Even the calmest cats can get nervous about vet visits. Many indoor-only cats are true homebodies, and the sight of a carrier or the idea of leaving home can make them anxious. I’ve seen this with my own cat, Oh Grr, who used to hide under the bed whenever she sensed we were going somewhere and saw the carrier. I would try to coax her out with treats, and sometimes even had to crawl under to gently pull her out — just so we wouldn’t miss our appointment. She always made it very clear how little she appreciated this method, with some choice words and a very strong tone! Over time, though, we found ways to make the experience much less stressful — and these tips can help your cat, too.
Making the Carrier a Comfortable, Familiar Space
One of the best ways to reduce your cat’s stress is to make the carrier a normal, safe part of their environment well before the vet visit. Leave the carrier out with the door open so your cat can explore it at their own pace. Place a soft blanket, towel, or item with your cat’s scent inside to make it more inviting. Offering treats or gentle praise when your cat enters voluntarily helps them form positive associations. You can even practice short trips around the house or in the car to get your cat accustomed to being inside the carrier.
The more your cat dislikes the carrier, the more important it is to make it a familiar part of their routine. We often try to shield cats from the carrier to avoid stressing them, but what really causes stress is that the carrier only appears before scary events. Familiarity, comfort, and positive reinforcement can make trips to the vet (or sudden emergencies) much easier and safer.
Carrier Options
Top-loading carriers, or ones where the top can be easily removed, are especially helpful. They allow you (and our staff) to place your cat inside gently and, if needed, leave them inside during the exam to help them feel more secure.
Carrier Training for Safety
Making the carrier a regular part of your cat’s routine isn’t just for vet visits — it’s critical for emergencies, like evacuations or sudden illness. We don’t want to spend precious time persuading a frightened cat from their hiding spot or wrestling them into the carrier when the house is on fire or there’s another urgent situation. Cats that are used to their carrier are much easier and safer to transport when time is of the essence.
Minimize stress in the waiting area
Cats are very sensitive to their surroundings, and dogs in the waiting area can be a big part of that stress. Some dogs are impatient or vocal while waiting, which can make already-anxious cats even more uncomfortable. If your cat is nervous around other animals, we’re happy to have you wait in your car until an exam room is ready. When you arrive, just come inside to let our receptionists know you’re there and which car you’re in, or give us a call from the parking lot. We’ll bring you directly into a calm, quiet exam room as soon as one is available.
We’re here to help your cat feel safe
At Mountain View Veterinary Hospital, our team is trained in Fear Free and Feline Friendly handling techniques. We understand how stressful vet visits can be from a cat’s perspective, and we do everything we can to make the experience as gentle and positive as possible — for both you and your pet.
For cats that need a little extra help…
Some cats experience high levels of fear or anxiety and may act out aggressively or become withdrawn. In these cases, our doctors may prescribe medication to help your cat relax on the day of their visit. These medications will not interfere with bloodwork or prevent an accurate diagnosis — in fact, they often make it easier for us to provide a thorough, safe, and stress-free exam. Please make sure to give these medications exactly as prescribed. They help your cat feel more comfortable and allow our team to safely and effectively care for them.
After the visit
Once you’re home, let your cat decompress in a quiet, safe space. Offer treats, gentle petting if they enjoy it, and minimal handling until they’ve had a chance to settle. This helps reinforce a positive association with vet visits over time.
A little preparation goes a long way
With planning, patience, and teamwork, vet visits don’t have to be a battle. Helping your cat feel secure before, during, and after their visit makes a big difference — and allows us to focus on what matters most: keeping your feline friend happy and healthy.