5 Tips To Reduce Stress At The Vet

Routine vet check-ups are one of the best ways to ensure your kitty has a long, healthy life. August 22 is National Take Your Cat To The Vet Day which is the perfect opportunity to schedule a routine check-up for your kitty. We know how stressful vet visits can be for both cats and their owners, so here are 5 tips to help make your vet visits as stress free as possible.

  1. Help your cat become comfortable with their carrier. Keep your cat’s carrier out in an area where your cat spends most of their time. Cover it with a blanket or towel and place familiar bedding and toys inside. You can even spray the toys and bedding with some of our catnip spray to encourage your cat to go inside and relax. It may take days or weeks before your cat starts to get comfortable in their carrier. Stay calm, patient, and be sure to reward your kitty’s desired behaviors!
  2. Give your cat some catnip beforehand to help calm them. Contrary to when cats sniff catnip and get a euphoric reaction, eating it actually produces a calming effect that can be very useful for anxious kitties. Skullcap and Valerian Root are two additional herbs that are relaxing to cats when eaten. Try sprinkling about ¼ tsp of Skullcap or Kalico Kush on a plate or small amount of your cat’s food and let them eat it about 30 minutes before your vet visit to calm them. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much could cause an upset stomach.
  3. Withhold food, if possible, a couple hours before your visit. Anxiety can cause an upset stomach and riding in the car may cause your cat to get motion sick. Avoid kitty getting sick in their carrier by withholding food a few hours before your vet visit.
  4. Bring your cat’s favorite treats. Making visits to the vet as positive as possible is one of the best ways to reduce your cat’s stress. Treats are a great way to reward desired behavior and create a positive association with the vet. Our Crunchie Munchies feature a catnip flavored center and are only 1.8 calories each which makes them perfect for rewarding or distracting your cat at their check-up.
  5. Stay calm! Cats can sense our frustrations and anxiety which may cause them to be fearful and anxious themselves. Cats do not learn from punishment or force, so be sure to keep your voice soft and respect your cat’s need for time to get familiar with new places and people. Playing some soft music or white noise can also help them relax in the car.

Regular vet check-ups are vital to your kitty’s health and wellbeing. These exams can help prevent medical emergencies since veterinarians can often detect conditions or diseases that may affect your cat’s health long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat. If you try the above tips and notice your cat is still stressed, you may need to talk to your vet about prescription medication.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Curious About Catnip?

More Blog Posts & Helpful Information

How Cats Have Influenced Art, History, and Pop Culture

Cats have influenced art, culture, and history for centuries, from Egyptian reverence to internet stardom. They’ve inspired myths, literature, and film, symbolizing everything from mystery to elegance. With their charm and duality, cats remain timeless icons in creativity and human imagination.

Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?

The debate over whether cats or dogs are smarter hinges on how intelligence is defined. Dogs excel in social intelligence and trainability, thriving in structured environments and performing tasks alongside humans. Cats, however, showcase independence, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, reflecting their solitary hunting ancestry. Both species exhibit unique cognitive strengths, making direct comparisons complex.

What Your Cat's Fur Pattern/Color Says About Their Personality

All cats are unique in their own way and have their own distinct personalities. But have you ever wondered if your cat's fur color has any correlation to their personality? It turns out that many pet owners believe that the color of a cat's fur can reveal their personality traits.

The Top 10 Supplements to Give to Your Cat For Long-Term Health

As a cat parent, it's important to make sure your fur baby is receiving the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. While providing a well-balanced diet is crucial, supplements can be a great way to give your cat's health an extra boost. In this blog post, we'll discuss the top 10 supplements that you can feed your cat to promote long-term health.