How to Get a Scared Cat to the Vet (12 Proven Tactics)

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a staggering 58% of cat owners believe their feline companions “hate” vet visits.

And it’s not just the cats who find it stressful—38% of cat owners also feel anxious at the mere thought of bringing their beloved feline in for a check-up.

Maybe this explains why a lot more pet owners (79%) take their dogs to the vet compared to their feline counterparts (48%).

So if you’re a cat owner who dreads taking your furry friend to the vet, know that you are not alone.

Fortunately, with some expert tips and tricks, it is possible to make a potentially traumatic experience far less stressful—for both of you.

Key Takeaways

Nearly three out of five pet parents believe that their cat dreads vet visits; a considerable number of cat owners also feel stressed at the thought.
Cats are territorial animals who prefer to stay in familiar surroundings. Leaving their home territory, the confinement to a carrier, unfamiliar scents and sounds, and the new people at a veterinary hospital can all increase their anxiety levels.
Taking proactive steps and preparing for car rides, including acclimating your cat to the carrier, can greatly reduce stress during the journey and provide a calmer experience.

#1. Start Early

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth veterinary visit is to start preparing your fearful cat early on.

This means getting her used to being handled and examined, even when there is no immediate need for a check-up.

During your practice sessions, carefully inspect her mouth, eyes, ears, and under her tail.
Familiarize her with gentle poking and prodding of her sides and abdomen.
You can even get her used to the concept of having an injection by lifting a small fold of her skin (usually on the back of the neck or over the shoulders), creating a tent-like shape, and gently poking the skin with your finger.

By making this type of handling and physical contact a regular part of your cat’s routine, she will be more comfortable with it when the time comes for an actual vet visit.

Also, by starting early, you can proactively detect any potential medical issues, like lumps or painful areas, which might spare you from a far more stressful visit down the road.

#2. Choose the Right Cat Carrier

The carrier is likely going to be your cat’s most feared item in this entire process, so choosing the right one is crucial.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Choose a carrier that provides enough room for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Opt for a sturdy carrier made of hard plastic or metal, as opposed to soft-sided carriers that can easily collapse. This will help your cat feel more secure and prevent escape attempts.
Avoid carriers with a lot of holes or mesh, as they can be stress-inducing for cats who like to hide in confined spaces.

#3. Familiarize Your Cat With Her Carrier

One of the biggest stressors for cats during a vet visit is being confined to their carrier.

But if your cat can travel quite happily in her carrier, it can significantly reduce the stress of vet trips for everyone involved.

In an emergency, this could be a life-saving advantage.

To ease your cat’s anxiety about her cat carrier, it is important to build positive associations with it well in advance.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve this goal:

Introduce the Carrier

Leave the carrier open and accessible in a place your cat enjoys, such as near her favorite sleeping spot or in an elevated space where she feels safe.

Make The Carrier Inviting

Include soft bedding, familiar toys, catnip, and even treats inside the carrier to make it an inviting space for your cat.

This will help her associate the carrier with positive experiences.

Light gray cat lying in beige plastic cat carrier with door open — Making your cat’s carrier as inviting as possible so she wants to spend time in it is one of the first steps in making vet visits a less negative experience © The Cat and Dog House

Practice Closing The Carrier Door

Once your cat is comfortable entering the carrier, practice closing and reopening the door while she is inside.

Start by closing the door for brief intervals (just a few seconds to start with).
Gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable.
Be sure to always stay nearby and reward your cat with treats and petting while she is in the carrier.
Open the door immediately if she shows any signs of stress.
If this happens, it is best to take a break and then go back a step or two next time you try.

Increase Time In The Closed Carrier

After your cat is able to relax with her carrier door closed, you can continue to increase the length of time she spends in it.

Be sure to continue providing positive reinforcement while your cat is in the carrier, such as tasty treats or gentle petting.

Always go at your cat’s pace and resist the temptation to rush.

Introduce Movement

Once your cat is comfortable spending a decent amount of time in her closed carrier, you can start to practice lifting it and carrying it around your home.

This will help kitty get used to the feeling of movement and being elevated while inside the carrier.

#4. Master The Art Of Carrying A Cat Carrier

Try to avoid swinging the carrier or making any sudden movements that may cause jarring.

At the same time, try to avoid bumping it against objects or walls.

Easier said than done, I know, but the smoother the ride, the less stressful it is for your cat.

Ideally, hold the carrier against your body with both arms underneath, rather than using just one hand on the handle.

This will help distribute the weight and make it more stable for your cat.

At the same time, it will prevent any unnecessary movement or swinging while you’re walking or on the move.

If you do need to use just one arm, be sure to support the bottom of the carrier with your free hand.

#5. Familiarize Your Cat With The Car

Now that your cat is comfortable with all aspects of her carrier, it’s time to introduce the car.

This is another important step that can reduce anxiety and make the car ride to the veterinary clinic less stressful.

Rainbow is perfectly relaxed on this car journey, as seen in her body language and willingness to interact with me © The Cat and Dog House

Let’s break down the process:

Introducing The Car

When your cat is already in her carrier, pick the carrier up, carry it to your car, and place it inside.

Keep the car door open and the engine off.
This is all you’re doing for the first few sessions.
Wait a few minutes, then gently lift the carrier and return inside the house.
Place the carrier on the floor and open the door.
Give your cat one of her favorite treats when she comes out.
If she wants to stay inside for a while, that’s fine too.

The aim of this first step is to let your cat adjust to being in her carrier in a new environment.

Close The Car Door

Once your cat is relaxed about being carried out to the car and sitting in it for a few minutes, close the car door.

Wait for a moment, then open the door and remove your cat.

