Making Your Cat’s Veterinary Visit Less Stressful 🐱

A trip to the veterinary clinic doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for your cat. With a little preparation at home, you can make the journey more comfortable and help your cat feel safer from the moment they leave the house.
Start with the carrier at home

For many cats, the carrier only appears when it is time to visit the vet. Instead, leave the carrier somewhere your cat can explore in their own time. Add familiar bedding, treats or toys so the carrier becomes a comfortable, positive place rather than a signal that something scary is about to happen.

A sturdy, secure plastic carrier is recommended. Ideally, choose one that opens from the top or has a removable top, as this can make it easier for your veterinary team to examine your cat gently.

Try to avoid:

- Backpack carriers. They have limited space, create unsteady movement, leave the cat exposed and have poor ventilation.

- Fabric carriers: They are hard to clean and can collapse when opened causing destress.

- Tethered harnesses: These are not a safe means of transport.

Make the journey feel familiar

Place a soft blanket or bedding that smells like home inside the carrier. A familiar-smelling towel can also be draped over the carrier during travel to help your cat feel more secure.

Some cat owners may choose to use a synthetic feline pheromone spray (e.g. Feliway) in the carrier before travelling. If you do, follow the product instructions and allow the recommended time before placing your cat inside.

When carrying the carrier, support it from underneath rather than swinging it by the handle. Keeping it level and minimising movement can make the journey more comfortable for your cat.

🚗 Keep things calm at the clinic

If possible, keep your cat's carrier covered and place it somewhere secure and elevated rather than directly on the floor. A quiet, separate cat waiting area can also help reduce exposure to unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells.

💕 Let your cat set the pace

Once you arrive in the consultation room, give your cat time to settle. A cat-friendly veterinary team will use gentle handling and allow the cat to become comfortable before proceeding wherever possible. If you're unsure about anything during the visit—including medications or aftercare—ask your veterinary team to explain or demonstrate it.

A little preparation can make a big difference. By making the carrier familiar, keeping the journey calm and choosing a veterinary clinic that understands feline needs, you can help make veterinary visits a more positive experience for both you and your cat.

For more information, see the International Cat Care/ISFM guide, “Taking your cat to the veterinary clinic”.

https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-taking-your-cat-to-the-veterinary-clinic-.pdf