Taking your cat to the vet

All cats should have at least an annual veterinary check, but some will require more frequent visits. For many cats, a veterinary visit is a stressful experience. However, there is much we can do to reduce this stress.

By nature, cats are independent, territorial, need to be in control of their surroundings, and sensitive to different smells – all these things make veterinary visits stressful, for both you and your cat.

However, there are simple things that can make a big difference:

Transporting your cat to the Hospital

Make sure you use a good cat carrier. All Cats must be placed in a Cat carrier when visiting Midlands Veterinary Hospital.

• Never travel with the cat loose in the car – always use a sturdy and safe carrier.

• A carrier that opens at the top is much easier to use as the cat can be gently lifted in or out.

• Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel during the journey to keep the cat calm.

• Secure the carrier in the car in a footwell or on a seat (with a seatbelt) so it cannot move.

• Drive carefully and gently.

• Stay calm so the cat doesn’t pick up stress from you. Be reassuring and avoid loud noises.

• On arrival at the clinic, avoid rushing. Keep your cat in the carrier and hold it carefully – avoid swinging the carrier or banging it against objects or your legs.

Make sure there are familiar smells for the cat – use some or all of these tips:

• The cat will be less alarmed if the carrier smells familiar and reassuring.

• Put blankets/bedding in the carrier that the cat normally sleeps on or curls up on at home.

• Also, place an article of clothing belonging to the cat’s favourite person in the carrier.

• Spray the carrier with Feliway® (a calming synthetic cat scent or pheromone, which may be available from your vet), at least 15 minutes before putting your cat in it.

• If your cat panics at the sight of the carrier, keep calm. Keep the basket close, but out of sight. Wrap the cat in a thick towel/blanket that smells familiar. Put the cat and the towel into the carrier quickly but gently. A top-opening carrier makes this much easier.

• Take some spare bedding (smelling of home) in case the cat is sick or soils the carrier.

In the waiting room

At Midlands Veterinary Hospital we are passionate about keeping our feline friends calm. Please use our Kitty corner once checked in with reception.

• Please place your kitty up on the “cat parking signs or raised areas where the cat carrier can be placed above floor level while waiting..

• Please kindly cover your cat carrier with one of the blankets provided if it is not already covered.

• Talking in a quiet voice and with a reassuring tone.

Staying at the clinic

If your cat needs to stay at the Hospital. We are equipped with a cat only, temperature controlled Cat wnly Ward.

Taking your cat back home after a visit to the vet

Going home

When your cat goes back home after a stay with us:

• If it has had an anaesthetic that day, your cat may still be subdued and unsteady on its feet.

• Cats may be nervous and disorientated on returning home – talk to them and stroke or groom them gently, allowing them to initiate closer contact whenever they are ready, and use the synthetic cat pheromone Feliway® to add reassurance and security to the home.

• Try to prevent your cat from licking any wound or pulling any stitches present. If this happens, contact us and ask about a special soft collar for your cat to wear temporarily.

• Contact us if you have any concerns such as the wound looking red, swollen or discharging; or if you feel that your cat is not recovering well.

• Make sure any medication is given as instructed, and the full course is completed.

• Pain can be difficult to recognise in cats. Signs include loss of appetite, hiding or being withdrawn. If you have any cause for concern, contact us for advice.

• Provide a quiet, warm spot in the house for your cat to convalesce – with food, water and a litter tray (keeping the tray away from the food).

Re-introduction to other cats at home

Your cat will have picked up unfamiliar scents whilst at the clinic. This may be more pronounced if there has been an overnight or longer stay. These smells may provoke anxiety to any other cats in the home because they smell aversive and/or because they mask the cat’s natural scent thus making identification of the cat difficult. It is best to reintroduce the returning cat gently:

• Do not overwhelm the returning cat with attention from humans, other cats, or dogs.

• Make sure you are present to assess the response when the cats are re-introduced.

• Spray the areas of your home where the cats spend most of their time with the synthetic cat pheromone (scent) Feliway® Classic if this is available.

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