Congratulations! Being a cat parent can be a very rewarding experience. But like any other human-pet relationship, it’ s not all rainbows and glitter. Your pet’s health care, for example, can be very confusing at first. Cats are generally independent by nature, but even the most independent cat needs professional care. This is not just limited to when your cat is sick.
You also need to take care of their vaccinations, dental care, coat care etc. to ensure a healthy cat. The first visit to the vet can be one of the most stressful times for both you and your cat. You do not have to worry! Fortunately, we have put together a list of tips that you should follow when the vet visit finally takes place.
Taking Your Cat to the Vet for the First Time
1. Prepare all your cat’s paperwork.
It is very easy to forget, but no matter where you have adopted your cat, you will need papers. These papers will contain your cat’s medical history, making it easier for your vet to check up on it.
2. Get your cat accustomed to being touched and handled.
If your pet is stressed about being handled, this can be very difficult for her and for you. To ensure this doesn’t happen, help them get used to human contact. They may be intimidated by their carrier, but let them know that their carrier is a safe place by using it on regular days, even if you don’t have to go to the vet.
You can also try to put your favorite toys in the carrier so that they are not so scared. They can even try to take a nap inside if it is comfortable enough. Once your cat has accepted that the carrier is a safe zone, you have one less problem to think about when you take her to the vet.
3. Keep a comfortable and familiar environment for your cat.
Cats are easily frightened. They show fear by running away, becoming aggressive, or even freezing in place. Make sure you have everything you need to provide a familiar environment for them. If you’re worried that your cat will be frisky during transport, you can put your favorite blanket or scarf in their transport containers. The familiar smell should be able to keep them calm. You can also remove the blanket when the vet performs the examination.
Make sure that the ceiling fans are turned off in the room as well. Any loud noise can make them nervous. For a stress-free visit to the vet, you should make things comfortable and familiar for your cat. Toys can help. Whether you bring toy mice, strings or even a small box, an active and playful cat is a happy cat. Keep your pet happy by bringing him his favorite toys.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask the vet questions.
If you think you will embarrass yourself with stupid questions to the vet, don’t be ashamed. Vets are used to all kinds of questions, and they have been trained to know what to answer and how to answer them.
If there is someone you would like to ask about pets, your vet is the best place to go. Proper vet-approved cat care advice can help you meet the small and big challenges you face as a pet parent. You can ask what vaccinations your cat needs or what other things you need to know to raise a healthy cat, such as nutrition, grooming and even litter box training.
5. Bring cat treats.
Unless your vet has asked you to withhold food, it’s always a good idea to reward your well-behaved pet with treats. Aside from making your cat happy, feeding your cat reduces the chance of a restless cat. Just think of it as giving a lollipop to a child because it behaved well in the doctor’s office. It’s a quick trick to ensure a more comfortable visit to the vet, especially when you go for the first time.
The most important thing is that you do not forget to prepare yourself. It’s so easy to get nervous about your cat’s first visit to the vet. After all, there are a lot of things you hear as a cat parent for the very first time. They could be overwhelming. These tips will help you process your first experience as a cat parent. There is no need to worry. Just relax. The quieter you are, the quieter your cat will be.
