Guest Blogger Shawn Downs Discusses Your Cat Vs. The Carrier

The Cat Tango

            Does your cat disappear whenever he spots you dusting off the pet carrier for his annual trip to the vet? Does he resist the very idea of climbing into it and facing that dreaded car ride? How many times has it turned into a wrestling match where the fur flies and you end up hissed at, scratched or even bitten?

            Cat lovers take heart! There is a better way. In these enlightened times, we need to become one with our feline friends. Instead of drawing battle lines when it’s time to leave for the appointment, open the lines of communication and understanding. Start the process weeks ahead of time, and learn to think like the cat.

            Remember that cats are creatures of habit and prefer not to leave the comfort and security of their homes. Their carrier is a means of transport, and they know it represents leaving the house, riding in the car, and going to a place where they will be poked, prodded and stuck with a needle. Like the elephant, a feline never forgets.

            As their trusted human companion, take the opportunity to soothe your cat’s volatile nerves and confront the fear together. Don’t lock away the carrier out of sight in a musty garage or basement. Keep it visible and available at all times. Encourage your cat to seek it out as a refuge or comfortable snuggling place.

            Proper and effective socialization should begin during kitten stage. But with time and patience, even a stubborn adult cat can be taught and conditioned. Keep the carrier in a central area where your cat likes to hang out. Always keep it clean and make it enticing with soft blankets or a favorite toy. Use the carrier as a feeding spot, or keep it stocked with treats and catnip.

            The key to the situation is to help your cat become accustomed to the carrier, making it a familiar safe place and not a source of stress. You may even want to introduce a product called Feliway which comes in spray form and contains a natural calming pheromone. When applied to blankets, towels and furniture, the spray induces a sense of calm and serenity when the cat comes into contact with it.

            At Patton Veterinary Hospital, we use Feliway every day to help provide a less stressful atmosphere for our feline patients. We’ve even used that principle as the inspiration for our new wing. Patton’s Cat Hospital is our newly opened cats only hospital, a separate addition with a private waiting area, exam rooms and treatment area.

            We have made every effort to design the new space from a cat’s perspective. By keeping them away from the general noise and chaos of our dog lobby, we limit the sights, sounds and smells which cats find annoying. We’ve created a quiet, relaxing place with a trickling fountain, soothing music, and of course a staff who understands and respects the needs of every cat.

            We invite you and your cat to face that next trip to the vet without stress and worry. After all, your feline friend deserves the best.

     This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas.  This week's blog was written by Shawn Downs, PVH client relations member and cat wrangler extraordinaire!