Choosing the right carrier

We like carriers with tops that unclip and lift off leaving your cat snuggled in the bottom.
This carrier is a cheap one from a reject shop and ideal for a trip to the vet (until the clips become brittle or break!)
We unclipped the top and examined a comfortable and relaxed FC in the bottom. When we were finished the top went on quickly and easily.
There are lots of versions of the same design around, some more robust than others. Steer clear of the ones that have a thousand screws or fiddly little clips.

Lex came in this strong but easy to dismantle - and reconstruct - carrier

Make vet visits easier

FC in for her annual checkup

Bringing your cat to the vet can be a stressful experience for you, your cat, the vet and the nurse.

Some cats yowl as soon as the car starts, others pee in the carrier every trip.

An upset cat is difficult for your vet to examine and stress skews some blood tests.

How do we make visits to the vet less stressful for all concerned?

Leave the carrier out permanently in your home.  Many cats will rest or hide in it or use it as a play thing, particularly if it has been about since they were kittens. Pop some treats in the carrier so that your cat associates it with a pleasant experience.

Apply Feliway spray to bedding in the carrier regularly and just before transport. Feliway contains a natural pheromone that relaxes cats.  Lining the carrier with a favourite person'sclothing may also calm your cat.

Withhold food before travel to prevent travel sickness and consequent negative feelings about car rides. Short practice rides followed by a good experience such as a favourite food help some cats to relax in the car.

Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket, or place one over the cat in the carrier so that she can hide if she needs to.

In the waiting room place the carrier up off the ground on a seat or bench and well away from other cats. If your cat is wide-eyed, trembling,or huddled at the back of the carrier ask the receptionist to put her in a spare quiet room.

Because cats hide illness and pain so well they need regular, scheduled visits to the vet to ferret out problems like arthritis, thyroid and kidney disease and liver and heart decline. Annual visits are adequate for cats less than 8 years old. Older cats need checks more often, especially if any problems have been identified.

Unfortunately, cats often don’t show us they’re sick until it’s almost too late.

Reducing the stress of vet visits means more frequent checkups and a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life for your feline friend.

Heading for 12th August!

The builders are installing the cupboards today. Soon the floor coverings will be down, the painting done and, yes, Daisy, Canberra Cat Vet will throw open its doors after 3 long years of planning!  
Who will be the first feline to check us out? Watch this space!
(and phone reception at Hall Vet Surgery on 6230 2223 if you have a 'poser' cat who would love to be the celebrated one!)

Always visible

Recovery ward in progress

At the new Canberra Cat Vet Hospital we will watch your cat every step of the way from sedation for a procedure until it's time to go home.
Behind the glass your cat is snug and private and does not see what is going on in the rest of the hospital - but we can see any sign of discomfort or anxiety and respond immediately.
The builders have installed our windows - next step the floor!

The Cat in the Hat...

How about this one???

The life of a cat

My three pusses flat out this winter day...

Week 3 at Canberra Cat Vet

Dr Kate inspects the new operating theatre

This corner will be our fully equipped laboratory

We can watch our patients at all times

Week 2 at Canberra Cat Vet

Dr Kate inspects Canberra Cat Vet's consultation room

The wall cladding goes on

Angry cat

Jacque soaking up the little Canberra sun we had this week

Jacque has a little trouble with anger management. When a stray cat wanders into his domain he gets very worked up.
If people appear when he is one of his tempers he may attack them, inflicting nasty scratches.
He displaces his anger with the cat onto people.
Fortunately his carers came and discussed the problem with us and we instituted some preventative strategies. He is now a lot more laid back - and less scarey to his human companions. 
Additionally they use Feliway to make him feel safer and more comfortable. Initially, we also gave him some drugs to help him manage his anger.
Everyone is much happier!

The walls go up

Consultation room 

 This week we can step out the rooms and marvel that soon we will have a lovely quiet hospital where cats can visit their vet or recuperate in comfort.
We are on the forefront of a new movement in veterinary hospitals. Although special cat hospitals have been open in Sydney and Melbourne for some decades, smaller cities like Canberra and Hobart have only just taken the plunge.

In the UK and USA where cats are the most popular pet (ahead of dogs!) cat hospitals are springing up in every city.

Surgery and Pharmacy