GET THAT MEDICATION INTO HER, AT LEAST, 2 HOURS B4 HAND AND, THE VET IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE, FALCONER LONG ARMED GLOVES, THAT ARE PUNCTURE PROOF FROM FALCONS TALONS!! GOD BLESS YOU N KITTY✌️♥️🗽🇺🇸😻🙏🤷🏼‍♂️

[@yvecruz2938]

How do you manage to catch an aggressive cat w/o being bitten or scratched to be placed in the carrier? My Vet. prescribed sedation called Gabapentin to be given the night before and morning of the appt.

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

@Evie Cruz WHY WOULD YOU EVEN DESIRE TO HAVE SUCH A MANIAC FELINE, THAT'LL MOST LIKELY, NEVER CHANGE PLUS, THRILL STILL CHARGE YOU FULL FEE SO, WHAT'S THE POINT??! MINE, WAS NO ISSUE GETTING HER IN THE CARRIER BUT RATHER, ONCE AT THE VETS!! SAVE YOU BOTH THE STRESS N HEARTACHE, THEY'D JUST FAR TOO DAM MANY LOVING CATS DYING TO BE ADOPTED, THAT WONT GO TASMANIAN DEVIL!! ✌️❤🗽🇺🇸🙏GOD BLESS YOU N KITTY!

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

@Evie Cruz TELL HIM OR HER, A GREAT CANINE JOKE??!😉🤭🤣OK I DESERVE WHAT BEATINGS I GET BUT, I'M TRYING TO LIGHTEN THE MOOD BCUZ, CATS ARE 10 TIMES MEANER THAN DOGS, AGREED???

[@yvecruz2938]

@@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842 I RESCUED her from the streets of LA (I guess you didn't read that part!), that was my desire. I had no clue what was to come down the road as she got older, such as catching her to take her to her Vet visits. Other than when its time to go to the Vet, she is loving to me. SO she's not a Tasmanian Devil Possessed Cat. I have 2 other cats also that I have rescued and adopted and they give me no problems whatsoever from catching them to the end of the Vet visits. What do you supposed I do Davey, cut her loose or re-home, HELL NO!. I have a heart, love and patience with my felines, Bella is just different and I certainly didn't get any positive feedback or tips regarding this matter from you. In the future if you're going to judge someone, make ludicrous comments, it best you keep them to yourself. Peace

[@leticiabromley9526]

What if kitty is not feeling good, something's not right? (Not just taking her for a regular check-up, but for a possible illness?).

[@OurPetsHealth]

some of these tips will help just as much in the short term and then you can start working on the others once she is better

[@libbie7777]

Gabapenten?

[@smoothcoder1]

Gabapentin

[@yvecruz2938]

My Vet gave me Gabapentin to chill my one of my cats prior to Vet visits.

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

WHAT ABOUT DRIVING WITH MY 2 YEARS YOUNG BUDDIES 🐈‍⬛🐈, 1,500 MILES IN CARRIERS BUT, I'VE NO CHOICE🤷🏼‍♂️AND, I'M NOT ABOUT TO LEAVE THEM BEHIND!! ONE WAS A RESCUE ABUSED FROM DRUGGIES N, I DIDN'T THINK SHE'D LIVE BUT, THANK GOD SHE DID POOR SERIOUSLY FRIGHTENED OF EVEN ME UNTIL, MY OTHER RESCUE FROM, TIJUANA, MEXICO, BRUTAS R BEEFCAKES ENTERED THE PICTURE AND, SHE FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT, DADDY KITTY LOVED KITTIES ESPECIALLY HIS 2, NOW, HER DIARRHEA STOPPED, SHE'S CALMED WAY DOWN, GAINED WEIGHT AND FOLLOWS ME LIKE A PUPPY, MINGSU 🐈‍⬛THE WUSSIAN BLUE & BRUTAS R BEEFCAKES🐈 SOOO, WE'VE AN INCREDIBLY SPECIAL BOND OH, BRUTAS GROWLS WHEN HE'S DONE BEING PETTED N ADMIRED TOO BTW🤭😹🐈🐈‍⬛😻

[@kyle-carpio]

What happen if taking my cat when in the Bus? What happen if my Cat is more outdoors?

[@OurPetsHealth]

All these tips will still help although it will be harder to get them used to being on a bus