Indoor or outdoor, cats need regular wellness exams—but statistics show that after their initial kitten vaccinations, pet owners tend to take cats to the vet about half as often as dogs.

One of the main reasons pet owners cite for not taking their cats to the vet is that their cats hate it—often they’re so fearful they can be very hard to handle. MVC is proud to be a cat-friendly practice with a separate entrance and separate exam rooms for kitties. We also recommend the following tips to cut down on the stress and anxiety for you and your cat.

• Help your feline friend become comfortable with the carrier before scheduled vet visits. Leave the carrier out in a room where your cat spends lots of time and put soft, familiar bedding as well as catnip or toys inside.

• Don’t chase your cat when trying to get him or her in the carrier. Try to encourage the cat to go in on their own with treats or consider a top-loading carrier.

• Try spritzing a cat-friendly pheromone spray inside the carrier 30 minutes before departure. FeliwayTM or even a drop or two of lavender essential oil can be calming.

• Put a light blanket or towel over the carrier in the car, making sure to allow for ventilation. The less unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells, the better. The cat should remain in the carrier in the vet’s waiting room as well.

• Talk to your cat in a low, soothing voice while he or she is being examined.

For more help wrangling a reluctant feline or to make an appointment for your pet, call us at 203-261-9223.