How To Make Your First Vet Trip Easy On Your Cat

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

If you have a cat at home, then you already know how difficult it can be to try and get them in the car to go anywhere, let alone to go the vet. But what if we told you that it doesn't actually have to be hard? That's right! As long as you know how to properly handle your cat and prepare them for their visit, you'll find that bringing them in for a check-up or procedure isn't so bad after all.

For those of you who recently brought a new cat into your home, read on to learn how to make their first trip to the vet an easy one.

Introduce your cat to their carrier: Your cat should be comfortable on the car ride to and from the vet, so make sure that their first visit isn't also the first time they're placed in a carrier. If it is, they could experience some additional unwanted stress! Once you make an appointment with the vet, start encouraging your cat to use the carrier as a place to nap or spend some of his/her free time so that it becomes associated with pleasurable activities.

Take short drives around town: Although there are some cats who will just never be a fan of the car, you can help them get used to the idea of it by taking yours on short trips around town every once and a while. Even if you only drive around the block for your first few trips, just having your cat in the car for a few minutes will help them become more comfortable with the idea of driving.

Pack toys and treats: You probably don't enjoy the feeling of being poked and prodded at the doctor, so it's no surprise that cats feel the same way too. But since your vet will need to handle your cat for a bit to ensure it's in good health, it's always helpful if you bring one of their favorite toys and a treat or two that you can use to take their mind off of what's really happening.

At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, our veterinarians understand that a pet's first visit to the doctor can be difficult - that's why we'll provide only the best care and do everything we can to help keep them calm! To schedule an appointment for their first exam (FREE for new clients!), contact us at (908) 464-0023 today.