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.

Visiting the vet?

Veterinary visits don't have to be stressful for you or your cat. Happy visits to the vet start well before the big day. Ideally we should acclimatise our cats to carriers and cars while they are still kittens.
How can we minimise these stresses here and now though?

1. Ask reception to book you at a quiet time or when no dogs are around if possible

2. Socialise cats to the carrier and car:

• Leave the carrier out permanently in your home. Many cats will use it as a comfortable resting or hiding place or playaround it, particularly if it has been about since they were kittens

• Withhold food before travel to prevent travel sickness and consequent negative feelings about car rides

• Short practice rides in the car followed by a good experience such as a favourite food help some cats to relax about cars

3. Apply Feliway spray to bedding in the carrier regularly and just before transport. Feliway contains a natural pheromone that relaxes cats. Familiar clothing from a favourite person before a visit or hospital stay may also calm your cat

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

5. In the waiting room place the carrier up off the ground on a seat or bench and well away from dogs

The dreaded vet visit

Most cats would rather not visit the vet.  However, annual checks catch nasty conditions early and older cats with chronic issues need to visit much more often.

Carriers that I can lift the top off are ideal in the exam room because your cat can stay comfortably in his safe haven while I work around him.

Cats that use their carrier as an occasional bed or hidey hole at home seem most relaxed about being locked up in it for the car ride over.  Some people find short trial rides in the carrier and car reduce anxiety (and constant cries for help!) further.

I like to speak in a soft low voice to my patients as I examine them.  If you can remain calm and speak and move quietly too, your cat is more likely to stay relaxed.  Even the most laid back puss will gratefully receive gentle petting and massage in a stressful situation.