I usually recommend pawrents to bring their cats that are above 5 years old to the clinic for a yearly blood test. This is a good practice that ensures that you pick up any illnesses as soon as it appears and can treat it at an early stage. (Ensure that you have done regular vaccinations, an FIV / FELV test when you adopted the cat to manage your expectations on its health status).
Step 1:
Getting kitty into the carrier.
For some pawrents, this step can be a nightmare. Many cats associate the carrier with a bad experience, i.e. going to the vet with noisy animals, weird smells and needle pricks, followed by being forced to take pills.
How do we get Kitty over this? The solution is to correct his association of the carrier with a negative experience.
Firstly, do ensure that you purchase a good sized, comfortable carrier with room for standing, stretching out as your cat will spend a long time in the carrier once he goes in it.
Secondly, you can train him to enter the carrier by “hiding it in plain sight”. Aha!
Remove the cover and gate, or unzip it and place a fluffy towel, a small pillow and / or a favourite toy in, so that they use it just like any other lounger or bed and are not afraid or difficult to get into the carrier.
They may put up a firm NO stance in the beginning, but try to make the carrier a “fun” place, a positive place - you can try to play with him in the carrier, toss a toy in it and make him enter it as part of “play” or feed him treats in it.
Step 2:
Arrange for transportation in advance, if you do not drive.
Decide if you are accompanying your cat to his appointment and if you are unable to, we are also able to stay for the full consultation. However, you will need to be readily contactable on the phone should further tests / decisions to be made.
Book our pet transport in advance and try to avoid peak periods, so that your cat does not get stuck in a bad traffic jam, adding on to his anxiety.
If you choose to use a taxi or GrabPet, ensure your driver is aware that you have a cat in a carrier. It would also help if you pre-empt them if your cat is very vocal or has a tendency to soil during the process.
Always ensure you get a professional who knows how to handle a fragile carrier, if you are not accompanying your cat. I cannot stress this point enough - many cats have escaped a poorly secured carrier.
Step 3:
Once you put your cat into the carrier, ensure it is 100% safe for transport!
Double check the zips, the locks, the latches several times over. Personally, I always recommend a spring carrier, as the turned locks are very unreliable and may turn on its own as your cat struggles in the carrier.
Do NOT attempt to take your cat out of the carrier until the vet requires to see him and put him back in the carrier immediately, checking it is safe once again before leaving the consult room.
Do NOT attempt to carry him in or outside the clinic and do NOT open any of the zips or covers to slip a hand in.
Why?
The reason is animals have a fight or flight tendency - meaning, they may act out of the ordinary when in fear. Your cat may attempt to scratch or bite you, or squeeze out of the opening and run off.
It may seem pitiful to see them groveling and meowing in the carrier, but trust me, it is far better than them going missing.
Step 4:
If your cat is sick, or has a long term illness, be sure to pack a “go bag”.
Pack sufficient food, medication (bring an ice pack for medication that requires to be kept cold), a towel for the visit, in the event that he needs to be hospitalized, you won't waste a trip back home to get his stuff, or don't need to waste money for the clinic to dispense his regular meds for his stay, when you already have them at home.
Good luck!
© The Cat Whisperer Singapore
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