How important is a visit to the vet?

Annual or semi-annual health examinations in elderly animals or those with chronic health problems are of paramount importance for the care of our little friends.

In addition to quickly identifying a potential health problem, medical examinations are the basis for assessing your partner’s health. With proper prevention any problem is identified before it gets worse and becomes permanent.

How much does the cat’s reaction contribute to avoiding the standard vet appointment?

Cats need frequent checkups, as do dogs, but they certainly show a greater reluctance to perform them compared to their invertebrate friends. A recent survey in the United States found that more than half of the country’s cats did not go to the vet last year.

This behavior is partly related to the different treatment of cats, compared to that of dogs, because the former consider their children more independent and self-sufficient pets.

However, the fear of cats during the process of going to the vet and the desperate attempt to prevent them from entering the transport cage and loading it in the car, significantly contributes to the decision of cats to visit their veterinarian only in emergencies. This theory was confirmed by a survey that revealed that almost 60% of cat parents said they disliked their kittens for these visits.

How do veterinarians try to reduce the fear and stress of visits?

There is no doubt that almost all pets hate their contact with veterinarians.

It is worth noting that lower stress means better diagnosis.

The importance of good cooperation between veterinarian and a pet.

When we have a cooperative patient we will better measure his heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Also, some blood tests, such as glucose, will be more accurately assessed in a relaxed patient than in someone who is anxious.

In addition, when a pet continues to visit the vet, a relationship of trust is established with its owner. As a result, the owner does not hesitate to bring his pet for a preventive examination or at the appearance of early signs of potential illness. This will help in faster and better treatment.

Examples of ways to reduce stress before and during visits to the vet.

Relaxing dietary supplements and herbs such as basil, valerian, l-theanine, rondiola, ascavanda and chamomile if given a few hours before the upcoming visit to the vet are likely to significantly reduce stress.

It is also common for pet owners to want to stay as short as possible at the vet and prefer to wait with their friend in the car if they can not go to the test site directly upon arrival.

However, the specific areas depending on the type of pet, will definitely offer him the calm he needs, especially if the appropriate pheromones and relaxing music are used.

It is equally important to find the best body position that will suit your partner as a very common question is finding the right handling of the pet in order to feel comfortable during the examination.

So the tests should be done where your loved one wants, for example on the floor or in the transport cage, if possible.

Cat-friendly practice programs.

International organizations have set up a program to make veterinary care less stressful for cats and their “parents”.

This includes friendly grip handling, such as testing while your cat is under a blanket, if that is something he wants.

In addition, parts intended solely for cat litter should be free of loud noises as they are also used to relieve stress.

Cats have a deep connection to their home. They never want to give it up.

Therefore, the stress starts as soon as they move away from the scope of their familiar space.

From there, each new experience adds stress again: strangers, loud noises, unusual smells, sudden movements.

This stress will accompany them for a long time.

Cat-friendly practices offer safe havens when hospitalization is deemed necessary. They advise the cats and suggest that they bring their favorite blanket or cot used by their cat to the house, so that they feel comfortable.

In addition, special attention is paid to assessing the degree of pain that a cat feels, in order to offer her individualized care based on her age and current state of health.

There are also certified stress management and reduction programs.

Unlike dogs that combine car rides to the beginning of an enjoyable experience, such as a walk in nature or a visit to a favorite place, most cats feel fear and uncertainty.

Teach your friend to love car rides by going short routes that will have a pleasant result.

For example, put your cat in her cage, give her a favorite treat or toy, and take a quick ride in the car that will end up at home.

On the way, speak to her in a calm and praiseworthy manner.

You will do the same when you go to the vet for a visit with the only addition of the relaxing caress on her head and in her favorite places that only you have the privilege to know.