4
I finally understood why my cat hates the vet after a trip to the clinic on Maple Street
We were in the waiting room last Tuesday, and a big dog barked right next to her carrier. She froze completely, her eyes got huge, and she didn't make a sound for the whole 20 minute wait. The vet tech said cats often go silent from stress, not just from being 'good'. Now I bring a blanket from home to cover her carrier on the way in. Does anyone else have a trick that helps their cat feel safer at the vet?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
troy_gibson431mo agoMost Upvoted
Holding a blanket over the carrier is actually making things WORSE. You're blocking their view and trapping them in a dark box with no warning when a loud noise or sudden movement happens. Cats need to SEE what's coming to feel safe, not be plunged into blind terror. That's why they freeze up even more when you cover them. The vet gave me this tip after my cat scratched me badly from a covered carrier situation: let them watch the room, not hide from it. Covering them just makes every single sound and smell ten times more intense because they can't process it with their eyes.
8
aaronowens1mo ago
Oh man, that silent stress is the WORST. Try bringing a small towel you've rubbed all over your cat's favorite spots at home and let the vet use THAT on the exam table. The familiar smell on the cold metal can be a huge anchor for them. My friend's cat went from shaking to actually leaning into the vet's hand when they did this. It's like a portable piece of their safe zone.
1