It’s no secret that most cats dislike trips to the vet. Okay, they would rather take a bath then visit the vet. But regular trips are essential in maintaining good health for any pet and can’t be ignored – no matter how traumatizing they can be (for both pet and owner).

We don’t always notice signs and symptoms of illnesses or diseases in our pets, but veterinarians are trained professionals and it’s their job to spot them.

A trip to the pet clinic could end up saving your cat’s life! It’s vital to always take your pets to the vet if you have any concerns about their health.

But, how are you supposed to even get your feline friend inside the cat carrier, let alone prepare your cat for their upcoming visit to the veterinarian office?

There are a number of things that you can do to alleviate your cat’s anxiety and make the process easier on you and your cat.

Read on to learn how to prepare your cat for a trip to a pet clinic.

1) Do Practice ”Check-ups” on Your Cat

Visiting the pet clinic can be scary and confusing for your kitty.

I don’t think anybody (especially an animal who’s used to being home most of the time) enjoys being poked and prodded in an unfamiliar location.

But a simple way to get your cat ready for their upcoming visit to the pet clinic is to do practice runs or ‘rehearsals”.

A few things you can do at home to perform a mock check-up:

Handle them more than usual in the days (or even weeks) leading up to your visit to the vet.
Touch their stomach area.
Examine their ears and eyes.
Look inside your cat’s mouth, and touch their neck.

While you are ”examining” your kitty, make sure you’re reassuring them the entire time, and petting and rubbing them to make them feel comfortable.

This will help to associate positive feelings when someone is handing them, instead of the usual negative feelings like the fear that they normally experience.

The bottom line is: You want to get your cat used to being handled and prodded. Otherwise, the experience at the vet could be dramatic and a negative experience for both you and your pet.

This also gives you the chance to take a look at your feline friend and see if there are any warning signs of illness or a health issue. Then you can let your veterinarian know at your visit of anything you noticed, or any concerns you have.

2) Get Them Used to the Cat Carrier

Most cats are petrified of car carriers and will run and hide at the sight of one.

If the only time you bring out the cat carrier is when you’re going to the vet, they’ll only associate being in the carrier with that experience.

And that’s exactly why they cannot stand cat carriers.

Chances are when they see the cat carrier, they’re going to run away as quickly as possible and attempt to hide where they can’t be found. It’s their instincts kicking into overdrive.

You never want to force them physically into the carrier, though. This will only further their fear. You want them to enter on their own free will.

There are several methods you can use to coax your car into the carrier ahead of time:

First, I would put their favorite blanket near the car carrier. Gradually move it closer to their carrier.
After moving the blanket closer and closer over a period of a few days – move the blanket inside the carrier.
If they haven’t ventured inside yet, it’s recommended to put some of their favorite treats inside
Eventually, close the door to the carrier for short periods of time.

You’ll want to make sure that during these practice rounds, you reward your cat. Especially once they’ve finally made it inside, and then again every time when you’ve had the door closed.

Cats don’t enjoy visits to the vet, period. But a recent study found that 1/3 of pet owners don’t bring their pets in mainly because it’s too challenging to try and chase them down and get them into the carriers.

Another great tip — put a blanket from home on top of the carrier when it’s time to go to the vet. And put any other items that smell like home inside. Because cats are extremely sensitive to smells, this is an excellent way to keep your kitty calm on the way to the pet clinic, and while in the waiting room, too.

3) Practice Car Rides so They Don’t Associate Them with Going to the Vet Clinic

Most kitties despise car rides. And this is likely because they associate car rides with going to the pet clinic. But this is also because cats like things to remain familiar and predictable in their lives.

You want to replace the negative association with car rides to something more positive.

The best way to do this is to gradually get your cat used to car rides:

Begin by taking short, 5-minute drives around the neighborhood. (Of course with your cat in the carrier).
Slowly increase the amount of time you spend driving.

The idea is to show your pet that car rides don’t indicate ‘danger’ (A vet visit). Car rides can be enjoyable.

This will help decrease the amount of fighting you have to do with your darling pet when it’s time to actually take them to the vet by car.

Conclusion

Visits to the pet clinic can be traumatic for your cat (and for yourself, even).

But it doesn’t need to be! A lot of people tend to accept their fate — that vet visits will be terrible and there isn’t anything that can be done. But that simply isn’t true.

Getting your cat acquainted with their carrier is crucial so when the time comes you’re not chasing your cat around, begging and pleading with them, trying to coax them inside.

Preparing them by performing “mock check-ups” at home is equally important. Familiarize your cat with being handled, which will help make them feel more comfortable, during your vet visit.

And, of course – car rides. It’s as simple as gradually getting your cat used to the car, little by little.

With these tips and methods, visits to the veterinarian’s office don’t have to stress-inducing for anyone anymore!