According to the American Humane Society, our feline companions go to the veterinarian about half as often as dogs. The number one reason for this? Owners say their cat hates going to the vet and they dread the drama. The result is that cats only get health care when they’re really sick. Often, their issues might have been avoided with preventive care.
There are some things you can do to make taking your cat to the vet easier on you and your pet. Some tips you might try are as follows:
- Take short practice car rides before the actual appointment, so they’re more familiar with the experience.
- Get your cat used to being handled and picked up with gentle head-to-tail holding, petting and touching.
- Leave the carrier out and open at home for your cat to smell and investigate. Try putting a favorite blanket or bed inside.
- Use pheromone sprays such as Feliway inside the carrier and on bedding.
- Put a towel over the carrier before going inside the vet clinic.
- If possible, schedule your appointment for less busy times at the hospital.
While it’s true that cats can be low-maintenance pets compared to dogs, they still need regular wellness care including exams, vaccines and preventive medications to stay healthy. So, how long has it been since your cat saw the vet? If it’s been over a year (or you can’t remember!) call us at (713) 999-6095 or make an appointment online.
