[Veterinarian's explanation] How to take your cat to the vet safely
Top » Column » [Veterinarian's explanation] How to take your beloved cat to the vet safely
There's a perception that it's more difficult to take cats to the vet than dogs.
In fact, cats are sensitive to stress and may panic and escape in an unfamiliar outside environment, so be sure to prepare thoroughly before taking them to the vet.
In addition, Bow Wow Place offers a wide range of food, snacks, and care products that contain the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Please use the correct information to help maintain the health of your beloved dog!
1. How to choose a veterinary hospital
◆ Cat Friendly Clinic
Currently, there are a total of 194 "Cat Friendly Clinics" certified by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) in Japan.
Accredited animal hospitals are often accustomed to dealing with cats, so you can leave your cat there with peace of mind. (There are three levels of certification.)
Veterinary clinics that have received silver or higher certification have waiting rooms specifically for cats, making your visit even more stress-free.
The website below lists all certified hospitals across the country, so be sure to check to see if there is one near you!
https://www.jsfm-catfriendly.com/cfc/hospital.html
◆ Get your pet used to the veterinary clinic from a young age
It is also important to get your cat used to going to the vet regularly from a young age for various preventive measures and nail clipping.
As you go to the hospital, the staff will become accustomed to handling the animal, and communication between the owner and the staff will make it easier to discuss any concerns you may have, so be sure to find a reliable veterinary hospital to go to regularly.
2. How to choose a container
◆ What kind of carrier should I choose?
When choosing a carrier, choose one that fits your baby's size.Cats like small spaces, so if the carrier is too big, they will feel uneasy. We recommend a carrier that is large enough for your cat to lie down and relax in.
There are many carrier materials available, from soft to hard, but when taking your cat to the vet, it is recommended to choose one with a sturdy frame, as this will make it easier for staff to handle your cat.
Also, since waiting times can be long at veterinary clinics, it is reassuring to have a cat with a sturdy skeleton so that it has a firm footing.
◆ How do I get my dog used to being in a carrier?
It can be difficult to take your cat around in an unfamiliar carrier.Keeping a carrier in the house so your pet can enter and exit freely may help to dispel any fear of the carrier.
Getting your pet used to being in a carrier will be useful not only for trips to the vet but also when evacuating in the event of a disaster, so please give it a try.
◆ Put it in a laundry net
If your cat is a timid person, you can try putting him in a laundry net before putting him in the carrier.Cats often become strangely calm when placed in a laundry net.
It is also a very effective measure to prevent cats from escaping, so if you have a cat that is prone to panicking, be sure to try it.
Additionally, placing a towel over the carrier to block your cat's view may help him calm down!
3. Medication to calm the child
Even after trying various methods, some pets still get angry when taken out, or panic when taken to the vet.
Forcibly restraining an angry cat in order to examine or treat it is not good for either the cat or the veterinary staff.
In that case, you can use medication to calm your cat down.
◆ What kind of medicine?
A medication called "gabapentin" is often used to reduce stress when patients visit the hospital.
This medicine has a mild sedative effect because it suppresses nerve excitement. It is used to treat pain associated with nerve disorders and epilepsy, but it can also be used to suppress excitement when visiting the hospital.
Depending on the child's personality, medication will be administered the morning of the day (3 hours before the visit), and if necessary, the night before as well.
This medication will not be effective if taken once your pet is agitated, so it is important to give it at home when your pet is calm!
Things to be careful of
Gabapentin also has the effect of lowering blood pressure, so care must be taken with administering it to children with kidney problems.
If your pet has previously undergone kidney treatment and you would like to prescribe Gabapentin, please be sure to consult with your veterinarian!
summary
Here's how to safely take your cat to the vet.
Preparing for a trip to the hospital while you're still healthy will definitely come in handy in an emergency! Please try out various methods!
At Bow Wow Place, we offer a wide range of additive-free, safe and secure dog food.
Get 2% points back when shopping at Bow Wow Place!
If you would like to search safely for your partner's dog and cat food, treats, and care products, please visit Bow Wow Place.
