Once you have chosen your vet and it is time for the first or subsequent visit, there are a few pointers which will make the trip easier on you and more importantly for your cat.
Make sure your cat is used to the carrier from an early age. Have a blanket and some familiar toys in there permanently. Leave the cat carrier in an unobtrusive place that your cat visits regularly and leave the door open. Encourage your cat to go in and out at any time. The familiarity of the carrier will mean your cat won't feel stressed when you put her into it for that trip to the vet.
Your cat will pick up on your body language and voice. Keep yourself calm and always talk gently to your cat and stroke it as much as possible if it seems frightened at the surgery. Some vets encourage owners to hold the cat if it is something simple like vaccinations.
Make sure your cat knows you're there. If you can't actually hold your cat, talk to it so it knows you're not far away. My vet is excellent and my cats will stay put if they know I'm close. In fact when Tikki required major surgery, we were allowed to 'visit' her in her cage where she was recovering. These daily visits make the whole episode much less stressful for her and we were later told that she perked up when she heard our voices.
Be very aware of your cat's body language. If you notice the signs of aggression, let the vet know (he'll probably be aware of it anyway) and take your hands off your cat. You don't want to risk getting bitten or scratched and your cat could be very upset if it knows it has hurt you.
If your cat is being spayed or neutered, find out the earliest you can see it after the surgery to reassure it.
Vets will only innoculate your cat if it is well so don't take it in for that reason if it is sick in any way. When you do get the annual booster shots, ask your vet to give your cat a general check up of ears, teeth, eyes, gums etc as well as its general condition. Hopefully this will be the only time the vet sees your cat each year.
Remember that cats or kittens can be likened to small children. Visits to the vet (or doctor) will be necessary at times. Your actions can make the visit as stress free as is possible and that is what all of us want.
Kathy Robinson has been writing articles on cat problems and the care of cats on her website http://www.CatProblemsResolved.com for a number of years. Why not download your free copy of The Joy of Owning and Caring for a Cat when you sign up for her free Cat Care Newsletter at http://www.catproblemsresolved.com/660
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Robinson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4633727
No comments:
Post a Comment