It is necessary to take the cat to the vet for regular medical check-ups and in the event that he is sick. If you want to avoid the stress of traveling in the carrier, you have several options to choose from. While not using this container provides more comfort for your cat, many vets do not want the pet to be free in their practice, and it could pose a safety risk if not properly trained. Ask your doctor if you want a pet carrier to be used.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Securing the Kitty without the Carrier
Step 1. Put it in a sports bag
You must make sure that the cat does not create confusion in the doctor's office; simply holding him could be a problem, as it is difficult to hold him when he is scared. If you don't want to use a pet carrier or don't have one available, the sports bag is a valid alternative.
- It is a bag made with the purpose of storing clothing and other equipment for the gym or sports activities in general. Most of these containers are made with nylon-lined walls and filled with holes that allow the cat to breathe easily when inside.
- Owners who find that their cat is uncomfortable in the carrier sometimes use a nylon sports bag. Make sure the bag has at least nylon or mesh sides, so your little friend can breathe and see his surroundings on the way to the doctor's office.
- You must also check that the bag has a flat, solid and safe bottom; if it's not sturdy, it can give way when you lift it, making your cat uncomfortable.
- Many owners also put some toys, blankets and other items in the bag that can be comforting for the pet.
Step 2. Use a harness
It is a device sometimes used to take the cat for a walk; if you don't want to use the carrier to take him to the vet, you can consider this tool.
- Make sure you buy one specifically designed for felines; a small dog model can be dangerous for cats.
- Let him familiarize himself with the accessory before putting it on. Gently place it on his body and give him time to smell and explore it, after which you can carefully place it on him and close the buckle. Some animals may resist, so help from another person may be needed to restrain the animal.
- Let him hold the harness for a while, under your control, but don't put the leash on him. Once your cat is comfortable, no longer fidgeting or trying to take it off, you can put the leash on.
- Start walking around the house for a week or so before taking him out on a leash; give him time to get used to the accessory and wait until he stops pulling or resisting before taking it outside.
- When she starts to feel comfortable around the house, you can start taking a few short walks around the block; you should continue like this for a few months before attempting to take him to the vet. Remember that in the doctor's office it can be subjected to many unusual stimulations, such as the telephone ringing, strangers and other animals; you will need to practice a lot before using this method.
Step 3. Try putting him in a basket or doghouse if he is docile
If your dog is elderly and particularly meek, you can use this method. However, remember that this is only a valid solution if you know for sure the character of the cat; you must not put his safety and that of other people or animals in the waiting room at risk if he starts jumping and fidgeting.
Opt for this solution with great caution, as most quiet cats can be frightened and behave in an unusual way in an unfamiliar or frightening environment, such as the vet's office can be
Part 2 of 3: Getting the Cat Used to the Car
Step 1. Start as early as a puppy if possible
If you don't want to use the cage to take him to the vet, you have to get him used to getting into the car without a carrier; if you got the cat when he was little, it is much easier to get him to familiarize himself with the vehicle.
- Puppies tend to get used to new experiences much more easily than adults; if possible, you should start training him for car travel when he is less than a year old.
- If it's bigger, you can still get it used to the car safely, but it will take a little longer.
Step 2. Get used to the car gradually
A slow process is more effective, as the vehicle may initially scare him; introduce him to car trips at intervals.
Put it in the passenger compartment when the vehicle is stationary; keep him calm, offer him some treats and some attention to get him used to the new environment. Spend a couple of weeks like this, giving him time to explore the car in short sessions, to allow him to become familiar with this new space
Step 3. Take a few trips by car before taking him to the vet
Once he gets used to the cockpit, you should start taking him on a few short trips.
- Just start the engine at first and give your cat time to get used to the noise.
- Once you are familiar with the noise, drive for a few short trips; even just the turn of the block is enough. When he feels comfortable in the car, you can start taking longer trips. It is a good idea to do some tests by driving to the vet's office, so he gets used to the route before you really need to go there.
- Use positive reinforcement, in the form of treats and praise, throughout the process.
Step 4. Take safety precautions
Even the quietest kitten can cause problems when scared. You can use the alternatives to the carrier, such as the gym bag or the basket, to avoid problems while driving; you can also use the harness or a strap to tie it to the seat securely. You must avoid it getting under your feet, in the pedal area and getting in the way of driving, otherwise it could easily cause an accident.
Step 5. Get used to traveling on public transport
If you don't have a car, you need to familiarize him with these tools before taking him to the vet. You have to start with short trips by bus, train or subway; however, keep in mind that in most cases the cat must remain in a cage or bag to be admitted to public transport. For example, it is unlikely that you will be allowed to take it on the subway with only a harness or in a simple basket closed with a lid. If these are the ways you plan to keep your cat safe in the vet's office, you need to take a taxi or ask a friend to drive you with their car.
Part 3 of 3: Know the Risks
Step 1. Know that vets don't like cats coming to their clinic without a carrier
Doctors and clinic staff prefer animals to be in cages when they go to the office for a medical examination; keep in mind that you may encounter some resistance if you decide to bring your four-legged friend without properly locking him up.
- If you show up with your cat without a carrier, especially if it is not securely kept in a container such as a sports bag, you may be putting unwanted pressure on the clinic staff. The waiting room staff must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the little cat and prevent it from being injured by other dogs or animals present; also consider that the clinic cannot take charge of the safety of your cat, if it is not in a container. For example, a dog without a leash, who likes to chase cats, and who attacks your furry friend could enter the waiting room resulting in injuries.
- Some veterinarians specifically ask that animals arriving at their clinics be kept in the carrier; you can call ahead and inquire before introducing yourself.
Step 2. Learn about the safety features offered by pet carriers
These containers are recommended by veterinarians for a very specific reason and you must know that they have several peculiarities to ensure the safety of the cat.
- They guarantee safe driving in the car because the animal cannot move inside the passenger compartment with the risk of causing an accident disturbing the driver.
- Cats tend to run away when they are scared. If the little cat gets out of the vehicle, it can be difficult to find him. Vet clinics are usually located in high traffic areas and this could pose a serious danger to your furry friend.
- Even if your dog has a docile disposition, you don't necessarily have to worry about the behavior of other animals. Many dogs are not friends with cats, and your dog will undoubtedly be safer in a carrier if a dog is aggressive.
Step 3. Find ways to make staying in the carrier less stressful for your pet
If you are rather reluctant to use this tool because you are concerned that the little cat may be excessively stressed, you can take steps to make it a more comfortable environment.
- You don't have to use it just to take your cat to the vet: you can leave it open and available in the living room. Cats tend to take refuge and hide, so your little friend may appreciate sleeping in the carrier from time to time.
- Occasionally take him for short trips; getting him used to a walk around the block in the cage could make waiting in the vet's office less frightening.
- As with the sports bag, you can make the pet carrier more enjoyable by adding treats, toys and other items to your liking.
