How to get through taking 3 cats to a new vet?
Sick of bugs! asked:
Hello all!
This entry was posted
on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Cats.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Hello all!
Tomorrow I am taking on the challenge of taking all three of my cats to the vet. This is a new vet that we are taking them to.
Besides putting them into separate carriers and bringing old records, what can I do to make this experience easier for us and the cats? We are also putting their food away before we go to bed so we don’t have any sick cats on the way.
Also, does anyone know if the Eclipse 3 shot is a one year shot, or a three year?
September 24th, 2009 at 1:53 am
PeytonWe have 5 cats, and we take them to the vet which is also the groomers once every week! I know how you feel!
All of our cats LOVE car rides, so thats a difference that we have,
but if your cats get nervous or freaked out by car rides, make sure to bring a little blanket or toy for each of them that smells like home.
Bring some water just in case- it helps to relax them a bit.
hope this helps!
September 26th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
BHow easy it is depends a lot on the personalities of the cats. I took all three of mine to the vet in August and it was an “event.” None of mine like to travel but here’s what I did:
1.) I allowed plenty of time.
2.) I got up, got ready, and went. I didn’t bother sitting around and feeding them.
3.) Close off extra rooms or places where they could hide out (like under beds or behind the fridge as much as possible)
4.) Have the carriers out and ready. A friend of mine suggested putting shirts or towels that smell of the owner in them and maybe some treats as well.
5.) Keep a positive mindset….they are only cats. You are smarter than they are!
Even so, I ended up with an overturned couch and several nasty scratches. And I will try to avoid taking all three at once again if I can. It was not fun. You might consider making different appointments for them.
September 27th, 2009 at 10:46 am
jakeu1701Typically, when I take my three into the vets, I like to put their favorite toy into the carrier with them. It may not make them calm, but it helps.
Also, make sure they can see you or some one else they trust.
When you get there, play with them a little/give them some attention while they are still in the cage. Don’t let them out unless your vet allows that and can you can get them back in easily enough. Be really sure about that.
When they are getting looked over, hold them and keep petting in a soothing motion. Mine always hate going and try to burrow under my arm to get off the table.
Priming for next time: If the vet does not give you dietary restrictions because of medication or illness, give them a little tuna, wet food or something else they don’t usually get as a treat. This will calm them down from having to go and a reward for being good.
I would make sure that this is not the only time they get their treat, but one of the times. Don’t want to associate the treat with the Vets. No matter how good the Vet is.