Top Tips for Transporting your Cat to the Vets

Choose a carrier that is safe and secure

• Choose a sturdy carrier
• Avoid backpack-style carriers, as these cause excessive movement when picked up and worn
• The carrier should be large enough for your cat to lie down, but snug enough they don't fall around due to movement
• Carriers with removable tops make examinations at the vet much easier and less stressful

Train your cat to not associate the carrier with stressful situations

• Rather than storing the carrier away when not in use, leave the carrier in a part  of the house your cat likes to spend time in
• Leave the lid off, and put in blankets or pillows your cat has already slept on
• Consider using sprays such as Feliway or Pet Remedy to make the space more appealing
• With time, your cat will hopefully start to associate the carrier as a safe space

Travel Safely

• Limit food and treats for a few hours before travelling to reduce nausea
• Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel
• If driving, secure the carrier in the footwell of the car to reduce movement
• Make sure the car is not too hot and there is plenty of ventilation
• If walking, use a buggy or stroller, to reduce any swinging movement caused by walking

Returning home

• Don’t overwhelm your cat on their return
• If you have other animals in the house, keep them separate initially to see their response
• Animals can smell “strange” after being at the vet, and some cats my react aggressively towards their housemates if they have been away

Consider medication if needed

• If your cat suffers from travel sickness, there are medications available that can reduce this
• Sometimes even after doing everything right, cats can still be very scared and stressed when coming to the vet. In these cases, we can offer Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs) to help reduced your cat’s stress levels

For more tips and information visit: Cats Protection or International Cat Care