This step gets your cat used to the idea of being in the car with the doors closed.

Engine Sounds

Once your cat is relaxed with being in her carrier inside the car with the doors closed, switch on the engine and then turn it off again while your cat is in her carrier inside the car.

The goal now is to get your cat accustomed to the sound of the engine.

Short Rides

As you move through the process, you can start to drive a very short distance—maybe to the end of the driveway or around the block—with your cat in the car in her carrier and then return home.

This step introduces your cat to the sensation of the moving vehicle.

Gradually build up the amount of time your cat is in the car.
Add a few minutes each time, and always end on a positive note, with your cat still calm.
Your cat will dictate the pace, so do your best to stick to her timeline.
This will give you the best chance of long-term success.

Avoid Stress

Always observe your cat’s behavior for signs of fear or stress.

If she starts to show any signs of discomfort, such as dilated pupils, flattened ears, stiff body language, cowering at the back of the carrier, excessive vocalizing, or trying to escape the carrier, you are moving too fast.

In such cases, backtrack a few steps and build it up more slowly.

Make It A Habit

Continue with your mini-excursions at regular intervals.

The more frequently you can do this, the more comfortable your cat will become with the process.

This means that when you really do have to go to the vet, your cat won’t be freaking out.

And neither will you.

At least, not as much.

#6. Create A Calming Environment

Getting your cat to the vet involves not just physical transportation but also managing her emotional well-being during the journey.

Creating a comfortable environment is the first step.

Place a favorite cat bed or blanket inside the carrier to help your anxious cat feel more at home.

It’s also best to line the floor of the carrier with a familiar blanket or bedding she has already slept on so it carries her scent.

This will help make her feel more secure.

I usually go a step further and add in a T-shirt I’ve slept in or worn to the gym.

That way, kitty has the added benefit of being comforted by my scent too.

#7. Use A Calming Pheromone Spray

Sprays that mimic natural cat pheromones, such as Feliway or Comfort Zone, can have a calming effect on our feline friends.

Before your trip, give the inside of your cat’s carrier a quick spritz.

It may make no difference, but it’s worth a try.

#8. Use A Calming Collar

Similar to calming sprays, you can also use a calming collar, such as the Sentry Calming Collar, that releases pheromones over time.

This can be particularly useful for longer journeys or if your cat is prone to extreme anxiety.

Just make sure to follow the instructions to make sure your cat stays safe.

#9. Play Cat-Specific Music

Believe it or not, there is music specifically designed for cats to help them relax and feel more at ease.

You can find cat music on streaming platforms such as Spotify or YouTube.

Playing this type of music during the journey can help soothe your cat’s nerves, and I’ve used it to great effect on a number of occasions.

#10. Minimize Noise Levels

In addition to playing calming music, it’s important to also try to minimize any sudden or loud noises during the journey.

For example, avoid playing loud music or honking the horn unnecessarily, and keep the car windows closed.

#11. Cover The Carrier

If your cat is anything like mine, she will want to look out of the window during the car journey.

Other cats prefer to be able to see their owners and don’t care what is outside the window.

However, some cats prefer to have their carrier covered during transportation, giving them a sense of security.

If your cat is one of those, try using a towel or blanket to cover her carrier, making sure there is sufficient ventilation.

#12. Stay Calm Yourself

Even if you are feeling anxious about the vet visit yourself, try not to project that onto your cat.

Cats can pick up on our emotions and may become more stressed as a result.

So try to stay calm and reassure your cat by talking gently to her.

At The Veterinary Practice: Minimizing Stress

Once you arrive for your vet appointment, there are a few more things you can do to keep your cat’s stress levels at the lower end of the spectrum.

I made a video about this too:

Elevate Your Cat

I’ve always found that placing my cat’s carrier on a chair in the least crowded part of the waiting room can help her feel less threatened.

Being higher up helps lessen feelings of vulnerability and makes the cat feel a bit more secure under the circumstances.

Avoid Other Pets

I steer clear of any other animals that may be in the waiting room.

While some may be keen to interact with your cat, most likely she will prefer to be left alone.

Keep a safe distance and avoid any unnecessary contact with other pets.

Stay By Your Cat’s Side

Once you are in the consulting room, don’t leave your cat alone.

Stay by her side and continue talking to her in a calm manner.

This will help reassure her that she is not alone and that everything is okay.

Cover The Cat Carrier

If your cat feels more secure in a covered carrier, don’t forget to bring your towel or blanket with you to cover it while at the vet.

Wait In The Car

On particularly busy days at the vet’s office, I often wait with my cat outside in the car.

When we first arrive, I go in and let the veterinary staff know we’re there, so they can notify me once the vet is ready.

This means we can move from the safe space of the car directly to the exam room and avoid the waiting room altogether.

Bring Your Own Mat

Another helpful tip is to bring your own mat or a large towel for your cat to sit on during the examination.

This will provide a familiar and comfortable scent for your cat, making her feel more at ease in the unfamiliar environment.

It also makes the slippery examination table less intimidating for your cat.

While there is no doubt that vet visits can be a stressful experience for both you and your feline companion, with careful planning and preparation, you can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with these visits.

These suggestions in this article will help make the experience more manageable and less intimidating for your stressed cat, ensuring her health check-ups are more productive and less traumatic.

Resources

Bayer-AAFP study breaks down why 52 percent of cat owners avoid regular vet visits – American Animal Hospital Association
Cat Carrier Training – Cat Protection Society of NSW
Why Don’t Cats Receive the Routine Veterinary Care They Need? – Holland Lake Animal Hospital

NEED HELP FROM A CAT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a certified feline behavior consultant. They will be able to offer you tailored advice for your cat(s) and situation.

Good places to start are:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior